The global supply chain is essential to modern economies but increasingly faces vulnerabilities like cyber threats and logistical disruptions. On Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Prescott Campus, the College of Business, Security and Intelligence (CBSI) addresses these challenges through innovative programs, hands-on learning opportunities and the guidance of exceptional faculty.
Students are equipped to excel in the complex and evolving field of supply chain management. Graduates emerge as skilled leaders, prepared to address challenges like optimizing logistics, integrating new technologies and enhancing global supply chain efficiency. Their practical experience and strategic mindset position them to drive innovation and advance the industry.
Preparing for a Globalized Economy
In an interconnected world, supply chains are essential yet fragile systems that require skilled professionals to ensure security and efficiency. The B.S. in Global Business & Supply Chain Management equips students to navigate this complexity using cutting-edge solutions like blockchain, digitization and sustainability.
Supply chain management today is a critical component of both business success and national security,” explains Dr. Thomas Drape, dean of the College of Business, Security and Intelligence. “Our program ensures students are equipped with not only the technical expertise but also the strategic mindset to address challenges in a globalized economy.
Innovative Curriculum for Real-World Impact
CBSI courses combine theoretical frameworks with practical applications, ensuring graduates can seamlessly transition from the classroom to the professional world. Key topics include:
Supply Chain Analytics: Students learn to optimize logistics and improve decision-making using predictive analytics and big data.
Global Logistics and Transportation: Explores the complexities of international shipping and customs, preparing students to manage real-world disruptions.
Cybersecurity in Supply Chain Systems: Focuses on securing digitized supply chains and safeguarding sensitive data from cyber threats.
Real-World Supply Chain Process Integration: Through the SAP University Alliances program, students experience how to integrate supply chain processes by learning SAP, which is a platform adopted by more than 85% of Fortune 500 companies such as Google, Amazon and Apple for business process integration.
Capstone projects allow students to engage with real-world problems, such as enhancing vaccine cold chain logistics or creating blockchain-based traceability systems for food supply networks.
Expert Faculty Guiding the Future
CBSI faculty brings extensive academic and industry experience, offering students unique insights into global supply chain challenges.
Dr. Krishna Sampigethaya, chair of Cyber Intelligence and Security, highlights the critical role cybersecurity plays in protecting modern supply chains. “As supply chains become more digitalized, they also become more vulnerable to cyber threats,” he explains. “At Embry‑Riddle, we prepare students to address these risks using innovative tools and methodologies, ensuring they are ready to lead in this rapidly evolving landscape.”
Dr. Thomas Drape further emphasizes the program’s interdisciplinary approach. “By integrating security, intelligence and business concepts, we equip our students with the skills to solve multifaceted supply chain problems.”
Student Success Stories
Graduates of CBSI are making significant contributions across industries, often securing positions with top organizations like RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon Technologies Corporation), Lockheed Martin, Amazon and more.
Faith Vasquez ('25), a student in the Global Business & Supply Chain Management program, was inspired by the challenges supply chains faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Embry‑Riddle’s passionate faculty and extensive resources have been instrumental in helping me prepare for the demands of this dynamic industry,” she says. As a Boeing Scholar, she also benefits from networking opportunities and additional academic support that enhances her readiness for future challenges.
Jackson Radzimski (’23), who graduated with a focus on supply chain logistics, gained invaluable experience through Embry‑Riddle’s Study Abroad program in Australia. His firsthand exposure to rural aviation logistics inspired him to pursue a supply chain career. During his internship with United Airlines, Jackson worked on optimizing trucking networks for aircraft parts, applying his education to solve real-world problems. “The experiential learning at Embry‑Riddle set me up to confidently tackle challenges in the aviation supply chain field,” he shares.
Driving Innovation Through Research
Through cutting-edge research and collaboration, CBSI faculty and students are actively engaged in research projects that address pressing supply chain and business intelligence challenges. Current initiatives include:
AI-Powered Logistics: Exploring machine learning applications to improve demand forecasting and inventory management.
Sustainable Supply Chains: Designing eco-friendly models that balance efficiency with reduced carbon footprints.
Cyber Risk Mitigation: Analyzing vulnerabilities in global supply chains and developing frameworks to enhance resilience.
These research efforts not only advance the field but also provide students with invaluable, hands-on experience that distinguishes them in the job market. For example, the students currently working on the Sustainable Supply Chain project receive scholarships and summer intern opportunities from KP Aviation.
Building Industry Connections
Embry‑Riddle Prescott’s CBSI is deeply connected to industry leaders, offering students internships, mentorships and networking opportunities. Partnerships with organizations like Northrop Grumman and Honeywell expose students to the latest technologies and industry best practices. These experiences enable students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing their technical expertise and problem-solving abilities.
In today’s business environment, ethical decision-making and sustainability are critical. CBSI integrates these principles into its curriculum with topics like Sustainable Supply Chain Management and Global Ethics in Business, preparing students to lead responsibly while addressing the environmental and societal impacts of their decisions.
Shaping the Future of Global Supply Chains
Embry‑Riddle Prescott’s CBSI stands as a leader in supply chain security and business intelligence education by combining forward-thinking curricula, hands-on learning and faculty expertise, equipping students to address complex global challenges and create meaningful solutions.
As supply chains grow more sophisticated, graduates of Embry‑Riddle will continue to play pivotal roles in ensuring their security, efficiency and sustainability for years to come.
