Are you intrigued by the logistics of businesses? Do you want to oversee the most efficient and effective methods of product development, sourcing and production? The online Master of Business Administration program at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland can set you up for success.
Learn how by exploring the supply chain management specialization offered through the Smith Online MBA degree program:
Supply chain highlights
Designed to broaden and define students’ understanding of business concepts and practices, the Smith Online MBA program provides focused and relevant learning to meet students’ areas of interest. Those who choose to pursue the supply chain management track will learn how to identify, evaluate and mitigate risk, improve business operations and efficiency, and use cutting-edge supply chain technology.
As a Smith graduate, you can pursue supply chain management positions with skills such as:
- Ability to develop, adjust and implement logistical plans
- Tactful communication and coordination with suppliers and customers
- Strategic problem-solving skills
- Working knowledge of industry tools
With these enhanced skills, you’ll have the keys to advance your career and embark on new professional endeavors.
Supply chain learning
Students in the supply chain management specialization begin their academic experience with foundational courses that cover five essential focus areas. In Supply Chain Management, students examine the design and implementation of supply chains, including global implications, demand and supply, buyer and supplier collaboration and performance score carding. The Global Economic Environment foundation course further discusses national and international business environments, covering macroeconomic theory, economic forecasts, policy recommendations, case studies and more.
Foundational management courses also set students up for more focused supply chain learning. Operations Management, for instance, discusses operations as they apply to manufacturing and services, flows and bottlenecks, waiting line models, total quality management, strategic execution and so on. Strategic Management introduces students to both profit opportunities and threats in various industrial and competitive environments. With an analysis of valuable assets, resources and capabilities, the course covers how managers can adapt strategies to market environment changes and use business growth to ensure firms maintain proper scale and scope.
After completing these foundational courses, you can move on to selectives. For those interested in supply chain management, Global Trade Logistics provides students with a valuable understanding of international distribution systems, governmental restrictions on the movement of goods, export and import documentation, and global competition. Plus, students learn how to operate relevant industry tools, including cloud-based SAP software.
Innovative Solutions to Supply Chain Challenges teaches future managers about effective planning and strategies through computer simulations, allowing students to address industry topics in interactive and illustrative ways. The Supply Chain Risk Management course allows students to develop skills in risk identification, assessment and mitigation, as well as master the industry-standard software and analytics necessary for leading effective risk management.
In addition to these supply chain management-focused courses, you have the opportunity to dive into sessions that can shape you into a well-rounded business professional and leader. Foundational courses on Entrepreneurship, Business Communications, Executive Powers and Negotiation and International Business can lend you the knowledge you need to catalyze business success, regardless of the specific business function.
Throughout all of these courses, you can take advantage of a dynamic and interactive learning environment ― even when you complete all of your coursework online. Features such as audio and video messaging, simulations, integrated multimedia and digital workspaces allow you to easily collaborate with professors and peers. As you enhance your knowledge, you’ll be prepared to apply your skills beyond the classroom in current and future positions.
Supply chain faculty
When you choose to pursue your degree at Maryland Smith, you’ll learn from some of the industry’s most well-respected thought leaders. Not only do they bring decades of teaching experience to the table, but they also draw on experiences from established careers as supply chain management professionals. As a result, these professors can provide students with relevant insights and practical applications of concepts.
Many Smith professors remain active in research projects, delving into topics such as cost structures, infrastructure investment, product assortment optimization, environmental challenges to supply chain management, global product development and more. Many are also published in several reputable journals, books and online publications. One supply chain professor, Hugh Turner, ranks among the Smith School’s top 15% instructors and was a finalist for the institution’s prestigious Krowe Award, which recognizes exceptional teachers who are dedicated to helping their students succeed in the classroom and beyond.
With this distinguished group of professors, you’ll be in good hands when you enroll in courses at the Smith School of Business. Along with an engaging network of over 66,000 Smith alumni, these professors can become valuable connections as you work to advance your career.
Beyond the degree
The supply chain management specialization introduces students to the necessary skills required to oversee business logistics with an expert eye.
An advanced degree can qualify you for various logistics positions and titles, including:
- Account Operations Associate
- Demand Planner
- Demand Planning Manager
- Director of Operations
- Director of Supply Chain Management
- Global Inventory Manager
- Inventory Manager
- Logistics Analyst
- Logistics Manager
- Logistics Coordinator
- Management Consultant
- Materials Manager
- Procurement Manager
- Product Manager
- Supply Chain Analyst
- Supply Chain Analytics Manager
- Supply Chain Consultant
- Supply Chain Manager
- Supply Chain Specialist
- Sourcing Associate
- Sourcing Manager
To get an idea of how much you can earn as you work your way up the supply chain as a logistics professional, PayScale compiled the average yearly earnings of specific positions, such as:
- Supply Chain Analyst: $66,067
- Supply Chain Planner: $70,209
- Sourcing Associate: $71,048
- Demand Planning Manager: $83,872
- Commodity Manager: $91,196
- Supply Chain Manager: $92,845
- Strategic Sourcing Manager: $95,233
- Global Sourcing Manager: $101,484
- Director of Operations: $121,367
- Director of Supply Chain Management: $124,382
The bottom line
Whether you’re looking for a promotion within your company or planning to pursue a new career path, the Smith Online MBA program can provide you with the advanced learning to support your professional goals. Plus, the flexibility of online education allows you to earn your degree on your own terms, without relinquishing your current commitments.
Ready to get into the logistics? Reach out to an advisor to learn more about the online MBA program and supply chain management specialization offered at the Smith School of Business.
Recommended Readings:
The specializations you can pursue with a University of Maryland online MBA degree
How to take your management skills to the next level
The most important issues in modern international business
Sources:
Online Master of Business Administration by the University of Maryland
MBA, Supply Chain Management Degree Average Salary by PayScale