The rapid growth of the logistics and supply chain industry, driven by consumers’ changing habits, led FIU’s College of Business to launch the Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management program, the first in Florida from a business school.
Designed to prepare students for managerial careers, the 10-month, Saturday-only program focuses on logistics technology, data analytics and distribution modeling. Logistics tracks the business process of moving and storing raw materials, finished goods, assets, and other products from the point of origin to the point of destination.
“We are excited about the tremendous growth we are seeing in logistics and supply chain,” said Greg Maloney, director of the program, and instructor in FIU Business’ Department of Marketing and Logistics. “This program is giving our students better opportunities for employment as well as shaping the future of the businesses driving the growth in this industry.”
He noted that today’s economy is truly global and consumer access is no longer limited by physical distances. Advances in technology and efficient logistics processes have allowed consumers to get everything faster and cheaper.
The MS in Logistics and Supply Chain Management’s first class began August 20, 2018 with 36 students, most of them managers and executives at supply chain companies operating in South Florida.
Four years in the making, the program was designed with the guidance of supply chain executives at Fortune 500 companies as well as South Florida industry leaders who identified a need for increased business and analytical skills. Areas of specialized coverage include transportation, omnichannel distribution, sourcing, inventory management and the latest import/export regulation trends.
“An intensive program like ours is necessary in Miami due to the volume of international trade,” said Dr. Ronald Mesia, lead supply chain professor at FIU Business and executive director of the Ryder Center for Supply Chain Management. “We’re filling the gap that top executives indicated is needed in this industry.”
The program, he noted, leverages the skills of FIU Business professors who already use these practices in their professional careers as well as in the classroom. Faculty members have held supply chain management positions at companies including Federal Express, Amazon, Microsoft, Nortel Networks, and Bacardi.
“Our professors have excellent expertise and years of success in the logistics and supply chain management industry,” said Mesia. Additionally, top-level corporate executives will participate in the program as visiting lecturers.
Program directors are considering a spring 2019 start for the second MS in Logistics and Supply Chain Management cohort. For additional information on applying to the program, visit FIU Business.
