Matthias Erckert
MSc International Supply Chain Management, 2010 - 2011
Current role: Department Manager, Logistics and Production, Landgard GmbH
Solving problems within international groups and to increase my international network were the main arguments for choosing the MSc International Supply Chain Management programme at Plymouth Business School. Moreover I got a holistic understanding of a supply chain and enhanced my analytical skills. I had the chance to write my dissertation as a part of a research project of the University of Plymouth for a large FMCG company based in London. The guidance and support by the Tutor and the learning facilities finally lead to success and made the whole study to an impressive experience.
Currently, I´m employed as the department manager logistics and production at Landgard GmbH; one of Germany’s biggest companies for flowers, fruit and vegetables. The knowledge I gained at the University of Plymouth helps me to design a “field to fork” supply chain.
Further alumni
Mr Jens BuschfeldMSc International Supply Chain Management, 2010
Current role: Management consultant logistics and SCM
Choosing the MSc postgraduate programme International SCM at the University of Plymouth as a stepping stone towards an international business career in SCM and logistics was the only logical consequence. The programme contents, as well as the University´s reputation across Europe, intrigues international clients in my current profession as a management consultant. Studying abroad in a vital learning environment with fellow students from around the globe helped me to improve my professional competence as well as broaden my horizon as individual – being for me the fact how this programme distinguishes itself from others.
Ms Boyang Sun
MSc International Supply Chain Management, 2010
Current role: GNSS Industry Leader, China
To study in the MSc International Supply Chain Management programme at the University of Plymouth is one of my satisfying decisions. Not only because the supply chain is playing a more and more important role in the commercial competition, but also the University of Plymouth is a great place for me to learn the relevant knowledge in a systematic way. I am working for a high-tech company, the leader in the field of GNSS industry in China. The experience of the programme helped me to understand the concerns on how to cut down the whole costs not the single link. The transition of the way of thinking does benefit me a lot in my career. For a person who is willing to focus on supply chain, I am so grateful for the programme at the University of Plymouth.
Mr Christoph Stremme
MSc. International Supply Chain Management, 2008
Current role: Supply Chain Planner, Netherlands
I chose to study International Supply Chain Management at the University of Plymouth because of the program’s broad perspective on logistics and supply chain management and the opportunity to learn and live in an international environment with people from all over the world. Supply Chain Management is a really interesting programme because it is a research field in constant growth and there are no limits to your career opportunities. You learn to solve complex problems and the prerequisite and specialisation courses are really well chosen and make a very coherent programme.
The Master degree combined with the international focus helped me to gain a foothold into my business life and start working for big Chinese metal producer. After two years, I moved to an international PV producer in the Netherlands where I am currently working as Supply Chain Planner.
Finally I am certain that it was the right decision to study abroad and I can warmly recommend the Supply Chain Management programme of the University of Plymouth.
Pipattawade Wannaree
MSc International Supply Chain Management, 2010
Current role: Teacher (SCM), Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (RMUTL), Chiang Mai, Thailand
For a boy from a small village in Thailand to have a chance to study at the University of Plymouth, it was truly my privilege. I chose to study International Supply Chain Management because I wanted to bring this knowledge and share it with Thai people. As an agricultural country, this can immensely improve the living condition of Thai citizens and eventually improve the national economy. This course has helped me and significantly exceeded my expectations. With a friendly environment, excellent and experienced lectures, it made this course look even more perfect. Definitely, my first choice if I want to continue my PhD’s journey.
Ms Yingying Lee
MSc. International Supply Chain Management, 2009
Current role: Supply Chain Planner, Semi-conductor Manufacturer, Taiwan
The MSc. International Supply Chain Management program at the University of Plymouth offered me a comprehensive knowledge in the field of supply chain management and connected my future career in this specific channel.
In Plymouth, I was part of a multi-national student group. I enjoyed the cultural impact and brainstorm brought by my classmates. The global vision built in those days provided me with a ticket to the position in global companies that I persuaded.
My current job is a Supply Chain Planner in a semiconductor manufacturer, which is highly relevant to what I have learned from this program at the University of Plymouth. For me, supply chain management is still an interesting and challenging speciality that I like to get involved in my career path.
Marliz Bermudez
MSc Supply Chain Management
Marliz Bermudez
MSc Supply Chain Management
I’m from the Republic of Panama. I graduated from high school in 2001 and moved to Kings Point, New York to pursue a B.Sc in Logistics and Intermodal Transportation at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. I also sailed on containerships and ro-ro’s vessels of Maersk Sealand Lines, Matson Navigation Co., and Wallenius Wilhemsen Shipping Co. in order to obtain a Second Mate’s License for all oceans/all tonnages during 2003-2005. I am currently pursuing an MSc in Supply Chain Management (SCM). It has been a great experience, not only have I learned a lot about the subject but I have made great friends from all over the world.
Someone once told me I should choose a master's in a subject that would open me the doors in industries that I would want to work in five years from now, this is the main reason I choose a master's in SCM. When I began looking at universities which provided such a programme in Europe, Plymouth was one of the few. Good industry references led me to choose it in the end. It is a nice town, small so everything is accessible and lots of friendly people. The wet weather during winter can be a minus, but there is so much to work to do on the course that you really do not have time even to stop and think about it.
The level of support is great. Not only from lecturers, but also from the library staff, the medical staff and the international student support people. In my case, lecturers would always collaborate with explanations on the different topics, guidance, and advice for future career development. Furthermore, during the dissertation period, my advisor has given 110% to help me develop a high-quality report and understand several research methods and components which I was not familiar with.
I undertook a summer internship at Ningbo Port Group’s Beilun Second Container Terminal in Zhejiang Province, Peoples Republic of China. I am researching the possible benefits and constraints placed on the supply chains of freight forwarders, shipping companies, manufacturers, logistics providers, retailers, and export/import companies in Zheijiang Province by developing the Fourth Phase of Ningbo Port as a Free Port. In addition, I’m analyzing the benefits which will be derived by the port’s new proposed model - based upon its impact on the terminal’s container throughput, possible change on trading routes by shipping companies, investment by private companies / D.F.I., and the subsequent increase of the port’s value.
Taking the MSc in SCM provided me with a wider perspective on how ports are only one part of the global supply chain. The courses I have taken in research skills and economics for international supply chains have guided me through the process of research and analysis, while the port policies & management course gave me the knowledge about how ports operate worldwide and the multiple factors which affect the port’s competitiveness in the market, growth potential, and decision-making strategies.
The master's program has allowed me to apply for several jobs which I would not have been able to take into consideration before, so in that aspect, it has increased the possibility of achieving my professional goals. I have developed a new perspective on life and what I really want for my future. Shipping and Maritime industry courses in Plymouth are filled with international students. This provides students with a broad group of people who have different perspectives, world views, knowledge and experiences. The best thing this masters has given me was to learn from all the other students’ experiences, not only in industry related issues but in life as a whole.
I have a lot of good memories of Plymouth. As I said before it is a small town, but with a lot of life! I have recollections of researching all night for a report, plenty of get-togethers to do group coursework, and friends who shared their different knowledge so we could all succeed on attaining our master degree. On the other side, there were other types of all-nighters in pubs and clubs with friends and how mysteriously all shipping course students ended up in the 2-3’s at the end of the night!
From Plymouth, I will take away my friends, the good memories they provided me, and the assurance that we all have the base knowledge and power to succeed professionally.