2021 – Page 10 – Sime Curkovic Ph.D.

If a company wanted to get started with using Robotic Process Automation (RPA), where and how should they begin?

Have you heard of Robotic Process Automation (RPA)? That is basically software that makes use of ML and AI to do routine manual SCM activities like process a Purchase Order. The process is manual, tactical, and clerically driven. However, that RPA software is learning from itself on how to do things better, faster, and cheaper. For example, RPA could start saying things like: I think we are paying too much,...

Will I have to learn and do a lot of coding in SCM? Answer: No, but…

I would say very very little coding. Our Business Anaytics minor does require a Python class, but I would not call it a coding class, far from it. This describes our Python class (CIS 2650): CIS 2650 is not just a "Python" class, but instead a Python class for analytics (big difference). In a traditional Python class, people teach Python straight for the whole semester with tons of syntax, data structure, software development, etc. That type of class is mostly designed...

What technology classes should I take?

Why was the WMU ISM supply chain program ranked 2nd in SCM technology by SoftwareAdvice?Answer: Because our students minor in Business Analytics* *(e.g., big data/predictive analytics, database management, data mining, project management, SQL, Python, PMO, Tableau, Power BI, etc.) CIS 2640 - Applied Analytics Foundations This is the first business analytics course designed to give students comprehensive skills and in- depth knowledge to summarize, filter, present, transform and analyze business...

How important are engineering skills in Supply Chain Management? Can you talk to engineers?

A company forwarded me a job posting for an entry level position in supply chain & they especially wanted a SCM major with some of these skill sets (Special Product Procurement Specialist):1. Collaborate with engineers, manufacturing team members, designers, suppliers, tool builders, and associates to complete Engineering Change Orders. (Our students learn this in EDMM 1420: Engineering Graphics)2. Must be familiar in the use of common quality system processes such...

Another student question: What subjects are required in supply chain management?

Note, WMU requires twice the SCM coursework of most programs, the difference is in our CIS and engineering classes. MGMT 2800—Intro to Supply ManagementMGMT 3200—Managing ERP Systems (SAP)MGMT 3810—Experiential Live Six-Sigma Lean Problem-Solving (DMAIC & A3)EDMM 3280—Quality Assurance and ControlEDMM 1420—Engineering GraphicsEDMM 1500/1501—Intro to Manufacturing/Processes and Materials in ManufacturingMKTG 3720—Sourcing and PurchasingMKTG 4630—Supply Chain LogisticsMGMT 4640—Production Management and ControlLAW 4840—International Business Law or LAW 4860—Marketing and Sales Law (Advanced Contract Negotiation)...

Question from a student: I am thinking of doing dual major in marketing and supply chain management? What do you think about the combination?

I get this question often, should I pick up another major with my SCM major and/or pick up a minor, and if so which one? I assume you are doing a SCM major to get a SCM entry level managerial position. Basically, that means you want the degree to get a job in SCM, right? OK, so the answer to your question is will the other major or minor compliment...

Reneging: Once you commit, quit!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7f3hnh5gnT0&t=13s It has been brought to our attention that some students have been accepting internships/jobs, but continued to search for and accept other positions with other employers. This is reneging, a practice that is unethical and greatly frowned upon for students at Western Michigan University. What is reneging? As noted, reneging is going back on a promise made. In other words, it is promising one thing and then pulling the...

Click: Does your resume make it obvious that you know how to solve problems?

Problem-solving is the #1 sought after skill (used to be leadership). Here is an alarming statistic... Nearly a third of all supply chain processes are inadequate, according to research from Crimson & Co. Covid kind of brought this front and center. The paper in the below link lists the most important soft skills to employers. https://www.naceweb.org/career-readiness/competencies/the-four-career-competencies-employers-value-most/ Notice, that problem solving has kept moving up and is now number one! It has...

Feedback from former student on consulting jobs after graduation…

Hi Sime, First of all I want to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to work on research with you because that was a significant selling point when I interviewed for my current job in consulting. To answer your student's question - consulting is a great choice immediately after graduation. It's not for everyone, but if any of your students are curious about consulting, I recommend that they...

What do Supply Chain internships pay (and they all pay, never work for free)…

Salary Report: Here is the full salary report What do supply chain internships pay (and they all pay, never work for free)? The going rate is $16-27 per hour. Note, this data is around 4 years old. Also, see full time starting salaries from supply chain graduates. I just wanted to clarify that all SCM internships are paid internships and they tend to pay very well. The companies at the...