Emerging markets and competitors, short product life cycles, global supply networks, demanding customers. The right product must be at the right place at the right time. Impossible? Talented leaders in supply chain management make it happen every day.

What do they do?

Everything from early-stage product design to the final "moment of truth" with the customer. Working with people and managing projects across functions within their organizations and beyond, to suppliers, channel partners, and customers.

Why are they important?

Supply chain management has become a primary source of competitive advantage across industries--from high tech to health care. The world's most successful and highly respected companies--including Apple, Dell, Procter & Gamble, Cisco Systems, Nike, Best Buy, Coca-Cola, and IBM--are recognized for their world-class supply chains.

People who can successfully manage complex supply chains are in high demand by leading companies worldwide.

Supply chain management integrates business functions concerned with the movement of goods, services and information along the value chain with the goal of creating value for the ultimate customer. The field of supply chain management is a cross-functional discipline involving many components of business, including product development, marketing, demand/supply planning, procurement/sourcing, production, inventory management, transportation/logistics, customer service, and the management of relationships between business organizations and their channels of distribution.

In today's complex business environment there is a need to coordinate these supply chain functions, not only within the firm, but also with business partners and customers. Firms are recognizing the need for a "total cost" or "systems" approach to supply chain management. As a result, decision-making cuts across many functional areas and is an increasingly critical strategic component of successful businesses, large and small.