The Lubar College of Business’ Master’s in Digital Supply Chain Management (MSDSCM) is helping businesses and professionals adapt to the rapid changes transforming supply chain operations. Designed in response to industry needs and technological advancements, this innovative program integrates supply chain management with the latest digital tools like AI, big data, Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain technology.
“The pandemic made it clear just how vital efficient supply chains are,” said Layth Alwan, one of the program’s developers and professor, supply chain, operations management & business statistics. “At the same time, technologies like big data, digital twins, and blockchain are revolutionizing how we manage supply chains.”
The MSDSCM program, launched in 2023, addresses both local and global challenges. Southeastern Wisconsin’s economy—home to leading manufacturers like Rockwell Automation, Johnson Controls, and Harley-Davidson—relies on supply chains for efficiency and growth. However, many mid-sized and smaller businesses struggle to keep up with modern techniques.
Atish Sinha, who helped coordinate the program’s launch, highlights the unique curriculum. “We’ve built a cutting-edge program that blends advanced supply chain knowledge with skills in AI, analytics, enterprise resource planning, cloud architecture, and IoT. Graduates won’t just compete in supply chain roles—they’ll be ready for broader AI and analytics jobs, too.” Atish is the Rockwell Automation endowed professor in connected systems and academic director of UWM’s Connected Systems Institute.
Courses emphasize practical applications, bridging theory and real-world challenges. Students learn to use digital tools to optimize logistics, forecast demand, and monitor inventory with precision. According to a recent McKinsey study, digital supply chain methods can increase manufacturing efficiency by up to 10% and reduce supply chain costs by 3-5%.
Dawei Jian, assistant professor, supply chain, operations management & business statistics, underlines the benefits for students from varied backgrounds: “Our program is designed to meet students where they are. Whether they want foundational Excel modeling or advanced AI, they gain skills companies need now and in the future.”
This newer program is not only training students for a digitally connected future but also enhancing the skills of professionals already in the workforce. This positions them as key players in advancing Wisconsin’s economy while creating a pipeline of supply chain leaders equipped for a dynamic, tech-driven world.
For more information, visit the MS in Digital Supply Chain Management website.