The "MS in Supply Chain Management" program requires 30 credits over one year and focuses on logistics, procurement, and operations with an emphasis on data-driven decision-making and technology integration. Offered entirely in person, the curriculum addresses challenges like workforce disruptions and fluctuating prices, preparing students for leadership roles through hands-on learning and strategic risk management.
Graduate Program in Supply Chain Management: Equipping Future Leaders
The "MS in Supply Chain Management" is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to excel in modern supply chain roles. With a focus on logistics, procurement, and operations, the program emphasizes data-driven decision-making and integrates technology into its curriculum. It provides a comprehensive education through hands-on learning, including case studies, and prepares students for leadership roles in supply chain strategy.
Program Structure and Curriculum
The full-time graduate program requires the completion of 30 credits within a one-year timeframe. All courses are offered in person, ensuring that students benefit from direct interaction with faculty and peers. The curriculum is designed to address current supply chain challenges, particularly those faced by smaller manufacturers, such as disruptions in workforce, logistics, and fluctuating prices. The program places particular emphasis on the impact of supply chain disruptions on custom batch production.
Participants will gain insights into limited connectivity in business operations and the consequences of maintaining low inventories without tracking lead times. The retirement of long-time employees without proper documentation is another issue addressed, as it often leaves businesses in crisis mode, particularly in the face of skyrocketing delivery times and a high number of work-in-progress mistakes.
Addressing Supply Chain Challenges
In the current business environment, gaining visibility into the supply chain is critical. The program teaches students how to communicate frequently with suppliers and customers, helping them navigate the fluctuating lead times that affect all manufacturers. A supply chain self-assessment provides an end-to-end view, integrating sales, inventory, and operations for improved forecast accuracy.
The use of the ABC system for inventory classification is another critical component of the curriculum. Students learn to count 'A' parts monthly, 'B' parts quarterly, and 'C' parts biannually, gathering data on every part purchased. This process includes evaluating supplier lead time and delivery consistency, as well as transportation time and freight costs, which are vital for effective supply chain management.
Evaluating and Managing Supplier Performance
Continuous evaluation of suppliers is a key focus area, with students taught to use supplier scorecards for performance measurement. This proactive approach to managing supply chain risk is complemented by PESTLE analysis, which examines external factors impacting suppliers and helps in strategic decision-making. Researching suppliers to understand inherent risks is an integral part of the program's practical training.
Setting and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) for logistics process improvement is another essential skill imparted to students. These KPIs are vital for ensuring that supply chain disruptions do not derail manufacturing processes, and for maintaining the quality of components selected. The program addresses how silos can obstruct information flow, further emphasizing the importance of integrated supply chain management.
Importance of Proactive Risk Management
Managing supply chain risk proactively is critical in today’s fast-paced business environment. Students learn to evaluate suppliers continuously, ensuring high standards of delivery consistency and transportation efficiency. The use of PESTLE analysis for strategic decision-making allows future supply chain leaders to anticipate and react to external factors impacting suppliers.
Overall, the MS in Supply Chain Management program prepares graduates to tackle the complexities of modern supply chains effectively. Through a curriculum that combines technical knowledge with practical experience, students are equipped to become leaders capable of driving strategic initiatives and improving operational efficiencies in their organizations.
"The MS in Supply Chain Management program is designed to address the real-world challenges faced by supply chain professionals, equipping them with the tools necessary for strategic and operational success."