The first key element of the model (Curricular) is an industry-academic collaboration, where practical, company-sponsored cases are embedded into the curriculum or are held as open competitions for newer SCM majors, which allows students to combine SCM theory with practice, through challenging cases from companies such as Halliburton, TechnipFMC, LyondellBasell, and Schlumberger. Student teams analyze realistic category management data sets (often including annual spend across multiple years) and then present their strategic sourcing recommendations to executives from the respective companies. 

 

The second key element of the model (Extra-Curricular) is an internship/co-op program, where students work with area companies year-round, while completing their SCM degree plans.   During the summer, students work full-time in an internship.  However, during the fall and spring semesters, students work part-time (20-24 hours per week) with companies who are co-located with the University of Houston (i.e., greater Houston area).  As a result, some of the best students will have 12-24 months of relevant, SCM work experience by the time they graduate—a game changer for many recruiting companies.

 

The final key element of the model (Industry) is a series of educational enrichment activities focused on leadership and soft-skills development. After significant due diligence, the Humphrey Group was selected to provide the leadership curriculum for the SPO EEP. Two seminars are now being offered to students selected to participate in the SPO EEP: Executive Presence and Building Inspiring Presentations.