CHRISTINA PARASKEVOPOULOU
Ph.D. Candidate in Mechanical Engineering,
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

^{2022–2023 Fulbright Greek Research Student Program to the U.S. Host: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge.}

Supply Chain Management (SCM) refers to the supervision and coordination of the entire process of product creation, from the raw materials’ procurement to the final delivery to customers. It involves planning, execution, control, and monitoring of all these operations, aiming to optimize processes with respect to increasing value for the customer (either minimizing cost, or improving response time depending on the product or service). After the COVID-19 pandemic, SCM’s crucial role in sustaining uninterrupted flow of essential goods was highlighted.

Becoming an SCM expert typically involves pursuing a degree in Supply Chain Management or a related field like logistics, operations management, or business administration. A combination of academic learning, practical experience through internships or co-op programs, and staying updated with industry trends and technologies is important. With a degree in SCM, one can venture into diverse career paths, such as supply chain analyst, logistics manager, or operations planner, as well as pursue an academic or research-oriented career.

Specializations in SCM can vary, ranging from logistics and transportation planning, procurement management, sustainability manager to supply chain data analyst. These specializations allow professionals to focus on specific aspects of SCM that align with their interests and career goals.

At the undergraduate level, where usually a degree solely on SCM is not offered, the focus often revolves around introducing fundamental concepts, principles, and basic analytical tools relevant to supply chains through courses. Graduate studies, on the other hand, delve deeper into advanced theories, strategic planning, decision-making frameworks, and specialized areas, offering a more comprehensive and research-oriented approach to SCM. This prepares individuals for leadership roles, research positions, or specialized consultancy within the field.

 ^{_{Photo Credit: Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition for Unsplash}}