Supply Chain Management
What is Supply Chain Management?
In the 21st century, competition is increasingly about the efficiency and effectiveness of supply chains rather than individual companies. A supply chain major at Elon University prepares you to navigate and optimize these complex networks. Companies that have the right product, in the right place, at the right time enjoy higher profitability than those that struggle with this concept. By majoring in supply chain management, you’ll learn how firms collaborate within their supply chains to create higher service levels for both their end customers and supply chain partners while controlling costs.
Why Choose the Supply Chain Management Major?
Industry-Relevant Curriculum
Our SCM major is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how supply chains operate across various industries. The curriculum emphasizes:
- Global Perspective: Learn how to manage supply chains in a global context, understanding international logistics and distribution.
- Integrated Approach: Study supply chain management through a marketing lens, balancing both demand and supply aspects.
- Ethical and Sustainable Practices: Become a steward of responsible business practices in sourcing and delivering goods and services.
Hands-On Learning
- Real-World Applications: Engage in case studies and projects that mirror real supply chain challenges.
- Technology Integration: Utilize decision-making tools like Excel and SAS JMP software to analyze data and make informed decisions.
- Collaborative Projects: Work in teams to simulate supply chain scenarios, enhancing your teamwork and leadership skills.
Supply Chain Management Major Course Requirements
Elon’s curriculum enables you to be a leader in ethical and sustainable business practices. The focus reflects an integrated business approach aligned with marketing and finance objectives.
Core Courses:
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
- Gain foundational knowledge in operations and the role of supply chain management within organizations.
- International Logistics and Distribution
- Explore global logistics strategies and learn how to manage the movement of goods across international borders.
- Supply Chain Management Performance – Demand Planning and Forecasting
- Master techniques in demand forecasting and inventory management to optimize supply chain performance.
- Foundations of Business Analytics
- Develop analytical skills using data to make informed business decisions.
Supply Chain Management Degree Requirements & Courses
Career Opportunities and Earning Potential
Supply chain management professionals are in high demand across various industries. By majoring in supply chain management, you open doors to numerous career paths:
- Demand Planning and Inventory Management
- Logistics and Distribution Management
- Procurement and Sourcing Management
- Materials Management
- Supplier Relations and Management
With five to eight years of experience, positions like import managers, inventory managers, buyers, commodity managers, and export managers can expect high five-figure to low six-figure salaries.
Supply Chain Management Resources
- Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals
- Association for Supply Chain Management
- Supply Chain Club
For more information about the Supply Chain Management Focus, contact Larry Garber, chair of the Department of Marketing and International Business, at lgarber@elon.edu.
Supply Chain Management Advisory Council Members
Ajay Bhardwaj
Vice President at Strategic Accounts Logility. Ajay is an accomplished executive in global supply chain planning, business transformation, & global logistics. He has forty years of leadership experience in the Consumer Durables industry, initiating and executing transformational changes, evolving operational structures, and making a positive impact on top-line and bottom-line growth.
His expertise includes Strategic Planning, Supply Chain Management, Project Planning, Manufacturing, Product Development, Cross-Functional Team Leadership, Leading with Vision, and Empowering People.
To reach Ajay Bhardwaj please email him at abhardwaj@glenraven.com
Jacob Cunningham
Advisory Director for PwC. Jacob specializes in SAPS/4HANA Transformations and Digital Supply Chain Solutions. He has over 20years of SAP transformation and digital supply chain planning, engineering design, and manufacturing transformation experience. His area of expertise is strategy development, process transformation, and SAP ERP technology implementations in the industrial products, chemicals, A&D, and government industries.
Specialties are Process Improvement, Certified Project Manager, Supply Chain Management, Six Sigma, Manufacturing, ERP, SAP, Lean Manufacturing, Strategy, and Business Analysis.
To reach Jacob Cunningham please email them at jacob.r.cunningham@pwc.com.
Lotte Fox
Lotte Fox ’24 is a Customer Supply Associate at Mars Petcare.
Specialties are Communication, Strong Work Ethic, Team Leadership, Problem Solving, Time Management, and Organization Skills.
To reach Lotte Fox please email them at cfox13@elon.edu.
Angie Hitchings
Director Supply Chain Architecture at Qorvo, Inc. Angie’s specialties are Supply Chain Management, Cross-Functional Team Leadership, Semiconductors, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Process Improvement, Product Development, Inventory Management, Operations, and Team Building
To reach Angie Hitchings please email them at Angie.Hitchings@qorvo.com
Fred McClintock
Most recently Vice President of Bridgestone Americas and CIO & CISO for U.S. Tobacco Cooperative. Fred is a successful Information Technology business leader whose career started in Materials Management, Procurement and Supply Chain over 30 years ago with Mobil Oil. “I thrive in an environment where I can be strategic but also love getting my hands dirty and solving problems.” A background in implementing ERP, predominantly SAP, and leading global IT teams across many industries and geographies has made for an exciting career. Fred is really excited about the opportunity to work with the Supply Chain Management students and faculty at Elon and also network with industry peers from many disciplines. I look forward to learning a lot from all involved.
To reach Fred, please email him at fred.mcclintock@gmail.com or connect through LinkedIn.
Ben Nye
Ben Nye – Vice President at Labcorp
Laboratory Supply Chain Operations |Operational Excellence | Strategic Initiatives | Inclusive Leadership
“My dedication to patient care and operational excellence is driven from my clinical laboratory science experience in a variety of settings including a small community hospital, large tertiary care academic medical centers, and commercial laboratory operations. As a business leader, I lead by setting and communicating a clear vision and strategic priorities that focus on our patients, clients, partners, and team members. Using data to develop solutions and drive decisions, I am trusted by executive leaders to lead laboratory supply chain operations, perform due diligence, and execute integrations, acquisitions, & operational realignments. I am passionate about our diverse and inclusive team making a positive impact on health care and supporting the development of our team members.”
Specialties: Clinical Laboratory Science, Leadership, Talent Development, Hospitals and Health Systems, Commercial Operations, Health Care Operations, Operational Excellence, Vision, Strategic Initiatives, Business Development Operational Support
To reach Ben Nye, please email.
Josh Quade
Senior Talent Acquisition Manager at GXO Logistics.
Specialties include Human Resources, Recruiting, Talent Acquisition, Sourcing, Employee Relations.
To reach Josh Quade please email them at josh.quade@gxo.com.
Cynthia Stanton
Cynthia Stanton is the North American Director of Supply Chain Operations for the Agricultural Products (AP) division of BASF. In this role, she has responsibility for all aspects of supply chain performance, including demand, supply and raw material planning, inventory and capacity planning, production scheduling, distribution planning, exports, logistics, warehousing and customer service. Before joining BASF in 2013, Cynthia spent 13 years in the semi-conductor industry where she held a variety of positions with increasing leadership across supply chain. Originally from upstate NY, she has a bachelor’s degree in international business and Operations Management from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and an Executive MBA from UNC Chapel Hill.
Specialties are Semiconductors, Cross-functional Team Leadership, Manufacturing, MRP, Strategic Planning, Six Sigma, Project Management, Supply Chain Management, Continuous Improvement, and Lean Manufacturing
To reach Cynthia Stanton please email them at cfcarothers@gmail.com.
Radhika Tawade
Supply Chain Rotational Program NA Road Logistics Specialist at Dow. Radhika graduated Elon University in 2023, she double majored in Business Analytics and Supply Chain Management. Radhika was the Lead Student Ambassador for The Center for Organizational Analytics and also the Lead Student Ambassador for the Student Professional Development Center.
Specialties are Data Analytics, Programming, Working with People, Team Building, Microsoft Project, Managerial Accounting
To reach Radhika Tawade please email them at rtawade@elon.edu.
Britt Tolar
Director of Operations for ADTi which as a part of JCI. Britt has extensive experience in lean manufacturing, engineering, program management, cost reduction and quality in steel and rubber processing. He has direct experience with Lean processes in Japan and the USA.
Specialties are Toyota Production Systems, Lean Manufacturing, Leadership, Improvement, Value Stream Mapping, Manufacturing Engineering, Process Improvement, Engineering Management.
To reach Britt Tolar please email them at britttolar@hotmail.com.
Craig Trumbo
Global Supply Chain Manager for Syngenta Professional Solutions. Craig is an energetic, resourceful, and results-oriented leader with diversified & entrepreneurial experience in End-to-End Global Supply Chain Management including Demand Management, ERP Implementation, Innovation, Strategic Sourcing, Merger & Acquisitions, Sales & Operations Planning, Manufacturing and 4PL Logistics.
Specialties are Sales and Operations Planning, Sourcing, Negotiations, Manufacturing Operations Leadership, Forecast and Demand Planning, Logistics, Salesforce, Six Sigma and Strategy.
To reach Craig Trumbo please email them at craig.trumbo@syngenta.com.
Ying Zhou
QC Lab Manager at Hallstar Company.
Specialties are Quality control, ISO 9001-2015, Lab Management, Global Technical Sourcing, Supply Chain Management, Product Development, Process Improvement, Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma.
To reach Ying Zhou please email her at yingzhou123@gmail.com.