July 2024 | Feature Stories

Readying the Supply Chain Workforce

Tags: Careers, Education & Careers, June 2024

Educators reveal how they’re preparing future supply chain management professionals for growing complexity and advancing technology.

Top 12 Skills to Develop

For a career in supply chain management, these proficiencies top the list, combining both tech savvy and soft skills.

1. Communication skills
2. Critical thinking
3. Problem solving
4. Data analytics
5. Domain knowledge—understanding supply chain dynamics
6. Teamwork—ability to work in teams and collaborate
7. Technological proficiency
8. Relationship building and management
9. Project management
10. Adaptability
11. Negotiation skills
12. Global perspective

A core understanding of demand forecasting, inventory management, transportation and network design models will equip students with the essential knowledge needed in supply chain management. Understanding and evaluating models, coupled with the ability to critically challenge outcomes, is crucial. This foundation enables them to effectively challenge and leverage new technologies and AI-powered tools.

Dr. Eva Ponce
Director, Online Education, MIT Center for
Transportation & Logistics
MITx MicroMasters Program in Supply Chain Management
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The most important skill for students today is relationship management. They need to learn to build relationships across companies and industries to keep supply chains moving.

Scott Grawe
Dean of the College of Business
Mississippi State University

In the era of big data and AI, a successful career in supply chain management requires not only traditional supply chain competencies but also technological skills that can be applied upon these fundamentals.

Skills in data analytics tools and platforms, such as Python, R, and SQL, as well as knowledge of AI and machine learning principles and their applications (in supply chain optimization, forecasting, routing, real-time decisions, etc.) are essential skills to have. The ability to analyze complex datasets, interpret data visualizations, and gain actionable insights is also a key skill.

Yue Wang
Assistant Professor of Systems and Industrial Engineering
The University of Arizona

Being able to analyze data and make informed decisions is crucial. The ability to identify problems quickly and devise solutions is essential, as supply chain management often involves overcoming logistical or operational challenges.

Effective communication and collaboration with vendors, customers, and team members are vital for smoothly managing the supply chain. This includes negotiation skills and the ability to work well in a team. Understanding project management principles and tools can help one oversee complex supply chains.

Julius Edwards, Ph.D.
Vice President of Business, Logistics and Supply Chain
Assistant Professor, Ivy Tech Community College

Digital fluency is paramount. As corporations digitally transform operations, they have access to significantly larger amounts of structured and unstructured data from customers, suppliers, internal processes, and the broader market.

Students who understand operational context to support impactful business decisions based on data and analytics are in great demand. Organizations seek individuals who can glean critical insights and ‘tell the story’ to persuade and influence others. This combination of hard and soft skills is a prerequisite for students seeking leadership roles in the supply chain.

Leonard Morrison
Manager, Professional Development, MIT SCM Master’s Program
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The skills needed still include a combination of hard and soft skills despite the advanced technologies being developed.

Hard skills are evolving due to advanced technologies. Data analytics is critical since data is being mined at an increasing rate and supply chain talent needs to extract that data and make decisions quickly.

Project management skills are also important as plans become more complex. SC talent still needs to manage; therefore communication and collaboration skills are needed along with the ability to drive decisions to action.

Joel Sutherland
Professor of Practice in Supply Chain Management
University of San Diego | Knauss School of Business

Building Supply Chain Skills

Supply chain educators craft programs that develop the needed skill sets as well as address the growing role of artificial intelligence.

We focus on developing the skills needed to manage the entire supply chain through coursework in the areas of procurement, operations, logistics, warehousing, transportation, quality management, project management, data analysis, and overall supply chain planning.

William Turnley
Head of Department of Management
Kansas State University

Artificial intelligence is the biggest technology disruption to impact the classroom since the widespread use of personal computers. We are currently using AI to facilitate student tasks including interview questions, topic paper outlines, and basic quantitative techniques.

We are also using AI to assist with some of the more technical consulting projects. Many of our students take data science courses that help them become more comfortable with applications and creative solutions using AI.

Chris Roethlein
Professor of Operations and
Supply Chain Management
Bryant University

Our program incorporates classes on the core functions of make (production or manufacturing), buy (procurement or purchasing), and move (transportation and logistics).

Software and models are used extensively in today’s complex global supply chains and for this reason we teach all of our supply chain classes in computer labs which enables us to practice what we preach and help students hit the ground running.

Dr. Ian M. Langella
Professor of Supply Chain Management
Shippensburg University

Our supply chain programs offer a comprehensive curriculum with practical projects, advanced research opportunities, and global perspectives. Programs emphasize technology proficiency, analytical skills, and ethical practices.

Students engage in hands-on learning through capstone projects and custom training—enhancing problem-solving, project management, and communication skills and preparing them to tackle modern challenges in the supply chain sector.

Chris Gaffney
Managing Director, Supply Chain and Logistics Institute
Georgia Institute of Technology

The soft skills are key. At NCSU, students work throughout the semester in small teams, culminating with a presentation of their key findings and recommendations at the end of the year to key executives at the sponsoring company.

These recommendations frequently provide real cost reduction and process-improvement benefits, and project sponsors gain working relationships with students and an inside track to future recruits.

Robert Handfield
Bank of America University Distinguished Professor of Supply Chain Management
NC State University

Change of Course(s)

IL asked supply chain educators to name the most significant change in course content since the pandemic. Most mentioned an increased emphasis on resilience and risk management.

Lean is no longer about having the least amount of inventory (which it never should have been anyway). Rather, lean is about having the ‘right’ amount of inventory. We’re incorporating more knowledge about supply chain disruptions. Students are much more aware of the impact of disruptions and the importance of taking a holistic perspective to supply chain management. Risk management is a much bigger topic.

Haozhe Chen
Walker Professor in Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Chair, Department of Supply Chain Management Ivy College of Business
Iowa State University

Resiliency and agility gained increased attention. We also have a heightened focus on advanced technology, sustainability, and risks, which were all pre-pandemic concerns that have been accentuated during and since. Geopolitical issues have also become more important to global supply chain network design.

Ted Stank
Co-executive Director, Global Supply Chain Institute
University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The pandemic accelerated the integration of digital technologies like AI, blockchain, and data analytics into courses. There’s a heightened emphasis on resilience, risk management, and contingency planning, with case studies analyzing pandemic-induced disruptions. Sustainability and ethical considerations also gained prominence, reflecting the pandemic’s impact on global trade and environmental awareness. Overall, the pandemic prompted an evolution towards more agile, tech-driven, and socially responsible supply chain education.

Steve Tracey
Professor of Practice, Supply Chain & Information Systems
Executive Director, The Center for Supply Chain Research
Smeal College of Business, Pennsylvania State University

The pandemic showed us the flaws and weaknesses in supply chains across the world. This moved us to enhance our training of our students with respect to building integrated systems that have internal efficiencies, trustworthy external partnerships, as well as strong contingency systems to compensate when supply chain failures occur.

Anthony Miyazaki
Professor in the Department of
Marketing and Logistics
Florida International University

Since the pandemic, supply chain management courses have further emphasized digital supply networks for agility, risk management for deeper supply chain tiers, and the integration of advanced analytics and automation to improve planning and adaptability. The focus has expanded to include the need for flexible structures that enhance resilience against various disruptions, ensuring operational continuity.

Brandon Savage
Advanced Instructor
Kansas State University

Career Opportunities

If given the chance to address young people, here’s what supply chain educators would tell them about a career in supply chain management.

Supply chain management is perhaps some of the most noble and important work in the world. The pandemic taught the whole world just how important the industry is.

More importantly, it taught those of us in the field just how critical it is to make it as resilient and comprehensive in capability as possible. The supply chain feeds the world. The supply chain clothes the work. The supply chain houses the world. If you are a person who wants to make the world a better place, this is the best career you can choose.

David Fisher
Executive Director
Transportation & Supply Chain Institute
University of Denver

Expect to work in a dynamic environment where no two days are the same. The tasks are challenging, and you will assume broad responsibilities early in your career.

Larry Giunipero
Professor of Supply Chain Management
Florida State University

When you look at the job opportunities for supply chain managers in the Department of Labor’s database, you will see it has a bright outlook. Drill down and you will also see that the technical skills and vitals we develop in students during their time in school are just what the industry is looking for.

Then look at the salary, which averages $98k. Finally, look at the job openings for people with a supply chain degree and you will be convinced it is the career field for you.

Tim O. Peterson
Department Chair, Transportation, Logistics, & Finance
North Dakota State University

It is a growing field with great opportunities and can be experienced locally, regionally, or globally. Opportunities for advancement are available for those who are continuous learners, who are creative, and who run to the fire.

The work is challenging and fast paced and intense but is also rewarding. There are great opportunities to experience different elements of supply chains in diverse industries. Long-term friendships and enduring relationships are built during supply chain careers.

Jack Buffington
Academic Director and Professor
University of Denver

SCM is a broad career that encompasses knowledge and skill sets from planning and analysis to manufacturing, warehousing, and transportation operations. My favorite line is that supply chain management is the part of the organization that gets things done. It creates form, time, and value. Every other part of the firm only supports operations. If they were the kid who always put the chain back on their friend’s bike when it fell off, they’re a supply chain manager.