Success in supply chain management (SCM) means pulling together diverse types of information tied to the geographic nature of a supply chain and using it for increased operational efficiency. SCM professionals need to master powerful tools and technologies, such as geographic information systems (GIS), to convert massive amounts of data into business intelligence that can drive both supply chain strategy and execution.
American Sentinel University, one of the few higher education institutions to offer accredited, under graduate and graduate-level online GIS degrees, will be discussing the powerful role that GIS plays in supply chain management at the 98th Annual International Supply Chain Management Conference held April 28 – 30 at the Grapevine Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.
Data-focused Degrees Give SCM Professionals Business Edge
American Sentinel will be showcasing three of its data-focused degrees that help SCM professionals meet their business needs:
• Master of Business Administration with Concentration in GIS (MBA): A 36-credit hour program ideal for business professionals who want to achieve an understanding of how to apply data interpretation, insight-driven decision-making and analytical principles to address a self-defined business challenge or opportunity. Unlike other online MBA degree programs, this program weaves market-relevant topics and tools – such as business intelligence, geographic information systems and informatics along with foundational business principles – throughout the curriculum.
“An MBA will help the supply chain management professional gain knowledge of the complete business and those that can spot opportunities or who are recognized in their organizations as problem-solvers have a much better chance for advancement in their organizations,” says Steve Owlett, CPSM, C.P.M, CISCM.
He notes that understanding data leads to insights and insights lead to better-informed decisions. A supply chain management professional who understand data and is armed with understanding and insight will be able to make better strategic decisions.
• Master of Geospatial Information Systems (MGIS): A 36-credit hour program that teaches professionals to apply geospatial technologies and visualization strategies to real-world systems for modern-day problem solving.
• Geospatial Information Systems Graduate Certificate (GISGC): The 15-credit hour GIS graduate certificate offers a cross-disciplinary curriculum that focuses on the real-world use of geospatial information to address organizational challenges.
“Effective data management is critical to the decision-making process and the ability to synthesize data from a variety of sources and transform it into meaningful information for supply chain business decisions is a huge factor in determining successful outcomes,” says Dr. Stephen McElroy, GIS program chair at American Sentinel University.
Dr. McElroy points out that nearly every aspect of the SCM process relies on location-based data of some type, so knowledge of the spatial context in fundamental.
The addition of skills related to GIS and data analysis tools and techniques provides a SCM professional with a differentiator that could be the key to a more profitable SCM operation.
“GIS provides the tool by which a host of data sources can be combined in innovative ways to yield new insights related to sourcing and supplying the various input and outputs of the entire supply chain,” adds Dr. McElroy.
American Sentinel at ISM’s 98th Annual International Supply Management Conference
To learn more about American Sentinel’s data-focused degrees, stop at their booth #832 in the exhibit grand hall at ISM’s Annual International Supply Management Conference April 28-30 and visit with the faculty. Exhibitor hours are April 28 beginning at 5 p.m. at the grand opening and networking reception, April 29 from 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. and April 30 from 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
In addition, American Sentinel will be offering attendees their new supply chain e-book – ‘Bringing the Power of GIS to Supply Chain Management’ detailing how SCM drives corporate value and how GIS can give companies and professionals a needed edge.
Learn more about American Sentinel University’s new GIS master’s degree program here.
Learn more or register for ISM’s 98th Annual International Supply Management Conference here.