Supply Chain Management
A supply chain is a network that produces and distributes goods to consumers or end users. It includes manufacturers, warehouses, distributors, and retailers. Supply Chain Management (SCM) coordinates processes via information systems and technology to manage the flow of precious resources while improving performance.
Our program focuses on the practical and analytical skills needed for process improvement and decision making. You will learn to view organizations holistically, understanding how all choices impact stakeholders throughout the supply chain.
View the Curriculum Guide.
Experiential Learning
You will utilize data visualization software like Tableau and gain expertise in purchasing, inventory, sales order management, production management, and financial transactions with SAP's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software.
The Center for Excellence in Supply Chain Management connects you with mentors and deepens your understanding of supply chain management through projects and competitions. The student-led Duquesne Supply Chain Council (DSCC) hosts the Supply Chain Connection, an annual networking event.
Career Opportunities
In our technologically advanced and interconnected world, the demand for supply chain professionals continues to grow. Graduates typically secure focused roles in supply chain management or information systems, which includes these areas: logistics, procurement and purchasing, distribution, process improvement, and operations.
Program Information
Students are exposed to a broad curriculum focusing on analytical and practical skills. This approach emphasizes the integration of supply chain activities and prepares students for careers in a variety of fields, whether in a small non-profit or large corporation.
Program Type
Major, Minor
Academic Department
Management and Supply Chain Management
Duration
4-year
Required Credit Hours
75
"The supply chain management knowledge I gained from the Palumbo-Donahue School
of Business has allowed me to feel very comfortable in my professional role. Within
a short timeframe, I have already experienced much of what I learned in college in
my new real-world setting."
Required for all business students. Required Supply Chain Management majors need 9 credits of electives. 3 credits/ea. Presented by the Center for Excellence in Supply Chain Management, and the Information
Systems Management and Supply Chain Management departments. Co-sponsored by SAP University
Alliance. To qualify, you are required to complete three designated courses that correspond
with your program. Reach out to us!From Our Alumni
Course Descriptions: Business Core
3 credits
This course provides insight into the role of Operations and Supply Chain Management
(SCM) in linking the functions and business entities responsible for the exchange
of goods, services and information to complete the business transaction from supplier's
supplier to customer's customer. The course focuses on managing the flow of materials,
goods, services, information and cash via the processes, technologies, and facilities
that link primary supplier through to ultimate customers. Attention is given to such
managerial concepts as forecasting, production planning, materials planning, purchasing
and supplier management, production - manufacturing and services, transportation,
inventory management, warehousing, packaging, materials handling, quality and lean
management and customer service. Recognition is also given to important interrelationships
between supply chain management, marketing, and financial management with discussion
of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP) and Materials Requirement Planning (MRP).
Interdisciplinary managerial concepts are presented to show how integration of the
supply chain processes offers great potential for improving corporate profitability
and return on investment. The course has numerous exercises to reinforce class content
and supplement lectures.Course Descriptions: Required
3 credits
Having in place effective and efficient process improvement techniques can be a source
of competitive advantage for firms. In this course, we will cover different techniques
and tools that firms can use to become better problem solvers and to continuously
improve their operations and supply chains by following the methodology of Lean and
Six Sigma. By the end of the course, students will be able to understand the usefulness
of Lean and Six Sigma tools and methods, be able to select the tools that will work
most efficiently to solve problems, and be able to effectively implement them in the
workplace.
Prerequisite: SCMG 267
3 credits
This course will review the major SCM strategic, tactical, and operational information
systems and technologies utilized by industry leaders to integrate SCM operations
and enhance collaboration within and across enterprises. Through lectures and case
studies, the course provides a review of basic information systems concepts, followed
by the application of these concepts to the functions of SCM. The course will also
provide students with hands-on experience using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
software as well as data analysis and visualization software. The course prepares
students to take certification exams in Microsoft Excel and Tableau, and it counts
towards the SAP student achievement award.
Prerequisite: SCMG 267
3 credits
Transportation and logistics are the elements of supply chain management by which
materials are stored and moved from points of origin to production and products are
stored and moved from points of production to consumption. This course will examine
warehouse operations and distribution techniques as well as the major modes of transportation,
their respective capabilities and limitations, business models, and management practices.
The course will also examine the role of government in the domestic and international
transportation industry.
Prerequisite: SCMG 267
3 credits
This is an introductory course on the principles of strategic sourcing and supply
management. Topics covered include the profit-generating potential of supply management,
the role of sourcing in quality management, the price versus cost distinction, supplier
selection and evaluation, value analysis, strategic sourcing activities, and ethics
in procurement. Students will also examine negotiation strategies and the request
for quotation process along with using SAP to manage the sourcing process.
Prerequisites: SCMG 375 and MKTG 271
3 credits
Forecasting, production planning, and inventory management are central to the success
of any firm. The main focus of the course will be on understanding how tools and techniques
in these areas apply in a supply chain and how they can aid a manager in supply chain
decision making to achieve a competitive advantage. Students will apply time-series
and regression methods to produce forecasts, and they will learn how to make material
and finished-goods inventory decisions in single- and multiple-period decision environments.
Specific attention will be given to the precedence and dependence relations between
hierarchical decisions within the manufacturing planning and control process.
Prerequisite: SCMG 375
3 credits
Strategic Supply Chain Management is the capstone course in the Supply Chain Management
(SCM) major. This course will focus on applying knowledge from previous courses to
understand the impact of effective SCM on the organization's productivity and competitiveness.
Students will explore the links between overall business strategy and supply chain
strategy, and will develop an in depth understanding of the principles of supply chain
strategy. Several simulations will be utilized to provide hands-on experience with
the challenges of SCM, including a competitive game in which student teams manage
a simulated business using an Enterprise Resource Planning system.
Prerequisites: SCMG 375, SCMG 385, SCMG 472, and SCMG 474Electives
BLAW 353—Contracts
BLAW 354—Commercial Transactions
IBUS 345—International Negotiation
MKTG 472—Digital Marketing
MKTG 473W—Sales Management
MKTG 476—Product Innovation
ISYS 381W—Systems Analysis and Design
ISYS 382—Data and Information Management
ISYS 483—Enterprise Systems
Supply Chain Management Minor
SCMG 385—SCM Information Systems and Technology
And two (2) of the following:
SCMG 472—Strategic Supply Chain Management
SCMG 474—Supply Management Purchasing
SCMG 480—Forecasting, Production and Inventory Planning
SAP Student Recognition Award
Gain experience in purchasing, inventory, sales order management, production management,
and financial transactions with SAP's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software.
As the industry gold standard, SAP's ERP software is used by the majority of Fortune
500 companies.
To earn the award, you will compete against your peers, utilizing SAP to perform a
business simulation to deepen your understanding of operations.
Supply Chain Management Majors
SCMG 385—SCM Information Systems and Technology
SCMG 469—Strategic Supply Chain Management
ISYS 483—Enterprise Systems
Information Systems and Technology Majors
SCMG 385—SCM Information Systems and Technology
ISYS 483—Enterprise Systems
ISYS 484—Business Intelligence
Supply Chain Management Master's Students
SCMG 612—Introduction to SCM Information Systems
SCMG 639—Strategic Supply Chain Management
ISYS 483—Enterprise Systems
For more information, contact John Russo, Associate Director of the Center for Excellence in Supply Chain Management, or your
Student Success Coach. Questions?
Kathryn Marley