Develop the strategic, analytical and practical skills needed to manage complex supply chains. The Supply Chain Management specialization in University Canada West’s Master of Business Administration program examines how organizations plan, source, move and manage goods, services and information.
Students explore procurement, inventory management, logistics, transportation, technology and sustainability across end-to-end supply chain operations.
What You Will Learn
Synthesize concepts in sustainability, technology, procurement, logistics and inventory management across end-to-end supply chain operations.
Create integrated solutions to challenges involving supply chain planning, sourcing, transportation, distribution and inventory management
Who should pursue this specialization?
The specialization is suited to students and professionals with backgrounds or interests in business, engineering, operations, logistics, procurement, manufacturing or retail.
It may be particularly relevant to those seeking to move into supply chain, logistics, procurement or operations management roles. Previous specialized supply chain education is not required.
Career pathways
Graduates may apply their knowledge in areas such as
Supply Chain Planning and Management
Procurement and Sourcing
Logistics and Distribution
Transportation Management
Inventory Management
Operations Management
These functions are found across industries including manufacturing, retail, transportation, technology, consulting and professional services.
Accreditation
University Canada West has earned ACBSP Global Business Accreditation for its MBA program. The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs accredits business, accounting and business-related programs at the associate, baccalaureate, masters and doctoral degree levels worldwide.
Specialization Courses
The specialization consists of three courses completed within the standard two-year MBA timeline.
OPMT 621 – Supply Chain Management
Supply Chain Management (SCM) evaluates the importance of the concepts and principles of SCM to allow students to discover the components of SCM, such as procurement, production, inventory management and distribution. Learn how to analyze and optimize these components to create an efficient and effective supply chain. The course also covers the role of technology in supply chain management, including the use of software systems to manage inventory and track shipments. Topics include supplier selection, demand forecasting, strategic sourcing, sustainability, digital technologies and SCM resilience. Students will assess the fundamentals of SCM to discover and compare the various current trends and issues affecting the industry.
Prerequisite: Completion of 15 credits, including OPMT 620.
OPMT 622 – Logistics & Transportation
Logistics and Transportation is a field of study that focuses on the management of the flow of goods and services from the point of origin to the point of consumption. In this course students will learn to appraise different transportation modes, assess distribution requirement planning methods, 3rd party logistics, warehousing and distribution\. Students will appraise the strategic and operational decisions that are involved in managing transportation and logistics systems, as well as the technologies and tools used to support these activities. Additionally, students will evaluate emerging trends and issues in the industry, such as sustainability, global logistics and e-commerce logistics.
Prerequisite: Completion of 24 credits, including OPMT 620.
OPMT 623 – Procurement & Inventory Management
This course provides a comprehensive overview of procurement and inventory management within the framework of supply chain operations. It explores the key principles, strategies, and practices involved in acquiring goods and services, managing optimal inventory levels, and ensuring seamless flow from supplier to end-user. Students will gain an understanding of sourcing strategies, supplier selection, negotiation techniques, inventory control methods, forecasting, and the role of technology in procurement and inventory processes. The course emphasizes real-world applications through case studies, simulations, and project-based learning to enhance the learning experience.
Prerequisite: Completion of 24 credits, including OPMT 620.
Practical Learning
Students apply their knowledge through one of four MBA Capstone options
Consulting Project
Practicum
Launch Your Venture
Academic Research
Riipen industry projects also give students opportunities to work with organizations on real-world supply chain, logistics, procurement, inventory and operations challenges.
Tools and professional development
Students use SAP and Microsoft Excel throughout the specialization to support learning in enterprise resource planning, supply chain planning, procurement, inventory management, logistics, transportation and data analysis.
The specialization also collaborates with the Association for Supply Chain Management through UCW’s ASCM Student Chapter, offering opportunities for professional engagement, networking and career development.
After graduation, students may consider pursuing external professional credentials such as:
Certified Supply Chain Professional
Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution
Certified in Transformation for Supply Chain
Supply Chain Management Professional designation
“Our Supply Chain Management specialization prepares students to navigate the complexity of today’s global supply chains. Students learn how to make strategic decisions across sourcing, procurement, logistics, inventory, and operations while considering emerging technologies, sustainability, and resilience. The goal is to develop professionals who can identify supply chain challenges, evaluate alternatives, and design practical solutions that create measurable value for organizations.”
There are no additional admission requirements beyond the standard MBA entry requirements. Previous exposure to business, operations or quantitative analysis may be helpful but is not required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The specialization is completed within UCW’s standard two-year MBA timeline. Students take one specialization course in Term 3 and two in Term 4.
No previous supply chain experience is required. The specialization is open to students from a range of academic and professional backgrounds. Previous exposure to business, operations or quantitative analysis may be beneficial but is not required.
Supply chain management can offer career opportunities across procurement, logistics, transportation, inventory and operations. WorkBC projects thousands of job openings in British Columbia between 2025 and 2035 in related occupations, including 2,760 openings for procurement and purchasing agents and officers, 2,070 for production and transportation logistics coordinators and 1,890 for purchasing managers. Career prospects vary by role, experience and location.
There are no additional admission requirements for the specialization beyond UCW’s standard MBA entry requirements. Within the MBA, OPMT 621 requires completion of 15 credits including OPMT 620 – Operations Management, while OPMT 622 and OPMT 623 require completion of 24 credits including OPMT 620.
Logistics focuses primarily on how goods are stored, transported and distributed. Supply chain management is broader and also includes planning, sourcing, procurement, inventory, supplier relationships and coordination across the full supply chain.
The specialization covers both logistics and the wider strategic and operational dimensions of supply chain management.
Students can apply their learning through the MBA Capstone and Riipen industry projects. Depending on the project selected, they may work on real-world issues involving logistics, procurement, inventory, transportation or supply chain operations.
Students use SAP and Microsoft Excel in the specialization courses to support supply chain planning, procurement, inventory management, logistics and data analysis.
No. Supply Chain Management is a specialization within UCW’s Master of Business Administration program. Students complete the core MBA curriculum and use their elective courses to develop focused knowledge in supply chain management.
Explore our campuses
University Canada West is an innovative business and technology-oriented institution located in the heart of vibrant Vancouver. Established in 2004, UCW offers a range of career-focused programs including the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication, Associate of Arts and Master of Business Administration. Courses are offered at our two downtown Vancouver campuses and online too. Offering courses online brings flexibility to education, allowing those who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to gain respected qualifications.
