Why this programme
It has never been a more exciting time to delve into the logistical challenges facing the international economy. Society is changing, and there's a trend of creating your own products and services. Innovations like 3D printing, solar panels, self-diagnosis devices and online shopping are leading to home manufacturing, power generation, reduced healthcare costs and shopping convenience. The middleman is vanishing from economic transactions, and even the physical store is becoming archaic as cities have trouble filling empty retail spaces because of online shopping. Concepts like the Internet of Things, Industry 4.0, Virtualisation, The Maker Movement and Peer-to-Peer economics have sent ripples through society, especially for those working in logistics and SCM, who will be essential in the coming years as product delivery and logistical processes become more competitive.
Supply Chain Management covers all aspects of maintaining a supply chain in the competitive global economy, from new product development to the management and planning of international supply chains to cooperation with suppliers and distributors. Moving products from development to distribution is a complex, international process, and it often means the difference between a company's success and failure. The Supply Chain Management programme devotes a great deal of time to value creation, not only with the optimisation of purchasing, logistics and marketing processes, but also when it comes to strategic cooperation with suppliers, distributors and customers. The end goal is to deliver on the promises made to consumers and to meet their demands.
The Supply Chain Management specialisation is taught in Maastricht amid the other specialisations of the International Business programme, so you will benefit from the interaction between the various business disciplines.
Student profile
Overseeing supply chains is all about changing focus: being able to zoom in to particular links on the chain while simultaneously overseeing the entire process. Supply chains are the means by which products and services are ultimately transported to customers. It entails purchasing, logistics, operations management and supply chain management. You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and be customer-oriented, able to talk with a wide range of people in various positions. Managing and improving supply chains requires the ability to look at problems analytically and creatively, so a flexible and open-minded attitude is essential.
Education Oppertunities
International experience
Enhance your degree with global perspectives through study abroad opportunities.
- Study abroad: Spend a semester at one of our 92 partner universities worldwide
- Dual Degree Programmes: Earn two diplomas in less time through select master programmes
Professional experience
Enrich your curriculum by gaining professional experience during your studies!
- Thesis-Internship Programme (TIP): Write your thesis on a topic relevant to a company or organisation during a part-time internship
- Extracurricular Internship: Gain experience through an internship lasting 3 to 6 months
- Excellence Programmes: Apply for one of our Excellence Programmes to work on real projects with partner companies
Get ready to launch your career
Boost your personal and professional development while expanding your network at events hosted in collaboration with partners and alumni:
- Career and Development Days : Participate in workshops and events focused on personal and career growth
Maastricht Business Days by SCOPE: Network with employers and alumni at our prestigious recruitment event
- UM Career Services and Advisors: Receive personalised support trough training or individual guidance.
Dual Degree programme
The Dual Degree programme at the School of Business and Economics allows you to study at two universities and earn two master's degrees! You can participate at the beginning of the academic year in September, studying part of your master's degree at an institution abroad and part at the SBE. Once you have met all the requirements of both master's programmes, you will receive a degree from each university. Almost all Dual Degree programs can be completed with little or no study delay and with minimal additional costs. The Dual Degree programme has carefully selected partner universities that are highly respected, research-oriented and preferably accredited by both EQUIS and AACSB.
Global Innovation Challenge
The Global Innovation Challenge (GIC) offers MSc. International Business students a new opportunity to study in an international environment and gain practical experience with companies. The School of Business and Economics offers this excellence program as a project-based course in which international master's students work as external consultants on a business challenge of a particular company or business unit that requires innovation and transformational approaches. This Global Innovation Challenge is part of the IBS network and is aimed at enhancing students' innovation and creativity skills, knowledge in transformation, change management and creating business solutions with global impact. nsformation, change management and creating business solutions with global impact.
