Supply Chain Management covers the entire process of getting products from suppliers to customers. You'll learn about inventory management, logistics, procurement, and distribution. The course dives into demand forecasting, warehouse operations, transportation planning, and supplier relationships. It also touches on technology's role in modern supply chains and global trade considerations.

Is Supply Chain Management hard?

Supply Chain Management can be challenging, but it's not impossible. The toughest part is wrapping your head around all the moving pieces and how they fit together. There's a fair bit of math and data analysis involved, which some students find tricky. But if you're good at problem-solving and enjoy puzzles, you might actually find it pretty interesting. The key is staying organized and not falling behind on the readings.

Tips for taking Supply Chain Management in college

Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
Create visual maps of supply chain processes to understand connections
Practice demand forecasting with real-world examples
Stay updated on current events affecting global supply chains
Use Excel or other software to manage and analyze supply chain data
Join a supply chain student organization for networking and extra learning
Watch "The Coca-Cola Company: Inside the World's Largest Beverage Distribution Network" documentary
Read "The Goal" by Eliyahu M. Goldratt for a fun take on operations management

Common pre-requisites for Supply Chain Management

Introduction to Business: This course provides a broad overview of business fundamentals, including basic concepts in management, marketing, and finance. It sets the stage for understanding how supply chains fit into the larger business picture.
Business Statistics: This class covers statistical methods used in business decision-making. It includes probability, sampling, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis, which are crucial for supply chain forecasting and analysis.
Principles of Economics: This course introduces microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts. It helps students understand market dynamics, supply and demand, and economic factors that influence supply chain decisions.

Classes similar to Supply Chain Management

Operations Management: This course focuses on managing the production of goods and services. It covers process analysis, quality control, and capacity planning, complementing supply chain concepts.
Logistics Management: This class dives deep into transportation, warehousing, and distribution. It explores how to efficiently move and store products throughout the supply chain.
Procurement and Sourcing: This course examines strategies for acquiring goods and services. It covers supplier selection, contract negotiation, and cost analysis in the context of supply chain management.
Global Supply Chain Management: This class expands on basic supply chain concepts to include international trade, customs regulations, and managing global supplier relationships.

Business Administration: Covers a broad range of business topics including finance, marketing, and management. Supply chain management is often a key component of this versatile degree.
Industrial Engineering: Focuses on optimizing complex systems and processes. It applies engineering principles to supply chain problems and often includes courses in logistics and operations research.
International Business: Explores global trade, cross-cultural management, and international finance. It often includes supply chain management with an emphasis on global logistics and trade regulations.
Information Systems: Concentrates on the use of technology in business. It often includes courses on supply chain management software and data analytics for logistics.

What can you do with a degree in Supply Chain Management?

Supply Chain Analyst: Analyzes data to improve supply chain efficiency. They use statistical tools and software to forecast demand, optimize inventory levels, and identify areas for cost reduction.
Logistics Manager: Oversees the movement and storage of goods. They coordinate transportation, manage warehouses, and ensure products are delivered on time and in good condition.
Procurement Specialist: Manages the acquisition of goods and services for an organization. They research suppliers, negotiate contracts, and work to reduce costs while maintaining quality.
Operations Manager: Oversees the production of goods or services. They manage resources, implement process improvements, and ensure smooth day-to-day operations within the supply chain.