Earlier this month, the Schulich School of Business hosted a program launch and networking social to officially kick off the school’s new Master of Supply Chain Management (MSCM) program. The program is unique in that it can be taken full-time in 12 months by graduates of business, economics, science and engineering degree programs or on a part-time basis by working professionals for completion in as little as two years. The first cohort of students will begin their studies in May 2019.
The event started with a supply chain industry panel discussion that included David Johnston, the new program’s director; Mark Gallant, senior director of supply chain at Home Depot; Joe Lombardo, director of transportation and network performance at Purolator; and Carlos Menezes, vice-president of distribution and planning at Canadian Tire.
In their remarks, each emphasized why they believe this management professional program is a much-needed initiative in the industry right now. “There are not a lot of supply chain designation professionals with the right experience and social behaviour,” said Lombardo. “The ability to co-operate and collaborate is missing.”
“We need managers that can truly operate, participate and drive projects,” added Gallant.
Menezes also believes that people management is critical for this industry. “You have to motivate your team when you’re a manager, and be able to convince folks of your ideas and to follow your plan,” he said.
Johnston revealed that they have set up an agreement with the Supply Chain Management Association (SCMA) to provide graduating students with advanced standing for the Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) accreditation.
Prospective students were invited to ask questions and had the opportunity to discuss the MSCM program with faculty and the admission team after the panel discussion.