2026 Spring Forwarder Magazine

20 THE FORWARDER | SPRING 2026 In the fast-evolving world of supply chain management, education must continuously adapt to remain relevant. As an instructional designer working with CIFFA’s education portfolio, my role is to ensure that all learning materials - textbooks, online modules, assessments, and presentations - are current, coherent, and aligned with both industry expectations and international standards. A key part of this responsibility involves maintaining compliance with FIATA’s minimum standards in ensuring that CIFFA’s international freight forwarding courses are always prepared for periodic recertification. At the heart of my work is the process of designing new courses and workshops that address emerging industry needs. The process typically begins with a defined topic, which is then explored through the lens of industry demands and evolving skill requirements. From there, I focus on identifying specific knowledge or performance gaps related to that topic, ensuring the learning experience remains both relevant and forward-looking. I then establish clear, measurable learning objectives that move learners from foundational understanding to higher-order cognitive skills. These objectives serve as the backbone of the course, ensuring that all content is purposefully developed to support and achieve the intended learning outcomes. Content development is a highly collaborative process. I work closely with subject matter experts whose industry experience brings depth and authenticity to the material. Their insights, real-world examples, and professional stories are invaluable, and I make a conscious effort to integrate these elements into the learning experience. It is equally valuable to collaborate with colleagues at CIFFA, whose perspectives and institutional knowledge help shape and refine the learning materials. This not only enhances learner engagement but also bridges the gap between theory and practice - something particularly important in a field as operationally driven as logistics. At the same time, I approach each project from the learner’s perspective, striving to design content that is logical, structured, and accessible to a diverse audience with varying levels of knowledge and experience. Creating effective learning experiences also requires the use of varied instructional strategies. I incorporate interactive elements such as scenario-based case studies, formative quizzes, and multimedia components to support different learning preferences and reinforce key concepts. Accessibility and inclusivity are central considerations, ensuring that all learners can engage meaningfully with the material regardless of their background. In this sense, instructional design is not just about content creation - it is about crafting an environment where learning can happen effectively. Assessment design is another critical component of my role. Evaluations must align directly with learning objectives and accurately measure learner achievement across cognitive levels. Whether through knowledge checks or more comprehensive exams, I strive to apply best practices in assessment design to ensure validity, reliability, and fairness. Finally, learner feedback plays an essential role in continuous improvement. By analyzing feedback and performance data, I refine and enhance course offerings over time, ensuring that CIFFA’s educational programs remain responsive, effective, and aligned with the evolving demands of the global supply chain industry. HOWCIFFA COURSE DESIGN TAKES PLACE: A note from our Instructional Designer, Petra Javornikova