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KALAMAZOO—A new center has been established as part of Western Michigan University's highly touted integrated supply management program that will enhance delivery of leading-edge education by providing practical solutions to industry problems.

The Western Michigan University Center for Integrated Supply Management will offer an array of student learning experiences focusing on hands-on education and innovative research, which will further strengthen student and business relationships and help establish the program as a thought leader in supply chain management. In addition, an executive education program will provide internal training to companies and managers who want to further the development of supply chain professionals.

In conjunction with the center, a new initiative—Bronco Force—will offer consulting services in supply chain to corporate clients. The program is designed to address difficulties supply chain managers face and, through faculty and student involvement, determine best methods to solve those problems in the workplace.

Integrated supply management program

Ranked No. 12 in undergraduate supply chain education, 51¸£ÀûÉç's ISM program has been recognized nationally by several organizations and publications for its leadership in preparing students for careers in supply chain management. 51¸£ÀûÉç's curriculum combines engineering, information technology, supply chain and business education to prepare graduates for challenging and high-paying careers.

"Our ISM academic program is already recognized nationally as one of the premier programs in the country, but we're not content with that," says Dr. Kay Palan, dean of the Haworth College of Business, which houses the ISM program. "We also want to be recognized nationally as a trailblazer in supply chain management. To that end, establishing a center allows us to better integrate resources across multiple departments, develop industry partnerships, pursue funded research and develop opportunities for our students."