College of Business Debuts Supply Chain Management Major
submitted by Bryan Salvadore
News from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Kutztown University’s College of Business has begun accepting students into its brand-new supply chain management major for the fall 2019 semester. Students who begin the program this fall will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in supply chain management after taking 13 core business courses in addition to six required supply chain courses including principles of supply chain management, principles of business logistics, supply chain analytics and global transportation management.
“Our new supply chain management major comes at a crucial time,” said Dr. Anne Carroll, Dean of the College of Business. “We are located in one of the fastest-growing logistics hubs in the country, creating a high demand for an educated workforce. After completing their degree, KU students will be able to provide the global businesses in our own backyard with a competitive edge with their specialized knowledge in developing efficient operations that will increase profitability and improve customer experience.”
As globalization and information technology advance, many companies find that supply chain efficiency is important to their competitiveness and profitability. Matching supply and demand and moving products and services through the supply chain are important challenges for all business; thus, KU’s new supply chain management program prepares students for careers in this growing and regionally-relevant field.
Dr. Gary Chao, associate professor of business administration, has been a leading figure in the College of Business’s effort to implement the supply chain management major.
With companies investing more and more money on information technology and distribution infrastructure in the Kutztown area, Chao notes the local workforce is being presented with a plethora of opportunities. The rapid expansion of warehousing, transportation and logistics firms both in the Lehigh Valley and across the United States has greatly increased the need for supply chain and logistics-trained personnel. The need for qualified students is substantial, and this provides an impact and leadership opportunity for KU through this track.
Due to its proximity to major metro areas, abundant real estate, robust local economy, and ample labor supply, the Lehigh Valley is one of the top 10 logistics hubs and second-largest growing market in the United States. Companies such as Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, Nestle, BMW, Walgreens, Crayola, Just Born, Kellogg’s and PetSmart have all set up their regional distribution centers in this area. Their warehouses bring many employment opportunities to the area.
All KU students may also elect to add supply chain management as a minor. The minor program includes 18 semester hours of required courses in the supply chain field.
