Analysing Challenges of Teaching Supply Chain Management in Higher Education Institutions

Nuria Camps

doi:10.18646/2056.44.17-016

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to provide an analysis of the main challenges in teaching and learning Supply Chain Management in Higher Education Institutions. It also reviews the perceived challenges faced by university students studying SCM modules as part of business management studies in a Scottish university. Findings indicate that traditional ways of teaching Supply Chain Management are not always effective and students expect a more student-centred pedagogy to improve the depth of their learning.

Highlights

In the UK, the manufacturing sector employs 2.9 million people, whereas transport and storage sector employs around 1.6 million people (Office for National Statistics, 2017)
Three quarters of the respondents (70.8%) were unclear with their career after graduation (70.8% of respondents disagree with the statement “when I was learning Supply Chain Management (SCM), I already knew which job I would like to have after completion of my study”)
This paper explores the challenges faced by the students and lecturers in teaching and learning SCM

Summary

Introduction

In the UK, the manufacturing sector employs 2.9 million people, whereas transport and storage sector employs around 1.6 million people (Office for National Statistics, 2017). The skills requirements for a SCM practitioner is quite complex and requires a wide range of skills, including: commercial skills, analytical abilities, problem-solving skills, technical knowledge of transport or warehouse operations, good understanding of IT applications (e.g. modelling tools, customer relationship management, esourcing etc.) as well as communication skills and motivational skills (Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, 2017; Bak and Boulocher-Passet, 2013; Jordan and Bak, 2016). Studies have shown that there is a gap between what employers need and what business schools deliver (Bennis and O’Toole, 2005; Jordan and Bak, 2016; Lutz and Birou, 2013). Bennis and O’Toole (2005) pointed out that business schools tend to emphasises the knowledge creation through research and do not relate enough it with the industry. With a specific emphasis on SCM, this paper aims to analyse the current approaches in teaching SCM at the university level and based on that, proposes alternative and innovative approaches to teach SCM

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion