What are my options for MBA programs in Australia if I'm looking to land a career in supply chain management? I'm from Melbourne, and was looking at Melbourne Business School, but it seems like they've recently changed up their MBA program, and I wonder if it's prudent to enroll in this program if it's basically brand new.

Other than that, there's AGSM as the only other Australian program in the Financial Times' Global ranking. But they don't offer a specialization in supply chain management, so I'm not sure if that's for me.

I've also found that the University of Technology in Sydney offers an MBA with a supply chain management major in their MBA program - any comments on this program?

Thanks!

I looked on LinkedIn for MBAs working in logistics and supply chain in Australia. The schools with the most alumni are are:
RMIT University (47)
Macquarie University (46)
Monash University (45)
Deakin University (41)
University of Technology (37)
Australian GSM (36)
University of New South Wales (33)
University of Melbourne (28)
University of Sydney (25)
University of Melbourne (19)
University of Western Sydney (17)

That suggests to me that those employers don't pay much of a premium for MBA specialisations.

If you're not already in supply chain, then an MBA specialisation might not be enough. Perhaps consider a one year MBA like Melbourne and a one year MSc in Logistics.

Thanks Duncan - I am already working in a supply chain position, so I may stick with just an MBA from a top school without a specialization.

Any comments on the recent MBA updated at MBS?

I preferred the old programme at MBS, but there's no reason to be concerned about it. It will be an excellent programme.

I preferred the old programme at MBS, but there's no reason to be concerned about it. It will be an excellent programme.

I've also found that the University of Technology in Sydney offers an MBA with a supply chain management major in their MBA program - any comments on this program?

Good insight. I have decided to apply to Melbourne, AGSM, and UT Sydney - and then make my final decision when I hear back. I'm leaning towards staying in Melbourne because it's closer to the manufacturing industry here (with some big auto plants and their respective supply chains.)

Just saw that SP Jain is listed as a top school for a career in supply chain management here:

http://www.find-mba.com/specializations/39/supply-chain-management

And since they now have a campus in Sydney, this program might be looking at as well, if you're still looking for schools. With this program, you'd spend time in Dubai, which is emerging as a logistics hub, and might be a good place to network.

This is a very interesting thread, because I'm in somewhat the same position.

Is SP Jain a recommended school for Australians? I know they have a campus in Sydney, but I've heard that many of the students are from India and elsewhere, and who want to move to Australia/Dubai. Thoughts?

No, I think an Australian looking to work in Australian would be better off at one of the Australian universities.

That's what I figured. Thanks for the insight!

Good insight. I have decided to apply to Melbourne, AGSM, and UT Sydney - and then make my final decision when I hear back. I'm leaning towards staying in Melbourne because it's closer to the manufacturing industry here (with some big auto plants and their respective supply chains.)

I don't know what he decided, but if it were me I would apply a geographical filter, because "supply chain" doesn't really refer to a single industry, but a part of many industries. So pick an industry, and then narrow down your choice based on which region you want to network and eventually work in.

Melbourne obviously has a seaport, which makes it a logistics hub - and there's also some manufacturing and a lot of IT in the region - all of which will have complex and developing supply chains.

Sydney also has a port, but also has a thriving healthcare industry, which can be pretty interesting in terms of supply chain roles, at least in my opinion.

Is either business school (or city) a better foothold for somebody who wants to come to and stay in Australia from abroad?

I'd say that it's about the same in either place. Both schools draw a similar proportion of students from abroad - 65-75 percent or so are international students. And the schools are ranked similarly by the FT in terms of international mobility - that is, the rate that students land jobs in countries they're not from.

And in terms of Melbourne and Sydney, they're both metropolitan and relatively diverse.

What do you guys think of the Queensland University of Technology for a supply chain career? I don't think it has a concentration - but location-wise it's got access to energy companies and industry.

The program doesn't have a lot of supply chain-specific curriculum - or really much operations curriculum in general, but depending on your role you may not need it.

However, if you're looking for a role specifically in the energy sector, perhaps the Curtin program might be a better option? It's well-known for its energy focus and its relationships with employers in the industry.

Interesting, thanks for pointing this out, Curtin looks like a good option.

It seems that Curtin is no longer accredited by AMBA:

http://www.find-mba.com/board/41966

Just FYI.

So if Curtin is no longer accredited what's the best Australian MBA for supply chain? I've very confused.

I think Duncan's post on September 4th 2012 is still relevant:

"That suggests to me that those employers don't pay much of a premium for MBA specialisations.

If you're not already in supply chain, then an MBA specialisation might not be enough. Perhaps consider a one year MBA like Melbourne and a one year MSc in Logistics."

The Linkedin data still looks about the same. General advice tends to be to do your MBA at the best school you can get into.