Master's in supply chain management or MBA?

Ambitious managers looking to capitalise on the growing demand for operations and supply chain managers have a difficult choice to make. 

Should you take time out to study to deepen your skills, and if so, which of the many available master's or MBA courses is right for you?

The good news is that with growing corporate focus on ESG requirements, there is a greater demand than ever for ‘ethical supply chains’ and effective project management skills, but the roles are becoming more technical and analytical, requiring the acquisition of relevant skills.

According to the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report 2023, “The Fourth Industrial Revolution…..and the urgent need for a green and energy transition are …. stimulating demand for new occupations and skills. Global supply chains must also quickly adapt.”

In fact sustainability specialists are forecast to be the second-fastest-growing career and project management and supply chain skills are usually required for these roles. 

Leonard Morrison, SCM Manager at MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics says, “Every year, global employers from technology, consulting, manufacturing and retail sectors recruit supply chain management (SCM) students for leadership roles. As such, the overwhelming majority of students (over 95 percent) will have secured at least one offer of employment prior to graduation."

Here are some career options which often now advertise the requirement for a master’s degree – either a master's in SCM or MBA.

• Supply Chain Manager/Director: These professionals oversee the entire supply chain process, from procurement and production to distribution and logistics. They are responsible for optimising the supply chain to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
• Logistics/Procurement/Operations Managers: They are more junior and manage the respective components of the supply chain. These roles can be global in scope and often have an e-commerce component.
• Consultant: Supply chain consultants work for consulting firms or as independent contractors. They provide advice and solutions to companies looking to improve their supply chain processes.
• Sustainability Manager: Sustainability managers focus on making supply chains more environmentally friendly. 
• Risk & Quality Control Manager: These professionals ensure that products and processes within the supply chain meet quality standards and mitigate potential disruptions.
• Data Analyst/Supply Chain Analyst: These professionals analyse data to identify trends, make forecasts, and optimise supply chain operations. 

Today, many operations management and supply chain roles require strong project management as well as analytical and problem-solving skills, the ability to work with cross-functional teams, and a deep understanding of supply chain technology and best practices.

Many MBAs offer a specialisation in supply chain or operations management and the choice often comes down to how much career flexibility you're seeking.

If you're committed to supply chain and wish to specialise, a master’s is often a quicker and cheaper option and will provide greater depth in the field. The curricula will be entirely aligned to your chosen career path and so, if you have limited prior work experience, you will be better prepared to hit the ground running. A specialist master’s will also have better networking opportunities with SCM professionals and often provide relevant project or internship experiences.

Leonard Morrison recommends the master’s programme to learn “advanced analytical methods and modelling systems to address critical supply chain management and logistics challenges; And leadership, communication and critical thinking skills to confidently lead global organisations.”

However, there are also reasons why you might choose an MBA, as long as it has a supply chain specialisation.

An MBA provides a broader business education covering finance, marketing, strategy and leadership, better suited to more experienced professionals looking to take a more senior role. And most importantly it enhances career flexibility for those who might want to change course in the future or start their own business.

Dr. Sime Curkovic, Professor of Operations/Supply Chain at Haworth College of Business says: “Companies now desire specialisation in core areas like supply chain management, influencing business schools to adapt. While both MS and MBA programs enhance supply chain expertise, the former delves deeper technically, and the latter broadens managerial competence.

"Today, supply chain experts, fortified with advanced degrees, are positioned to become influential global executives, able to navigate and lead complex supply dynamics.”