Get Your PhD in Supply Chain, Operations and Technology


Learn the real-world skills and analysis for a successful academic career in supply chain, operations and technology.

For those interested in the advanced study of operations and supply chain, WashU Olin PhD will challenge you and prepare you for a faculty position at a top research university. The Supply Chain, Operations and Technology (SCOT) program focuses on areas with strategic and tactical implications, using mathematical models to analyze problems and provide insight.

You work closely with faculty on research projects that study real-world supply chain management problems through the Boeing Center for Supply Chain Innovation (BCSCI). This collaboration between industry and academia focuses on technology and its impact on the management of operations. This greatly contributes to the student experience through research, enriched teaching and learning activities.

SCOT Faculty and Research

A strong engineering background distinguishes Olin faculty members in Supply Chain, Operations and Technology. Recently, the area’s research emphasis has focused on exciting issues, including global supply chain design; vendor-managed inventory practices; collaborative forecasting; sourcing contracts; dynamic pricing and revenue management; marketing/operations interfaces; information distortion and "bullwhip" effects; information technology uses for improved supply chain performance; inventory management; design and control of queuing systems; and time-based competition and mass customization.

Our SCOT faculty’s research has appeared in a variety of leading journals, including:

  • Management Science
  • Operations Research
  • Manufacturing and Service Operations Management
  • Production and Operations Management

Read about collaborative research by Supply Chain, Operations and Technology faculty and PhD students.

Supply Chain, Operations and Technology Curriculum


  • Prework

    Prior to the first year—mandatory attendance at math camp (offered through the Economics department)

  • First Year

    Recommended Course Sequence

    First Semester

    • MEC 610 Microeconomics I (3 credits)
    • L11 5161 Applied Econometrics (3 credits)
    • E35 520 Probability and Stochastic Processes I
    • Olin PhD SCOT courses
       

    Second Semester

    • MEC 611 Microeconomics II (3 credits)
    • SCOT 653 Stochastic Models in Production and Service Systems
    • Olin PhD SCOT courses
    • E37 5001 Optimization Methods in Engineering*
       

    The order of classes may change due to availability, and classes may be substituted with approval. A communications course that focuses on oral communication is also recommended during the first two years. When the student takes the course is determined by the student and their advisor.

    *May substitute with another approved course.

    Research

    • Attend SCOT seminars and other research events sponsored by the Boeing Center for Supply Chain Innovation.
    • Begin research collaborations.

    Milestones

    • In the summer after the first year, students must meet with the faculty coordinator to discuss progress and complete a progress report to be submitted to the PhD Office by August 1 after the first year.
    • In August after the first year, students must attend an RA/TA orientation offered by the Center for Teaching and Learning.
    • First-year summer paper—papers are due at the end of the first summer prior to beginning second-year course work.
  • Second Year

    Courses

    • L11 511 Quantitative Methods I
    • Olin PhD SCOT courses
    • Engineering courses
    • Electives (directed readings, independent studies)
       

    Research

    • Attend SCOT seminars and other research events sponsored by the Boeing Center for Supply Chain Innovation.

    Milestones

    • Field exam
    • In the summer, students must meet with the faculty coordinator to discuss progress and complete a progress report to be submitted to the PhD Office by August 1.
    • Second-year summer paper—papers are due at the end of the second summer prior to beginning third-year course work.

  • Third Year

    Courses

    • B53 660 Seminar in Presentation Skills (fall semester, required)
    • Improvisation course
       

    Research

    • Attend SCOT seminars and other research events sponsored by the Boeing Center for Supply Chain Innovation.
    • Dissertation research

    Milestones

    • In the summer, students must meet with the faculty coordinator to discuss progress and complete a progress report to be submitted to the PhD Office by August 1.

  • Fourth Year

    Research

    • Attend SCOT seminars and other research events sponsored by the Boeing Center for Supply Chain Innovation.
    • Paper presentations (brown bag seminars and conferences)
    • Dissertation research

    Milestones

    • Dissertation Proposal – students must be able to assemble a Research Advisory Committee for the proposal of their dissertation and must submit a Title, Scope and Procedure form as the committee’s approval of the proposed dissertation by September 30 after the fourth year.
    • In the summer, students must meet with the faculty coordinator to discuss progress and complete a progress report to be submitted to the PhD Office by August 1.

  • Fifth Year

    Research

    • Attend SCOT seminars and other research events sponsored by the Boeing Center for Supply Chain Innovation.
    • Paper presentations (job market paper presentations with faculty and at conferences)
    • Dissertation research

    Milestones

    • Intent to Graduate (complete form online)
    • Job market and placement
    • Oral defense of dissertation
    • Submission of Examination Approval form, which signifies committee’s approval
    • Upload of final, approved Dissertation to Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
    • Submission of Documented Teaching Requirements to PhD office

  • Course Descriptions

Supply Chain, Operations and Technology Faculty


Lingxiu Dong

Lingxiu Dong

Full Professor

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