Postgraduate programs in supply chain management

Supply chain management and essentials

Supply chain management involves studies in different concentrations such as procurement, logistics, information technology, operations management and quality assurance management. Several functions are embedded in the supply chain management function of businesses such as customer care management, coordinating between different functions in business such as procurement, logistics function, strategic planning and production delivery.

Essential components of supply chain management include just-in-time strategic management, agile manufacturing and lead manufacturing. Some basic concepts in supply chain management include manufacturing flow management, product commercialization, development and supplier relation management.

Concepts and concentrations in supply chain management

Programs in supply chain management cover business oriented as well as theoretical concepts in candidates such as strategic management, operations and delivery management, media planning and integrated marketing planning. Some important business concepts covered in these programs include transportation logistics and business essentials, planning and fulfillment of demand, sourcing strategies and procurement, marketing research, new product planning, risk management, supply security and supply chain finance.

Some important issues in SCM are having globalized manufacturing operations, ensuring safe quality production practices, reducing inventory storage, having a proper supplier base consolidation and having the latest technology in supply control. Business professionals have over the years come up with measures for aligning inventory and production efficiently, thereby introducing proper SCM practices. Some of these are:

•         Having a centralized supply chain control which aligns supply chain control with the strategic planning                      control of the organization
•         Suing advanced technologies for making the supply chain processes more efficient
•         Having networking alliances with key suppliers
•         Incorporating customer feedback throughout the delivery processes in the form of collaborative outsourcing
•         Minimizing risks and establishing appropriate control
•         Taking social responsibility seriously

Postgraduate programs in SCM

Programs in supply chain management are typically 2-3 years in length, often called MSc in Supply Chain Management. These degrees prepare professionals with skills in handling supply chain queries and issues as well as problem skills to take important decisions during times of uncertainty. Some of the biggest advantages of graduating from degrees in supply chain management include developing a holistic understanding of how businesses functions, gaining insights into everyday functions of the business, developing systematic and data driven business solutions.

Program format

Postgraduate programs in supply chain management are offered by several universities in a number of formats ranging from online programs to part-time postgraduate degrees in supply chain management. One of the biggest advantages of online programs in supply chain management are that they provide a lot of convenience in terms of attendance, getting quality education and also gaining the flexibility of revising course materials at their convenience.

Career prospects for professionals

Supply chain management MBA is one of the most pursued professional degrees due to the numerous career opportunities in the sector. Professionals completing these degrees earn jobs as operations managers, supply chain managers, consultants, delivery managers, supervisors, strategic planners and logistics managers. They are appointed in several organizational functions including logistics information systems, transportation, warehousing and inventory control. Several professional sectors hire professionals with proven qualifications in supply chain management including pharmaceuticals, business consulting, finance, manufacturing, banking and FMCGs. Some of the main reasons for applying for professional qualifications in this sector include diversification of skills and application of the same in different sectors.