Development of Curriculum in Technology-related Supply Chain Management Programs

Abstract

Curriculum development in STEM education has become critically needed because it must reflect the educational requirements of a rapidly changing global market. Business and political leaders have stressed the need to improve STEM education and the need to update curricula in response to industry demands appropriately is apparent. This is needed to meet the need for competent and technologically minded skilled human resources. Given the importance of supply chain and technology to industry, along with the apparent lack of research concerning the development of technology-related supply chain management programs, the purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic analysis of the curricula of technology-related supply chain programs through the analysis of undergraduate curriculum offerings. The focus of this research is to identify trends in the supply chain, technology, engineering technology, science, management, and other typical "core" course mixes in technology-related supply chain programs at different universities in the United States. During this investigation of different programs, it was found that changes occurring in the industry and market needs have been reflected in differing programs' curricula. This research is also intended to develop a better understanding of how technology-related supply chain content is being taught in institutions of higher education and to compare the development of undergraduate programs over time. An interesting outcome of this research is the recognition that technology-related supply chain programs, and in particular the direction of the curriculum, benefit significantly from strong ties to industry.