Supply Chain and Operations Management Program Highlights at Miami University

Miami University offers a comprehensive Supply Chain and Operations Management (SC&OM) program that includes both a major and a minor. This program is designed to prepare students for successful careers in the field of supply chain and logistics by providing them with practical experience and a solid educational foundation.

Program Structure and Requirements

The SC&OM program at Miami University requires students to complete a total of 124 semester hours to graduate. Of these, a minimum of 52 hours must be non-business coursework, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education. The program includes a First-Year Integrated Core, which consists of courses such as BUS 101, 102, 103, and 104, fulfilling the Miami Plan requirements. Students are also required to take courses in information systems, operations management, and marketing, which provide a foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of the field.

To satisfy the Business Capstone Requirement, students must complete MGT 495, while MGT 498 is recommended for their senior year. The program also includes a course that fulfills the Advanced Writing Requirement, namely BUS 284. Students are expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 both overall and in their business courses to be eligible for graduation.

Experiential Learning and Internship Opportunities

A notable feature of the SC&OM program is its emphasis on experiential learning. Every student participates in client-project experiences, providing them with hands-on opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world situations. This practical approach is complemented by a high internship participation rate, with 79% of students completing internships during their studies. These experiences significantly enhance employability, as evidenced by the fact that 92% of SC&OM students secure full-time employment before graduation.

In addition to internships and client projects, the program offers courses that encourage students to engage in innovative solutions and market analysis, fostering essential skills such as collaboration and strategic thinking. Courses like MGT 432 fulfill the Experiential Learning requirement, allowing students to gain further insights into the complexities of managing supply chain operations.

Technological Integration in Supply Chain Education

Miami University's SC&OM program places a strong emphasis on the integration of technology within the supply chain and logistics sectors. The curriculum is designed to address inefficiencies in appointment scheduling and optimize throughput, with a focus on reducing detention fees and enhancing carrier relationships. Students learn to develop automated appointment scheduling solutions that streamline processes and improve operational efficiency.

The program teaches the use of a unique algorithm for appointment management, utilizing a cloud-based, AI-powered automation platform. This technology transforms load appointment scheduling for brokers, automating tasks and eliminating manual work for both brokers and carriers. Students are equipped with the skills to simplify multi-stop load appointments, thereby improving overall efficiency in supply chain operations.

Career Prospects and Industry Recognition

Graduates of the SC&OM program at Miami University are well-prepared for a variety of roles within the supply chain and operations management fields. The program's focus on practical experience and technological proficiency makes its graduates attractive to employers. This is reflected in the university's recognition as one of the top 10 colleges for producing Fortune 500 CEOs, highlighting the effectiveness of its educational approach.

With a strong foundation in managing manufacturing and automation processes, students from Miami University's SC&OM program are equipped to tackle the challenges of the global supply chain. The combination of academic rigor, experiential learning, and technological integration provides them with the tools needed to succeed in an increasingly complex and dynamic industry.

"The SC&OM program at Miami University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing them for successful careers in the supply chain and operations management fields."