Maastricht University, School of Business and Economics

MSc in International Business - Supply Chain Management

Are you interested in purchasing, logistics, operations management, and supply chain management? Are you analytically- and strategically-minded, and good with people and communications? Are you customer-oriented and open to new ideas? Then the specialization in Supply Chain Management could be right for you. The specialization is part of the master's program in International Business and is for students seeking a career managing supply chains for businesses and organizations.

You will gain the theoretical, practical, and managerial skills to implement supply chain improvements that satisfy consumer demand and keep companies competitive. The program also explores exciting concepts like the Internet of Things, Industry 4.0, and the Maker Movement, which are challenging our ideas about lifestyle and consumption. In addition, the International Classroom concept of Maastricht University helps you to think, work, collaborate and network internationally.

Fast facts

• work in consultancy, HRM, or supply chain management for large multinationals, SMEs, or NGOs
• Double Degree option available
• 1-year, full-time master’s, taught in English
• starts in February & September
• weekly: 8 hrs classes, 14 hrs group work, 18 hrs individual study
• you’ll get an MSc in International Business with a specialization in Supply Chain Management

Why this program?

It has never been a more exciting time to delve into the logistical challenges facing the international economy. Society is changing, and there's a trend of creating your own products and services. Innovations like 3D printing, solar panels, self-diagnosis devices, and online shopping are leading to home manufacturing, power generation, reduced healthcare costs, and shopping convenience. The middleman is vanishing from economic transactions, and even the physical store is becoming archaic as cities have trouble filling empty retail spaces because of online shopping. Concepts like the Internet of Things, Industry 4.0, Virtualisation, The Maker Movement, and Peer-to-Peer economics have sent ripples through society, especially for those working in logistics and SCM, who will be essential in the coming years as product delivery and logistical processes become more competitive.

Supply Chain Management covers all aspects of maintaining a supply chain in the competitive global economy, from new product development to the management and planning of international supply chains to cooperation with suppliers and distributors. Moving products from development to distribution is a complex, international process, and it often means the difference between a company's success and failure. The Supply Chain Management program devotes a great deal of time to value creation, not only with the optimization of purchasing, logistics, and marketing processes but also when it comes to strategic cooperation with suppliers, distributors, and customers. The end goal is to deliver on the promises made to consumers and to meet their demands.

The Supply Chain Management specialization is taught in Maastricht amid the other specializations of the International Business program, so you will benefit from the interaction between the various business disciplines.