Supply Chain and Operations Management Program Overview

The field of Supply Chain and Operations Management (SC&OM) is integral to the efficient production and distribution of goods and services. It encompasses the management of manufacturing and automation processes, converting data regarding material availability and demand into actionable plans. This program overview sheds light on the educational pathways, skills, and industry connections that shape the SC&OM curriculum.

Curriculum Structure and Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the SC&OM program, students must complete a total of 124 semester hours, with a minimum of 52 hours dedicated to non-business coursework. The program mandates a minimum overall GPA of 2.0, as well as a 2.0 GPA in business courses. Integral to the curriculum is the First-Year Integrated Core, comprising BUS 101, 102, 103, and 104, which satisfies Miami Plan requirements and provides a foundational understanding of key business concepts.

The curriculum includes courses in information systems, operations management, and marketing, equipping students with skills in innovative solutions, market analysis, and collaboration. Signature Inquiry courses and flexible sequencing of Miami Plan courses are also part of the program. BUS 284 meets the Advanced Writing Requirement, while MGT 495 fulfills the Business Capstone Requirement. Students are advised to enroll in MGT 498 during their senior year, as it is a recommended course for that stage.

Experiential Learning and Industry Connections

Experiential learning is a cornerstone of the SC&OM program. MGT 432 satisfies the Experiential Learning requirement, providing students with hands-on experience in real-world scenarios. The Center for Supply Chain Excellence, launched in 2021, plays a pivotal role in connecting students with industry leaders through its Corporate Partnership program. This initiative fosters long-term engagement and enhances the program's value.

The program also offers a mentorship initiative, pairing students with alumni for career guidance and networking opportunities. An Executive-level Advisory Board and a Young Alumni Board have been established to focus on early career engagement and curriculum adjustments, ensuring that the program remains aligned with diverse career paths in the industry.

Military and Civilian Supply Chain Synergies

There exists a significant synergy between military and civilian supply chains, with principles from the civilian sector being incorporated into military operations for increased efficiency and effectiveness. The Army Logistics University (ALU) offers a Defense Supply Chain Management course, emphasizing the creation of a shared understanding of the operational environment as outlined in Army Doctrine Publication 6-0.

ALU maintains a collaborative academic relationship with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), allowing Army captains to pursue a master's degree in Supply Chain Management. This program focuses on global supply chain management, innovation, and analytics, with a capstone project that addresses real-world Army organizational challenges. Additionally, ALU provides a Data Analysis and Visualization (DAV) course to hone analytic skills among military and civilian students.

Challenges and Innovations in Supply Chain Management

Effective supply chain management is critical, as demonstrated by historical and contemporary challenges. Napoleon's failed invasion of Russia in 1812 is a classic example of supply chain mismanagement, while Eastman Kodak's bankruptcy in 2012 highlights the pitfalls of overemphasizing supply chain optimization without adaptability. The importance of preparedness and resilience is underscored by supply chain disruptions such as the Ever Given incident in the Suez Canal.

Innovations like Airbus's Digital Control Room, launched in 2016, provide comprehensive supply chain visibility, enabling organizations to proactively address bottlenecks. The Countermeasures Acceleration Group (CAG) developed a tracking and analytics system for COVID-19 response, offering real-time operational visibility. These systems illustrate how a holistic view of supply chains can mitigate risks such as cyber-attacks, exemplified by the Colonial Pipeline ransomware incident.

The Army Reserve's largest exercise, Mojave Falcon 25, held on May 19, 2025, highlights the integration of social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, and LinkedIn for real-time updates and engagement. This exercise, supported by the NY Guard, showcases the evolving landscape of military logistics and the role of digital communication in operational success.

As the SC&OM program continues to evolve, it remains committed to providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of supply chain management, both in civilian and military contexts.