Director of executive education named for ISM program
KALAMAZOO—Western Michigan University’s Integrated Supply Management program has named Ken Jones its first director of executive education, highlighting the program’s commitment to providing expert training for industry partners.
"Initially, there isn’t any aspect of the program that I will not touch in some significant way," Jones says. "I truly look forward to that challenge."
In his new role, Jones will develop and implement a strategic plan for the integrated supply management executive education program, which is designed to identify the important problems that supply chain practitioners face and, through research and experience, determine the best methods to solve those problems in the workplace.
"A lot of managers are saying that most executive education programs offered by universities are nothing more than modified MBA lectures," says Dr. Sime Curkovic, director of the ISM program. "To be effective, our program will leverage its industry contacts, application-oriented research and expertise in developing a unique curriculum for a series of executive education programs that generate results for employers."
Executive education is aimed at companies and managers who cannot support the development of supply chain professionals through internal training. Many of these companies cannot delay further training due to lack of resources.
"The executive education program will help keep supply chain professionals competitive," Curkovic says. "Its major benefit will be to develop professionals to meet the constantly changing supply chain environment."
The program plans executive certification and graduate programs that are critical to the industry, but also are properly developed and executed. "We will provide numerous benefits that go beyond just providing participants a certificate," Curkovic says.
Ken Jones
Jones has more than 14 years of supply management experience. Prior to joining the WMU team, Jones was a full-time operations and supply chain management faculty member at Indiana State University and has conducted more than 30 different training and personal development workshops for small business, Fortune 500 companies and government agencies.
Jones earned a bachelor's degree in business and a master's in business administration in marketing and finance from Indiana University. In addition, he holds Certified Professional in Supply Management and Certified Purchasing Manager designations with the Institute for Supply Management. In addition, Jones is a Six Sigma Black Belt, a specialized training certification that includes a set of tools and techniques used in a disciplined way to eliminate defects, not only in manufacturing, but also the service sectors.
With his expertise and experiences, Jones is focused and ready to launch the much-anticipated executive education program. He hopes to enhance the college’s reputation while at the same time growing the already strong ISM program and alumni and student networks by offering a unique program that cannot be matched.
"We will offer an unrivaled educational experience that translates into an individual or organization recognizing an immediate, value-added return on their investment," Jones says.
Integrated supply management program
Ranked No. 12 in undergraduate supply chain education, WMU's integrated supply management program has been recognized nationally by several organizations and publications for its leadership in preparing students for careers in supply chain management.