An MBA with an emphasis in Aerospace Logistics can prepare you to master the business principles necessary for diverse management positions in the aerospace industry.
The training students receive typically includes a core Master of Business Administration curriculum covering management concepts and strategies, project execution, program planning, business development, and the global landscape in which the industry operates. Unlike a general MBA program, an aerospace-focused MBA will also include logistical concepts, strategies and applications in aerospace administration.
SOSU offers two logistics courses in its aerospace-focused MBA:
Logistical Strategies in Aerospace Administration: Covers various applications of logistics in the Department of Defense and the commercial aviation sectors. Strategies are presented for support of aviation and aerospace operations in all phases of the logistic process, from acquisition through distribution, sustainment and disposition. Contemporary topics, such as workforce diversity, lean manufacturing, distribution, logistics and supply chain management programs are included.
Implementing Logistics: Acquisition & Program Management: This course provides experience in the practical applications of the implementation of systems acquisition process. Various policies and philosophies used by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and commercial industry to provide for program management within each phase of the systems acquisition process are presented. Student teams collaborate in case study evaluations of various acquisition strategies.
As aerospace-focused MBA programs have become more widespread, graduates have become sought after within the management ranks of the industry, which has embraced the strategies these graduates have mastered. Furthermore, the DoD and the commercial industry have partnered and consulted with many universities to continuously update educational standards as the industry evolves, and to promulgate new best practices. In addition, the intercultural experience many MBA students gain in school is ideally suited to this global industry.
Functional Skills Required by the Industry
Organizations and professionals in this industry develop technologies for use in defense systems, aviation and space exploration. They “design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites and missiles,” according to the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
The industry relies heavily on logistics and supply chain management. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “Logisticians analyze and coordinate an organization’s supply chain — the system that moves a product from supplier to consumer. They manage the entire life cycle of a product, which includes how a product is acquired, distributed, allocated and delivered.”
Aerospace and defense organizations also depend on several other critical functions and skills:
Industrial production management involves overseeing daily operations of manufacturing and related facilities. Managers coordinate, plan and direct the activities used to create products. General and operations management is the planning and directing of operations, including the formulation of policies, direction of daily operations, and use of materials and human resources. Operations research is the use of advanced mathematical and analytical methods to help organizations investigate complex issues, identify and solve problems, and make better decisions. Management analysis is the research and consulting on ways to improve organizational efficiency through reduced costs and increased revenues.
Leaders in aerospace and defense, as in every industry, must also bring key soft skills to their positions. Among the most important are communication, problem-solving, analytical, teamwork, time management, innovation, ability to motivate others, and cultural awareness.
Employers in the industry look for employees who can “blend in with their existing team, deal with customers and other clients, improve how things are done, work under pressure and progress through their training programmes,” according to Careers in Aerospace. This is precisely the preparation graduates of a strong aerospace-focused MBA program receive.
Learn more about the SOSU online MBA program with an emphasis in Aerospace Logistics.
Sources:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook: Logisticians
Careers in Aerospace: Skills That Employers Look For