The MSCM Program delivers an ideal blend of academic training and hands-on experience, offering unsurpassed preparation to assume a leadership role in supply chain management. For example, each student works on a paid summer project after completing the first term of MSCM coursework. For 14 weeks, students leave the classroom and enter a firm where they consult on an organizational challenge. Many of the sponsoring firms are represented on the MSCM Corporate Advisory Council, a board comprising supply chain professionals who collaborate with Ross faculty to ensure the curriculum addresses the most relevant industry trends. Students have access to mentorship, networking, and other professional opportunities through engagement with members of the advisory council.
Action-based learning takes many forms in the Ross MSCM Program.
Tauber Institute for Global Operations
The Tauber Institute integrates the strengths of Ross with U-M’s College of Engineering, in active partnership with industry, to create a new standard of education for operations, supply chain management, and global manufacturing professionals. All MSCM students are members of the institute and complete an enhanced curriculum that integrates business and engineering courses with leadership and team-building seminars.
Paid Summer Projects
A paid, team-based summer project through the Tauber Institute provides real-world, in-company experience with one of the school’s corporate partners. Student teams work with peers and faculty to deliver a multidisciplinary solution to a real business challenge facing the organization. Projects last 14 weeks and range from strategic analysis and supply chain audits to supply chain design issues and distribution challenges.
Leadership Development
MSCM students learn to lead globally diverse teams and build organizational cultures that foster innovation. This training begins through LeadershipAdvantage, an integral and required element of the MSCM Program. As part of the Tauber Institute, LeadershipAdvantage presents 16 intensive modules led by industry experts. These modules provide methodical and comprehensive preparation to maximize one’s performance on the summer project and, subsequently, on launching a supply chain career.
Personal Leadership Assessment During the first semester, students complete a personal leadership assessment that addresses both team leadership interaction and individual leadership characteristics critical to succeeding in the industry. The assessment gives an accurate appraisal of strengths and weaknesses and helps define one’s leadership style.
Team-building Courses Two half-day, active-learning seminars are designed to develop communication, planning, and cooperation skills. Students are presented with incomplete data, ambiguous or contradictory goals, and diverse styles of communication and leadership. The experience helps develop a unified group more capable of engaging in challenging endeavors through positive teamwork.
Team Dynamics Training Throughout the year, guest lecturers lead interactive discussions on topics such as recognizing and adapting to different communication styles, assigning team roles and goal setting, managing conflict, decision-making, and the role of power, influence, and leadership in business.
MEET THE ROSS MSCMs
Raajan Aravindhan MSCM ‘12 Senior, Advisory Services Practice Ernst & Young Dallas, Texas
Raajan utilized the Corporate Advisory Council to get new insights into the supply chain industry and one-to-one advice about his own career path.
As the co-founder of a company, Malvika wanted to gain deeper understanding of the supply chain. Action-based projects let her apply new knowledge immediately.
Rahul Chowdhury MSCM ‘12 Senior Manager Global Business Process, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Bentonville, Ark.
Rahul says his Ross education helped him gain a global perspective on supply chain management, but it also gave him essential career development tools.
Shashank came to Ross because of its reputation and world-class faculty. But by graduation, he found his peers were an equally valuable part of his experience.
Jingjing Qian MSCM ‘12 Manager, Global Supply Chain Microsoft Corp. Seattle, Wash.
Jinging came to Ross not just for the MSCM Program, but to learn about American culture. Her hard work landed her a position at a famous American company.
Mike Duffy Executive VP of Global Manufacturing & Supply Chain Cardinal Health
"The MSCM Program delivers candidates who learn to think and act like general managers. Having leaders with both supply chain expertise and strong business acumen is critical for us to deliver on our goals and strategies."
Kevin Harrington VP of Global Business Operations Cisco Systems Inc.
"By contributing to the Corporate Advisory Council, I get to know the MSCM students firsthand. It’s a great opportunity to watch students perform and develop, which greatly informs hiring decisions."
Suresh Krishna VP of Global Operations and Integration Polaris Industries Inc.
"Working with faculty and students on Tauber projects is a great way for me to tap some tremendous expertise and generate results in a very, very short period of time. That connection between industry and academia is a unique cornerstone of this program."
"I’m looking for very sophisticated executives who can really enhance the development of manufacturing logistics, supply chain, and retail on a global basis. Ross has the ability to find and develop those experts."
Sanjay Ramaswamy Chief Information Officer, Supply Chain Johnson & Johnson
"There’s an incredible openness on the part of the Ross faculty to invite industry leaders’ ideas about what is most relevant to the work we do. By shaping the curriculum, CAC members help make sure MSCM students hit the ground running."
Samar Sarma Principal Consultant, Value Chain Planning Group Oracle
"As an alumnus, I feel the one-year format is perfect for the person who is sure about a career in supply chain management. You get into industry quickly and see a fast return on your investment. I enjoy sharing my perspective as a member of the CAC."
Mike Duffy
Kevin Harrington
Suresh Krishna
Tom Mayor
Sanjay Ramaswamy
Samar Sarma