Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Management (SCMT) includes all the activities that must take place to get the right product into the right consumer’s hands in the right quantity and at the right time – from raw materials extraction to consumer purchase. SCMT focuses on planning and forecasting, purchasing, product assembly, moving, storage, distribution, sales, and customer service. SCMT professionals are involved in every facet of the business process as they strive to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage by building and delivering products better, faster and cheaper.

Supply chain management professionals play a role in all kinds of organizations – manufacturers, retailers, transportation companies, third party logistics firms, government agencies and service firms. Firms from around the world in all sectors of the economy recruit SCMT graduates. As a supply chain professional, an individual could work in a variety of areas including purchasing, logistics, new product development, global sourcing and procurement, quality management, inventory control or traffic analysis, operations and supplier relationship management. Competitive pressures and sophisticated customers who demand innovative and speedy solutions characterize today’s global business environment. Understanding and optimizing business processes is a cornerstone of success, and for this reason, supply chain professionals are in strong demand.

Successful supply chain professionals are typically detailed-oriented with an ability to prioritize, plan and organize. In addition, they are usually quick-learners, possess excellent communication skills, can effectively manage relationships and work in teams, and are effective problem-solvers.

The supply chain management major prepares students for a career in designing and managing the activities that deliver products and services to customers. Supply chain activities add direct value to the customer and thus, are extremely valuable to firms. This major produces graduates with strong analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to work in and coordinate team activities. Graduates possess the business, technical and leadership skills needed to meet the challenges of the rapidly evolving global marketplace.

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