About This Certificate

Success in today's marketplace requires that organizations deliver products and services that provide easily identified value for their customers. The digital supply chain management graduate certificate program draws on strengths within two departments to integrate source (strategic procurement and supply management), production (manufacturing and service operations), and delivery processes (demand fulfillment), with a focus on the use of information technologies as the critical enabler of supply chain efficiencies and responsiveness.

This graduate certificate will give students the tools and ideas that help shape and define the various components of value creation. Students gain knowledge and skills in the full spectrum of supply chain activities:

  • Supplier relationships
  • Purchasing management
  • Operations and inventory management
  • logistics and transportation
  • Quality management
  • Information technology.

This is a professional development program focused on building competency across the foundations of supply chain management. Students attain new skill sets to help them manage and enhance the value of today's complex supply chains.

Term: 1 to 3 years to graduate

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  • Requirements
  • Course Information

Requirements

Graduate Certificate Requirements:

  • Certificate programs require the completion of twelve credit hours (four designated courses) of 3000-, 4000-, 5000-, and 6000-level lecture courses (1000/2000-level courses cannot be included).

Course Information

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Required Courses

Description

This course provides a technical overview of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems and their impact on organizations. SAP is introduced to illustrate the concepts, fundamentals, framework, general information technology context, technological infrastructure, and integration of business enterprise-wide applications.

Learning Objective

  1. Understand the concept and significance of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems in modern organizations.
  2. Comprehend the integration of ERP systems within an organization's IT landscape.
  3. Design an ERP system tailored to specific business requirements.
  4. Develop strategies for successful ERP system implementation.
  5. Evaluate the impact of ERP systems on business processes and operations.
  6. Apply ERP-related concepts to real-world business scenarios.

Course Content

  • Overview of SAP
  • ERP System Design
  • ERP Implementation Methodologies
  • Integration of Business Processes
  • ERP System Optimization

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • Assignments
  • Midterm Exam
  • Final Project

Description

The course studies the need for supply chain integration and the challenges of managing complex interfaces using the systems approach for the planning, analysis, design, development, and evaluation of the supply chain. SAP's ERP ECC, SCM, BW, and Sybase Unwired Platform are used to deploy SCM apps.

Learning Objective

  1. Understand the role and significance of Supply Chain Management (SCM) in modern business operations.
  2. Analyze SCM processes and identify areas for optimization and integration with ERP systems.
  3. Explain the principles of ERP and its relevance to SCM.
  4. Design and implement effective SCM strategies within an ERP framework.
  5. Evaluate the impact of SCM on key business performance metrics.

Course Content

  • Supply Chain Processes
  • ERP Fundamentals
  • Integration of SCM and ERP
  • SCM Strategy and Planning
  • Procurement and Supplier Management

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • Assignments
  • Midterm Exam
  • Final Project

Choose One

Description

Product Life cycle design; Finding design solutions using optimization technique; Rapid product realization using rapid prototyping and virtual prototyping techniques.

Learning Objective

  1. Understand the product life cycle and its significance in design.
  2. Learn to find design solutions using optimization techniques.
  3. Explore rapid product realization through rapid prototyping.
  4. Master virtual prototyping techniques for product design and testing.

Course Content

  • Product Life Cycle Design
  • Optimization Techniques in Product Design
  • Rapid Product Realization with Rapid Prototyping
  • Virtual Prototyping for Product Design

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Exams
  • Project

Description

This course focuses on the development of logistics management skills related to global supply chains. Particular attention will be given to supply chain systems management as part of the firm's strategic positioning, cultural interactions, and transportation sourcing decisions.

Learning Objective

  1. Understand the fundamentals of supply chain management and its importance in engineering management.
  2. Analyze supply chain processes, identify bottlenecks, and suggest improvements.
  3. Utilize technology and software tools for supply chain planning, execution, and monitoring.
  4. Develop a strategic approach to supply chain sustainability and risk management.
  5. Apply analytical and problem-solving techniques to real-world supply chain challenges.

Course Content

  • Introduction to Supply Chain Management
  • Supply Chain Strategies
  • Quantitative Methods in Supply Chain Analysis
  • Technology in Supply Chain Management
  • Supply Chain Risk Management
  • Case Studies and Industry Best Practices

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • Midterm Exam
  • Final Exam
  • Final Project

Description

This course covers supply chain management and its critical role in developing and maintaining effective and efficient processes in the organization, including operations and project management processes and principles.

Learning Objective

  1. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts, components, and principles of supply chain management.
  2. To explore the integration of supply chain management with operations and project management processes.
  3. To learn how to develop and implement effective supply chain strategies that align with organizational goals and objectives.
  4. To acquire skills in optimizing supply chain operations, including processes such as procurement, production, and distribution.
  5. To develop the ability to make informed decisions related to supply chain management, considering factors such as demand forecasting, inventory management, and supplier relationships.

Course Content

  • Introduction to Supply Chain Fundamentals
  • Integration of Supply Chain with Operations Management
  • Strategic Supply Chain Planning
  • Optimizing Supply Chain Operations
  • Supply Chain Efficiency and Cost Reduction
  • Practical Application of Supply Chain Management

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs 
  • Project 
  • Final Exam 

Choose One

Description

This course introduces data-oriented techniques for business intelligence. Topics include Business Intelligence architecture, Business Analytics, and Enterprise Reporting. SAP Business Information Warehouse, Business Objects, or similar tools will be used to access and present data, generate reports, and perform analysis. 

Learning Objective

  1. Understand the role and significance of Business Intelligence (BI) in the context of ERP systems.
  2. Explain BI concepts, technologies, and their integration with ERP.
  3. Utilize BI tools to extract, transform, and load (ETL) data from ERP systems.
  4. Analyze and visualize data using BI dashboards, reports, and analytics.
  5. Design and implement BI solutions tailored to specific business requirements.
  6. Evaluate the impact of BI on decision-making and organizational performance.

Course Content

  • BI Concepts and Technologies
  • Data Integration with ERP
  • BI Reporting and Dashboards
  • BI Implementation and Project Management

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • Assignments
  • Midterm Exam
  • Final Project

Description

Implementation and design practices for business processes in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. The course examines and applies techniques using SAP S/4HANA ERP or similar for configuration and integration with a focus on financial accounting and logistics. Fiori configuration will be examined to develop an ERP user interface.

Learning Objective

  1. Understand the significance of ERP systems in financial accounting and logistics management.
  2. Configure and customize ERP modules to align with specific business needs in these functional areas.
  3. Analyze and optimize ERP data flows within financial and logistics modules.
  4. Implement integration strategies between financial accounting and logistics functions.
  5. Evaluate the impact of ERP configuration on financial reporting and supply chain efficiency.

Course Content

  • Introduction to ERP Configuration and Integration
  • Financial Accounting Configuration
  • Supply Chain Integration
  • Configuring Business Processes
  • ERP System Testing and Quality Assurance

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • Assignments
  • Midterm Exam
  • Final Project

Description

The course emphasizes identification (targeting), acquisition, retention, and development (expansion) of (profitable) customers, as well as effective and efficient management of customers, using IT. SAP CRM, SAS BI tools, and mobile application development are used to illustrate concepts in the class. Research paper and presentation required.

Learning Objective

  1. Understand the significance of advanced Customer Relationship Management (CRM) in the ERP environment.
  2. Analyze CRM processes and strategies for optimizing customer interactions.
  3. Explain the integration of CRM functionalities within an ERP system.
  4. Utilize advanced CRM tools and techniques to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  5. Evaluate the impact of advanced CRM on business growth and profitability.

Course Content

  • CRM Fundamentals
  • CRM Integration with ERP
  • Advanced Customer Analytics
  • CRM and Sales Force Automation (SFA)

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • Assignments
  • Midterm Exam
  • Final Project

Description

The course covers the approach of concurrent product and process design. Topics include the principle of DFM, the New product design process, process capabilities and limitations, the Taguchi method, tolerancing and system design, design for assembly, and AI techniques for DFM.

Learning Objective

  1. Understand the principles and importance of Design for Manufacture (DFM) in product development.
  2. Learn the stages and key aspects of the new product design process.
  3. Analyze process capabilities and limitations to make informed design decisions.
  4. Gain proficiency in using the Taguchi method for optimizing product and process design.
  5. Develop skills in tolerancing and system design to ensure manufacturability.
  6. Master the concepts of Design for Assembly (DFA) and its impact on product manufacturing.
  7. Explore the application of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques in optimizing DFM processes. 

Course Content

  • Principles of Design for Manufacture (DFM)
  • The New Product Design Process
  • Process Capabilities and Limitations
  • Taguchi Method in DFM
  • Tolerancing and System Design
  • Design for Assembly (DFA)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Techniques for DFM 

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Exams
  • Project

Description

Emphasize design policies of concurrent engineering and teamwork, and documenting design process knowledge. Integration of product realization activities covering important aspects of a product life cycle such as "customer" needs analysis, concept generation, concept selection, product modeling, process development, and end-of-product life options.

Learning Objective

  1. Understand the principles of concurrent engineering and its role in product development.
  2. Emphasize teamwork and collaborative design approaches.
  3. Learn to document and manage design process knowledge effectively.
  4. Integrate product realization activities throughout the product life cycle.
  5. Analyze and meet customer needs through comprehensive needs analysis.
  6. Generate and evaluate design concepts effectively.
  7. Select and justify the most suitable design concepts.
  8. Develop product models for visualization and analysis.
  9. Create and optimize manufacturing processes.
  10. Explore end-of-life options and sustainability considerations.

Course Content

  • Understand the principles of concurrent engineering and its role in product development.
  • Emphasize teamwork and collaborative design approaches.
  • Learn to document and manage design process knowledge effectively.
  • Integrate product realization activities throughout the product life cycle.
  • Analyze and meet customer needs through comprehensive needs analysis.
  • Generate and evaluate design concepts effectively.
  • Select and justify the most suitable design concepts.
  • Develop product models for visualization and analysis.
  • Create and optimize manufacturing processes.
  • Explore end-of-life options and sustainability considerations.

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Exams
  • Project

Description

The course deals with uncertainties in engineering analysis and design at three levels - uncertainty modeling, uncertainty analysis, and design under uncertainty. It covers physics-based reliability analysis and reliability-based design, robustness assessment and robust design, their integration with design simulations, and their engineering applications.

Learning Objective

  1. Understand the concept of uncertainties in engineering analysis and design.
  2. Learn to model and quantify uncertainties in engineering systems.
  3. Perform uncertainty analysis to assess the reliability of engineering designs.
  4. Explore reliability-based design approaches for improving product performance.
  5. Assess robustness in engineering designs to account for uncertainties.
  6. Integrate uncertainty modeling, analysis, and design into simulations.
  7. Apply probabilistic engineering design principles to real-world engineering applications.

Course Content

  • Introduction to Uncertainties in Engineering
  • Uncertainty Modeling in Engineering Design
  • Probability Distributions and Statistical Analysis
  • Physics-Based Reliability Analysis
  • Reliability-Based Design Principles
  • Robustness Assessment in Engineering Design
  • Robust Design Techniques
  • Integration of Uncertainty Analysis with Design Simulations
  • Engineering Applications of Probabilistic Design

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Exams
  • Project

Description

Lectures cover the fundamentals of computer-aided design with emphasis on geometric modeling of curves, surfaces and solids, CAD/CAM data exchange, and computer graphics. In the lab session, students practice with commercial CAD/CAM systems including NX and SolidWorks to gain practical experience.

Learning Objective

  1. Gain a fundamental understanding of computer-aided design (CAD) principles.
  2. Learn the theory and practice of geometric modeling for curves, surfaces, and solids.
  3. Understand CAD/CAM data exchange formats and techniques.
  4. Explore computer graphics concepts as applied to CAD.
  5. Gain practical experience with commercial CAD/CAM systems such as NX and SolidWorks.
  6. Develop proficiency in creating, editing, and analyzing 2D and 3D models using CAD software.
  7. Apply CAD techniques to solve real-world engineering design problems.
  8. Collaborate effectively in a design and engineering team using CAD tools. 

Course Content

  • Geometric Modeling of Curves, Surfaces, and Solids
  • CAD/CAM Data Exchange Formats
  • Principles of Computer Graphics in CAD
  • Practical Experience with NX & SolidWorks CAD Software
  • Creating and Editing 2D Sketches
  • 3D Modeling and Parametric Design
  • Assembly Modeling and Analysis
  • Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) Using CAD
  • Engineering Drawing and Documentation
  • CAD Applications in Mechanical Engineering
  • Team Collaboration and CAD Data Management 

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Exams
  • Project

Description

This course examines the concepts, processes, and institutions that are fundamental to an understanding of business operations within organizations. Emphasis is on the management and organization of manufacturing and service operations and the application of quantitative methods to the solution of strategic, tactical and operational problems.

Learning Objective

  1. To develop a comprehensive understanding of fundamental concepts, processes, and institutions that govern business operations within organizations.
  2. To apply quantitative methods effectively in solving strategic, tactical, and operational problems encountered in the realm of business operations.
  3. To analyze and optimize manufacturing and service operations within organizations, with an emphasis on improving efficiency and effectiveness.
  4. To enhance problem-solving and decision-making skills by actively engaging with real-world business challenges related to the management and organization of operations.
  5. To prepare students for practical application in their careers by equipping them with the tools and techniques needed to address complex operational issues effectively.

Course Content

  • Introduction to Business Operations Concepts
  • Quantitative Methods for Problem Solving
  • Optimizing Manufacturing and Service Operations
  • Strategic Management in Business Operations
  • Operational Decision-Making
  • Case Studies in Business Operations

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs 
  • Project 
  • Final Exam