Exploring ArcGIS Pro's Role in Supply Chain Management Education
Written on
Chapter 1: The Importance of ArcGIS Pro in Supply Chain Management
Are professionals in the supply chain sector utilizing ArcGIS Pro? Should our Supply Chain Management (SCM) students be trained in this technology? ArcGIS is a powerful tool that can assist organizations in managing risks effectively. Alarmingly, very few SCM graduates nationwide have this skill listed on their resumes.
Recently, a GIS analyst reached out to me with a question: Is there a specialized group focused on business geography that tackles supply chain challenges? Where can individuals find GIS-related supply chain problem sets? It seems there is a growing recognition of the synergy between GIS and SCM.
Regarding problem-solving resources, GitHub often hosts interesting datasets and suggestions for tackling complex supply chain challenges. A quick search reveals numerous Python-based models applicable to supply chain scenarios.
In terms of curriculum, many of these advanced topics extend beyond our introductory GIS course. However, we offer GEOG 5690: GIS Workflows, where students delve deeper into dashboards and origin-destination analysis, engaging in four mini-projects with data of their choosing. Additionally, we plan to offer a Project Management and Programming course (GEOG 4670/6670), which may also benefit SCM students.
For further reading, the GIScience Body of Knowledge provides valuable insights that could aid students in their understanding:
To discover where business geographers publish their work, they typically target 'applied geography' journals, available at:
Section 1.1: Introductory GIS Course Overview
Our introductory course, GEOG 3010 — Fundamentals of GIS, covers both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This course includes an overview of GIS principles alongside hands-on experience in map-making and spatial data analysis. Students learn to work with both vector and raster data while also considering the societal implications of GIS.
We have recently upgraded this course to utilize ArcGIS Pro, which is more conducive to online learning. To better accommodate Mac users, we will introduce dedicated office hours for those needing to access Windows through remote desktop applications. Additionally, students will work with real-world data related to COVID-19 and racial disparities, enabling them to engage with authentic datasets without relying solely on external interpretations. They will also have access to all ESRI tutorials for building dashboards.
The first video titled "ArcGIS StoryMaps in Higher Education" explores how ArcGIS StoryMaps can enhance educational experiences. It provides insights into integrating storytelling with geographic data, making it a valuable resource for educators and students alike.
Chapter 2: Advanced GIS Applications in Supply Chain
In the realm of advanced GIS applications, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is gaining traction in supply chain decision-making. This structured technique helps in prioritizing various elements within complex problems.
The second video, "Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)," delves into this methodology, illustrating how AHP can be employed to enhance decision-making processes in supply chain management.