What is Supply Chain Management?

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Supply chain management comprises the complete component production process. This covers both tangible things and operations. However, the precise significance of SCM differs based on the firm. While the essential aspects of the supply chain are usually the same, the specific procedures may differ according to the firm. Nonetheless, it encompasses all of the processes between purchasing the initial supplies and delivering them as part of a client contract. Supply chain management (SCM) aims to track and analyze information, resources, and product transfer. SCM is often limited to a specific good or operation.

Supply chain management Definition: The coordination and control of numerous operations involved in the manufacturing, distributing, and delivering products or services from their point of origin to the end user is referred to as supply chain management. This includes everything from acquiring raw materials for a product to distributing the finished product right to the client.

Popular Supply chain management Courses

 Students must select a course based on a certain area in order to become skilled in that discipline. If the student's concentration is managing inventory, he or she should take a course on the specifics of inventory management. Similarly, supply chain management degrees are varied for different individuals. Each course is divided into three levels: basic, intermediate, and professional.

Level Course Name Duration
Beginner Level    
  Supply chain management specialisation 3 to 6 months
  Supply chain analytics 3-6 months
  Supply chain logistics 1-4 weeks
  Global procurement and sourcing 1-4 weeks
  Supply chain operations 1-4 weeks
  Effective inventory management and optimisation 1-4 weeks
  Supply chain planning 1-4 weeks
Intermediate Level    
  Supply chain excellence 3-4 months
  Inventory management 1-3 weeks
  Supply chain planning 1-3 weeks
  Leverage data science for a more agile supply chain 1-3 weeks
  Supply chain finance and blockchain technology 2-3 weeks
  Inventory analytics with Excel 1-3 weeks
  Supply chain finance market and ecosystems 1-3 weeks
Advance levels    
  Supply chain principles 1-3 weeks
  Global master certificate in integrated supply chain management 6 months
  Leadership and Management in New Age Business 1-3 weeks

Best Universities for Supply Chain Management

Many universities and business schools globally provide essential courses in SCM. To name a few universities providing supply chain management degrees

Ser No University Name Courses offered Place Global Score and Ranking
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Masters in Supply chain management
  • Ph.D. in specialised areas of Supply Chain Management
Massachusetts 95.2; #1
2. Vienna University of Economics and Business
  • MSc in Supply Chain Management 
Vienna, Austria 88.9; #2
3. Ross School of Business
  • Bachelor in Supply chain Management
  • Masters in supply chain management
  • Ph.D. in specialised areas of Supply Chain Management
Michigan, United States 88.4;  #3
4. Erasmus University Rotterdam
  • MSc in Supply Chain Management
Rotterdam, Netherlands 82.4;  #4
5.  Marshall School of Business
  • MSc in Global Supply Chain Management Program
Los Angeles, United States 74.8;  #5
6. Alliance Manchester Business School
  • MSc Operations, Project, and Supply Chain Management
Manchester, United States 72.4;  #6
7.  Trinity College Dublin
  • Masters in Supply Chain Management
Dublin, Ireland 71.4;  #7
8. POLIMI Graduate School of Management
  • Masters in Supply Chain Management
  • MBA in Supply chain management
Politecnico di Milano 70.2; #8
9.  University of Washington Foster School of Business
  • Masters in Supply Chain Management
Seattle, United States 69.4;  #9
10.  The Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr School of Business
  • MS Global Supply Chain Management
West Lafayette, United States 67.9;  #10

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scope of supply chain management?

The supply chains go from the consumer's demand to the production end of the company. However, the basic supply chain operations generally pertain to enterprise-controlled demand and supply management procedures.

Thus, the scope of supply chain management extends from procuring raw materials to delivering finished goods.

  • Procurement
  • Production planning
  • Inventory management
  • Logistics and distribution
  • Returns management

The scope of SCM is broad and includes a wide range of activities, each of which contributes considerably to a company's operations.

Is supply chain management easy to study?

Supply chain management requires various technical, commercial, and quantitative abilities. Some of the technical skills developed during the process include expertise in transportation, shipping, and delivery systems and an understanding of supply chain tools and programs. Hence, it requires a comprehensive study. Acknowledging the content of a supply chain management degree is easy, and grasping the curriculum is not difficult. It just requires utmost dedication, fair knowledge, and analytical ability.

Which is the best country to pursue supply chain management courses?

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is considered to be the best in supply chain management courses. Their master's in supply chain management course offers a highly ranked and recognised course. Focusing on immediate relevance and cutting-edge MBA coursework, their course provides an innovative and integrated curriculum across major nations.

Which subject is best for supply chain management?

For supply chain management, the best subjects are accounting, marketing, hospitality, information technology and management.

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