In today’s competitive construction economy, improving on-site management of project equipment, supplies and process is now critical. With help from Fluor Corp., Clemson University has developed the first online graduate degree program in capital project supply- chain management for construction professionals. The Clemson, S.C.-based program borrows heavily from proven industrial engineering approaches.
“It’s a breakthrough that this industry needs,” says James A. Scotti, senior vice president and chief procurement officer at Irving, Texas-based Fluor. To launch the program, the constructor in 2007 provided $2 million, matched by another $2 million in state funds. The infusion created the Fluor Endowed Chair of Supply Chain and Logistics within Clemson’s industrial engineering department.