Delivering the Right Products at the Right Time: New Master’s in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
City manager, US. Air Force supply systems analyst, vice president of merchandising, logistics manager: the first peer cohort group enrolled in the Raj Soin College of Business’s new Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Management Program comprises an eclectic mix of professionals representing a diverse range of businesses and government agencies. Yet, all are faced with the challenge of seeing that their organization’s products and services are delivered to the right place at the right time for the least cost.
Launched last January, the program is designed for working professionals responsible for navigating the dynamic and often volatile waters of supply chain and logistics management.
“Nash Finch is above all else, a distribution company, and our ability to continue to grow will require greater understandings of new supply chain and technology opportunities,” said Bob Dernbach, vice president, nonperishable procurement, merchandising, and marketing, for Nash Finch. “This MBA program offers me the opportunity, at a critical time for our company, to develop additional skills and knowledge of supply chain and information systems. In fact, after two months into the program, I made three organizational changes that reduce expense and supply chain costs.”
Jo-Ann Tudor, supply systems analyst for the Air Force Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, added that not only does the program offer current-edge logistics and supply chain management concepts that she can apply immediately in her career, it also provides valuable networking opportunities. “I am able to network with nationally recognized subject matter experts, consultants, and peers from government and industry,” she said. “This program meets all of my personal requirements for an effective advanced degree program.”
A unique aspect of the one-year, 48-hour credit program is its blend of five intensive weekend residencies with four e-learning segments.
“I’ve been looking for an online logistics and supply chain program from an accredited school that would help me contribute to my company’s bottom line,” added Greg Zickafoose, lead research technician, MeadWestvaco Research. “There are only five weekend residencies, the rest of the course I can complete at my own convenience, around my busy schedule.”
The in-residence component includes case studies, leadership lectures, breakout sessions, and simulation assignments. The e-learning segments includes interactive cases, pedagogical discussions, and proprietary teaching materials built by global subject matter experts.
“This is one of only a few in the nation that focuses on logistics and supply chain management in this type of blended education arrangement,” explained Vikram Sethi, chair of the college’s Department of Information Systems and Operations Management, which houses the program.
The course’s relavency to real world problems is summed up in a final eight-hour capstone project designed for each student by his or her sponsoring organization. At the end, the student makes a presentation to a panel of industry leaders and sponsoring organizations.
According to Charles Walsh, president of the Wright Center for Innovation for Advanced Data Management and Analysis, the program is destined to infuse “new economy” realities into “old economy” challenges.
“The Master of Science in logistics and supply chain management is the right answer for the changing times and competitive landscape,” said Walsh. “As a result of addressing real world challenges facing the professionals enrolled in this program and the companies that employ them, a demand for new processes and technological capabilities will emerge. The benefits will be realized immediately by the region and the state.”
In fact, the innovative program is an example of the college’s strong partnerships with business that spurs curriculum development to meet current and evolving needs, said JP Nauseef, president and CEO, Dayton Development Coalition and a member of the college’s ISOM Advisory Board.
“Wright State and the Raj Soin College of Business continue to build programs that prepare our region’s professionals to compete in global markets,” said Nauseef. “In addition, the new program in Supply Chain Management has added significance for the Dayton region as it draws upon the region’s existing industry strengths in logistics and related businesses.”
A $50,000 commitment from the NFC Foundation, the endowment arm of the Nash Finch Company headquartered in Minneapolis, assisted in the development of the one-year program through consultation on curriculum development.
“We are particularly pleased to support the M.S. in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Program at the Raj Soin College of Business,” said Nash Finch CEO Ron Marshall, a Wright State graduate from the Raj Soin College of Business and a member of the Wright State University Foundation Board of Trustees. “The program focuses on developing strategies that increase efficiency, streamline operations, and enhance productivity of supply chains—values that we share at the Nash Finch Company.”
First peer cohort group--Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Management Program
From left, back: Jay Barber, WPAFB; Michael Embree, WPAFB; Mary Johnson, WPAFB; Sarah Miller, Nash Finch Co.; Keely Done, WPAFB; Jo-Ann Tudor, WPAFB; Ann Wimberly, U.S. Air Force; Evan Metyk, Supervalu; Michael Werneke, WPAFB; Chad Bruggeman, Bekins Logistics; Bill Bradley; Amy Luke, International Truck and Engine Corp.; Bob Dernbach, Nash Finch Co.; Tammy Hoskins, Enterprise Data Management; Frank Washburn, LOGTEC, Inc.;
From left, front: Peter Hager, City of Dayton; Robert Blakey, WPAFB; Richard Horner, WPAFB; Troy Kaper, UGS Corp.; David Wiley, WPAFB; Rick Amos, LOGTEC, Inc.; Jim Mehrl, LuK Automotive Systems; Christian Keller, WPAFB; and Greg Zickafoose, MeadWestwaco Research.
|
|