Business and EconomyBusiness Insights

University of Lethbridge and Bow Valley College offer a new program in supply chain management

With great pleasure, the University of Lethbridge and Bow Valley College present a novel new curriculum designed to prepare students for the in-demand field of supply chain management. Students enrolled in the Business and Supply Chain Management Integrated Pathway program will graduate from Bow Valley College with a Business Administration Diploma with a supply chain management concentration and the University of Lethbridge’s Dhillon School of Business with a Bachelor of Management with a general management concentration.

The Ministry of Advanced Education and the Alberta at Work initiative, which increases seat capacity to accommodate changing labor market demands, have made funding available.

Dr. Carla Carnaghan, associate dean of the ULethbridge Dhillon School of Business, states that “the events of the past few years have made everyone aware of how crucial it is to get goods like food, medical supplies, household goods, and raw materials like grain quickly to where they need to be.” “The industry has a strong need for people with the combined knowledge of procurement, supply chain, and inventory management from a Bow Valley College diploma, as well as broader managerial skills like communications, human resources, accounting, finance, and project management from a BMgt degree. This combined program is offered in Calgary to fill that need.”

“As an appealing career path, supply chain management is becoming more and more popular,” says Eddie Sargent, associate dean of the Bow Valley College Chiu School of Business. “Supply chain and logistics know-how is essential for getting commodities and goods to manufacturers, distributors, and customers. We are pleased to work in collaboration with ULethbridge to prepare the brightest minds of tomorrow for careers in this fascinating and in-demand field.

During a four-year period, students will concurrently complete the programs. With the ability to explore co-op possibilities or take an applied studies course with an employer, this route program will include an experiential learning component. Skills in supply chain management, budgeting, negotiating, project management, and communication will all be acquired by the students.

Because ULethbridge and Bow Valley College share a downtown Calgary facility, we are ideally positioned to conduct this curriculum. According to Sargent, the city is also a major hub for Canadian logistics and transportation, with a thriving supply chain management industry that offers well-paying employment.

By addressing the national need for supply chain and logistics managers as well as the more general business management and operations skill sets, this cooperation contributes to closing the talent gap in the logistics industry.

Employers seek candidates with a bachelor’s degree and experience in supply chain management, according to a review of job ads. This supports the idea that children need an integrated pathway,” adds Carnaghan.

Supply Chain Canada in collaboration with the University of Lethbridge and Bow Valley College will assist graduates seeking the Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) accreditation. Fall 2024 applications are now being accepted.

About the Lethbridge University

Over 8,400 undergraduate and graduate students from all over the world visit ULethbridge’s campuses in Lethbridge and Calgary each year. ULethbridge is a comprehensive academic and research university, one of four in Alberta.

One of the top research universities in Canada, ULethbridge provides more than 70 graduate and more than 150 undergraduate programs in the fields of education, fine arts, health sciences, liberal education, graduate studies, and business through the Dhillon School of Business. Approximately 55,000 alumni of ULethbridge are actively involved in their local communities across the globe.

Concerning Bow Valley College

The largest college in Calgary and the surrounding area, Bow Valley College serves to Open Doors – Open Minds to in-demand jobs in Calgary, Alberta, and across Canada. It has 15,000 full- and part-time students. Our graduates work in business, TV and film production, the digital economy, and as front-line healthcare and social service providers. Educational technology, social innovation, and health are the three applied research pillars that Bow Valley College is investing in.

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