Supply Chain and Operations Management

Supply Chain and Operations Management involves the study of management concerns related to the design, decision-making, and implementation of operating systems. Although manufacturing and supply-chain systems receive primary emphasis, other areas of study include operating systems to provide services or information. In recent U.S. News & World Report rankings of business schools, the production/operations area at Krannert consistently ranks in the top 5 among business schools.

The PhD program takes an analytical, operations-research, model-oriented approach with coursework that includes rigorous classes in economics, operations research, and industrial engineering. Doctoral students develop teaching skills under faculty guidance. Before graduation, every student is given the opportunity to demonstrate their teaching ability.

PhD students also enjoy an affiliation with the Global Supply Chain Management Initiative, whose programs provide intellectual and financial resources to support Supply Chain and Operations Management. The program of study is designed to achieve two goals: First, to help each student develop into a first-class researcher; second, to help each student develop skills in teaching and gain experience in teaching operations management.