MS Packaging Value Chain FAQs
- What does the term “packaging value chain” mean?
The term packaging value chain refers to the network of interconnected businesses and their value creation processes, covering all stages of suppliers – from the point of origin of a packaging solution and all tiers of customers out to the point of consumption of the product and the ultimate end-of-life of the packaging. As the power of business customers grows with the increasing technology development, information ubiquity and globalization of markets, delivering customer value is becoming increasingly critical. From packaging being regarded merely as a logistical or materials issue, there has been a substantial shift in the value-creating logic of the packaging industry.
As a business function, packaging spans the entire range of a packaged goods company’s activities and brings the holistic agenda to the table. In doing so, it becomes the strategic enabler that helps other functions deliver benefits to the consumer. Strategically considered, packaging incorporates procurement, R&D, marketing, sales, sustainability and plays a role in defining margins and profitability.
- What is the vision of the M.S. Packaging Value Chain program?
The M.S. Packaging Value Chain program is devoted to the advancement of knowledge and to motivate and co-create holistic, efficient and effective solutions in the realm of packaging and its impact across the global value chains. The M.S. in Packaging Value Chain program’s 100 percent online coursework is planned around the critical skills, knowledge, theories, and abilities required to master the value addition potential of packaging in the global markets. The curriculum is designed to incorporate input activities carried out to create value for all players in the packaging value chain. It embraces the relevant disciplines of packaging science and technology, data analytics, design, marketing, finance, supply chain, operations and quantitative analysis.
- Where would M.S Packaging Value Chain degree find a fit in the industry?
Industries: Product manufacturers, brands, packaging manufacturers, 3PLs, transportation companies, military – civilian jobs, military contractors, contract manufacturing, management consulting and design firms. The departments best suited for these graduates would include packaging, operations, supply chain, line management, manufacturing, procurement, distribution, replenishment, planning, new product, marketing, maintenance, etc.
- Where is the program held?
The program is 100-percent online.
- Who is the M.S. Packaging Value Chain program designed for?
The M.S. Packaging Value Chain program is designed to develop competencies in the substantive packaging and related business acumen and to promote transference of learning to the workplace for professionals. Recent bachelor’s degree graduates in packaging or related disciplines can also seek to significantly enhance their learning towards a high-order perspective of packaging’s impact across the global value chains. The intent of the program is to provide professionals with opportunities to assume leadership roles and advance their careers.
- How long does the M.S. Packaging Value Chain program take to complete?
FULL-TIME STUDENTS:
With regards to full time students, there is no foreseeable issue towards accomplishing the degree in one academic year (Fall-Summer). A student may elect to meet the course requirements for the M.S. Packaging Value Chain degree at their own pace (e.g. 2 years), so long as the Cal Poly Graduate Education policies related to continuous enrollment are met.PROFESSIONAL STUDENTS:
Considering the time constraints professional students may have to manage in order to meet the course requirements for the M.S. Packaging Value Chain degree, we are targeting a majority of no more than 24-hour/week effort (2-3 hours on weekdays and 9-14 hours on weekends) through a 12-15 month degree option.
