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Name: Tariq Almayman
Class: ENG 302
Date 10/30/2015
Professor: Adam Webb
Supply Chain Management
Supply chain management is a field where one is in charge of and manages the flow of
goods and services from the point of origin, to the consumer. There are many ways that a supply
chain manager can operate, this is within that of raw materials, transportation of the materials,
manufacturing of the product, and the product to the consumer market.There is a use for supply
chain management in almost every type of business, particularly those that require the creation of
a product from raw materials. An individual who is interested in supply chain management
would have to research what it takes to get a degree. Most of the time, the degree for this field
would fall under segments, or levels that one could obtain depending on what level they what to
work at. Most of the time one would obtain a bachelor degree in supply chain management from
an accredited university, like Arizona State University, but they could also get a masters, or an
associate's degree in the field. A bachelor's degree would be the most useful for the field. In the
article “Should I Earn A Supply Chain Management Degree?”, it states, “A bachelor's degree
program with a specialization in supply chain management consists of general education courses
in addition to courses that focus exclusively on logistics and supply chain management.
Although accelerated and part-time programs are available, most bachelor's programs take
approximately four years to complete.” (Schweitzer, 2015). A bachelor's degree can secure one a
job in an entry level supply chain management position, or even one in a supervisory position.
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This degree would mainly focus on logistics and supply chain management, but the student
would also have to take general education courses to supplement the supply chain management
courses and round out their education. If one is wanting to exclusively start in entry level
position, they could obtain an associate's degree in supply chain management. In the article
Schweitzer states, “An associate's degree is sufficient for many entry-level supply chain
management and logistician positions. However, a bachelor's degree is becoming a more
common requirement, especially for more advanced positions.” (Schweitzer, 2015). An
associates degree would be good for an entry level position, but if they want to have a more
advanced position, they should obtain a bachelor degree. This is also becoming more of a
prerequisite for a job in supply chain management. If one is looking to starting a leadership
career in supply chain management, then they would be better off working on their MBA in
supply chain management. Sometimes an individual seeking a job in supply chain management
could find an internship with a business with a supply chain management department. This
would be a good way for one to learn how to work in the field and build leadership skills and
work on all of the skills needed to be successful in the field.
Skills that an applicant in supply chain management would need would be good business
skills, technically oriented, have systems thinking, and be globally oriented. (Dittmann, 2012).
Going into any type of business that deals with the consumer, or organization, they would want
to have good business skills. In the article “Skills and Competencies That Supply Chain
Professionals Will Need”, Paul Dittmann states, “Supply chain leaders must be able to speak the
language of senior executives as easily as they can talk about fleet-truck efficiencies or demand
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forecasting.” (Dittmann, 2012). No matter what their level, an applicant will need to understand
all of the business lexicon, and the basic function of supply chain managing. If the applicant does
not have these skills, they will not make it as far as someone who would. Technical skills are
also very important. Technology has become a big part of the supply chain management, and it is
one of the many skills and applicant would need to successful. In the article Dittmann states, “He
or she should have dealt with the challenges of technology selection, implementation and
application, and be alert to the next-generation of technology tools, as well as being wise to the
implementation challenges inherent in the complexity of today’s supply chain software
solutions.” (Dittmann, 2012). Technology is needed in almost every aspect of supply chain
management. The applicant would also need to be globally oriented, and a system thinker. Both
of these concepts and skills are also important to being a successful in obtaining a job in supply
chain management.
When an applicant is looking to apply to a job for supply chain management, they should
always remember to give all the information that is applicable to job, and nothing more. When
one is extraneous in their application or resume, the employer will overlook them for the job. In
the interview, one should dress professionally and answer all of the questions that the interviewer
asks. They should also demonstrate their knowledge of supply chain management when the
opportunity arises. Salary will also be discusses here. Salary will depend on the level of job that
one is applying for. For most they will be entry level, and be around twenty dollars and hour, and
in most cases the employer will offer around this range.
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Reference
Dittman, P. (2012). Skills and competencies that supply chain professionals will need. Supply
Chain Summit. http://www.scmr.com/article/skills_and_competencies_
that_supply_chain_professionals_will_need/
Schweitzer, K. (2015). Should I earn a degree in supply chain management. About Education.
http://businessmajors.about.com/od/degreeoptions/a/Should-I-Earn-A-SupplyChain-Management-Degree.htm