U.S. News & World Report recently ranked the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Haslam College of Business No. 4 for supply chain management at public business schools, and No. 5 nationally, a rise from a ranking of No. 8 in the previous year.
Haslam’s rise in the supply chain management rankings stems from years of building its reputation as an expert in supply chain management. Dating back to the 1930’s, when UT Haslam’s transportation program was introduced, the college has offered one of the top logistics degree programs in the country. Over the next 60 years, logistics developed to encompass more than simply moving goods. By the 1990s, companies recognized a more sophisticated need for understanding how goods are procured, manufactured and distributed. Modern supply chain management emerged as the world changed.
Under the direction of Tom Mentzer, the college adapted its logistics program and founded its Supply Chain Forum, leading the way in conceptualizing how the supply chain creates value for both companies and consumers. In 2012, the Supply Chain Forum grew into the Global Supply Chain Institute, which connects companies to Haslam’s globally ranked supply chain management degree programs. Its industry-leading white papers reveal both best practices and the greatest challenges facing supply chain managers. Research from The Global Supply Chain Institute has been cited by Supply Chain Management Review, DC Logistics, Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and many more.
Today, UT Haslam’s commitment to excellence in supply chain management can be seen in the depth and breadth of its supply chain programs. Haslam offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees, with options for working professionals as well as traditional students. Recently, Haslam launched a new Online Master of Science in Supply Chain Management. Recognizing the growing need for forward-thinking supply chain managers, the online MS in Supply Chain Management connects students from around the world with Haslam’s top-ranked faculty.
Haslam’s Rankings
Haslam’s supply chain management program rankings within U.S. News & World Report are determined by expert opinion from industry professionals and top academics as well as from statistical information compiled from more than 22,000 entrants. This year’s ranking reflects Haslam’s leadership position in supply chain management, a position that has long been acknowledged by the industry. Gartner, the world’s leading research and advisory company, ranks Haslam at No. 2, nationally.
Haslam’s students also distinguish the supply chain management career program as one of the top in the world. The Economist ranks Haslam No. 2 for quality of students, and Haslam students rate the program first in relevance. Haslam is deeply committed to its students, and offers flexible options for working professionals. The Financial Times ranks Haslam No. 4 among public universities for executive education and No. 1 for facilities and program support.
In an explanation of their methodology, The Economist notes that rankings indicate a school’s performance and reputation in any given moment. While rankings are extremely important indicators of a program’s potential to help you achieve success, The Economist advises that prospective students “understand the ethos behind each [program].” This makes Haslam’s No. 1 rankings by students particularly important. Not only do industry leaders and academics consider Haslam a top program, Haslam students, themselves ranked second in quality, know it to be the top program.
Why Rankings Matter
Haslam established one of the first logistics programs, and today it continues leading the way in supply chain management with its top-ranked graduate programs. Haslam’s rankings are a useful tool for program leaders, corporate partners, and faculty to maintain the ability to communicate what Haslam can offer. While rankings represent only a fraction of the journey toward deciding whether to enroll in a program, they are also extremely useful for students to make informed life decisions.
Bruce Behn, associate dean for Graduate and Executive Education at Haslam, says, “The faculty and program staff take great pride in delivering a curriculum that is truly transformational for our students, as we want to help them grow professionally and succeed in their careers. The latest rankings are a welcome affirmation of the extraordinary value to students that our programs deliver.”
Supply chain is fast-moving and constantly evolving. Leaders who understand the industry are needed to help maximize value for companies and consumers. An education at Haslam will help you get ahead and learn to stay ahead. The online program now offers all the opportunities of a Haslam degree, including career readiness, networking, access to industry leaders and real-world problem solving, with the flexibility of online learning. A supply chain management degree can help you advance within your organization, broaden your skills and career path or start a new career.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, learn more about the MS in Supply Chain Management Online at Haslam.
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