Supply Chain Management, M.S.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Supply Chain Management (M.S.-SCM) program at Saint Louis University is a STEM-certified program designed to equip students with core business processes for managing supply chains to drive growth. Its one- or two-year structure offers a hands-on approach through case studies, simulations, and industry guest speakers. Graduates are well-prepared for careers as analysts, buyers, managers, engineers, and more in various industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Science in Supply Chain Management (M.S.-SCM) program at Saint Louis University equips students with the essential business processes that drive profitable growth, enabling them to gain a sustainable competitive advantage in the business world.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Teach students how to use quantitative and computer models to manage the flow of goods and services effectively.
• Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the supply chain management profession, encompassing demand creation, fulfillment, and the critical link between them.
• Equip students with the theoretical and applied skills necessary to navigate the competitive global supply chain environment.
• Develop students' analytical skills in operations management, logistics, information technologies, finance, Lean/Six Sigma, enterprise resource planning (ERP), project management, and simulation.

Outline:

Program Structure:

• The program requires 30 credit hours of coursework.
• Students can complete the program in one or two years, depending on their enrollment status and whether they are eligible for a waiver of the prerequisite course (OPM 5020).
• The program includes a mix of required and elective courses.

Course Schedule:

• One-Year Roadmap (possible when OPM 5020 is waived):
• Year One:
• Fall: ITM 6005 (Supply, Demand, and Technology), OPM 5020 (Applied Business Statistics)
• Spring: ITM 6450 (Decision Making with Enterprise Systems), OPM 6460 (Supply Chain Management)
• Summer: ITM 6400 (Applied Business Analytics)
• Year Two:
• Fall: OPM 6050 (Operations Management), OPM 6440 (Supply Chain Sourcing & Strategy), OPM 6600 (Pricing & Revenue Analytics), OPM 6800 (Prescriptive Analytics)
• Spring: ITM 6550 (Big Data in Organizations), OPM 6000 (Forecasting and Demand Management)
• Two-Year Roadmap (Summer entry):
• Year One:
• Summer: ITM 6400 (Applied Business Analytics)
• Fall: ITM 6005 (Supply, Demand, and Technology), OPM 5020 (Applied Business Statistics)
• Spring: ITM 6450 (Decision Making with Enterprise Systems), OPM 6460 (Supply Chain Management)
• Year Two:
• Fall: OPM 6050 (Operations Management), OPM 6440 (Supply Chain Sourcing & Strategy), OPM 6600 (Pricing & Revenue Analytics), OPM 6800 (Prescriptive Analytics)
• Spring: ITM 6550 (Big Data in Organizations), OPM 6000 (Forecasting and Demand Management)
• Two-Year Roadmap (Fall entry):
• Year One:
• Fall: ITM 6005 (Supply, Demand, and Technology), OPM 5020 (Applied Business Statistics)
• Spring: ITM 6450 (Decision Making with Enterprise Systems), OPM 6460 (Supply Chain Management)
• Summer: ITM 6400 (Applied Business Analytics)
• Year Two:
• Fall: OPM 6050 (Operations Management), OPM 6440 (Supply Chain Sourcing & Strategy), OPM 6600 (Pricing & Revenue Analytics), OPM 6800 (Prescriptive Analytics)
• Spring: ITM 6550 (Big Data in Organizations), OPM 6000 (Forecasting and Demand Management)
• Two-Year Roadmap (Spring Entry):
• Year One:
• Spring: ITM 6005 (Supply, Demand, and Technology), ITM 6550 (Big Data in Organizations)
• Summer: OPM 5020 (Applied Business Statistics), ITM 6400 (Applied Business Analytics)
• Fall: OPM 6050 (Operations Management), OPM 6440 (Supply Chain Sourcing & Strategy)
• Year Two:
• Spring: OPM 6460 (Supply Chain Management), ITM 6450 (Decision Making with Enterprise Systems), OPM 6000 (Forecasting and Demand Management)
• Fall: OPM 6600 (Pricing & Revenue Analytics), OPM 6800 (Prescriptive Analytics)

Individual Modules:

• OPM 5020: Applied Business Statistics: This course covers the fundamentals of statistical analysis and its application in business decision-making.
• OPM 6000: Forecasting and Demand Management: This course focuses on forecasting techniques and demand management strategies for optimizing supply chain operations.
• OPM 6050: Business Process and Operations Management: This course explores the principles of business process management and its impact on operational efficiency.
• OPM 6440: Supply Chain Sourcing & Strategy: This course examines strategic sourcing practices and their role in optimizing supply chain performance.
• OPM 6460: Supply Chain Management: This course provides a comprehensive overview of supply chain management principles and practices.
• OPM 6600: Pricing & Revenue Analytics: This course covers pricing strategies and revenue analytics for maximizing profitability.
• OPM 6800: Prescriptive Analytics: This course explores advanced analytical techniques for making data-driven decisions in supply chain management.
• ITM 6005: Supply, Demand, and Technology: This course examines the interplay between supply, demand, and technology in shaping supply chain dynamics.
• ITM 6400: Applied Business Analytics: This course focuses on applying analytical techniques to solve real-world business problems.
• ITM 6450: Decision Making with Enterprise Systems: This course explores the use of enterprise systems for decision-making in supply chain management.
• ITM 6550: Big Data in Organizations: This course examines the role of big data in organizational decision-making and its implications for supply chain management.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Exams:
To evaluate students' understanding of key concepts and theories.
• Assignments: To assess students' ability to apply knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios.
• Case studies: To analyze complex business situations and develop solutions.
• Presentations: To demonstrate students' communication and presentation skills.
• Projects: To apply knowledge and skills to a specific problem or challenge.

Assessment Criteria:

• Grading System: The program uses a traditional letter grade system.
• Continuation Standards: Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures:
To convey key concepts and theories.
• Discussions: To foster critical thinking and engagement.
• Case studies: To analyze real-world business situations.
• Group projects: To promote teamwork and collaboration.
• Guest speakers: To provide insights from industry professionals.

Faculty:

• The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in supply chain management, operations management, logistics, and related fields.

Unique Approaches:

• The program emphasizes a hands-on, practical approach to learning, incorporating real-world case studies, simulations, and industry guest speakers.
• The program leverages the latest technologies and tools used in supply chain management, including enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, data analytics software, and simulation modeling tools.
• Buyer: Negotiate contracts with suppliers, manage inventory levels, and ensure timely delivery of goods.
• E-commerce Analyst: Analyze e-commerce data, optimize online sales channels, and manage customer relationships.
• Supply Chain Manager: Oversee all aspects of the supply chain, from sourcing to delivery, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
• Procurement Analyst: Research and evaluate potential suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage procurement processes.
• Sourcing Manager: Develop and implement sourcing strategies, manage supplier relationships, and ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Logistics Analyst: Plan and manage the flow of goods, optimize transportation routes, and ensure timely delivery.
• Project Manager: Manage supply chain projects, coordinate resources, and ensure successful completion within budget and timeline.
• Process Engineer: Design and improve supply chain processes, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions for efficiency and effectiveness.

Opportunities:

• Graduates of the program have access to the Valerie A. Davisson Career Resources Center, which provides career management services, networking opportunities, and internship and employment placement assistance.

Outcomes:

• The program prepares students for successful careers in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, technology, and logistics.
• Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to contribute to the strategic success of organizations by optimizing supply chain operations, reducing costs, and improving customer satisfaction.

Other:

• The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a globally recognized accreditation body for business schools.
• The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the global supply chain environment and the challenges and opportunities it presents.
• The program emphasizes the importance of ethical decision-making and sustainability in supply chain management.