The field of supply chain management (SCM) oversees and connects the production, transportation and delivery of goods and products across industries. It focuses on optimizing efficiency and reducing costs for organizations through procurement, goods and material production, inventory management, logistics and warehousing.
Supply chain management plays a critical role in global business operations and an organization’s overall success. The online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) in Global Supply Chain Management program from Northern Kentucky University enables professionals to develop their logistics and leadership expertise while pursuing a career in this dynamic field.
What Is Supply Chain Management?
Supply chain management is the coordination of goods, services and information across organizations. This vital process involves tasks like supply chain planning, sourcing and distribution. It may include raw materials or finished products, which are then distributed and sold by a company. According to the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), SCM plays a critical role in economies worldwide.
Not only does supply chain management ensure that products move efficiently from supplier to consumer, but it also streamlines the process to cut costs while enhancing the customer experience. Graduates in this field must develop strong analytical and management skills. Successful leaders in SCM understand how to forecast demand, manage inventory and handle the physical and informational flow of goods.
Understanding Supply Chain Planning
Supply chain planning is the process of forecasting demand to meet production and inventory goals, as well as customer needs, ensuring that products are delivered efficiently. This component of supply chain management is vital because it helps balance supply and demand while reducing costs through optimized inventory sourcing. It also enhances customer satisfaction by ensuring that an organization’s products are available and delivered on time.
In logistics leadership, supply chain planning involves managing the relationship between suppliers and an organization’s logistics operations. This process requires a strong understanding of business data analytics and its relationship to the supply chain process. A variety of specific supply chain planning tools are utilized to enable supply chain managers to make informed, data-driven decisions.
Essential Skills for Supply Chain Leaders
According to the World Economic Forum, supply chain management requires strong leaders now more than ever, particularly in the post-pandemic world, which has highlighted the crucial need for reliable global supply chain operations. Essential skills that successful supply chain leaders possess include strategic thinking and process optimization. They must also possess strong communication and collaboration skills that can be applied across different teams and departments.
A strong supply chain leader understands how to use analytical problem-solving to make well-informed decisions. Leaders should be highly adaptable to navigate supply disruptions and know how to handle a wide range of supply-related challenges while building supply chain resilience. Knowledge of the use and integration of supply chain technology and supply chain management software is another essential skill in this field.
Career Opportunities in Supply Chain Management
Graduates of NKU’s B.S.B.A. in Global Supply Chain Management have the knowledge and tools to pursue a variety of roles, including roles in logistics coordination (logistics manager or transportation manager), procurement (purchasing manager or buyer) and operations management (supply chain manager or storage and distribution manager). Opportunities for roles are available in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, retail, healthcare and technology.
The demand for supply chain professionals with leadership ability is growing, largely due to supply chain disruptions experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for logisticians is projected to grow approximately 17% through 2034, with an average of about 26,400 job openings each year for this role alone. Graduates with data and planning expertise have a competitive advantage that opens the door to a wide range of exciting career opportunities.
Level-Up Your Supply Chain Skills
With a B.S.B.A. in Global Supply Chain Management from NKU, you’ll expand your horizons and gain access to a variety of unique career opportunities and benefits, including a higher salary and more room for growth. Through hands-on coursework and industry-focused projects, you’ll learn to optimize operations, manage logistics networks and solve the complex challenges organizations face every day. This online program at NKU is flexible and affordable, allowing you to pursue your degree at your own pace.
If you’d like to learn more details about this unique program, explore the rest of our website. Take the first step and apply online to begin your journey toward a career in supply chain management.
