You may already have a considerable amount of business experience; now you need the forward-thinking business degree that gives you coveted inside knowledge of supply chain management. Azusa Pacific University’s Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) bachelor’s completion program—with an option to focus on logistics and supply chain management—can help you hone your leadership expertise and thrive in the field.
Connecting your existing skills to the right degree program can set you apart and prepare you for the diverse and competitive environment managing supply chains can bring. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Supply Chain Manager?
Think of a product that you might buy, like a bottle of soda. Have you ever wondered about the trip it took for it to get to the store? A bottle, cap, wrapper, and soda—how complicated could it be?
There are a lot more processes, costs, and people behind that soda bottle. Not only do the plastic bottles and caps need to be created and shipped to the company, but the label also needs to be designed, printed, and shipped. Then, to create the soda, ingredients need to be purchased and combined, machines need to fill the bottles, and employees need to ship the finished product, deal with returns and faulty products, and manage relationships with retailers.
A supply chain manager ensures that each step of the production process is accomplished in a sustainable and affordable way so that a company can bring a profitable product to market. Managing the supply chain is an essential task in just about every business, even for companies that don’t create consumer goods.
For instance, a service-based business like a restaurant chain needs a supply chain manager to ensure that each location has everything they need at an affordable cost so they can make a profit. In another example, a supply chain manager in the aerospace defense field is required to oversee the production of highly technical components, manage costs and employees, and enforce strict regulations.
Supply Chain Management Careers
A degree in logistics and supply chain management can open up many career opportunities for you. You could work in virtually any industry, from automotive to health care to aerospace. In addition to the role of supply chain manager, you could hold positions such as:
- Logistics specialist
- Storage and distribution manager
- Demand planner
- Production planner
- Sustainability leader
- Transportation manager
The role of the supply chain manager is sure to evolve as companies advance in automation and data science. However, there will always be a need for skilled supply managers who can drive profits while minimizing risks and mistakes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals in supply chain management careers make an average of $74,590 depending on experience, degree, and industry. This career field is not only secure, but is expecting a 7 percent job growth in the coming years.
The Ever-Changing World of Business and You
The world of business is continually evolving; the way deals are made in 20 years may look different than it does today. Accordingly, the business programs offered at Azusa Pacific University marry core business principles with forward-thinking insights. You can also gain valuable experience through internships and international study opportunities.
Plus, the BBA program at APU offers busy professionals the flexibility they need to balance class with the rest of their lives. You can choose to attend class in one of four convenient Southern California locations once a week for eight weeks, or you can earn your degree online, with the ability to take classes whenever and wherever is most convenient for you.
The program is also a strong foundation for APU’s Master of Business administration (MBA) and Master of Business Management (MBM) programs.
Wondering how you can advance your career without having to leave your current job? Check out more information on APU’s bachelor’s completion programs and apply today.