Decision problems in supply chains and transport networks are by default multi-faceted. Interrelationships between actors in a supply chain - businesses, public bodies, non-profit organizations - are extremely complex. Decisions cannot be judged on a single aspect only; focusing just on profit maximization is not enough for achieving sustainable growth.

By studying this program you will gain broad and in-depth knowledge of various areas such as strategy, economics, financial management, human resource management and logistics. This will enable you to solve problems for companies or government agencies, but also to participate in research on transport and supply chain management. As a student in the Master’s specialization in Transport & Supply Chain Management at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at VU University Amsterdam, you will become thoroughly familiar with the organization of flows of goods and services and related flows of money and information in supply chains and transportation networks. You will study core aspects including the organization, design, maintenance, usage and optimization of supply chain strategy, processes and cooperation in these networks. You will look at supply chains and transportation networks both from a micro and meso perspective (e.g. transport and logistics processes) and at the macro level (e.g. government regulations and the environment). ... [-]

MSc Supply Chain Management

To deliver high-quality products and services in a fast and efficient way, you need to know how to design and coordinate supply chains. Find out in this programme how to plan and control logistics.

A supply chain can be seen as a network of organizations working together to fulfil customer orders. It is a flow of materials, information and services. Effective supply chain management and logistics can provide an organization with a competitive advantage.

The one-year Master's programme focuses on the design and coordination of supply chains and on planning and controlling supply chain operations. You will learn to develop supply chain theories, models, methods and best practices. This knowledge and these skills will help you increase supply chain quality, flexibility, and reliability. In addition, you will be trained to increase delivery speed and efficiency in the order fulfilment process.... [-]

MSc International Business: Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Management covers all aspects of creating customer value in the global competitive economy. This includes new product development, the management and planning of international supply chains and cooperation with other parties in the chain such as suppliers and distributors. You will gain the theoretical, practical and managerial skills to be able to interpret customer wishes and translate these into supply chain improvements that will keep companies competitive.

What will you learn?

Supply Chain Management’s focus on every link in the supply chain will show you how each link is interconnected. Courses such as Purchasing Management, Distribution and Retailing and the unique Supply Chain Metrics course for measuring the value of a supply chain will give you a systems view and the analytical skills to evaluate where processes are weak or could be improved.... [-]

A one year, academic study in 2 countries, broadening your horizon by a truly international focus in the subjects. You can choose out of 2 pathways;

Term 1; September - December in The Netherlands;

Term 2; January - May in Plymouth, U.K.

MSc Global Supply Chain Management and Change (full-time)

The Global Supply Chain Management and Change program has been developed to meet the growing demand for supply chain experts who understand the importance of innovation in business success. The program is taught in Venlo, an entrepreneurial city about 80km from Maastricht, giving you the opportunity to put your knowledge into practice in the region’s industrial heart.

What will you learn?

Global Supply Chain Management and Change takes elements from different disciplines to give you a comprehensive understanding of global supply chains and their wider position in global business and economics. You will acquire the skills to maintain a ‘big picture’ overview of every link in the supply chain while having the leadership skills to drive change processes that will benefit a business’ bottom line.... [-]

A typical industrial firm in Europe spends about 60% of its turnover on supplies. This figure indicates that Purchasing is important and, to stay competitive, firms need to manage their supply effectively. Effective management of a firm’s supplies is the responsibility of Purchasing and Supply managers: they search, select, contract and eventually manage suppliers to ensure the supply of materials and services that a firm needs.... [-]