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What is Supply Chain Management?

The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) defines supply chain management (SCM) as the planning, implementation, and control of all activities involved in sourcing, procurement, conversion, and logistics management. It also includes coordination and collaboration with channel partners—suppliers, intermediaries, third‑party service providers, and customers. In short, SCM integrates supply and demand management across companies to ensure products, services, and information flow efficiently from origin to consumption.

The UNT supply chain management program prepares students for a wide range of roles across the global supply chain, equipping them to work in manufacturing, distribution, transportation, procurement, planning, analytics, and more.

Supply chain management encompasses every activity required to bring a product or service to market. This includes designing the network, sourcing materials, managing suppliers, forecasting demand, planning production, coordinating transportation, overseeing inventory, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Professionals in this field are often referred to as supply chain analysts, supply chain managers, operations planners, procurement specialists, or distribution managers, depending on their area of focus.

A typical supply chain system includes components such as: demand forecasting, procurement and supplier management, production planning, inventory control, order fulfillment, transportation, warehousing, customer service, information systems, sustainability, and risk management. In smaller organizations, a supply chain professional may oversee many of these areas, while in larger companies, roles tend to be more specialized.

Where The Jobs Are

Because nearly every organization relies on sourcing, production, and distribution, supply chain management spans a massive range of industries. Any company that produces, moves, stores, or sells a product is part of the supply chain. Service organizations also depend heavily on supply chain processes to support their operations.

Possible Employers

Organizations that commonly hire supply chain professionals include:
  • Manufacturing firms
  • Retailers and wholesalers
  • Transportation and logistics companies
  • Third‑party logistics (3PL) providers
  • Distribution centers and warehouses
  • Consulting firms
  • Government and military agencies
  • Technology and software companies
  • Universities and research institutions
  • Telecommunications and service firms
  • Equipment manufacturers and distributors
  • Executive recruiting firms specializing in operations and supply chain

Career Paths

Supply chain management offers a wide variety of functional career tracks, such as:
  • Supply chain planning
  • Procurement and sourcing
  • Transportation and logistics management
  • Inventory planning and control
  • Warehouse operations and distribution management
  • Customer service and order fulfillment
  • Production and operations management
  • Supply chain analytics and information systems
  • Supplier relationship management
  • Packaging and materials management
  • Marketing, sales, and demand planning
  • Finance and cost analysis
  • Education, training, and research
  • Corporate strategy and internal consulting

Salaries

Graduating seniors entering the supply chain field can expect starting salaries ranging from $58,000 to over $96,000 annually. Factors influencing salary include geographic region, education, economic conditions, internships, experience, and the ability to communicate your value to employers.

For employment and wages statistics, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Supply Chain Management Program/Curriculum

Supply chain management has become one of the fastest‑growing and most essential business disciplines in Texas and across the United States. The Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex is a major national hub for supply chain activity, supported by extensive highway networks, major airports, rail infrastructure, and a large concentration of logistics and distribution companies.

Numerous industry partners contributed to the development of UNT’s program. These organizations support student scholarships, internships, faculty development, field projects, and job placement.

The professional field in Supply Chain Management consists of 33 hours of coursework, including an internship. Required courses may include:

  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Global Alliances and International Supply Chain Management
  • Business Transportation Management
  • Operations Management

Students also select 6 hours of approved upper‑level supply chain or business courses to support their career interests.