Assertiveness

Certified Inventory Optimization Professional (CIOP) is an end-to-end supply chain certification program. The certification consists of 30 modules focusing both on traditional and futuristic topics. The traditional topics are introduction to supply chain management, all about inventory, strategic business planning, forecasting, demand management, capacity management, sales and operations planning (S&OP), master scheduling (MPS), materials requirements planning (MRP) and production activity control (PAC). It also includes topics on procurement, warehousing, transportation, distribution, and packaging. The topic on the future trends such as Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Machine Learning (M/L) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). There is a significant focus on supporting technologies such as forecasting and process mapping tools such as Microsoft Visio. In addition to the above indicated topics the participants need to master over 3000 terminologies in supply chain management.

Procurement and assertiveness are two cornerstones of effective production. However, these concepts are often combined in the workplace because they go hand in hand. According to business theory, there are always two ways to get something done - to talk about it or to do it. This axiom has to be taken seriously because if someone says he cannot do it, the 

first option is usually ruled out. To be successful, the employee needs to be able to say yes or no even without hesitation and in a timely manner. In the case of production, the ability to produce is more important than being able to talk about it.

Procurement is one of the key processes that support self-directing actions and this is why people often talk about the need to communicate more and act more assertively. However, the main thing that is missing from this equation is an awareness of what we mean when we say that we need to communicate more and act more assertively. Often, the concept of 'doing' and 'acting' become confused with the different situations we face in the workplace and between our relationships with other people as well. As such, there are a number of different strategies that will help us to understand and deal with the different situations we face and to effectively communicate our needs, desires and opinions to others.

Procurement and assertiveness need to be balanced and hence, they need to be practiced well in any organization whether it is a small scale or large scale. The best way to practice them in an organization is by means of constant communication between those who wish to practice them and those who are managing them. It is equally important to understand the nature of your tasks and make yourself available for them when required and if you feel like doing something else, do it. Sometimes, when you feel like doing something else, you might actually do it even if it does not suit your schedule. Just remember that assertiveness and procrastination are two sides of the same coin; both are equal and both need to be kept under control.

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