Consortium

The Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (FAFS) at AUB: lead on this initiative + Faculty of Engineering and Olayan School of Business at AUB

The School of Agricultural and Food Industry Engineering (ESIA-M) at USJ 

Princess Sumaya University of Technology, Jordan

Talal Abu Ghazaleh University College for Innovation, Jordan

Kedge Business School, France

University of Antwerp, Belgium

The motivation to develop a master program in “Global Supply Chain Management” in three concentration areas – i.e., food supply chain, maritime and humanitarian logistics – is primarily driven by the global trends in supply chain management; its unique contribution to food security, maritime industry and humanitarian relief programs in the Middle East; the institutional capacity of the partner countries’ universities to implement the proposed program; and the European partners universities’  excellence in global supply chain management. 

Supply chain management is a strategic choice that involves the integration of material flows, information flows, and financial flows into a global network of suppliers, manufacturers, warehouses and retailers, establishment of long term relationships, and implementation of sustainable practices. It is particularly important in the Middle Eastern context as the region is heavily dependent on international trade for imports and exports and cultural issues play a major role in business practices. In such highly competitive and globalized market environment, companies must have well-educated supply chain management professionals who have a great understanding of cross-cultural issues. Plus, the Middle East has many competitive and attractive maritime centers with strategic geographical positions for international shipping routes; maritime supply chains account for more than 90% of the world trade (by volume).

The proposed program in GSCM project will have a concentration in food supply chain management. Approximately, a 70% increase in food supply (from its current levels) is needed by 2050 to match the increasing population. Food security is even more of a concern in the Middle East, where as the region suffers from water scarcity, climate change, and limited arable land for agriculture. Especially that the region has experienced one of the most complex humanitarian emergencies in the era of post-Arab-uprisings, Lebanon and Jordan being the most affected countries from the refugee crisis. Thus, there is an urgent need by humanitarian agencies for a robust supply chain management in disaster relief.

Contact
Tél : +961 (8) 543 120/1
Courriel : esiam@usj.edu.lb
Site web : https://usj.edu.lb/esiam/