Supply Chain Management Minor

Overview for Supply Chain Management Minor

The supply chain management minor provides students with the knowledge to assist in developing and implementing efficient supplier systems in order to maximize customer value. Supply chain management is the coordination of the associated processes required both within a business, as well as across businesses and suppliers, to deliver products and services–from raw materials to customer delivery. The minor provides a background in areas commonly needed to support supply chain management, including business strategy, information systems, lean/quality management, customer service, purchasing, negotiations, contracts, forecasting, inventory management, logistics, and project management. Completion of this minor provides students with Lean Six-Sigma Yellow Belt body of knowledge.

Notes about this minor:

  • The minor is closed to students majoring in supply chain management.
  • Posting of the minor on the student’s academic transcript requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the minor.

The plan code for Supply Chain Management Minor is SPLYMGT-MN.

Featured Work

Curriculum for 2023-2024 for Supply Chain Management Minor

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

Course
Required Courses
DECS-435
Supply Chain Management Fundamentals
This course introduces the basic concepts in supply chain management fundamentals as well as strategies and practice, and examines important managerial issues. Topics covered include forecasting, inventory management, third-party logistics, partnering, contracts, event management and conflict resolution, e-business, and strategy. (Prerequisites: DECS-310 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 .
ISEE-582
Lean Six Sigma Fundamentals
This course presents the philosophy and methods that enable participants to develop quality strategies and drive process improvements. The fundamental elements of Lean Six Sigma are covered along with many problem solving and statistical tools that are valuable in driving process improvements in a broad range of business environments and industries. Successful completion of this course is accompanied by “yellow belt” certification and provides a solid foundation for those who also wish to pursue a “green belt.” (Green belt certification requires completion of an approved project which is beyond the scope of this course). (Prerequisites: STAT-145 or STAT-251 or MATH-251 or CHME-391 or equivalent course and at least 4th year standing.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
Electives
Choose three of the following:
   BLEG-300
Business Law II
Explores the impact of the Uniform Commercial Code and other substantive areas of law on business operations. Emphasis is on topics included on the certified public accounting exam, including provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code dealing with the sale and lease of goods, product warranties, commercial paper, negotiable instruments and secured transactions. Other topics include business entities, creditors' rights, bankruptcy, environmental law, and insurance law. (Prerequisite: BLEG-200 or BLEG-250 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
   DECS-350
 Project Management
A study of the concepts and applications of project management. This course covers the organization and management of projects, including the role and responsibilities of the project manager, team responsibilities, tools and techniques for project planning, budgeting, and control, work breakdown, risk assessment, and project termination. The learning environment will include lectures and discussion, group exercises, case studies, and examinations. (This class is restricted to undergraduate students with at least 3rd year standing.) Lecture 3 .
   DECS-445
Managing Supplier Relations
This course introduces students to the subject of managing supplier relations and purchasing activities. Topics covered include supplier selection, vendor pricing, materials quality control, value analysis, make-or-buy, speculation and hedging, and international sourcing as well as the legal and ethical constraints faced by purchasing practitioners. (This class is restricted to undergraduate students with at least 3rd year standing.) Lecture 3 .
   INTB-315
 Exporting and Global Sourcing
The practice of international business is detailed-oriented and complex as cross-border trade and investment is subject to various market forces and government regulations. In this course students will study the issues of compliance, risk assessment, sources of international information, logistical complexities and intermediaries, and international payments and financing. The course will develop students with the necessary knowledge base and skills to become successful in the practice of cross border transactions. (Prerequisites: INTB-225 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
   INTB-550
Competing Globally
This course explores the opportunities and challenges businesses encounter creating and capturing value in the global environment. Areas of emphasis include: forecasting markets; why firms globalize; analyzing global competitors; the degree of globalization or regionalization; creating value for the firm globally which includes entry mode management, location decisions and timing, role of technology; and how to operate. (Prerequisites: INTB-225 or equivalent course and 4th year standing.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
   ISEE-350
Engineering Management
Development of the fundamental engineering management principles of industrial enterprise, including an introduction to project management. Emphasis is on project management and the development of the project management plan. At least one term of previous co-op experience is required. (Prerequisite: BIME-499 or MECE-499 or ISEE-499 or CHME-499 or EEEE-499 or CMPE-499 or MCEE-499 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
   ISEE-626
Contemporary Production Systems
The focus of this course is Lean. Lean is about doing more with less - less human effort, less equipment, less time, less space. In other words, lean is about the application of industrial engineering principles and tools to the entire supply chain or value stream. The focus of this course will be learning and applying the principles and tools of lean such as value, value stream mapping, takt, flow, pull, kaizen, standard work, line design, and others, all in the context of continuous process improvement. By the end of this course, the student will possess the essential tools and skills to apply lean in their production system from either a line (supervisor or manager) or staff role. (This course is restricted to students in the ISEE-BS/MS, ISEE-BS/ME, ISEE-MS, SUSTAIN-MS, ENGMGT-ME, or MIE-PHD programs or those with 5th year standing in ISEE-BS or ISEEDU-BS.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
   ISEE-703
Supply Chain Management
Supply chain management is unique in that it is one of the oldest business activities and yet has been recently discovered as a potentially powerful source of competitive advantage. Supply chain system activities, such as planning production levels, forecasting demand, managing inventory, warehousing, transportation, and locating facilities have been performed since the start of commercial activity. It is difficult to visualize any product that could reach a customer without a consciously designed supply chain. Yet it is only recently that many firms have started focusing on supply chain management. There is a realization that no company can do any better than its supply chain and logistics systems. This becomes even more important given that product life cycles are shrinking and competition is intense. Logistics and supply chain management today represents a great challenge as well as a tremendous opportunity for most firms. (This course is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or ISE department dual degree students.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
   ISEE-704
Logistics Management
This course discusses several strategic, tactical, and operational concepts used in improving the distribution of goods and services by companies worldwide. The course emphasis is on understanding when and how these concepts are applied, as well as on using mathematical programming and optimization methods for their adequate implementation. (Prerequisites: ISEE-420 or ISEE-720 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
   ISEE-728
Production Systems Management
The focus of this course is Lean. Students who take this course should be interested in building on their basic knowledge of (lean) contemporary production systems and developing the breadth and depth of their understanding, with a focus on the managerial, quantitative, and systems aspects. It will also address value streams beyond manufacturing - specifically logistics. This course should enable the student to practice the application of lean concepts in the context of systems design at the enterprise level. (Prerequisites: ISEE-420 or ISEE-626 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
   MGIS-320
Database Management Systems
Transforming data into information is critical for making business decisions. This course introduces students to the concepts of data, information and the business database management systems (DBMS) used by modern organizations. Exercises and hands-on projects are used to model the information needs of an organization and implement and query databases using applications such as Microsoft Access and SQL. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
   MGIS-330
Systems Analysis and Design
Successful organizations utilize a systematic approach to solve real-world business problems through the use of computing resources. Students who complete this course will be able to design and model business processes. They will learn how to conduct requirements analysis, approach the design or redesign of business processes, model system functions, effectively communicate systems designs to various levels of management, work in a project-based environment, and approach the implementation of a new organizational information system. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
   MGIS-355
 Business Intelligence
The course is intended to provide an integrative foundation in the field of business intelligence at both the operational and strategic levels. Students will experience a variety of contemporary tools to analyze complex business data and arrive at a rational solution. Topic such as data warehousing, visualization and data mining will be covered, along with other topics relevant to the field of business intelligence. The computer will be used extensively throughout the course. (Prerequisites: MGIS-350 and MGIS-320 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
   MGIS-450
 Enterprise Systems
This course explores the role of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in organizations. Students analyze cross-functional business processes and ERP systems commonly used to support these processes. Students engage in a hands-on project using a current ERP system, such as SAP R/3, to demonstrate, analyze and design system structures, key data elements and process configurations that support cross-functional business processes, including accounting, sales, material management, production and distribution. Lecture 3 (Fall).
   MGMT-310
 Cross-Cultural & Virtual Teams
Taught in an experiential, team-based format, this class focuses on leading cross cultural and virtual teams, with an emphasis on developing strong team dynamics for effective performance in a global environment. Thus, class topics will center around understanding team development and leading teams, while considering varying relevant factors such as cultural differences, virtual communication, managing conflict, and team climate/trust, among others. The course will provide hands-on experience in leading and participating in teams as students will be assigned to a team and will take on different roles, including team leader. When possible, the class includes a virtual team project with students at RIT’s global campuses. (Prerequisites: MGMT-215 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
   MGMT-450
Negotiations and Decision-Making
This course is designed to improve your ability to negotiate by understanding decision-making biases that affect the negotiated outcome. Individual sessions will explore the structure and strategies to mitigate risks and challenges inherent in achieving optimal solutions. (Prerequisites: MGMT-215 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).

Latest News

  • November 20, 2023

    Photo of student on computer with business exploration text

    Business Exploration Provides Business Exposure to First-Year Students

    The business exploration program at Saunders College of Business is your opportunity to spend up to a year and a half taking fundamental business courses and meeting with faculty, staff, and career advisors before selecting from one of the college’s seven, nationally-ranked, business majors.

  • March 1, 2023

    Photos of professor on stage during event

    Intersection of Innovation and Technology

    Students in the marketing and supply chain management programs learn foundational business skills along with discipline-specific knowledge and the latest market trends so they can become change agents and expert decision-makers in their fields.