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

From Our Alumni

Ronald Coleman

"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."

Ronald Coleman B'23, Supply Chain Associate for Nestle

Course Descriptions: Business Core

Required for all business students.

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

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

Required

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
Required

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
Required

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
Required

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
Required

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 474

Electives

Supply Chain Management majors need 9 credits of electives.

3 credits/ea.

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 375—Supply Chain Process Improvement
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

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.

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. 

To qualify, you are required to complete three designated courses that correspond with your program.

Supply Chain Management Majors
SCMG 385SCM 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?

Reach out to us!

William Spangler

Supply Chain Management Department Chair

William Spangler