by The School of Business February 5th 2024 Share Facebook Twitter Dr. Wanying Shi is an instructor of Supply Chain Management and area director for Global Supply Chain at The School of Business. She joined PSU in August 2018 and has been teaching both undergraduate and graduate supply chain courses. Prior to her academic career, she worked as a logistics engineer and global logistics lead with Specialty Bolt and Screw, Inc. to optimize the company’s global logistics operations and improve operational efficiency.What led you to PSU?My journey to PSU was driven by a passion for education and a deep interest in supply chain management. The university's motto, "Let Knowledge Serve the City," truly resonates with my philosophy as an educator. PSU isn't just about learning from textbooks; it's about embracing the practical application of academic knowledge to address urban challenges. That was a major draw for me—the idea of taking what we know and using it to make a difference in the community. It mirrors the core of supply chain management—finding practical solutions to complex, real-world problems. Joining PSU, for me, was an opportunity to not just share knowledge, but to be part of a community where everyone, students and professors alike, are motivated to make a meaningful impact on our city.What makes PSU a perfect place to study?PSU is indeed a perfect place to study, thanks to its vibrant urban setting and commitment to practical, real-world education. Our campus community is diverse and welcoming—it's this mix of different perspectives and backgrounds that makes learning here rich and engaging. Everyone supports each other, and it just feels dynamic. The university’s location in the heart of Portland offers students access to industry partnerships, internships, and networking opportunities. Plus, PSU's dedication to sustainability and social responsibility resonates throughout its curriculum, preparing students to think about the bigger picture and be thoughtful and impactful leaders in their fields. So, PSU is more than just a place for academic pursuit. It's a space where you get to grow, connect, and prepare to leave your mark on the world.How can the classes you teach help prepare students for a successful career?I teach foundational and specialized supply chain courses at PSU, such as 'Supply Chain Management,' 'Business Forecasting,' and a graduate course focusing on mathematical modeling for supply chain optimization, which are helpful for a career in business and supply chain management. The 'Supply Chain Management' course is an introductory class for all business students, providing a solid grounding in the basics of supply chain operations. It's essential for understanding how businesses operate in an interconnected world. 'Business Forecasting' focuses on applied predictive modeling in a business context, teaching students how to use data to make informed decisions. Finally, my graduate course on mathematical modeling addresses supply chain optimization challenges like cost minimization and profit maximization. All these courses, they're part of our supply chain program and serve as a toolkit that offer a blend of foundational knowledge and hands-on skills, preparing students for a diverse range of career paths in the business world.What makes the global supply chain management program unique to our institution? What are the strengths and advantages to the program?Our Global Supply Chain Management program is unique due to its comprehensive curriculum, amazing faculty team, and close ties with the industry. Our curriculum covers international perspectives and innovative practices in the field. The program offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience, ensuring students are well-prepared for the challenges of the global marketplace. We also have a diverse faculty team—some have been publishing research in top journals in the field, and others who come straight from the industry, bringing with them a wealth of supply chain experience. It's this mix of academic excellence and real-world know-how that makes our program stand out. Additionally, our strong network of industry partnerships provides invaluable opportunities for internships and employment, giving our students a competitive edge in their careers. So, our Global Supply Chain Management program is a powerhouse of knowledge, experience, and opportunities, all designed to give our students a solid edge in their careers.Are there any new developments in your program that students should be excited about?The exciting stuff happening in our program is that we're always on the move, tweaking and updating our curriculum to keep pace with what's happening in the industry. We're integrating topics like data analytics, AI, and sustainable supply chain practices into our curriculum, and are designed to provide our students with the most relevant and up-to-date skills, preparing them for the challenges of a rapidly changing global business landscape. Students can look forward to engaging with a dynamic curriculum in the supply chain program and gaining insights that will be pivotal in their future careers.What excites you the most when each term starts?The start of each term brings a renewed sense of enthusiasm and possibility. I am always excited to meet and interact with new students. Their diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and eagerness to learn enrich the classroom experience immensely. I'm thrilled to introduce students to the evolving world of supply chain management and to witness their development as they grasp complex concepts and start applying them. So for me, the start of a term is like setting off on a new journey where I get to share my passion for the subject and help shape the future professionals of the field. It's just an exhilarating feeling every single time! Related Links: Download the PDF community impact Return to all news