Case study reports and presentations:
https://www.simecurkovic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Co
70% of new supplier agreements contain inflation driven economic adjustment clauses with the use of indices being the most common. It might be time for price risk sharing in buyer-supplier relationships. Has Strategic Cost Mgmt (i.e., Price Analysis) become a lost art? Tools we use to teach this:
Sime Curkovic
May 5, 2024
Supply Chain Management (and Operations) made the list. 43% (SCM)/65% (Ops) large impact – “refers to tasks that will be fully automated or significantly altered by AI technologies.” In case you want to see what we cover in our AI course, see the screenshot below. Our analytics faculty have built an AI course in our business college (CIS 5550) to cover all kinds of AI for business applications. AI embedded modules in existing courses will be added.
Supply Chain Management (and Operations) made the list. 43% (SCM)/65% (Ops) large impact - "re
Sime Curkovic
April 27, 2024
The 16 worst-paying college majors, five years after graduation…But…If You Majored in One of These 18 Subjects, You’ll Likely Have a Comfortable Retirement…Notice SCM made the list: #5. Supply Chain (Logistics): $52,290. Note, WMU SCM grads (2022) had a median wage range of $65-$75K.
The 16 worst-paying college majors, five years after graduation: https://lnkd.in/eTyx7YpW. But…If Y
Sime Curkovic
April 27, 2024
Great read…Translation: Success = Pick the right major (i.e., demand > supply) + Get work experience (i.e., internships related to major) + Pick the right first job (i.e., they pay a premium for your major because of supply/demand conditions and you are job ready day one because you have professional work experience). Notice:
Great read…Translation: Success = Pick the right major (i.e., demand > supply) + Get work experi
Sime Curkovic
April 27, 2024
We make our students learn A3 through a project w/ a local company…Several of our students also complete their summer internships with an A3 presentation & report. It becomes such a valuable tool moving forward as they hit the job market & need to speak on it . Also, problem-solving is the #1 sought after skill set by employers:
We make our students learn A3 through a project w/ a local company...Video presentations: https://l
Sime Curkovic
April 27, 2024
401Ks: I spent some time on this w/ a student & her full-time job offer. Students need help understanding their retirement savings plan. The Benefits of Investing Early in Life…Let’s say you started investing at 20 years old…
401Ks: I spent some time on this w/ a student & her full-time job offer. Students need help und
Sime Curkovic
April 27, 2024
For a list of employers with 100% remote jobs, see…When in the job interview process do you disclose that you only want to work remotely? It is becoming increasingly common for our graduates to prioritize remote work opportunities. The appeal of flexibility and the comfort of working from one’s own space is undeniable (I do it VERY often).
For a list of employers with 100% remote jobs, see: https://lnkd.in/g6cq-S6E. When in the job inter
Sime Curkovic
April 27, 2024
Tough to argue with this list though, just pay attention to ROI. Should You Give Up Your Salary and Go to Grad School? Well, that darn MBA degree still has a great ROI…“Over their lifetime, an MBA grad can expect to earn $3M more than someone w/ only a bachelor’s.”
Tough to argue with this list though, just pay attention to ROI. Should You Give Up Your Salary and
Sime Curkovic
April 27, 2024
Demonstrating self-awareness during an interview is huge. I tell my students to always answer the “what is your weakness” question in the context of having a strategy to fix it (explain what you have done about it, actual RESULTS). For example, from the article:
Demonstrating self-awareness during an interview is huge. I tell my students to always answer the “
Sime Curkovic
April 27, 2024
Half of College Grads Are Working Jobs That Don’t Use Their Degrees: https://lnkd.in/efcJQEXJ. Translation: Success = Pick the right major (i.e., demand > supply) + Get work experience (i.e., internships related to major) + Pick the right first job (i.e., they pay a premium for your major because of supply/demand conditions and you are job ready day one because you have professional work experience).
A related great read…Half of College Grads Are Working Jobs That Don’t Use Their Degrees: https://l
Sime Curkovic
April 27, 2024
A nice career guide from Harvard to help with resumes, interviewing, getting offers, etc. For more help, pasted below are links from Yale, MIT, & WMU (112 pages of ideas). Should college grads negotiate a job offer (i.e., a higher starting salary)? Yes, but only if you know how to negotiate. My thoughts:
A nice career guide from Harvard to help with resumes, interviewing, getting offers, etc. For more
Sime Curkovic
April 27, 2024
Our new “apprenticeship” program: We just concluded a co-op pilot program with a F500 company that was highly successful and has started its second iteration in 2024. So, what makes this Co-op program different?
Our new "apprenticeship" program: We just concluded a co-op pilot program with a F500 company that
Sime Curkovic
April 27, 2024
Do you think our SCM students should learn this? ArcGIS is a technology that can help companies manage risk. Are Supply Chain professionals using ArcGIS Pro technology? Our Intro GEOG 3010 – Fundamentals of GIS is an elective in the SCM program (see below).
Do you think our SCM students should learn this? ArcGIS is a technology that can help companies man
Sime Curkovic
April 27, 2024
Data Analytics + Finance = Strong SCM Skill Sets. “Half our member respondents (50%) said they would take a “Data Analytics” class to continue their growth as supply chain leaders. Second on the list was taking a “Finance” class (33%).”
Data Analytics + Finance = Strong SCM Skill Sets. “Half our member respondents (50%) said they woul
Sime Curkovic
April 27, 2024
Note, we cover this in our CIS 4640 Business Data Mining class which is the capstone class in our Business Analytics minor. The forecast-driven idea is something that our CIS faculty have been selling to SCM students in this course. In fact, more than 70% of the class is about forecasting and predicting. We specifically talk about data quality treatment strategies to reduce forecasting/prediction errors. CIS 4640 – Business Data Mining:
Great read…
https://hbr.org/2024/03/how-machine-learning-will-transform-supply-chain-management
Sime Curkovic
April 27, 2024
“A 100-Day Plan for Your First Job Out of College”…Build a positive relationship with your boss…”Your boss may be the single most important person in your new job — at least when it comes to your career progression.” I would say this is the #1 reason my students change jobs (it’s their boss).
“A 100-Day Plan for Your First Job Out of College”: https://lnkd.in/gwButxEK. Notice the section on
Sime Curkovic
April 27, 2024
Supply Chain Management Salary Data and What’s The Difference Between Logistics And Supply Chain Management? (And Why It Matters):
Nice salary summary from SCMR: https://lnkd.in/gX6SNriv. “The results…Supply chain and logistics pr
Sime Curkovic
April 27, 2024
Learn with professionals at the WMU Center for Supply Chain Management: Connecting with our center offers you unique opportunities to participate in certification workshops and explore your field side-by-side with professionals.
Learn with professionals at the WMU Center for Supply Chain Management: Connecting with our center
Sime Curkovic
April 27, 2024
The data indicates that an MS or MBA degree continues to deliver an exceptional ROI.
When I first entered academia as a supply chain professor 30 years ago, I assumed the ROI on a grad
Sime Curkovic
March 25, 2024
My students in Silicon Valley say making $200K+/yr feels like making $90K/yr in Metro Detroit. Some pay close to $6K/month for rent (so they need roommates). Owning a home will be tough. Kind of related…Ranked: Worst Companies for Employee Retention:
My students in Silicon Valley say making $200K+/yr feels like making $90K/yr in Metro Detroit. Some
Sime Curkovic
March 23, 2024
Great read…Translation: Success = Pick the right major (i.e., demand > supply) + Get work experience (i.e., internships related to major) + Pick the right first job (i.e., they pay a premium for your major because of supply/demand conditions and you are job ready day one because you have professional work experience). Notice:
Notice SCM made the list: Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain, Storage.
https://www.visualca
Sime Curkovic
March 23, 2024
PROJECTIONS POINT TO SALARY INCREASES FOR CLASS OF 2024 BACHELOR’S GRADS…”Business grads have an avg salary projection that is 3% higher, lifting it to $63,907.” Note, WMU SCM grads (2022) have a median wage range of $65-$75K (add $5K+ for 2024).
PROJECTIONS POINT TO SALARY INCREASES FOR CLASS OF 2024 BACHELOR’S GRADS: https://lnkd.in/eRxevuJv.
Sime Curkovic
March 23, 2024
Do not be a victim of technology. You could make the case that every Business major should minor in Data Analytics. These skill sets would perhaps include:
“Half our member respondents (50%) said they would take a “Data Analytics” class to continue their
Sime Curkovic
March 23, 2024
For a list of employers with 100% remote jobs…When in the job interview process do you disclose that you only want to work remotely? It is becoming increasingly common for our graduates to prioritize remote work opportunities. The appeal of flexibility and the comfort of working from one’s own space is undeniable (I do it VERY often).
For a list of employers with 100% remote jobs, see: https://lnkd.in/g6cq-S6E. When in the job inter
Sime Curkovic
March 23, 2024
It might be time for price risk sharing in these buyer-supplier relationships…Also, get ready for another supply chain disruptor: no succession planning…Do not forget where most of the supply chain is: Small Businesses. From HBR article:
It might be time for price risk sharing in these buyer-supplier relationships: https://lnkd.in/eRm5
Sime Curkovic
March 23, 2024
Our new “apprenticeship” program: We just concluded a co-op pilot program with a F500 company that was highly successful and has started its second iteration in 2024. So, what makes this Co-op program different?..
More WMU SCM student & program success stories…
https://wmich.edu/news/2024/02/74893
Our
Sime Curkovic
March 23, 2024
Very nice graphic. Demonstrating self awareness during an interview is huge. Here is a website that is similar to MBTI and it is free…I actually require my students to conduct a personal SWOT and they largely struggle. How about a personal SWOT analysis? For details on how to build your brand (with a workbook):
Very nice graphic.
Demonstrating self awareness during an interview is huge. Here is a webs
Sime Curkovic
March 23, 2024
Great read…Note, we cover this in our CIS 4640 Business Data Mining class which is the capstone class in our Business Analytics minor. The forecast-driven idea is something that our CIS faculty have been selling to SCM students in this course. In fact, more than 70% of the class is about forecasting and predicting. We specifically talk about data quality treatment strategies to reduce forecasting/prediction errors. CIS 4640 – Business Data Mining:
Great read…
https://hbr.org/2024/03/how-machine-learning-will-transform-supply-chain-management
Sime Curkovic
March 23, 2024
Based on my observations: employers that interview very selectively for internships & pay market value, tend to convert exceptional talent into full-time employees. In fact, they pay their interns a salary that is very close to what their full-time offers are. For example, from a student:
Based on my observations: employers that interview very selectively for internships & pay marke
Sime Curkovic
March 23, 2024
We just talked about this in class…“Cost recovery mechanisms should not be judged in isolation. Inflation-driven cost increases & adjustments need to be addressed in a timely manner that is consistent, tested, & institutionalized & supported by OEM & supplier cost reduction efforts.”
We just talked about this in class...“Cost recovery mechanisms should not be judged in isolation. I
Sime Curkovic
March 23, 2024
Supply Chain Management (and Operations) made the list. 43% (SCM)/65% (Ops) large impact – “refers to tasks that will be fully automated or significantly altered by AI technologies.” In case you want to see what we cover in our AI course, see the screenshot below.
Supply Chain Management (and Operations) made the list. 43% (SCM)/65% (Ops) large impact - "refers
Sime Curkovic
March 23, 2024
The 16 worst-paying college majors, five years after graduation- But…If You Majored in One of These 18 Subjects, You’ll Likely Have a Comfortable Retirement…Notice SCM made the list: #5. Supply Chain (Logistics): $52,290
The 16 worst-paying college majors, five years after graduation: https://lnkd.in/eTyx7YpW. But…If Y
Sime Curkovic
March 23, 2024
Thousands of jobs on LinkedIn w/ Indirect Procurement built into the job description. MRO buyer jobs…I just had a student get an internship offer in “indirect” procurement & she asked me if it was a good opportunity. I gave her a resounding yes.
Thousands of jobs on LinkedIn w/ Indirect Procurement built into the job description: https://lnkd.
Sime Curkovic
March 23, 2024
LinkedIn shows thousands of jobs in SCM related to “risk” & FMEA (Failure Mode Effects & Analysis).
LinkedIn shows thousands of jobs in SCM related to “risk” & FMEA (Failure Mode Effects & An
Sime Curkovic
March 23, 2024
Subject: Read: Please Watch Out for Power BI or Tableau. Do not be a victim of technology. Put these skills on your resume if you have them! Students:
Subject: Read: Please Watch Out for Power BI or Tableau. Do not be a victim of technology.&nbs
Sime Curkovic
February 23, 2024
Subject: Read: Apple’s Core Competency is SCM? I thought it was technology/innovation? Students: Apple’s Core Competency is SCM?
Subject: Read: Apple's Core Competency is SCM? I thought it was technology/innovation? St
Sime Curkovic
February 23, 2024
Full time jobs – non asset based 3PL. FYI – this is a trillion dollar industry in America alone, stuff has to get moved around by someone…
Full time jobs - non asset based 3PL (I will talk about these companies in class the next time we m
Sime Curkovic
February 23, 2024
Feedback from former student on consulting jobs after graduation…just in case you see some at the career fairs. Consulting is simply “problem-solving”. “You get paid in direct proportion to the difficulty of the problems you solve” – Elon Musk
Subject: Read: Feedback from former student on consulting jobs after graduation...just in case you
Sime Curkovic
February 23, 2024
How do companies outsource strategically? Some companies (both large and small) are going beyond just outsourcing commodities to also outsourcing core/strategic parts. It makes sense for smaller firms with scarce resources to outsource commodities.
Subject: Read: How do companies outsource strategically? How do companies outsource strategically?
Sime Curkovic
February 23, 2024
Subject: Read: Feedback from a Bronco who works at TACOM (great government jobs, this might surprise you) Students (great government jobs & they often welcome all majors):
Subject: Read: Feedback from a Bronco who works at TACOM (great government jobs, this might su
Sime Curkovic
February 23, 2024
Subject: Negotiating a job offer (i.e., internships & your starting salary)… Check out the #1 skill set sought after by employers in the attachment (does your resume sell it?). Note, Negotiation is a problem-solving skill set that every manager needs (and most are very bad at at).
Subject: Negotiating a job offer (i.e., internships & your starting salary)...Check out the #1
Sime Curkovic
February 23, 2024
Subject: Read (mentor advice): Rounding up GPAs, post script on your phones for email replies, resume keywords, & email signatures Students (how about creating a professional email signature to impress employers?):
Subject: Read (mentor advice): Rounding up GPAs, post script on your phones for email replies,
Sime Curkovic
February 23, 2024
Subject: Read: Yet another reason to consider the BA minor (sorry to be so pushy about these skills, I will stop very soon)…But, problem-solving at work requires that you measure the stuff that is important to your organization (i.e., quality, costs, service, etc.).
Subject: Read: Yet another reason to consider the BA minor (sorry to be so pushy about these skills
Sime Curkovic
February 23, 2024
Subject: Read: Business Analytics Minor and AI (I think this minor keeps you from ever being a victim of technology). Students (see the end of this from my former students): Is AI your next threat and do you believe the following?…
Subject: Read: Business Analytics Minor and AI (I think this minor keeps you from ever being a vict
Sime Curkovic
February 23, 2024
We have it covered with our students. Generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT, Google Bard, CoPilot, etc.) is a major focus in our new CIS 5550 course. “American college students are behind in using AI in their studies compared to their foreign counterparts.”
We have it covered with our students.
https://www.visualcapitalist.com/ranked-the-most-popular-
Sime Curkovic
February 23, 2024
More WMU SCM student success stories…
More WMU SCM student success stories…
https://wmich.edu/news/2024/01/74490
1. Dylan Sing is a
Sime Curkovic
February 23, 2024
WMU named a Best College for Future Leaders by TIME, overall ranking No. 79 in the nation & 3rd in the state. Yes, ranked: Supply Chain Management (along w/ several other business programs at WMU). For complete WMU list, see:
WMU named a Best College for Future Leaders by TIME, overall ranking No. 79 in the nation & 3rd
Sime Curkovic
February 23, 2024
Vertical Integration, are we coming full circle? I spent the last 3 decades showing students how aggressive outsourcing strategies have been a hallmark of industry, driven by the pursuit of cost reductions, wider margins, higher asset turnover rate, and better ROI.
Vertical Integration, are we coming full circle? I spent the last 3 decades showing students how ag
Sime Curkovic
February 23, 2024
“New data shows that for the first time in over 20 years, the U.S. bought more from Mexico than China in 2023… Exports from Mexico to the U.S. in 2023 totaled a sum of $476 billion as China’s imports to the U.S. dropped by 20%.”
"New data shows that for the first time in over 20 years, the U.S. bought more from Mexico than Chi
Sime Curkovic
February 23, 2024
Students: Do not forget to say thank you after those career fairs and networking…For more help, pasted below are links from Harvard, Yale, MIT, & WMU (112 pages). Many college grads struggle to land jobs due to a lack of preparedness: “Nearly 20% of employers said they’ve even had a recent college grad bring a parent to an interview.”
Students: Do not forget to say thank you after those career fairs and networking...For more help, p
Sime Curkovic
February 23, 2024