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Master of Business Administration - Operations & Supply Chain Management
Vermillion, South Dakota
INTAKE: Jan, May & Aug
Program Overview
The MBA in Operations & Supply Chain Management at USD focuses on the "science of getting things done" by providing an in-depth study of supply chain management, lean management, quality control, and other topics essential in today's rapidly evolving global market. The program emphasizes applying concepts to solve real-world business problems, including increasing operational efficiency, managing logistics, strategic sourcing, and waste reduction. Graduates are prepared to lead in various operational roles, maximizing the effective use of a firm's resources. The program is flexible, offered in multiple formats including online, to accommodate working professionals and those seeking career advancement.
STEM-Designated: While the search results primarily highlight the Business Analytics specialization as STEM-designated, and do not explicitly confirm this for the Operations & Supply Chain Management MBA at USD, many modern Operations and Supply Chain Management programs are increasingly gaining STEM designation due to their strong reliance on quantitative analysis, data science, and technology. A STEM designation would offer significant benefits, especially for international students, by extending the Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation. Prospective students should verify the current STEM status directly with USD's Beacom School of Business for the most up-to-date information.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MBA in Operations & Supply Chain Management is designed to provide a robust understanding of both theoretical frameworks and practical applications. Key topics typically include network relationship integration, quality and process improvement methods, and project management. Students gain competencies in managing logistics, sourcing, quality control, scheduling, and production. The curriculum may also cover process flow diagrams, value stream mapping, constraint theory, operational decision-making, and leveraging computing technologies for managerial strategies. Courses aim to develop skills in data analysis for decision-making and the effective use of software for supply chain and logistics data manipulation.
Research Focus: The research focus within Operations & Supply Chain Management at institutions like USD often revolves around optimizing complex systems and processes. This can involve studies on supply chain design, logistics efficiency, forecasting accuracy, and data-based decision-making. Faculty may engage in research on topics such as the deployment of flexible resources, operations and supply chain strategy, and the interface between operations management and other business functions. While the MBA is a professional degree, the curriculum is informed by current academic research, ensuring students are exposed to cutting-edge theories and methodologies for solving real-world operational challenges.
Industry Engagement: The Beacom School of Business at USD places importance on connecting with the business community. This translates into industry engagement for the Operations & Supply Chain Management program through various avenues. Faculty often bring practical industry experience to the classroom, providing real-world insights. Opportunities for students may include participation in consulting projects with local businesses or engagement with professional organizations. The strong agricultural and industrial base in South Dakota, along with its strategic infrastructure, provides a relevant backdrop for supply chain study and potential networking with companies that are actively seeking SCM professionals.
Global Perspective: The MBA in Operations & Supply Chain Management inherently adopts a global perspective. Today's supply chains are increasingly complex and span international borders, necessitating an understanding of global production, logistics, and distribution networks. The curriculum typically includes discussions on global supply chain challenges from a managerial perspective, exploring how processes can be managed and improved across different international contexts. Students are prepared to analyze and address issues related to international trade, cross-border logistics, and the impact of global events on supply chain resilience, preparing them for roles in multinational corporations and globally-oriented organizations.
Location
Vermillion, South Dakota
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 12800
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $38
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of South Dakota (USD) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and make quality education at USD more accessible to talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: USD awards merit-based scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships recognize outstanding high school or previous college performance and are renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
International Student Academic Scholarships: These scholarships are specifically tailored for international undergraduate students and can cover a significant portion of tuition fees. Eligibility is typically based on a combination of academic excellence and the completion of the admission process by specified deadlines. Many of these scholarships are automatically considered upon application, so no separate application is required.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: For international graduate students, USD provides graduate assistantships and fellowships that offer financial support alongside valuable professional experience. These opportunities often include tuition waivers and a stipend in exchange for research, teaching, or administrative work within the university.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain USD academic departments and colleges offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, health sciences, or fine arts. These scholarships often reward exceptional talent and dedication within those disciplines.
Graduates holding an MBA in Operations & Supply Chain Management from the University of South Dakota (USD) are highly sought after for their ability to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and manage complex global networks. This specialization equips professionals with a comprehensive understanding of how goods and services move from raw materials to the final customer, making them invaluable assets across a multitude of industries.
Supply Chain Manager: This is a core role where graduates oversee the entire lifecycle of a product, from sourcing and procurement to manufacturing, logistics, and distribution. Their goal is to optimize the flow of goods, reduce costs, and ensure timely delivery.
Logistics Manager: Focusing on the movement of goods, Logistics Managers plan, execute, and control the efficient flow and storage of products, services, and related information from the point of origin to the point of consumption. This often involves managing transportation, warehousing, and inventory.
Operations Manager: An Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of business operations, ensuring smooth workflows, maximizing productivity, and optimizing resource allocation. They are critical in ensuring a company's operational efficiency and profitability.
Procurement Manager: These professionals are responsible for sourcing and purchasing goods and services for an organization. They negotiate contracts, manage supplier relationships, and strive to acquire materials at the best possible price and quality.
Inventory Control Manager: This role focuses on maintaining optimal inventory levels to meet customer demand while minimizing storage costs and preventing stockouts. They use various inventory management software and techniques to ensure efficient stock rotation.
Production Manager: In manufacturing environments, Production Managers oversee the entire production process. They manage production schedules, ensure quality control, and strive for efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the manufacturing cycle.
Supply Chain Analyst: Utilizing data and analytical tools, Supply Chain Analysts identify inefficiencies, forecast demand, and recommend improvements across the supply chain. They play a key role in data-driven decision-making to optimize performance.
Distribution Manager: Responsible for overseeing the distribution process, including warehouse operations, order fulfillment, and shipment to customers. They ensure that products reach their destinations efficiently and on time.
Project Manager: With their understanding of process optimization and resource allocation, MBA graduates in Operations & Supply Chain Management are well-suited to manage complex projects across various departments, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
Consultant (Operations/Supply Chain): Many graduates choose to apply their expertise as consultants, advising various companies on how to improve their operational efficiency, optimize supply chains, reduce costs, and implement best practices.
