Department of Supply Chain Management
W. P. Carey School of Business
P.O. Box 874706

Tempe, AZ 85287-4706
Phone: 480-965-6044
Fax: 480-965-8629
Email:wpcarey.scm@asu.edu

Supply Chain Management >> Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Supply Chain Management?

Supply Chain Management is the management of resources to design, procure, fabricate, produce, assemble, store, distribute, use, maintain, recycle, and dispose of goods and services. A "supply chain" consists of interconnected components required to transform ideas into delivered products and services. Supply Chain Management is a business approach that focuses on integration, and partnerships, in order to meet customers' needs on a timely basis, with relevant and high quality products, produced and delivered in a cost effective manner. Current interest in supply chain management stems from the need of world-class organizations to purchase, produce, move, and market goods and services on a global basis. Relentless focus on time, cost and quality have sharpened the need to coordinate and cooperate with business partners around the world in order to meet and exceed customers' needs and wants.

What classes are required for SCM majors?

SCM 345	Traffic and Logistics Management Managing logistics activities with emphasis on integrating transportation needs with inventory, warehousing facility location, customer service, packaging, and materials handling. (You must take SCM 345 before SCM 479.)
SCM 355	Purchasing and Supply Management Management of the purchasing function, including organization, procedures, supplier selection, quality, inventory decisions, and price determination. (You must take SCM 355 before SCM 479.)
SCM 432	Materials Management Study of managing the productive flow of materials in organizations, including MRPII, JIT, quality, facility planning, and job design. Prerequisite: OPM 301 (You must take SCM 432 before SCM 479.)
SCM 440	Productivity and Quality Productivity concepts at the national, organizational, and individual levels. Quality management and its relationship to productivity in all organizations is examined.
SCM 455	Research and Negotiation Current philosophy, methods, and techniques used to conduct both strategic and operations purchasing research and negotiation. Includes negotiation simulations. Prerequisite: SCM 355.
SCM 479	Purchasing and Logistics Strategy Synthesis of purchasing, production, transportation to provide a systems perspective of materials management. Development of strategies. Prerequisites: SCM 345; 355; 432; professional program business student.

What skills are recruiters looking for in SCM majors?

Problem-solving	Strategic thinker -- can see the big picture
Analytical skills - financial especially	Communication skills: oral, written, and interpersonal
Ability to work in a team	Computer skills: spreadsheets, statistical packages, database management, word processing, Internet familiarity, presentation packages
Process-oriented	Evidence of leadership ability

What General Studies and elective courses should I take?

When choosing General Studies and elective courses, think about the skills that recruiters are looking for and how the course will round out your education in your chosen area of study. For example, if you are interested in living and working in another country, focus on courses that relate to the language, history, culture, art, and politics of that country or region. The following electives are recommended:

ACC 315 Financial Accounting/ Reporting	MGT 459 International Management
ACC 316 Management Uses of Accounting	MKT 310 Principles of Selling
ASB 400 Cultural Factors in International Business	MKT 434 Industrial Marketing
COM 230 Small Group Communication	PGS 304 Effective Thinking
COM 259 Communication in Business	PGS 458 Group Dynamics
COM 263 Elements of Intercultural Communication	PHI 103 Principles of Sound Reasoning
ECN 306 Survey of International Economics	PHI 306 Applied Ethics
EDP 310 Educational Psychology (Modules on Group Social Learning; Moral Intelligence, Ethics and Learning; Motivation and Learning)	POS 260 Current Issues in International Politics
ENG 301 Writing for the Professions	SCM 463 Global Supply Chain Management
MGT 311 Human Resource Management	SOC 422 Sociology of Complex Organizations
MGT 423 Employee/ Management Relations

Does it help to have the Certificate in International Business?

YES! Companies look for markets and sources of supply all over the world. If you are fluent in another language, understand another culture, etc. it will be seen as a plus to a company doing business internationally. If you are interested in living and working abroad or simply traveling internationally as part of the job, this certificate may help. For more information, contact Dr. Josef Brada, (480) 965-6524, or Brennan Forss, (480) 965-0295.

What kinds of jobs (and salaries) are available for SCM majors?

SCM majors are prepared for entry level positions in purchasing or logistics such as a buyer, purchasing analyst, inventory control or traffic analyst with a career track to the vice president of procurement, operations, or logistics. Firms from around the country and in all sectors of the economy, public and private, manufacturing, service, health care, retail, etc. recruit SCM graduates. Frequent recruiters include Motorola, Intel, Honeywell, Hewlett-Packard, Boeing, Tektronix, Applied Materials, Dillards, and General Mills. Starting salaries range from $23,500 - $58,500, with and average of about $39,500. Check with Career Services for more information.

Listed below are brief descriptions of a few of the typical entry level positions:

Planner or Analyst
Uses analytical and quantitative methods to understand, predict, and enhance supply chain processes. Responsible for assembling data, analyzing performance, identifying problems, and developing recommendations which support the management of a supply chain.

Buyer
Works with internal customers (marketing, production, operations, etc.) and external suppliers to efficiently and effectively manage the purchasing process for the goods and services needed by the company. Responsible for identifying sources of supply, evaluating and selecting suppliers, negotiating contracts, and managing relationships with suppliers.

Inventory Specialist
Develops and implements plans to optimize inventory cost and customer service goals. Responsible for inventory quality and accuracy, coordinates physical inventory process and cycle counts, monitors inventory flow through the system, and works on stock location and order picking strategies to optimize work flow, space utilization, and labor productivity in distribution facilities.

Materials Planner, Materials Analyst
Manages raw materials and/or components needed for manufacturing. Responsible for inbound inventory levels. Coordinates with purchasing, manufacturing and supplier to ensure reliable, cost efficient delivery of the raw materials to the production line. May be responsible for receiving, warehousing, scheduling, and inbound transportation.

Transportation Coordinator, Traffic Analyst
Evaluates, selects, and manages transportation carriers for inbound goods. Manages relationships with carriers and internal customers to ensure the timely delivery of goods.

Production Coordinator, Scheduler, Operations Planner/ Analyst
Uses scheduling and forecasting abilities, knowledge of statistical process control, and interpersonal skills. Responsible for coordinating daily production schedules and forecasting future production needs.

How do I find a full-time job, internship, or co-op position?

The best way is to work closely with Career Services. Peak recruiting season is October and February. Students should register with Career Services and get their resumes on-line. Students must be registered with Career Services to be eligible for on-campus interviews. Go to Career Services (3rd Floor, Student Services Building) for orientation, and workshops on writing resumes and cover letters, interviewing skills, mock interviews (videotaped and critiqued), etc. Many companies do not interview on campus, but they do get resumes from Career Services and contact students directly. You may register with Career Services or update your resume anytime during the year. Check out the Career Services web page and view the recruiting schedule. In addition, every Spring the Council of Logistics Management publishes a list of internship opportunities in Logistics. This list is in the black binder on the front counter in BA 446. Students should contact these companies directly.

Are there any student professional organizations on campus?

The Supply Chain Management Association (SCMA) allows students interested in Supply Chain Management to become involved in the W.P. Carey School of Business at a professional level, gain a practical understanding of major topics within supply chain, and provides networking opportunities with professionals in the field.

There are a number of benefits to becoming a member including:

Exclusive access to SCMA's semi-annual career mixer which provides internship, job, and networking opportunities
Presentations by company representatives who can provide insight into real world challenges and supply chain applications
Social and community service activities to get to know other supply chain majors
On-site corporate tours to see supply chain in action and expand knowledge outside of the classroom
Career development, including resume and interview skill building workshops
An invitation to attend a National Association of Purchasing Managers (NAPM-AZ) chapter meeting

For more details on the organization and how to become involved, look for our booth during Rush Week which takes place each semester on the dean's patio. Until then, feel free to browse our website at asuscma.org, and feel free to contact an officer with any questions by e-mailing, asu_scma@yahoo.com.