What is Supply Chain Management and How to You Make a Career Out of It?
Do you have excellent problem solving skills, communication and interpersonal skills? Are you interested in using them to streamline supply chain processes and logistics? If you answered yes, you might be cut out for a position in supply chain management. But how do you get there? You'll need a solid education behind you!
What is Supply Chain Management?
Supply chain management is an integral part of every company or business that is involved in production. It refers to the movement of goods from the producer to the consumer and comprises of product development, sourcing of supplies, production and distribution of finished goods to the consumers. The main goal of supply of chain management is ensuring that all supply chain processes are working efficiently so that they are cost effective, profitable and able to deliver customer satisfaction.
Important Classes Taught in a Supply Chain Management Program
It is important to find out the details about a course before enrolling to give you a scope of what to expect. This not only gives you an overview of your study, but also helps you gauge your interest and determine whether it aligns with your career goals or not.
Supply chain management is an extensive program that handles everything from inventory to customer service. All the topics taught in the program are designed to prepare you for the many available careers and positions in supply chain management. The major courses offered in this program include:
- Operations, Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Accounting for Business Decisions
- Business Process Improvement
- Business Forecasting and Data Analytics
- Operations Management
Career Options for Supply Chain Management Graduates
There are a lot of job opportunities for graduates with specializations in logistics and supply chain management. While academic qualifications are important, you’ll also need both technical and soft skills in your field of interest to excel and advance in your career. Below are some of the jobs you can do as a supply chain management graduate.
Supply Chain Manager
Supply chain managers are responsible for directing and coordinating supply chain management processes to achieve efficiency while cutting costs. They also come up with procedures that help coordinate supply chain management with other departments like marketing. Since business forecasts play a major role in supply chain management, supply chain managers monitor these forecasts for any changes and the effect they have on supply chain activities.
Transport Director
A transport director oversees the delivery of raw materials and supplies into the business as well as outbound transportation of finished goods to the consumer. They are tasked with managing carriers and third party transport providers as well as handling the costs and budgets involved. They also ensure the smooth movement of goods across borders and that goods are delivered within the stipulated timeframe.
Inventory Manager
Inventory managers are responsible for finding suppliers with the best prices and maintaining good relationships and communication with them. They also maintain inventory records and are in charge of ensuring there’s neither overstocking or shortages. Since their job is maintaining the right amounts of stock at any given time, they sometimes make purchases and order for supplies when need arises.
Logistics Analyst
If you are a lover of numbers, this is definitely one of the jobs you should look for. Logistics analysts use statistical software’s and tools to evaluate supply chain processes and recommend improvements. They also conduct continuous analysis on areas such as transport and procurement, and ensure that any emerging problems are solved.
Logistics Engineer
A logistics engineer designs and evaluates supply chain systems to ensure that they are both efficient and profitable. They handle a variety of tasks from designing distribution systems to coming up with the best packaging and warehousing ideas that best cuts costs without compromising customer satisfaction.
Importance of Formal Education in Supply Chain Management
Supply chains are changing in regards to complexity, speed and geographical reach, prompting the need for highly knowledgeable and skilled professionals. More employers are demanding a bachelor’s degree as the minimum academic qualification for jobs related to supply chain management with others preferring master’s degrees.
Formal training in supply chain management equips individuals with the required knowledge and skills needed to tackle even the complex aspects of supply chain management. It also provides skills for leadership roles in an organization, thus being the perfect foundation for career growth.
While a degree can get you the job, you may need certifications to complement your degree. These certifications will help you hone your skills in your field of interest and acts as proof of your suitability for the given role to your employer.
Are you interested in learning more about a degree in supply chain management? If you want to kick off your career in global logistics and supply chain environment, earning an Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership or Business Administration with a Concentration in Operations, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management could help you achieve your career goals. For more information on this exciting opportunity, connect with a friendly admission representative today!
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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