SYNOPSIS

The purpose of the project is to take a degree program in high demand by employers (Western Illinois University’s B.B. in Supply Chain Management) and develop a partnership with Illinois community colleges through the use of technology.

The project proposes to use HECA funding by WIU to create an introductory online course in supply chain management.  The course, SCM 211 - (Introduction to) Supply Chain Management, would be transferred onto the distance learning platform at John Wood Community College and made available to any community college participating in ILCCO (Illinois Community Colleges Online).  Three additional upper division online courses in Supply Chain Management (Warehouse Management, Global Supply Chain Management, and Customer Relationship Management) would also be developed using HECA funds, with these three courses delivered online directly from WIU.  The project also involves the development of 2+2 agreements between WIU and interested Illinois community colleges in the area of Supply Chain Management.

Expected outcomes for the project:

1. Community college students would become aware of excellent career opportunities in SCM within their districts.
2. Community college students could start SCM preparation while enrolled at a CC.
3. Upon transfer to WIU, an SCM student could remain in his/her home district for an additional semester, taking online WIU SCM courses.  This would provide sufficient preparation for a subsequent SCM internship during the following semester. 
4. Students could complete the entire WIU minor in Supply Chain Management online, thereby increasing access to this high demand program to a larger population.

We believe the project to be innovative. 

• It involves the use of a public university to create online course that is provided to a community college so that all community college students can enroll directly in a supply chain management course.  I
• It allows each community college to assist its students in accessing excellent job opportunities in their home district, while allowing a public university to reach a student population that is difficult to reach (since few students know what “supply chain management” is.) 
• It allows the IBHE and WIU to reach a larger audience with an in-demand program, as opposed to creating new programs to meet needs.

      In summary, the project is truly a partnership between a university and community colleges to meet the needs of students and employers through cooperation and an innovative use of technology.