In basic terms, supply management is the networking of all the different legs of businesses that work together to achieve a final product made by one business or several businesses. The different areas that supply chain management focus on the marketing, the production, as well as the distribution of goods to the customers. here are many aspects of supply management that are very beneficial to the growth of a business, but there are many areas that should be considered before jumping in without a plan or a real concept of what supply chain management will involve.
Typical supply chain management duties include planning and policymaking, motivation, evaluation, product development, inventory control, product design and development, contract development and forecasting.
Supply chain management degree emphasizes each of the fundamental objectives of supply chain management, such as providing an uninterrupted flow of materials, supplies and services required to operate the organization, minimizing inventory investment and loss, maintaining and improving quality, creating relationships with competent suppliers, setting standards for supplies, procuring supplies and services at lowest cost, achieving harmonious, productive working relationships with other departments, minimizing purchasing administrative costs, and improving the organization's competitive position.
Typical supply chain management courses include legal aspects of purchasing, performance measurements, new technology/software, supplier evaluation, electronic commerce, negotiations, strategic alliances, relationship management, cost/price analysis, contract development, strategic planning, team building, logistics, economic forecasting, inventory control, contract management, transportation and traffic, distribution, and benchmarking.
Typical supply chain management specializations include warehousing, benchmarking, e-commerce, recycling, technology, and customer relations. Supply chain management degree graduates find work in every industry, including manufacturing, service, governmental, educational and retail. Typical supply chain management careers include buyer, contract negotiator, inventory manager, import/export goods manager, transportation manager, supplier relations specialist, supplier selection officer, and operations manager.