If you step into a retail store and browse through its products, you might not know how it got there but it becomes possible only because of a painstaking process called supply chain management. From procuring raw materials to ensuring that it reaches its designated marketplace, it is all done under the guidance of a Supply Chain professional. An MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management will provide you with a solid grasp over core management fundamentals as well as knowledge of supply chain processes.
MBA in Supply Chain Management: Course Details
The MBA in Supply Chain Management is a specialised management degree that runs up to 2 years, sometimes 1 year, and focuses on a holistic understanding of the flow of goods and services, in other words, the product cycle. It involves processes such as planning, sourcing, production and its methods, distribution, cost, and risk assessment, amongst others.
| Course | MBA in Supply Chain Management OR MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Duration | 2 year [1-year courses also available] |
| Minimum Qualification Required | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Admission Procedure | University-based Application [Individual-based] |
Why Go For MBA in Supply Chain Management
- A spot at the Planning Table: It is seen that a Supply Chain Manager is amongst the few people who frequently get a spot in high-level board room meetings with C-level professionals. This is owing to the insights he/she can bring to the table, an end to end analysis of the problems along with the numbers as well as some effective solutions.
- Short Ladder:Supply Chain professionals are said to climb the corporate ladder quite swiftly and work their way up to Director and C-Level positions in quite a short time. Many are offered such jobs in a short period. This is in addition to the competent remuneration benefits.
- Entrepreneurial Edge: After your degree and a few years of experience under their belt, many professionals aim to start their ventures or even consultancies. With close knowledge of the field and necessary exposure, they all start a lot further than other start-up entrepreneurs.
- Analytical Advantage: Owing to the intense stress on calculation and financials, candidates develop a familiarity with numbers which comes in handy during your job. Further, case studies and projects build an academic rigour that stays throughout your career and helps with every aspect of your work.
Universities that Offer MBA in Supply Chain Management/ MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
In the following table, you will find a diverse mix of MBA programs as well as MSc courses. While an MBA is more business-focused, an MSc is more academic-based. Choose wisely after analysing your interests and aspirations.
| S. No. | Degree Program | University | Country |
| 1 | MBA in Supply Chain and Logistics | Michigan State University | USA |
| 2 | Master in Supply Chain Management [10 months] | MIT Sloan | USA |
| 3 | MBA in Supply Chain Management | Arizona State University | USA |
| 4 | MBA Supply Chain Concentration/Masters Supply Chain Management | Pennsylvania State University | USA |
| 5 | MBA Supply Chain Specialisation | Purdue University | USA |
| 6 | Master of Logistics and Supply Chain Management | The University of Sydney | Australia |
| 7 | MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management | University of Warwick | UK |
| 8 | MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management | University of Sheffield | UK |
| 9 | Master of Business [Supply Chain & Logistics | RMIT University | New Zealand |
| 10 | MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management | Western Sydney University | Australia |
MBA in Operations/ MBA in Operations Management Abroad: Application & Admission
The process of applying at a foreign university consists of a long application process and a lot of patience. College admissions are conducted in cycles out of which the primary cycle typically starts in September/October and runs up to February/March of the next year. Scholarships applications open quite early.
- Fulfil the basic eligibility requirements[Equivalent qualifying degree in any discipline, for instance, a ‘bachelor’s in commerce’, relevant industry experience, etc. as required]
- Submit GMAT/GRE along withIELTS/TOEFL/PTE Test Scores [as required]. For an MBA program, GMAT is strongly recommended though GRE also enjoys wide acceptance.
- Submit the completeApplication Proposal Set [Passport, Statement of Purpose, Two/Three letters of Recommendation, Transcripts Experience Letter (if required), Financial Support Statement/Funding Essay (if applying for funding), etc.] Arrange all the materials well before the deadline.
- Pay Application Fee.
- Personal Interview/Group Discussion/Writing Task[if required]
- Your application will be confirmed, waitlisted or rejected usually within 2-3 months of applying.
- Deposit the required Tuition Fees within the given deadline.
- Begin Student Visa Application
MBA in Supply Chain Management Syllabus
The course structure of this MBA program combines both core management topics along with subject themes. Here is a rough approximation of the syllabus that you might see in your program. There will be flexibility for internships, projects, internships, etc. as well.
| 1st Semester | 2nd Semester | 3rd Semester | 4th Semester |
| Management Principles | Strategic Management | Financial Risk Management | Organisational Behaviour |
| Quantitative Methods | Business Marketing | Professional Writing | Retail marketing & customer relationship management |
| Business Communication | Logistic Management | Operations Management | Business and Industry Ethics |
| Managerial Economics | Human Resources Management | Management of International Business | Retail Store & Visual Merchandising |
| Accounting & Finance for Managers | Export Trade and Documentation | Advertising & Sales Management | Consumer Behaviour |
| Electives/Projects/ Foreign Languages/ Internships | Electives/Project/ Foreign Language/ Internships | Electives/Projects/ Foreign Language/ Internships | Electives/Projects/ Foreign Language/ Internships |
| Electives Offered: Public-Private Partnership, Enterprise Resource Planning, International Logistics, Supply Chain Risk Modelling, Applied GIS |
MBA in Supply Chain Management Jobs
Jobs in this sector are ever-growing with the need for organisations to streamline the supply chain process on a steep rise. Common employers include food and beverages companies, airlines, FMCG product companies, courier and delivery companies and so on.
- Supply Chain manager
- Logistics manager
- Operations Manager
- Business Analyst
- Project Manager
- Business Operations Analyst
- Supply Chain Planner
- Purchasing manager
- Warehousing Manager
- Regional Operations Manager
- Sourcing Manager
- Inventory Coordinator
- Industry Analyst
Verdict
While the ultimate decision rests with you, an MBA in Supply Chain Management is one of the most popular management courses all around the world with equally strong demand in the market. If you harbour an interest to see business from inside, it will fit you perfectly.
