Purpose
This paper aims to provide the results of a survey of supply chain management (SCM) courses in higher education. This research is unique because it represents the first large-scale study of undergraduate SCM course syllabi taught at universities.
Design/methodology/approach
The unit of analysis is an SCM syllabus. Content analysis was performed on each syllabus to identify the actual course coverage including requirements, pedagogy and content emphasis. This aggregated information was used to compare historical research findings in this area, with the current skills identified as important for career success. This data provides the input for a gap analysis between offerings in higher education and those needs identified by practitioners.
Findings
Data gathering efforts yielded a sample of 109 undergraduate courses representing 79 schools across North America. The aggregate number of topics covered in undergraduate courses totaled 120. The primary evaluation techniques include exams, projects and homework. Details regarding content and assessment techniques are provided along with a gap analysis between the coverage of supply chain courses and the needs identified by previous academic research.
Originality/value
This study is the first large-scale content analysis of undergraduate SCM course syllabi. The goal is to use this data as a means of continuous improvement in the quality and value of the educational experience on a longitudinal basis. The findings are designed to foster information sharing and provide data for benchmarking efforts in the development of SCM courses and curricula in academia, as well as training, development and recruitment efforts by professionals in the field of SCM.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has brought the supply chain to the attention of everyone. In order to make supply chains work effectively and efficiently, a number of automated supply chain management systems are needed. This paper looks at the need to conduct curriculum reviews in order to ensure that the students in supply chain programs are not being harmed by the lack of exposure to the various systems needed in the supply chain. The analysis looks at the systems required for an Enterprise Certification compared to the systems reflected in a sample of supply chain management syllabi. The conclusions include the need to conduct curriculum reviews on a regular basis to ensure the best possible education of the students. This recommendation is critical for all education systems and not just supply chain management systems courses.
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