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Spotlight
In the Works
WMU has several new initiatives that faculty and industry advisors agree will improve student learning and respond to industry needs while maintaining a commitment to the unique curriculum.
• Supply Management Center: A new space designed to stimulate interdisciplinary communication, collaboration and innovation among faculty, business executives and students
“We learn from our program’s executive council members and other industry partners who place a high value on hiring our graduates,” says Reck. “Deciding how and when to integrate industry input is an important role for our faculty.” The ISM program is poised to evolve again. To support one of the nation’s best undergraduate supply chain programs, WMU has launched a Center for Integrated Supply Management that provides a structure for the many facets of the program. Housed in Schneider Hall, home to the college of business, the center creates a focal point for integrated supply management education, research and resources.
• Support of learning opportunities: This includes providing industry projects within the curriculum, support for internships and curricular assessments, and development. An experiential learning classroom is also in the works. • Faculty research: Support for supply management faculty to pursue high-impact research on topics ranging from relationship management to crossfunctional integration that help businesses to improve processes.
Reck
• Graduate offerings: A master of science degree in supply chain is in the works that faculty say will focus on creating value with supply chain rather than integrating supply chain activities into the value stream. A master’s degree is also being planned for students in the Republic of Georgia.
But it is the faculty’s insistence that students learn from a curriculum ahead of the curve and one that responds to industry needs that keeps the program current.
• Consultative solutions: Faculty and students, working for corporate partners, address difficulties supply chain managers face and determine best methods to solve those problems in the workplace through a variety of consulting avenues, including Bronco Force Solutions Team (see pg. 22).
TOP TEN
After all. “It’s what we do.” Curkovic
Reasons Companies Say They Hire WMU ISM Graduates
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Multitasking abilities, specifically demonstrated by working during college. readth of the program’s B curriculum and responsiveness to industry trends and projections. Ranking by industry leaders: No. 5 by Gartner and No. 2 by Software Advice.
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Capability, willingness, drive, energy, passion. Projects, internships and work experience—Ready Day One! Self-guided. echnical understanding of T tools such as blueprints, components, engineering concepts and ERP/SAP.
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aculty support of students’ F work during internships making learning a goal for everyone. Knowledge of quality concepts. Demonstrated success working with multidisciplinary teams.
In the Spotlight
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