For a career in supply chain management

Updated on: Monday, February 13, 2012

I graduated in mechanical engineering in 2011 and am currently working with an IT company. I am very passionate about pursuing MBA in supply chain management so that I can bring in relevance to my career. I have attempted the CAT and got a percentile of 92. Please guide me.

Sandeep Bodanapu, via e-mail

One of the centres of excellence for Supply Chain Management (SCM) is IIM-Bangalore (www.iimb.ernet.in), where SCM is a major area of teaching and research. The Supply Chain Management Centre (SCMC) is a strategic multidisciplinary centre of excellence dedicated to specialised theoretical and applied research in the field and to promote closer and enduring industry-institute collaboration. You can pursue the subject through regular programmes of the Institute.

The Indian Institute of Materials Management (IIMM) (www.iimm.org) is another specialised agency that focuses on SCM and is promoted by the industry and the corporates. IIMM operates through the 45 branches and 19 Chapters across India. The flagship programmes are:

MBA in Supply Chain Management: Jointly certified by Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), Mysore. Duration: Two years (four semesters). Classes are organised through IIMM which act as the nodal centre.

MBA in Materials Management jointly certified by IIMM and Punjab Technical University (PTU), Punjab.

IIMM also offers Post-Graduate Diploma in Materials Management (MM) and SCM. These can be attempted in the distance mode (virtual and regular classes).

For more details on the IIMM programmes you should connect to Subramani, Vice-Chairman, IIMM, 304-307, A Wing, 3rd Floor, Mittal Towers, 6, M.G. Road, Bangalore-560001. Ph: 25327251 – 53. Fax: 25327253. E-mail: [email protected]

Some of the MBA programmes run by universities and autonomous institutes also offer SCM and MM as specialisation areas.

I have complete PUC Science and I am currently preparing to take up the Biology and Chemistry examination. I want to pursue M.Sc integrated programme in Physics, but at present the marks are low. Please guide me.

Mohammed, via e-mail

Your first aim should be to complete the Pre-University Examination and get yourself qualified. We are happy to find that there are students who are interested in pursuing Pure Sciences for higher studies. Some of the institutes that offer Integrated programmes are:

Department of Studies in Physics, Manasagangothri, Mysore-570 006. E-mail: [email protected] Ph: 0821-2419604

The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram-659 022 offers five-year integrated master's in applied sciences. Admission is based on IIT-JEE score through counselling. Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) offers integrated first degree M.Sc. (Hons) in physics at its Pilani, Goa and Hyderabad campuses. Selection is based on BITS Admission Test (BITSAT).

Amritha School of Engineering and School of Arts and Sciences (www.amritapuri.amrita.edu) offers integrated M.Sc. physics and mathematics.

University of Hyderabad offers integrated M.Sc. course in physics. Selection is based on a national-level entrance test and interview.

I am in final semester B.E. Computer Science. I had decided to pursue an off-campus programme earlier. Now I am searching for jobs and they are not coming through. I have tried through all the web portals, but to no avail. Please guide me.

Kartik, via e-mail

You should make efforts to join any of the Tier-2 companies in the IT/ITES sectors and then move into bigger roles.

You should also make efforts to pursue add-on programmes that will help in augmenting opportunities as per the requirements of the business and the corporate world in the IT/ITES space.

If you have an opportunity to pursue a project in the final semester, do pursue the study in an organisation of repute. There is no need to panic as all degrees attained through off-course and distance mode are recognised by the statutory authorities in India and also recognised by the corporate sector.

I had completed a programme in Economics at the PG level about five years ago in the correspondence mode. However, I have to clear one paper of the MA final examination. I do not know how to go about it.

Latika Kumar, via e-mail

The MA course duration is a minimum of two years and at the maximum duration in the distance mode is four or five years.

Please check with the University Directorate of Distance Education (DDE) about the validity at this point in time. In case of the programme having lapsed, you will have to understand the statutes and pursue further.

Under normal circumstances, you will be allowed to reapply for the programme and allowed to complete the paper within a specific duration.

While you check with the University, you enrolment number and the certificate of having cleared the other papers will be important.

I have completed Mechanical Engineering with average percentage. I am interested in designing mechanical parts through CAD/CAM packages but how are these packages providing inputs for better functioning? I am presently working in the manufacturing sector as a Junior Consultant, but have intent to scale up.

Shivanna, via e-mail, Bangalore

CAD/CAM is an acronym for Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Manufacturing. Originally in the 60s and 70s CAD/CAM systems comprised expensive computers.

Because of rapid advancements in computer technology, the PC is now being used for most systems. These systems are responsible for significant acceleration in the industrial processes.

During the past 10 years, few aspects of manufacturing have progressed as rapidly as PC-based CAD/CAM technology. As with most innovations, the market presses for improvements and eager hardware and software developers strive to meet the demands.

CAD, at its most basic, is a geometric modelling system used to produce two-dimensional or three-dimensional engineering drawings. CAD is the use of a computer to aid in the total design process.

The design process involves identifying a need, generating possible solutions to meet that need, evaluating each solution to determine its merit, and developing a detailed model so that it can be built.

CAM utilises computers in the control and operations of the manufacturing process.

There are two main applications for Computer-Aided Manufacturing:

Where the computer directly controls a manufacturing operation.

Where the computer is used to support the manufacturing process, for example inventory Control and CNC part programming.

Today one finds that the automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics industries have long been avid users of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) software, but only recently has the medical device industry taken a strong interest. CAD, CAM and CAE provide ample opportunities for professionals who would like to dabble in them and accrue of the benefits.

Shaheed Khan, [email protected]

For a career in supply chain management

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