How Challenging Is Studying and Practicing Supply Chain Management?
Supply chain management is essential for businesses to manufacture and distribute goods, and it is based on market demand.
Supply chain managers ensure that a supply chain runs as efficiently as possible. Good decision-making is an important skill for supply chain managers, as they need to manage multiple areas of a business. An efficient supply chain will minimize excess inventory and help lower storage costs, which is the goal of any business in the industry.
This article will explore the challenges of studying and practicing supply chain management.
Challenges in Supply Chain Management
Supply chain management operations are typically complex. This is because a range of factors go into the efficient running of a supply chain.
There are many inter-dependencies that are required in supply chain networks. A disruption in one area can have knock-on effects on other areas.
Supply chains can also face challenges from customers and clients. They may require tailored experiences or quicker lead times.
Globalization has had a significant impact on supply chain management. In some respects, there are many benefits such as lower costs and greater choice. However, communication and distribution on a global scale presents its own challenges.
Supply chain visibility and transparency are essential for efficiency. However, ensuring that there is visibility and transparency throughout the supply chain can be difficult. Poor communication and different management systems can make it difficult for real-time data to be supplied.
Supply chain risk management can help to mitigate disruptions if they occur. A supply chain manager will work out contingency plans and alternatives should a link in the supply chain fail or face disruptions.
Political instability and natural disasters can have huge ramifications on a supply chain, and supply chains can completely fail if plans are not in place.
The supply chain will also be dependent on market demand. If this changes, it will impact the operations. Greater demand will require operations to expand. This will put a greater strain on the network.
If demand drops, this could lead to excess materials and products being held up in the supply chain network. This will see warehousing costs rise.
Factors That Affect the Difficulty
People interested in a supply chain management career may be interested in the difficult progression. This will be determined by a number of factors.
Previous relevant education will prepare a candidate for studying supply chain management. The candidate will have a better understanding of the industry and will understand what is expected of them.
Industry experience will also play a large part in studying supply chain management. It will provide the platform required for the candidate to build their knowledge. They will have an intimate understanding of how the industry works.
A good mathematical background will be required for supply chain jobs. This will also be important during studies.
Finding the right supply chain management course is essential. Some will provide far greater learning resources than others. These may be found on campus or be supplied online.
The quality of instruction will determine how difficult studying supply chain management is. Many courses make use of industry experts to provide an experienced viewpoint. They are able to provide the information required to enter into supply chain management.
If you plan to study supply chain management (SCM) you should ensure you have the required traits for the role.
A good understanding of technology will be essential in supply chain management. AI, analytics software, and the Internet of Things (IoT) software are used on a daily basis.
Personal skills are also a requirement. You will be working with suppliers, stakeholders, colleagues, and vendors regularly. Being able to communicate well and build relationships is essential to the smooth running of a supply chain.
Good attention to detail will be required for logistics management and other aspects of the business. Good critical thinking will be essential to provide quality management.
The Realities of Practicing Supply Chain Management
Supply chain managers have an extensive list of job responsibilities. This can include overseeing:
- Sourcing
- Procurement
- Supplier negotiations
- Inventory management
- Warehouse management
- Logistics management
- Vendor management
- Risk management
- Monitoring current trends
Supply chain managers will also use industry software to monitor the efficiency of supply chains. This will help them look at ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Supply chain management professionals will face internal and external challenges in their roles. Risk management will mitigate the impact of both.
Material shortages and customer demand can be predicted to some extent. This is why it is essential that supply chain managers have good forecasting professionals and software on board.
External factors can include political unrest or natural disasters. Contingency plans will need to be implemented with this type of disruption. However, external factors can cause shortages of materials or impact demand.
The recent global pandemic shows how external factors can disrupt supply chains. Political disruption in Russia and Ukraine has also led to shortages in products and rising costs.
Overcoming Challenges
Supply chain management degrees will help you prepare for the challenges mentioned in this article. This knowledge will help you to create solutions that can be applied to various potential disruptions.
Problem-solving must lead to satisfaction for all parties involved. Collaborative problem-solving with stakeholders allows everyone to pool knowledge and resources. This makes it easier to come up with solutions to an issue. This is also great for communication and visibility as stakeholders are involved with each step.
Operations management should utilize emerging technology and software. It will help to help to improve efficiency and visibility.
State-of-the-art technology can provide real-time updates that can be accessed by managers at all times. It will also help when a manager is trying to streamline processes and reduce costs.
Contingency planning is an essential part of being a supply chain manager. Forecasting can help to avoid disruption in many cases. Contingency plans for unforeseen disruptions will mitigate the effects on supply chain networks.
A customer-centric approach will keep their vendors happy. This can include meeting distribution and delivery targets. Streamlining processes to reduce costs will also be beneficial to customers. They can then enjoy more competitive rates and product prices.
Balancing the Rewards and Challenges of Supply Chain Management
If you were wondering ‘Is supply chain management hard?’, the information in this article will show you it can be very challenging.
After successfully completing a supply chain management degree, you will be prepared to enter this growing industry. While they can be difficult, supply chain management positions pay very well.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that similar positions such as logisticians earn an average annual wage of over $77,000. The job outlook between 2021 and 2031 was also projected to grow by as much as 28%.
The challenging supply chain management industry is fast-paced and requires excellent communication. There are also lots of opportunities for career progression in the industry.
Stress and burnout can threaten those working in supply chain management. Good supply chain management factors in personal health as well as the efficient running of supply chain networks.
Burnout can lead to exhaustion and decreased efficacy. Accepting that this can happen in the workplace and addressing it is essential.
Poor physical and mental health will lead to poor performance in the workplace. It can result in greater health issues developing on a personal level.
Analyzing the cause of burnout and implementing solutions is advised. Making use of technology to streamline processes can help.
You must also ensure that you have a balanced life. The supply chain industry can sometimes require immediate actions. Good planning and contingencies will help to mitigate the effect of these disruptions.
Conclusion
The supply chain management coursework required to obtain a Bachelor’s degree will prepare you for this crucial role.
The role of a supply chain manager is challenging, but a supply chain management degree can help to prepare you for the industry.
Globalization has significantly changed the supply chain management role. Good communication skills and the knowledge to work with new technology and software help to make this easier.
Despite the many challenges of supply chain management, it is a very fulfilling industry. You will have the opportunity to meet and build relationships with a variety of people around the world.
Supply chain management professionals can expect a highly competitive wage. The industry is also growing and stable. This makes it a great option to study.
FAQs
How difficult is it to get a supply chain management degree?
Supply chain management is a diverse topic to study. Its difficulty will depend on your language and mathematics skills.
How difficult is supply chain management?
Supply chain management can be very challenging, especially at the highest level. You will be in charge of many different aspects of a company and will need to get them to collaborate well with one another.
Is supply chain a stressful job?
Supply chain management can be a very stressful job. The role requires candidates to oversee an entire supply chain. Supply chain managers must also forecast potential changes or disruptions. They can then implement contingencies to mitigate risk.
Is supply chain management worth it?
Supply chain management can be a very fulfilling and lucrative role. While stressful at times, it will be possible for you to earn a lot of money throughout the course of your career.
Sources
https://www.franklin.edu/blog/is-a-supply-chain-degree-right-for-me
https://blog.edx.org/is-supply-chain-worth-learning
https://doyouevenerp.com/career-supply-chain-management-hard/
https://emeritus.org/blog/strategy-what-does-a-supply-chain-manager-do/
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/logisticians.htm