WMU’s Integrated Supply Management program earns spot among top supply chain programs.

Earning its first ranking, WMU’s Integrated Supply Management program is named 12^th among undergraduate supply chain programs, tied with the University of Maryland and Stanford University. (See complete list, below.) The ranking, by Gartner (AMR), is an important step in the development of this program, which celebrates its 20^th anniversary in 2012. In the last Gartner ranking, WMU’s ISM program received an “honorable mention.”

Dr. Bret Wagner, director,
integrated supply management program

“It's encouraging to see that the Gartner rankings recognize the quality of the ISM program,” says Dr. Bret Wagner, director of the WMU program. “During its 20 year history, the ISM program has used the input from our executive council (the ISM program's industry advisory board) to drive changes in the program and curriculum so that it stays relevant. This continuous improvement philosophy will be the key for the ISM program to move up the rankings.”

Gartner’s ranking relied on evaluation of numerous factors, including Industry partnerships, additional training required of graduates, curriculum and integration of IT.

Chris Flum, BBA '86, is president of the
ISM Executive Council

"I have been part of the ISM Executive Council for over 10 years. The reason I and the other council members participate is we can see that our input is valued and results in changes in the program and the curriculum that produce graduates who are well prepared for careers in supply management,” says Chris Flum, BBA ’86, vice president, Global Indirect Supply & Procurement at Harman International.

“As an alum, it’s good to see that the hard work of the faculty and executive council members in producing a world-class supply management program is being recognized by organizations like Gartner."

In addition to industry input and continuous improvement, Wagner says that the program’s innovative curriculum and distinctive elements provide students with skills to begin supply management careers “Ready, Day One.”

· Joins coursework in business and engineering

· Incorporates extensive use of SAP ERP business software in courses

· Requires project courses where students apply process improvement tools to real company problems

In the last ranking by Gartner, WMU received an honorable mention for its extensive use of SAP ERP system in two classes, including a dedicated class.

Gartner (AMR), the definitive organization dealing with industry supply chains, announced the latest rankings in early June at its annual conference. 

Fast Facts about ISM

The List:

1. Penn State

3. Georgia Tech, Arizona State, Rutgers

5. Michigan State

6. University of Texas-Austin

7. Ohio State and University of Wisconsin-Madison

9. Texas A & M and University of Tennessee

12. WMU, Maryland, Stanford

14. Lehigh University, University of Marquette

16. Syracuse University

20. University of Indiana, University South Carolina, Auburn University, Texas Christian University, University of Kansas and University of Nevada-Reno

23. North Texas

25. Iowa State and Rider