Michigan State and Penn State have tied for first place in Gartner's ranking of top undergraduate programs in supply chain management. The University of Tennessee came next, followed by the University of Texas, Western Michigan and another tie, between Brigham Young and North Texas universities.

APICS has announced that it has completed its merger with Supply Chain Council, creating a global provider of supply chain research, education and certification programs.

Higher levels of training to maintain and improve the expertise of those employed by shippers, consolidators, warehouses and depots to pack containers is now a primary objective of a number of current industry initiatives.

I call attention to a misconception among business reporters and analysts concerning the lack of expertise in the supply chain arena. A recent Wall Street Journal article The Hot New MBA: Supply Chain Management is making the rounds of various Logistics blog circles. Basically, the article tells us that there are not enough experienced logistics and Supply Chain professionals to go around. And that universities are ramping up to offer courses that will help business fill the gap. This, of course, is nonsense.