The supply chain management major focuses on providing students with the knowledge to assist in developing and implementing efficient global supplier systems in order to maximize customer value. Supply chain management coordinates the interrelated processes required both within a business and with businesses partners, including suppliers, to deliver products and services. Students gain a background in the areas commonly needed to support supply chain management roles, such as business strategy, information systems, lean/quality management, customer service, purchasing, negotiations, contracts, forecasting, inventory management, logistics, and project management. Besides business operations, supply chain management plays a critical role in medical missions, disaster relief operations, and other types of service industries. These activities touch almost every business function, including product development, sourcing, marketing, global issues, logistics/distribution, operations management, information systems, and finance.