How Can Supply Chain Students Combine Theory and Practice?

Supply Chain Students
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Supply Chain Management, a crucial aspect of a business, is the study of the management of large quantity goods and services. Owing to the nature of the course, theoretical knowledge must be backed by practical activities for Supply Chain students to get a true sense of the nature of work and perform well as they navigate towards their work journey in this domain. 

Practice active learning 

The first and foremost step to learning supply chain management in all its facets is to practice learning using active methods. The theoretical knowledge of supply chain, demand, and management help with an overview of the nature of work, but the true test only comes through upon practical applications. 

So how does this benefit the students? Practical knowledge helps develop skills that will come into play as they pick up a job in the supply chain industry. When engaged with the tools and methods, students tend to develop a deeper understanding of the activities. 

It also helps induce exploration among the learners as they are given activities to perform at large. The exchange of these experiences at college help most identify what they enjoy about the supply chain industry, as job variations are plenty.

Introduction to real-world learning 

Upon spending about a year with theory, students must be exposed to the real world of learning. It is well established that unless one is faced with practical situations, the lessons learned may seldom be favored in times of actual need. A major reason why colleges encourage internships through the educational journey is to give students a taste of the real world and the expectations from them as working individuals. 

These internships are key to realizing the importance of theory, as, without that knowledge, the application is always half-baked and unsatisfactory. Through strategized internships and learning programs, students get their due chance to apply their skills and learn from the practice field. 

If students can choose two or three different types of internships where different aspects like shipping, warehousing, delivery network, process automation etc., are covered, it would help them tremendously.

Exchange of learning experiences 

Guest lectures, classes, and notes become an important aspect of education in colleges. Students are given regular assignments and research studies to develop real solutions. This helps solidify the theory and further awards students with the desired confidence to practice their hand in the working field. 

The project discussions, group activities, and presentations are noteworthy exercises aimed at strengthening the knowledge so that students break into healthy classroom discussions. Interactive lessons during theory further help clear the learning base and aid students to identify their key strength areas while keeping in mind their weaknesses. 

A large part of university education centers around assignments that encourage learning to achieve the desired grades. As quality is something that students must not compromise on, the better alternative is to get custom assignment help from AssignmentBro to complete a university degree with flying colors. The college faculty, at times, cannot focus on each and every student’s educational needs, and that’s why professional help comes into the picture to ensure good results.

Experience is a huge asset 

Supply chain management also consists of meeting new people on an everyday basis. To master the art of communication with various of those involved in similar practices, it is the experience that comes into the picture. Supply chain theory focuses a lot on the processes, best practices, and methods to carry out a good job, but it cannot focus on the skills with people as that comes through with being on the ground and actually speaking with concerned personnel. 

As one moves ahead in the career, they are faced with having to meet the needs of teamwork, supplier demands, and business owner expectations. Leadership skills are mostly taught with people actually being there on the playing field. 

Networking is a huge part of this work industry and that again happens when students are exposed to an outside environment and at places where the real work happens. It is key to foster relationships that, in turn, aid in making work processes smoother and seamless. 

The dynamism involved with the supply chain requires one to be at their toes, notice changes closely, and become an active part of problem-solving to cater to the needs of their employers. 

Conclusion 

It is important to strike a healthy balance between theory and practice for students learning supply chain management. With the presence of both, one can qualify to become supply chain personnel and enter a work field with confidence.

The absence or inadequacy in either of the two can lead to roadblocks and challenges in the work field and might require one to revisit their lessons or learnings.

Supply Chain students article and permission to publish here provided by Alisia Stren. Originally written for Supply Chain Game Changer and published on June 16, 2021.