While an MBA degree provides students with a broad general management skill set, a concentration can provide greater depth into specific areas of interest that allow a student to articulate a deeper knowledge and set of applicable skills.
Welcome to the Supply Chain Concentration Community!
A concentration in Supply Chain Management within the Jenkins MBA Program prepares students for managing the processes involved in the creation of any product or service, from raw materials, to the final sale. Developing an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of supply chain management involves incorporating diverse skills and knowledge, coupled with multicultural and global perspectives. Furthermore, the increasingly complex global supply chain demands an understanding of the analytical tools that are essential to sound decision making. Professional success is supported by coursework where students come to understand information flow, financial cycles, analytics, and marketing functions to match demand. Students learn the components of each department within an industry in order to deliver the right product or service to the end user at the right time.
The academic experience in Supply Chain is enhanced by the Supply Chain Resource Cooperative, established in 2000. The SCRC partners with companies to provide practical, experiential learning opportunities for supply chain students and supports engagement activities to sustain the connection between our students and the corporate community.
10 Pieces of Career Advice for Supply Chain Students from a Seasoned Expert
Click here to read an article about ten pieces of career advice, specifically for Supply Chain students!
Sample Courses:
- Principles of Operations and Supply Chain Management
- Supply Management
- Supply Chain Logistics
- Strategic Operations Management
- Supply Chain Management Practicum
- Analytical Supply Chain Management
- Operations Analysis
Skills Acquired Through Coursework:
* Managing the entire supply chain
* Utilizing analytics for effective decision making
* Understanding themes and strategies relevant to supplier relationships
* Fulfilling the strategic objectives of a firm
* Analyzing and organizing processes
* Negotiating contracts
* Designing supply and distribution networks
Additional Skills and Competencies Needed for Success in a Supply Chain Career:
- Excellent planning and analytical capacities
- Highly organized and strategic
- Ability to foster and maintain collaborative relationships
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Creative and solution-focused
- Lean Six Sigma, CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional), PMP (Project Management Professional) and other certifications can be beneficial for a job search
Potential Long-term Career Paths:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Chief Operating Officer
- Divisional Manager / Supervisor
- General Management
Common MBA-level Supply Chain Job Titles:
- Supply Chain Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- Senior Logistics Specialist
- Materials Planning Manager
- Procurement Specialist
Supply Chain Professions — Culture / Outlook:
The outlook remains strong for General Managers and Operations Managers. Compensation varies based on the region and organization. Hours can range from shift-based (less likely at MBA level but possible if managing a production site), to less predictable schedules with longer hours, depending on production deadlines and/or the organizational role. Positions are often office-based, with time spent completing spreadsheets, tracking schedules, and speaking with suppliers or various department managers. According to the Department of Labor, job growth is projected to be a bit slower for manufacturing, transportation, and warehousing, through 2024. However, the wholesale trade sector is expected to grow in the coming years, in addition to projected growth in management, scientific, and technical consulting services, to help with lowering costs and improving business operations.
Additional information about supply chain job titles and average compensation can be found at the website of Ajilon, a professional staffing agency specializing in supply chain and logistics roles.