When Nike’s supply chain hiccupped during the pandemic, the company’s stock price plummeted while competitors who had diversified their operations thrived. This example illustrates the rapidly growing importance of smart supply chain management (SCM), with employment in this field projected to grow 17% between 2024 and 2034—much faster than the average for all occupations.
Companies are actively seeking professionals who can turn supply chain operations into profit engines and strategic advantages. The Arkansas State University online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Concentration in Supply Chain Management prepares students to meet that demand. The curriculum combines essential business leadership training with specialized supply chain management expertise, shaping graduates into upper-management professionals capable of driving measurable organizational success.
Core Business Foundation That Powers Everything
The program begins with MBA business fundamentals courses that build the analytical and strategic thinking skills every supply chain leader needs to be successful. In Accounting for Planning and Control, students learn to analyze costs and develop management controls that drive operational decisions. Managerial Economics provides the framework for understanding how pricing, market forces and public policy impact supply chain strategies.
The Corporate Financial Management course prepares students to evaluate supplier relationships, assess technology investments and develop business cases for supply chain improvements. The Graduate Business Fundamentals course ties together statistics, economics, accounting and finance to ensure students possess the business acumen necessary for advanced SCM roles.
Strategic Thinking Meets Real-world Problem Solving
SCM involves coordinating the journey from raw materials to finished products while managing goods through production, development and distribution. The A-State Fundamentals of Project Management course teaches students to identify initiatives, develop proposals, sequence workflows and manage budgets. These skills directly translate to managing supply chain projects like vendor implementations and warehouse optimizations.
The program’s Business Analytics course proves especially valuable in today’s data-driven environment. Students are trained in optimization techniques, simulation, business modeling and data mining. According to Forbes, 94% of supply chain leaders are now using AI for operations like inventory management. These analytical capabilities have become essential for career advancement.
Strategic Management is the program’s culminating experience where students develop comprehensive strategic plans for organizations across different sectors. This hands-on course mirrors real-world SCM leadership, giving students an in-depth understanding of how their decisions impact organizational strategy and competitive positioning.
Specialized Supply Chain Mastery
The concentration courses in A-State’s online MBA program dive deep into industry-specific expertise. Seminar in Logistics Management provides a thorough overview of transportation, physical distribution and carrier management relationships within dynamic business environments. Students learn to optimize these interconnected systems while managing the complexities of moving goods efficiently and cost-effectively.
The Global SCM course addresses the international dimensions that define modern commerce. This systematic review covers supplier selection processes, organized movement of goods between firms across multiple nations and the unique aspects of international logistics processes.
The program’s electives give students the option to further specialize based on their career goals. The Logistics Operations course focuses on warehousing and distribution center management, while Sourcing and Procurement addresses both strategic and operational aspects of purchasing. By developing expertise in these areas, students complete the program ready to tackle challenges related to supplier quality, reliability and compliance — issues 52% of manufacturing leaders struggle with, according to Forbes.
Soft Skills Employers Proactively Seek
Beyond technical knowledge, the program also develops vital soft SCM skills. Risk management skills enable professionals to anticipate disruptions and develop contingency plans. With 77% of SCM leaders reporting that resource constraints severely limit their effectiveness, per Forbes, the ability to optimize limited resources while maintaining operational excellence has never been more valuable.
The program develops communication and negotiation skills through real-world case studies and collaborative projects. Students also master problem-solving and decision-making frameworks needed to evaluate complex trade-offs between cost, quality, speed and risk.
Career Opportunities and Market Demand
Program graduates enter a field offering substantial earning potential and diverse career opportunities. Supply chain managers earn a median annual salary of $103,564, with compensation depending on industry, company size, location and experience.
The program prepares graduates for advancement into roles such as supply chain manager, supply chain analyst and chief operations officer. These and many more leadership positions offer competitive compensation and the opportunity to drive meaningful organizational impact.
The Online Learning Advantage
Professionals looking to advance their careers while they continue to work benefit from A-State’s carefully designed online format. AACSB accreditation ensures employers recognize the quality and rigor of the education.
The convergence of global trade opportunities, technological advancement and rising customer expectations has created an environment where supply chain expertise drives organizational success. This comprehensive program transforms students into strategic thinkers and operational experts with the in-demand skills and credentials required to excel in supply chain management careers.
Learn more about A-State’s online MBA with a Concentration in Supply Chain Management program.