FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Supply chain management has become a critical component for most companies, as they deal with suppliers and clients. Many employees find that they need to know more about business logistics to do their jobs effectively or advance in the company. Now employees can get the education they need without quitting their jobs.

The Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas developed the Master of Transportation and Logistics Management (MTLM) degree, which allows students to work full time and take courses in the evenings. Doyle Z. Williams, dean of the Walton College, announced the appointment of Matt Waller, associate professor of marketing and transportation logistics, to head the degree program.

"We are delighted to have a person of Matt Waller's talents to head the MTLM program. The Walton College is developing national leadership in the field of business logistics," Williams said. "The MTLM program, the Center for Retailing Excellence and the Supply Chain Management Center provide our students the opportunity to work with some of the most outstanding business leaders in the nation."

Waller earned a M.S. degree in marketing and a Ph.D. in logistics from Pennsylvania State University. He taught at the University of Arkansas in 1994 while working in industry. He founded the Northwest Arkansas Roundtable of the Council of Logistics Management in 1995 and served as its first president. Waller joined the faculty of the Walton College in August 2002.

"I am very excited about the opportunities that this program offers students," said Waller. "It equips managers to be better decision makers in logistics and supply chain management and provides capabilities and skills that would be difficult to acquire simply through experience."

Designed for working professionals, the MTLM courses are offered in the evenings. The 30 credit-hour program can be completed on a part-time basis in two or three years. However, full-time students could complete the program in one year. Admission to the program requires a high GMAT score and a strong undergraduate GPA. Relevant work experience is also considered, according to Waller.

"Because we want to graduate the most prepared students, the MTLM program is challenging. Students must write well, learn to model quantitative business decisions and address complex managerial issues," Waller added.

MTLM is an interdisciplinary program. In addition to core courses in supply chain management, business logistics and strategic issues, students may choose from elective courses in business, engineering or information systems.

"Our students will work with both the Supply Chain Management Research Center and the Center for Retailing Excellence," explained Waller. "The MTLM program allows students to interact with some of the top logistics executives in the world, representing companies like Wal-Mart, Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Coca-Cola and Sun Microsystems."