Four universities facilitating streamlined supply chain management

Supply chain management plays a central role in the quality of life we enjoy every day — it takes just weeks for a copy of runway fashion to hit our local H&M and just a trip to the grocer’s to get specially grown melons from the farms of Japan. 

The term “supply chain” seems to have been used more in the last year than ever before. The emergence of the coronavirus has disrupted supply chains on a vast scale, both by increasing demand for certain products and services and by limiting the need for others, highlighting the vital importance of this field. Also, remember EverGiven? 

In today’s fast-paced and demanding world of e-commerce, supply chain management graduates are in even more demand than before. In almost any industry you can think of, there is generally a need for goods to be procured, stored and dispatched. Understanding the logistics behind this and how to efficiently manage a steady flow of operations is critical to the current business world. 

Given that we can expect to see more global risk events similar to the COVID-19 pandemic taking place, we cannot afford to return to the old ways of doing things — that ship has sailed. It’s time to buckle up and master the science behind Supply Chain Management. Here are four universities that will provide you with the skills and expertise you’ll need:

Fairleigh Dickinson University

FDU is a not-for-profit, non-sectarian, and multi-campus institution. Source: Fairleigh Dickinson University Facebook

One of “The Best Business Schools” in the nation (Princeton Review, 2021). Rated as an “Excellent Business School” (Eduniversal survey, 2019). An Advanced Signatory Participant in the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). Ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Business Programmes and Best Universities (North Region). One of less than 5% of over 16,000 business schools worldwide to meet AACSB’s rigorous standards for accreditation.

These rankings and accolades belong to Silberman College of Business at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Add a picture-perfect collegiate environment near the energy and opportunities of New York City plus programmes with strong career focus, and you have the ideal base for aspiring business leaders to prepare to succeed in a global environment.

In 21 months, FDU’s MS Supply Chain Management (MS-SCM) students learn the technical and managerial skills to help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of business operations. Designed for professionals working in procurement and supply chain, or related functions, this innovative programme draws on industry expertise, emphasising a strategic approach to supply chain management. The programme focuses on global best practices and makes extensive use of real-life projects through the capstone course.

What sets FDU’s MS-SCM apart is Silberman College’s leading-edge curriculum, its location, and a strong alumni network. The FDU campuses located in the New York metropolitan area – a strategic gateway to global trade and supply chains – enable programme graduates to tap into professional networks and pursue career opportunities in and around the region. Helping open doors to these opportunities are a significant number of Silberman alumni at local companies.

The programme curriculum is practitioner-focused and enables graduates to hit the ground running when managing supply chain issues for their respective companies. The curriculum is designed by faculty members with considerable experience in applying SCM concepts to practice and kept current through regular input from senior executives who serve on the programme’s advisory board. Additionally, the program is STEM-certified by the United States Department of Homeland Security, and as such international students can avail up to 36 months of optional practical training (OPT), following their completion of the program curriculum.

The recently introduced capstone course requires students to tackle a “real supply chain project” from one of the companies in the region, by applying the knowledge and skills gained from the programme to develop creative and innovative solutions for addressing the issues in the project. The students collaborate with executives from the company as well as with their faculty advisor to collect data, analyse it, and formulate a recommendation that can be adopted by the company. Working on company-sponsored supply chain management projects help students to better prepare for internship and placement opportunities. To learn more about this practical, personalised and global programme, click here.

Michigan State University

The university’s Department of Supply Chain Management (SCM) is reputable for offering top-ranked undergraduate and graduate offerings in the country. Source: Michigan State University Facebook.

If you want to learn from global industry leaders and the top voices of the Supply Chain Management (SCM) field, then Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business is for you. The university’s Department of Supply Chain Management offers the nation’s top-ranked undergraduate and graduate programmes in this dynamic field: a BA in SCM, an MS in SCM and two distinct doctoral programmes, in logistics and in operations and sourcing management.

Here, students learn from the best. The Supply Chain Management Council consists of approximately 40 leading companies in the supply chain industry — including FedEx, Ford and Intel — that support teaching, research and business partnerships. 

The MS in SCM programme is an innovative blend of in-class and e-learning segments. This degree gives those who have worked in the field or studied a similar subject previously, the chance to expand, refine and enhance their knowledge. What sets it apart from others is the distinctive combination of a powerful, relevant curriculum and a field study or research project. The latter is the practical application of course material to a problem or situation in the student’s organisation — ROI does not get any swifter than this.

As befits its position as the #1 graduate programme for supply chain/logistics as ranked by US News and World Report,  students in this programme graduate prepared for the next era of SCM and careers in areas such as procurement, manufacturing, inventory management, warehousing, logistics and transportation.

University of Houston

Source: University of Houston Facebook

Looking for a world-class business school in a world-class university in a world-class city? The University of Houston’s Bauer College of Business fits the bill. The college provides rigorous training, a culture of mentorship and experiential learning, and personalised attention. Here, students are taught by faculty from prestigious and top business schools from across the world — delivering real-world applicability, including hands-on projects with industry and corporate partners.

If you’re looking to step foot into the world of Supply Chain Management, Bauer offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management programme. The curriculum covers both the critical aspects and innovative methodologies and techniques of the field. Graduates who want to go beyond basics can opt for the Master’s in Supply Chain Management. Modules include Demand and Supply Integration; Strategic Supply Management; Process Analysis and Design; and Logistics Management.

Upon graduation, Bauer students secure exciting internships and full-time positions at some of the world’s leading and most innovative companies, including Amazon, ExxonMobil, Goldman Sachs, KPMG, Southwest Airlines and Tesla, among many others.

University of Southern California Marshall

USC’s research is driven by the big picture. Source: University of Southern California Marshall Facebook

The University of Southern California Marshall, has built a legacy of innovative thinking, entrepreneurial action, and global impact. USC’s research is driven by the big picture. The faculty takes a problem and looks at it from all angles, combining the expertise and talents of scholars from many disciplines.

There has never been a better time to improve your career prospects or pursue a passion. If you want to understand the complexities of supply chain management, logistics, procurement, import and export from industry experts, USC’s School of Business offers a Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management programme. You will gain an understanding of subjects like strategic procurement; outsourcing; logistics and distribution; the role of information technology in managing global supply chains and how these impact the process of developing new products.

The best part? Students get to put their skills and knowledge to use during experiential trips to international supply chain hubs in Singapore and Los Angeles, where they learn from local industry experts and policy makers, tour cutting-edge companies and facilities, and conduct their own research and presentations.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International