Supply Chain Management Training
A supply chain manager assures that the supply of goods and services that flows through the system accurately matches the demand. The most common educational approach in becoming a supply chain manager is a Master's degree in supply chain management, according to the Princeton Review. According to the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, supply chain managers earned an average salary of $89,300 in 2007.
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Undergraduate Programs
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The U.S. News & World Report ranked the best undergraduate programs for supply chain management and logistics in 2009. The top 10 colleges are listed in descending order: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Michigan State University, Pennsylvania State University--University Park, Carnegie Mellon University, Ohio State University--Columbus, Arizona State University, University of Tennessee, Purdue University--West Lafayette, University of Pennsylvania and University of Maryland College Park.
According to Arizona State University, undergraduates in supply chain management may lead to careers as buyer/planners, production schedulers, quality control specialists and more. A Bachelor's degree can also be applied as one of the prerequisites for a Master's degree program, although undergraduate experience in accounting, statistics and economics may be adequate.
MBA or MS
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According to the Princeton Review, students can enter an MBA program with a concentration in supply chain management which takes approximately two years. An Master's in Science in supply chain management is another option. Programs last for one to two years and have a more concentrated focus on the supply chain career. Mid-career professionals are likely to pursue an MS.
U.S. News & World Report ranked the best graduate programs for supply chain management and logistics in 2009. The top 10 graduate programs are listed in descending order: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan), Michigan State University (Broad), Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper), University of Pennsylvania (Wharton), Arizona State University (Carey), Stanford University, Pennsylvania State University--University Park (Smeal), Ohio State University (Fisher), Northwestern University (Kellogg) and University of Michigan--Ann Arbor (Ross).
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Doctorate
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A Ph.D. is for students interested in academia. According to the Princeton Review, doctoral students are likely to focus on theoretical questions pertaining to the supply chain. Those with a Ph.D. are likely to conduct research and teach at colleges and universities. They may conduct research in the government or inside an organization.
Curriculum
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According to the Princeton Review, a sample of a student's curriculum may include data analysis and decision-making, ethics, financial accounting, financial management, logistics management, new product development, operations management, quality and productivity, strategic global sourcing, strategy and administration of international operations, supply chain design and production planning, supply chain integration and sustainable business.
Internships
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According to College Board, a nonprofit membership association that connects students to college opportunities, paid or unpaid internships are a way to gain experience and make connections with potential mentors. Firms from all sectors of the economy may hire supply chain management interns during college or immediately after graduating.
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References
- The Princeton Review: Supply chain management
- U.S. News and World Report: Best colleges specialty rankings for supply chain management
- U.S. News and World Report: Supply chain
- Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals: Salary outlook
- Arizona State University's W.P. Carey School of Business: Supply chain management (undergraduate)
Resources
- Photo Credit manager image by Dmitri MIkitenko from Fotolia.com
