APTE5507 Spare Parts and Inventory System: Personal Learning Report

This report outlines a student's perspective on learning spare parts inventory management within the context of a Bachelor of Applied Technology course. The student emphasizes the importance of understanding both the theory and practical applications, particularly the use of CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System). The report highlights the need for hands-on experience, such as an apprenticeship, to complement classroom learning. The student identifies key learning objectives, including managing spare parts inventory, optimizing inventory execution using CMMS, and developing strategies for managing different categories of spare parts. Furthermore, the student discusses the importance of communication, teamwork, and continuous learning through interaction with instructors, library research, and networking with alumni. The report also includes a timeline for achieving course goals, including prerequisite courses, CMMS software training, and apprenticeship programs. The student views this study as a pathway to a career full of new challenges and opportunities.

The logic behind learning Spare parts and Inventory system is to understand the basics of
inventory management with the help of technology. According to me, I feel that I need to
study the theory along with the practical applications since CMMS (Computerized
Maintenance Management System) is an essential part of spare parts inventory management
and it cannot be mastered unless and until I have some practical knowledge of the same. Even
after the course is over, I feel I need an apprenticeship for understanding the concept better
and only then I shall venture into the job market.
The most interesting thing about spare parts inventory is that each and every company is
different and the method is at different levels of advancement and refinement. There is no
straitjacket rule for spare parts management training. This study shall teach me the basics, but
all through my career, I shall find different challenges to face even if I am in the same
company. This profession demands completely different requirement between one company
to another and at the same time what I need today, might not be relevant in 2 years time, so
again its going to be a new confrontation for me. To sum it up, this study and career are
expected to provide me with new challenges and fascinating path all through my career
(Bounou, Barkany, & Biyaali, 2017).
In order to master this profession, I need to find out one of the best training courses and also a
good institute providing me a detailed training on CMMS. I understand, for this purpose, the
theoretical and classroom training will not be sufficient. I also need to find an enterprise who
is willing to take on apprentices for their spare parts inventory team, where I can join as a
trainee. At this point in time, my vision should be to learn the skills of the trade and not focus
on the remuneration.
Through this course, I look forward to learn the following:
 Managing the technique of spare parts inventory and ensuring how to keep the spare
parts at the right place at the right time along with not incurring extra cost for
inventory
 Learn how to use the CMMS for integrating the data and provide an automated
system for optimized inventory execution
 The course shall help me in learning to build strategies and approaches for managing
each category of spare parts and develop an endorsed list of spare parts stock (Basten
& Houtum, 2014)

In order to maintain a cohesive team, I must first ensure that I communicate clearly the
expectations and the goals and what is expected out of each member of the team. The
members must feel included and I should make them feel their importance in the team. Each
member should be provided enough liberty to express their ideas and I should reward and
recognize innovative approaches (Reeves, Xyrichis, & Zwarenstein, 2017).
As mentioned earlier, a study shall not be comprehensive, if I depend only on class lectures. I
need to speak to my lecturers on an ongoing basis to clear my doubts, my queries, and also
gain from their experience. Simultaneously, I need to visit the library and read from different
books, journals and articles to keep pace with the changing environment. I also would love to
know the alumni of the institute so that I can get in touch with them to understand the
challenges and opportunities in the field.
The following table shall chart out the key dates and milestones for the achievement of my
desired course:
Course Details Duration
Bachelor of Commerce or
Bachelor of Arts
Prerequisite for the
Management Course
3 years
Operations and Supply Chain
Management
In order to understand the
details behind the system of
inventory management
2 years
Spare Parts and Inventory
System
This can be completed during
the second year of post
graduation
5 days
CMMS Software Training Many organizations provide
flexibility in the duration
6 months
Apprenticeship Along with the CMMS
Training
6 months
(Solutions, 2017)
References
Basten, R., & Houtum, G.-J. v. (2014). System-oriented inventory models for spare parts.
Surveys in operations research and management science , 34-55.

Bounou, O., Barkany, A. E., & Biyaali, A. L. (2017). Inventory Models for Spare Parts
Management: A Review. International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa , 182-
198.
Reeves, S., Xyrichis, A., & Zwarenstein, M. (2017). Teamwork, collaboration, coordination,
and networking: Why we need to distinguish between different types of interprofessional
practice. Journal of Interprofessional Care , 1-3.
Solutions, Z. T. (2017). ADVANCED MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT. Retrieved April 5,
2019, from Zoe Talent Solutions: https://zoetalentsolutions.com/course/advanced-
maintenance-management-training-course/