Each year ChainLink Research conducts a survey to provide insights into the business challenges companies are confronting and what methods they may turn to-both human capital and technology-to address those challenges.

David J. Closs, McConnell Professor of Business Administration at Michigan State University, says that cross-functional experience and training are essential to developing superior supply chain talent and explains why competition for that talent is increasing.

Nearly 20 companies with innovative supply chain operations have entered into a new alliance with Indiana University's Kelley School of Business to create opportunities for faculty and students. The Supply Chain Alliance will be a forum for interaction between the companies, Kelley faculty and top students interested in careers in supply chain management.

Stanley Fawcett, visiting professor of global supply chain management at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, discusses five key qualities that make a supply chain leader indispensable to an organization and offers tips on how companies can identify and nurture these employees.