Student interaction with professionals in the field of supply chain management is a hallmark of the MBA experience.
Several times throughout the year, students meet with and learn from executives in various settings – visiting executives lecture in the Supply Chain Management Seminar class and in the executive speaker series.
Students, faculty, and staff travel each semester to distribution centers and manufacturing facilities to get a firsthand view of a supply chain operation in action. MBA students participate in the prestigious Sam M. Walton College of Business International Graduate Logistics Case Competition.
Students attend professional enrichment courses through the School of Business Executive Education series, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals annual conference, The Logistics Council Milwaukee Roundtable events, and Institute of Supply Management Madison chapter presentations and seminars.
Students also have opportunities to participate in Center-sponsored and MBA-wide international experiences. Destinations have included Ireland, Brazil, Argentina, Vietnam, Turkey, China, and Dubai.
The Center also offers an extensive applied learning program:
SAP University Alliance
Students learn how technology can enable integrated business processes and strategic thinking. Being a member of the SAP University Alliance enables students to experience firsthand how organizations operate and how enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems can help organizations become more efficient, productive, and profitable – and gives students a tremendous advantage in the marketplace. Several courses utilize ERP technology in which teams of students run a real SAP system.
Executive Speaker Series
Business leaders visit campus regularly to share their real-world experience and discuss leading-edge supply chain topics in their industries. Close, meaningful interaction with senior executives in an informal setting makes these events great learning and networking opportunities.
Global Experience
Students have opportunities to travel abroad over winter break to meet with companies and learn about their global operations, as well as a country’s business, political, and cultural environment. Recent trips have included Brazil, Vietnam, Turkey, China, Dubai, and Argentina.
Site Visits
Students learn about supply chain practices firsthand by visiting various U.S. locations. Recent trips have included tours of the Port of Milwaukee, MillerCoors, and Coca-Cola Refreshments in Milwaukee and GE Healthcare in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
Case Competitions
Students have the opportunity to compete in team case competitions, including the International Supply Chain Case Competition and the Graduate Supply Chain Challenge. These events give students the opportunity to analyze real-world cases and propose solutions to business leaders.
Hands-On Seminars
Students gain additional expertise in supply chain management through faculty-led seminars each semester. Recent seminars have included demand planning, Six Sigma certification, and sales and operations planning.