Are you a creative thinker who can innovate to achieve a competitive edge? Are you interested in supply chain management processes and how they can be improved? And would you like to make a real difference to a company that wants to compete in a dynamic, international marketplace?

If so, the master’s programme in Global Supply Chain Management and Change may be the perfect way to start your career.

The programme is taught in Venlo, located just 80 kilometres from Maastricht. Known as the Netherlands’ logistics hotspot, Venlo is home to the headquarters and distribution facilities of many logistics service providers. During your time in Venlo, you'll learn all about supply chain management, innovation and entrepreneurship. This makes the programme ideal for if you would like to work as an innovator or change manager at a logistics organisation. 

Why this programme?

The economy is becoming increasingly globalised, and fierce competition means more and more production is outsourced to high-skill, low-cost areas. As a result, innovative supply chain management is often central to commercial survival.

This exciting programme has been developed to meet the growing demand for experts who understand both supply chain management issues and the role of innovation in business success.

Close to the supply chains in action:

One of the best ways to learn about supply chain management is by experiencing global supply chains in action.

This is why the programme is taught in Venlo, a city about 80km from Maastricht. Venlo, better known as the logistics hotspot of the Netherlands, is home to many logistics service providers’ headquarters and distribution facilities. You will benefit from Maastricht University’s outstanding academic resources and expertise, while having the opportunity to put your knowledge into practice almost immediately by working with companies in the area.

What will you learn?

Global Supply Chain Management and Change takes elements from different disciplines to give you a comprehensive understanding of global supply chains and their wider position in global business and economics. You will acquire the skills to maintain a ‘big picture’ overview of every link in the supply chain, while having the leadership skills to drive change processes that will benefit a business’ bottom line.

At the end of the programme, you will be able to:

• carry out effective supply chain planning,
• use entrepreneurial and innovative skills to identify areas of improvement,
• deal effectively with suppliers, buyers and customers,
• work in and manage international teams.

Student profile:

Global logistics is all about finding the best, most cost- and time-efficient links in the supply chain - and these don't always stay the same.

So you should see the opportunities that come with change and be flexible enough to adapt to them, to look at old problems in new ways and be open to new ideas. A background in supply chain management, logistics or business is an advantage but isn't required.