Taylor Manning

I chose the MSOM program because I wanted to stick with my technical background in industrial engineering, while also learning more about how to manage all aspects of the processes I’m working on. I looked into several other schools, but the MSOM program at the University of Arkansas had the flexible schedule I needed to complete an online Master’s while also continuing to manage my work and personal life. The 8 week courses allowed me to focus on one class at a time, while still completing the program in two years. 

A couple of my favorite classes were Supply Chain Management and Risk Management. Having started the program in 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was eye opening to see real life consequences to poor risk management tactics and supply chain management. Learning about what could be done differently using current examples made the concepts we discussed in class more effective.

In my current role, I manage processes that relate directly with the material needed for repairs at our on site facility. With the knowledge I’ve gained from the MSOM program, I hope to expand my work to include the entire process, from facilitating returns from the customer oversees to ensuring their hardware is safely returned, all while optimizing the processes in between.