Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business has formed a Department of Supply Chain Management to bring expanded resources and focus to the college’s supply chain management program. The Harbert College of Business supply chain management degree, which combines core business and elective course curriculum from multiple academic and industry-focused disciplines, has seen enrollment numbers grow by double digits in each of the past five years.

“Growth in demand for supply chain management programs and a track record of success for graduates are the two primary drivers of our decision to create the new Department of Supply Chain Management,” said Harbert College of Business Dean Annette L. Ranft, in a press release. "The growth in the number of students choosing supply chain management, growth in faculty and enhanced supply chain management research create the foundation for this department. In addition, an increased level of engagement with our partners in business and government contributed to our decision to invest in the area of supply chain management. Establishing a department allows us to continue to grow undergraduate and graduate programs and develop students to be highly desired and qualified graduates for the workforce.”

The university says the creation of the new department will give the college’s already robust supply chain management curriculum, research, and partner engagement added visibility in the minds of potential students, existing students, prospective new faculty, and business partners.

The new department includes Auburn’s Center for Supply Chain Innovation, or CSCI, where scholars, students and external partners collaborate to advance knowledge, drive thought leadership, and create practical solutions for supply chain stakeholder communities. Brian Gibson, the Wilson Family Professor and executive director of CSCI, noted in a statement that the current pandemic brings to light critical issues in supply chain management that CSCI has been researching for some time. 

For more information on the Department of Supply Chain Management, visit https://harbert.auburn.edu/news/Auburns-Legacy-of-Supply-Chain-Management-Excellence.php

For information on the supply chain management degree, visit https://harbert.auburn.edu/academics/undergraduate/supply-chain-management/index.php

For more information on the Center for Supply Chain Innovation, visit http://auburnsupplychain.org/