Change of COURSE(s) IL asked supply chain educators to name the most significant change in course content since the pandemic. Most mentioned an increased emphasis on resilience and risk management.
“ The pandemic accelerated the integration of digital technologies like AI, blockchain, and data analytics into courses. There’s a heightened emphasis on resilience, risk management, and contingency planning, with case studies analyzing pandemic- induced disruptions. Sustainability and ethical considerations also gained prominence, reflecting the pandemic’s impact on global trade and environmental awareness. Overall, the pandemic prompted an evolution towards more agile, tech-driven, and socially responsible supply chain education.”
“ Lean is no longer about having the least amount of inventory (which it never should have been anyway). Rather, lean is about having the ‘right’ amount of inventory. We’re incorporating more knowledge about supply chain disruptions. Students are much more aware of the impact of disruptions and the importance of taking a holistic perspective to supply chain management. Risk management is a much bigger topic. ” HAOZHE CHEN WALKER PROFESSOR IN LOGISTICS & SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT CHAIR, DEPARTMENT OF SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT IVY COLLEGE OF BUSINESS IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY “ The pandemic showed us the flaws and weaknesses in supply chains across the world. This moved us to enhance our training of our students with respect to building integrated systems that have internal efficiencies, trustworthy external partnerships, as well as strong contingency systems to compensate when supply chain failures occur. ” ANTHONY MIYAZAKI PROFESSOR IN THE DEPARTMENT OF MARKETING AND LOGISTICS FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
“ Resiliency and agility gained increased attention. We also have a heightened focus on advanced technology, sustainability, and risks, which were all pre- pandemic concerns that have been accentuated during and since. Geopolitical issues have also become more important to global supply chain network design. ” TED STANK CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN INSTITUTE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE, KNOXVILLE
STEVE TRACEY PROFESSOR OF PRACTICE, SUPPLY CHAIN & INFORMATION SYSTEMS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE CENTER FOR SUPPLY CHAIN RESEARCH SMEAL COLLEGE OF BUSINESS, PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
“ Since the pandemic, supply chain management courses have further emphasized digital supply networks for agility, risk management for deeper supply chain tiers, and the integration of advanced analytics and automation to improve planning and adaptability. The focus has expanded to include the need for flexible structures that enhance resilience against various disruptions, ensuring operational continuity. ”
BRANDON SAVAGE ADVANCED INSTRUCTOR KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
70 Inbound Logistics • June 2024
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