1. How would you explain supply chain and business logistics to someone who is not familiar with the field?
We buy it, make it, move it and store it. If you ever buy something online, you see a product on the screen in front of you. We get it to you. We make sure it’s there, and you get it when we say you’re going to get it. We’re the operations.
Every company needs supply chain — banks, service organizations, institutions, government, etc. If you walk into a grocery store and wonder how all of those goods got there, we helped get them from the point of being manufactured, packaged, processed, shipped or to the store near you.
2. What interests you the most about this field?
The fact that it’s always changing and always exciting. If you watch the Amazon Prime Air video, they show a drone helicopter delivering online goods in 30 minutes or less, which is amazing. There are always opportunities to do things better, cheaper, faster. It’s very dynamic.
3.How has the technology changed since you have been in the field?
Technology has improved incredibly. Back when I started in business logistics, we didn’t even have computers or cellphones. You can look at today’s models and see how much technology has made an impact. Something else to take note of is that you don’t just use technology for technology’s sake. In supply chain, technology is an enabler — for quicker communications, quicker information, quicker transportation — but it doesn’t replace what we do.
4. Can you tell us about the trips you’ve planned for Scholars?
Have you ever wondered what happens after you click, “submit,” for an online shopping order? My goal for these trips is to make logistics interactive and engaging. This spring, we went to the Office Depot distribution center in Newville and we had the chance to see Kiva robot technology in action. We’ve had a day trip to the Walmart Distribution Center in Clearfield and an overnight trip to two distribution facilities in Hazelton: the United States Cold Storage (USCS) and M&M Mars distribution centers. In the fall, I’m currently looking at the possibility of a trip to a Wegman’s distribution center in Rochester, N.Y., and the Gardner’s Candy factory in Tyrone, which would be great opportunities.
Something I really like about these programs is that I get to meet students outside of this major and expose them to new knowledge and perspectives about the business industry. It’s relatable for everyone—everyone shops.
5. What do you see up next for the supply chain industry?
We wanted two-day delivery. Then it was next-day delivery. Now we have same-day delivery. What’s next is whatever the consumer demands.
University of Tennessee’s Supply chain MBA Program has been ranked No. 1 in the world. What is it like having the opportunity to be part of that faculty?
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