Supply chain management (SCM) may be described as the management of the flow of goods. Every finished good we see on the shelves in supermarkets go through a process where they start off as raw materials and are manufactured into consumable items. This process has drawn a lot of attention over the years, and is now taught as a separate academic discipline. An article published in Bloomberg Businessweek reflects the growing importance of this field.
A strong, secure, and well-coordinated supply chain could increase the overall efficiency and productivity of organizations. With the rising competition in domestic and international business markets, organizations are seeking supply chain managers who are able to use their skill and expertise to design strategies for their organization. Individuals interested in becoming a part of supply chain and logistics should seek higher education in this field and prepare for a career ahead.
Bachelor in Supply Chain Management|
A bachelor in supply chain management degree program is offered at four-year universities. The duration may vary and depend upon students' enrollment status and academic progress. This program is designed to equip students with a general understanding of business concepts, in-depth knowledge of supply chain fundamentals, and skills needed for a career in this field. Most supply chain management careers require at least a bachelor's degree.
The coursework covers a range of subjects that focus upon theoretical building as well as practical learning. Students will spend the first few semesters acquiring a strong grasp of business management concepts. Some key areas covered in the program include business strategy, marketing, finance, and accounting.
The main emphasis of the program is studying supply chain management principles. Throughout the program, students will learn about standard supply chain practices being used in the industry, analytical processes, and tools used for increasing effectiveness. Students are encouraged to develop innovative practices and measures that help increase a firm's delivery performance. Listed below are some main objectives of a SCM program.
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Students will acquire a solid understanding of effective practices
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Students will build skills and conduct research
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The program will highlight techniques used for quality assurance and delivery performance
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Students will learn how to develop strategies that minimize costs
SCM bachelor's degree programs are also being offered online by many renowned traditional and online schools. It is now possible to earn this degree without having to set foot on a college campus.
Career Outlook
Supply chain management degrees may lead to a number of career paths. You could choose to work as a supply chain analyst, logistics manager, fleet manager, supply chain manager, warehouse operations manager, and even a facilities manager. According to O*NET OnLine, supply chain managers earned a median annual income of $103,530 in 2013. Supply chain managers are hired by all kinds of industries such as manufacturing, transportation, and retail. The main areas of supply chain experts are managing inventory, purchasing, and logistics. This field is expected to grow at a steady rate in the coming few years.