Online Associate of Arts in Supply Chain Management (AA)

This course is designed to acquaint the student with the terminology, organization, and function of the American business system. The course will give the student a broad background about the contemporary American and global business environments as well as considering different business organizations, management principles and strategies. Topics covered include marketing, finance, personnel, customer relations, production and operations, e-business, world trade ventures, internal information systems and decision-making processes.

This course provides an in-depth examination of federal acquisition practices, policies and procedures, to acquaint managers and non-contracting personnel with the acquisition process and compliance issues. Contracting and acquisition fundamentals reviews contract planning, contract execution, and contract management as part of the acquisition process. They will learn basic mission support planning strategies, how to research the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS); additionally, students will learn how effective market research and socioeconomic programs support the FAR and DFARS acquisition planning process as well as its implementation. They will examine the process, problems and issues of solicitation and contract award. Instruction will also include: benefits of early industry involvement in shaping requirements; basic procedures for acquisition of commercial and noncommercial requirements; basic competitive acquisitions; awards processing; management of contract award protests; contractor performance metrics; contract changes procedures; disputes; and close out procedures of completed contracts. This course is designed for personnel new to the contracting career field or non-contracting personnel who play a role in the acquisition process.

Introduction to Macroeconomics is a survey course that builds on the topics covered and skills developed in ECON101 (Microeconomics) in order to present a complete picture of the economy. Macroeconomics shows how consumers and markets fit into the overall or aggregated economy and provides a framework to assess government policies. Key topics covered will include economic cycles (growth and recession), economic indicators and measures, and interest rates and money supply.

Supervisors are the first line of leadership. This course provides an overview of supervision in the workplace. Students will explore concepts and skills on how supervisors can improve their skill set for their scope of responsibilities (i.e. goal setting, problem-solving, staffing, conflict management and development of employees).

This course provides a comprehensive overview of marketing activities and functions, introducing students to the scope, terminology, and procedures of marketing. Key topics include the analysis of markets, competition, and consumer behavior, along with the assessment of product, price, distribution, and promotion strategies. Students will explore consumer motivation and the processes behind the diffusion and adoption of new goods and services. Additionally, students will engage with a practical component, reviewing the key elements of a marketing plan, including market segmentation, branding, and integrated marketing communications, to understand how these factors work together in marketing strategy.

This course is a study of design, planning, execution, control and monitoring of supply chain activities with the objective of creating net value, building a competitive infrastructure, leveraging worldwide logistics, synchronizing supply with demand and measuring performance globally. As a principles course, it will introduce these components along with their integration into the supply chain. The impact of technology of supply chain management will be examined and its critical role enabling synchronized logistics.

This course introduces the student to retail Supply Chain and Logistics Management with a focus on the shipping and receiving functions to include its nature, scope, and processes. An examination of shipping and receiving functions and the interrelationships among these components of an operational supply chain and related logistics of large retail businesses is provided. Students receive an overview of the role and importance of shipping and receiving within the retail industry with an emphasis on effective management. The contemporary environment of retail shipping and receiving functions are addressed as well as management perspectives, inventory management, and the impacts of technology on providers and users, both domestically and globally. Ultimately, this course is for those seeking retail opportunities in management, supervisory, and/or entry-level positions as well as those transitioning into the retail industry.

Students in this course are introduced to the area of transportation within the logistics field to include its nature, scope, and processes. An examination of the management functions and the interrelationships among the components of operational logistics is provided. Students receive a familiarization of transportation functions within the retail industry. The various aspects of transportation are addressed within the retail supply chain to include modes of transportation, international logistics, import/export, regulations, customer management (selection and negotiating), warehousing and inventory management, and technology. A practitioner approach is used to explore and examine processes, strategies, best practices, issues and trends in retail transportation. This course is for those seeking retail opportunities in transportation management and supervisory opportunities.