Whitman supply chain management programs ranked in industry study

The Whitman School of Management’s supply chain management programs were ranked in a recent Gartner study on how leading universities are educating supply chain management professionals to contend with a rapidly changing field. Whitman’s graduate program was ranked sixth in the nation among its peers, the highest ranking Whitman has received to date for any of its supply chain programs. The undergraduate program was ranked 16th.

Because supply chain managers often hold the key to corporate profitability, economists and employers in today’s global market agree that the field of supply chain management stands apart for its strong growth potential. Program rankings are critical in a dynamic specialty industry that is redefining itself and transitioning to highly integrated, interdependent networks.

“The Whitman School has been a leader in supply chain management education and research since our founding. We are home to the nation’s first supply chain program, which continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of the industry,” says Whitman School Dean Melvin T. Stith. “Gartner’s recognition of our supply chain programs is a reflection of the high-quality nature of our curriculum, research and faculty.”

Gartner, a technology research firm, asked more than 400 supply chain practitioners and academics to rate supply chain education programs across the country. Ratings were based on industry value (40 percent), program size (20 percent) and scope (40 percent). Respondents assessed how well programs meet the changing needs of supply chain professionals and the efficiency in which research and innovations in the field reach the student population. To calculate rankings, Gartner also factored in school-provided information regarding enrollment, programs and faculty size.