A participatory framework for bridging the conceptual and talent gaps in supply chain management education

Abstract

This article argues that current Supply Chain Management (SCM) education and training is inadequate to meet the human capital needs of industry. To bridge this gap, we propose the development and deployment of SCM educational programs that provide learning opportunities earlier in students’ educational journeys. We argue that such programs should be based on self-directed learning of SCM knowledge, business concepts/skills, and their real-life application with help from industry partners. We present a case study of a four-way partnership SCM educational program for high schoolers, which utilizes a project-based learning method. Survey data and focus group discussion revealed positive developmental learning outcomes, the program's uniqueness, and challenges such as lack of awareness, expertise, and industry partners. We evaluate the efficacy of this four-way partnership among industry, government agencies, universities, and high schools and discuss the importance of “champions” for each partner. Our findings offer a scalable educational model that leverages multi-stakeholder engagement to address the SCM talent and educational conceptual gap.