Supply chain management degree course among best in world
Aston University is currently ranked in the top 100 universities for supply chain talent across the globe – and is aiming to hold on to its position in the latest poll to determine the future of supply chain.
A survey by SCM World among graduates of supply chain degree courses and practitioners in the industry concludes at this month, with the results being published as the SCM World University 100 report as part of its comprehensive Future of Supply Chain study.
Aston University introduced its acclaimed MSc programme for supply chain management in 2008 and its graduates have gone on to work for industrial and commercial giants such as Nissan, Alstrom Power and Singapore Airlines Cargo as well as with the Royal Air Force and Royal Mail.
Professor Ben Clegg, Professor of Operations Management, Aston Business School, said: “Aston University’s MSc programme for supply chain management is both distinctive and different because it is jointly delivered by the engineering and business schools. This means our students receive a much broader knowledge from academics that work closely with business and industry.
“Aston Business School also has the enviable distinction of being among just one per cent of business schools worldwide with accreditation from three of the largest and most prestigious business school associations – namely the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (ASCSB), the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS).
Professor Ed Sweeney, Professor of Logistics and Director of Aston Logistics and Systems Institute, added: “In addition to the triple crown, our course is professionally recognised and accredited by both the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).This gives graduates of our programme a real edge over graduates from courses that lack this wealth of accreditation from the leading associations in the field.”
He explained that the programme had been developed in collaboration with industry and had a strong international content to ensure it could respond to current business requirements, thus enhancing graduates’ global employability. Students also study a wide range of specialist areas including purchasing, contracts, optimisation, relationships and partnering.
Student Joshua Dunning, said: “The MSc Supply Chain Management course at Aston is engaging, motivating and challenging and fundamentally relevant to industry. The depth of knowledge gained from the multi-school teaching approach is highly beneficial and the knowledge of teaching staff allows content to be easily digested. I have been extremely successful in graduate scheme applications and have had offers from large companies. I believe the course content has strengthened my performance throughout these applications.”
Graduate Alba Rodriguez said: “I have had the opportunity to carry out real-life projects supported by an outstanding enterprise network. As well as gaining a profound knowledge of procurement, inventory planning, transportation and strategic management; this MSc is also recognised by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply. I have been very successful in the job market, as the qualifications are extremely industry-relevant. “
Graduate Ashok Sureshkumar Kalavathi, added: “The course is well structured and covers in detail all the components of the supply chain. I particularly liked how welcoming each module’s professors were, having industry-related case studies and in-depth research. There were also guest speakers from different leading companies, field trips and industrial visits, including to Jaguar Land Rover in Solihull. The accreditation also gives opportunity to be a member of CMI, CIPS and CILT, which in turn offers an important opportunity to network with professionals within the industry.”
SCM’s annual survey aims to gauge what hiring professionals think about the preparation universities provide to young people entering supply chain management. In the 2016 poll, Aston University was ranked 91 worldwide and among just a handful of UK universities to make the top 100.
All graduates of university supply chain degree courses can participate in the survey, along with practitioners within the industry. The published results include the top 100 universities as well as rankings by industry, geography, job functions and seniority.
