Supply Chain Management Curriculum Overview at Rutgers Business School

Rutgers Business School offers a comprehensive curriculum in Supply Chain Management (SCM), designed to provide students with a holistic, end-to-end view of the field. The program focuses on the three core pillars of sourcing, production, and logistics, while also emphasizing the importance of cross-functional enablers that connect SCM to broader business areas. Through this structured approach, students are equipped to enhance operational efficiency and improve overall supply chain performance.

Core Pillars and Cross-Functional Integration

The curriculum's foundation lies in the three pillars of SCM: sourcing, production, and logistics. These areas are interconnected through cross-functional integration, which is essential for the acquisition and management of resources. The program addresses ethical and legal issues in procurement, highlighting their impact on total quality, cost, and delivery. Effective supply management influences a range of factors, including cost, technology, and responsiveness, making it crucial for students to master tools for managing procurement and sourcing.

Cross-functional enablers play a pivotal role in linking SCM with other business functions. This integration ensures that students gain a comprehensive understanding of how SCM impacts business processes, ultimately affecting a company's bottom line. The focus on operational efficiency is reinforced through courses that cover demand management, forecasting models, and inventory management techniques.

Risk Management and Demand Forecasting

Supply Chain Risk Management is a critical component of the curriculum, addressing potential disruptions and emphasizing the importance of risk identification and management. Topics such as crisis management and recovery are explored, equipping students with the skills needed to handle unforeseen challenges in the supply chain.

Demand Management is another key focus, with courses dedicated to forecasting models and inventory management techniques. The curriculum emphasizes visibility, efficiency, and resilience, ensuring students are prepared to manage demand fluctuations effectively. Legal topics, including contracts and dispute settlement, are also covered, providing a well-rounded education in supply chain management.

Logistics, Sustainability, and Technology Integration

The Global Logistics Management course, worth three credits, delves into the elements of logistics management, including forward and reverse transportation and logistics infrastructure in the U.S. Topics such as cross-docking, reverse logistics, and high-tech automated warehousing are examined, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of logistics operations.

Supply Chain Sustainability is another three-credit course that emphasizes environmentally responsible practices. Research in this area is encouraged, highlighting the importance of sustainability in modern supply chains. In addition to these courses, students can pursue a Master of Supply Chain Analytics or an MS in Supply Chain Management, both of which focus on academic excellence and research.

The curriculum also integrates technology-focused coursework, recognizing the growing importance of AI and tech skills in supply chain operations. As industries increasingly adopt AI technologies, Rutgers Business School ensures that students are well-versed in these developments. Courses like Supply Chain Solution with ERP/SAP and Lean Six Sigma prepare students for the technological demands of the field.

Global Perspective and Industry Relevance

Rutgers Business School's SCM program is part of a global trend, as universities worldwide incorporate technology-focused coursework into their supply chain management lessons. With more than 700 academic supply chain programs available today, up from just a dozen in 2000, the demand for skilled professionals in this field is evident.

Students are exposed to real-world case studies, such as the Suez Canal blockage, to apply their knowledge and use technology or AI to solve complex supply chain challenges. This hands-on approach ensures that graduates are ready to meet the evolving needs of the industry.

Companies are increasingly emphasizing the need for AI and technology skills in the supply chain workforce. About 45% of surveyed supply chain professionals report using AI chatbots in their jobs. Universities, in response, focus on teaching students a balance between AI and business skills, preparing them for successful careers in supply chain management.

The curriculum at Rutgers Business School reflects these industry trends, providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing field. By focusing on a holistic, integrated approach to supply chain management, the program ensures that graduates are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of today's global marketplace.

Course codes at Rutgers Business School:

• Demand Management: 22:799:663
• Global Procurement and Supply Management: 22:799:608
• Supply Chain Finance: 22:799:640
• Supply Chain Solution with ERP/SAP: 22:799:659
• Introduction to Project Management: 22:799:661
• Lean Six Sigma: 22:799:676
• Global Logistics Management: 22:799:679
• Service Management: 22:799:625
• Supply Chain Sustainability: 22:799:699

Through its comprehensive curriculum and focus on both foundational principles and emerging technologies, Rutgers Business School's Supply Chain Management program prepares students for successful careers in a dynamic and evolving industry.