Wayne State and AIAG Partner on New Vehicle Supply Chain Certificate Program

SOUTHFIELD, MI--Dec. 18, 2013: Wayne State University, in cooperation with the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), is offering a non-degree certificate program designed to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of supply chain topics and issues in the context of the global vehicle industry.

"This program is targeted at high-potential staff who may or may not have had formal SCM (supply chain management) training in school," said John Taylor, director of supply chain programs in Wayne State's School of Business Administration, and one of the creators of the partnership. "It covers many of the big issues they face in their current jobs and that they will face as they continue to advance in their careers."

The WSU-AIAG program is taught by a team of academic faculty and seasoned industry professionals. This mix of academics and professionals will bring years of SCM auto industry experience to students, along with SCM perspectives from other industries.

"What makes this program so effective is the significant input from automotive supply chain management veterans who will not only contribute their experience and expertise, but also will provide participants with the absolute latest in trends, developments, and best practices in global supply chain management," said J. Scot Sharland, AIAG's executive director. "We're excited about the opportunity to partner with Wayne State University and are confident that, together, we can help accelerate the development of a new generation of supply chain professionals."

Participants will learn about a broad range of vehicle industry-oriented supply chain topics including SCM strategy, SCM finance, forecasting, negotiations, procurement strategy, supplier development, risk management, production operations, quality management processes and Six Sigma, trade management, logistics, and transportation management.

The program begins on February 6, 2014, and is offered over 24 weekly sessions in the winter and fall, with break weeks built into the schedule. There is a three-month break in the summer when students will work on a company-related project. Course sessions are offered Thursday afternoons from 3:30 to 7: 30 p.m. at AIAG headquarters in Southfield, Michigan.