Demystifying the Supply Chain Management program

When I first told someone I was going to be a part of this great program called Masters in Supply Chain Management, they gave me a strange look and wondered if I will be ferrying boxes for a logistics company.

Of course, it is not all about managing logistics or suppliers. The program is a mixture of business decision making, operations management, suppliers, demand, inventory, optimization, corporate strategy, finance and accounting. And when you are tired of those you can diversify into honing your skills in leading change or negotiations and conflict management.

As a proud member of the MSSCM community, I can say one thing for sure, there are many things about the program that make you want a career in supply chain management. The small class size not only promotes individual growth but also gives you an opportunity to truly learn from working with a diverse mix of classmates who are geniuses in their own right.

Prof. Sergio Chayet

Prof. Sergio Chayet

I spent some time wondering today how my not-so-long journey through the program has shaped me and there are already a list of highlights that I can share. I remember sitting in Sergio Chayet’s seminar session back in February 2014 before joining the program and thinking to myself, this is going to be amazing. The summer course in Operations Management sealed the deal for me on my belief in supply chain management as a career.

The course is lovingly dubbed as a rite of passage for all supply chain and MBA operations platform students, specifically our very first group case. I remember spending hours with my team analyzing, assessing, thinking and finally arriving at a revelation that operations is not only amazing but invigorating. The next few sessions will expand your understanding of operations all the way from auto manufacturing, hospitals to consumer goods.

2013-11-21 04.22.53-2If you are wondering why else should I be in this class – The Beer Game. There is beer, a game and there are awards! There is also an important lesson in operations which will remain etched in memory for many years to come.

Another interesting class of the program is project management. I know what you are thinking, the same old stories on critical path method and PERT, what is new with that? The panache with which Professor Chayet brings in variety, humor, and elements of incredulity to these classes are unprecedented. Project management education takes on the form of involved discussions, experiential learning and wonders of the world (yes, you will learn a thing or more about history and world events).

The program makes a special effort not only to weave in industry experience through the practicum projects but also interestingly connects the courses with each other. You may be in a class talking about Hewlett Packard’s supply chain strategy and in another class you will experience the method and math behind making the strategy work.

In one class you will learn all about your personal negotiation style and walk into another class the same week where you use these skills in a supply chain negotiation against your classmate. Some classes will encourage you to present group projects and cases, while the professional communication forum throughout the semester will be preparing you for these exact skills. The program brings a unique flavor by weaving together all these seemingly disconnected elements.

Are you prepared to storm the operations and supply chain industry with style (and knowledge)? I for one can’t wait!

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