The Supply Chain Management Applied Learning Center: A University–industry Collaboration

In today’s changing and intensely competitive global environment, postsecondary educational programs must find ways to adapt their method of delivery to meet the educational expectations of students and talent needs of “real-world” employers. This is especially true in the evolving field of supply chain management (SCM). The purpose of this qualitative study was to assess the effectiveness of the SCM Applied Learning Center (referred to as the “Center”) at a Midwestern university in the United States by understanding its perceived value through its stakeholders—that is, participating companies and students. This understanding was achieved by interviewing stakeholders who used the Center during its initial 18-month rollout period. The data analysis from this study resulted in the emergence of the following themes: (1) developing transferable skills, (2) accelerating applied learning, (3) cultivating personal relationships, and (4) supporting business improvement. The establishment of the Center and the corresponding results from this study contribute to the literature associated with university–industry collaboration, SCM education, and the evolving role of higher education. This work provides a template to programs interested in improving their working relationship with business partners through the implementation of comparable industry collaboration activities, while at the same time providing skill improvement opportunities for their students.