Wayne State’s graduate supply chain program once again ranked among top 25 in the country
Wayne State University’s graduate programs in global supply chain management are once again among the nation’s top 25, according to Gartner, a leading industry research company that releases rankings every other year. Wayne State appeared in the rankings for the first time when they were last released in 2018.
Gartner’s 2020 Top 25 Supply Chain University Rankings highlight North American programs with the best curricula, real-world experience and industry reputations. Programs are ranked on program scope, industry value and program size, with data gathered through surveys and interviews of industry professionals and academics.
Offered through the Mike Ilitch School of Business, Wayne State’s global supply chain management programs prepare students with in-depth knowledge about global challenges and the critical links in the value chain of goods.
The M.B.A. concentration covers subjects such as strategic procurement, enterprise resource planning systems and quality management. Courses include ERP systems and business integration, the theory of constraints, supply chain decision tools, quality management, manufacturing planning and control, managing risks in automotive supply chains and more.
“I am thrilled for our program,” said John Taylor, department chair and associate professor. “We offer a comprehensive course offering our students, and it’s great that the growth of our program and the relationships we have built within the industry are being acknowledged.”
The Ilitch School also offers an executive master of science in automotive supply chain management in addition to the M.B.A. concentration in global supply chain management that has grown to roughly 150 students.
The executive master’s program provides students in automotive and related industries with the theoretical understanding and applied practical knowledge and skills to be well-informed, creative professionals who have leading-edge knowledge in managing complex manufacturing supply chains.
The curriculum is designed to address the specific needs of auto industry, covering finance, information systems, purchasing, production control, lean management, constraints management, sustainability, risk management, logistics, and quality control.
Through its partnerships and curriculum, the business school has established itself as a leader in global supply chain management. The annual General Motors-Wayne State University Supply Chain Case Competition draws teams from top universities across the country and around the world, including China, Taiwan, Brazil, Mexico and the Netherlands. The 2020 competition will mark its tenth year.
The department also partners with the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) on a certificate program for industry employees, as well as on research through the Global Automotive Purchasing and Supply Chain Partnership (GAPSCN). The team is currently undertaking a major research project on automotive sustainability practices.
To gain firsthand global experience, WSU supply chain students can choose to study abroad through unique, automotive-focused programs in China, Brazil and Europe. Due to COVID-19, these programs are being offered virtually for 2020.
In addition to its top-ranked M.B.A. program, the Ilitch School’s undergraduate degree program in global supply chain management is also among the best in the nation, coming in at #28 in the country for 2020, according to Gartner.
