IUB launches BBA in Supply Chain Management program

The School of Business and Entrepreneurship (SBE) of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) has launched the BBA in Supply Chain Management program, offered through the Department of General Management.

The introduction of the major reflects IUB’s response to recent global supply chain disruptions, which have posed significant challenges across industries and highlighted the need for professionals with specialized training in this area, according to a media release. 

The program is designed to give students structured exposure to global supply chain strategies, sourcing and procurement, logistics, inventory management, risk analysis, technology, sustainability and supplier relations, helping them identify weak links and improve organizational performance.

Prof. Dr. Md Mamun Habib, Head of the Department of General Management and a leading global expert in supply chain management, said the new major reflects growing global demand for supply chain expertise.

“Recent disruptions in fuel, food, resources and financial systems caused by regional conflicts and the Covid-19 pandemic have highlighted the central role of supply chains and logistics across industries. This program is designed to prepare graduates to respond to such challenges with practical and analytical skills.”

The four-year major requires a minimum of 130 credits for graduation. Students will complete courses across foundation, core, major, minor and internship components, with key subjects including Demand Planning and Inventory Management, Managing Global Supply Chains, Sourcing and Procurement, Total Quality Management, and Strategic Supply Chain Management. A range of elective courses, including Enterprise Resource Planning, Project Management and Lean Six-Sigma, will also be available.

Prof. Dr. Raisul Awal Mahmood, Dean (Acting) of SBE, said the introduction of the major marks a strategic step in expanding the school’s academic portfolio.

“Supply chain management is now a core function in modern business. By introducing this major at the undergraduate level, SBE is aligning its programs with emerging industry needs while strengthening its focus on applied, industry-relevant education.”

Admission to the program follows standard undergraduate criteria, including a combined GPA of 7.0 in SSC and HSC examinations, with additional provisions for O-Level, A-Level, International Baccalaureate (IB) and equivalent qualifications. Applicants with strong SAT, TOEFL or IELTS scores may be considered for exemption from the admission test.

Prof. Dr. Daniel W. Lund, Pro-Vice Chancellor of IUB, said the BBA in Supply Chain Management reflects positive and practical progress in business education in Bangladesh. He stressed how, “leading business schools around the world are placing greater emphasis on integrated, highly-practical, cross-functional knowledge that is rooted in cutting-edge research and global best practices. Supply Chain Management sits at the intersection of operations, logistics, data-driven decision-making, and strategy. The new program will help ensure that our graduates have the knowledge needed for navigating increasingly interconnected local, regional, and global markets.”

IUB received the go-ahead from the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh on April 8, 2026, to offer the major. Students will be able to apply for this program from Autumn 2026 semester, the admission process for which starts in the first week of July 2026.

Prof. Dr. M. Tamim, Vice Chancellor of IUB, said, “In a world increasingly shaped by systemic shocks – whether in energy, food or logistics – classroom knowledge alone is not enough. Students need to understand how real systems behave under stress. This program places strong emphasis on practical learning, so graduates can analyze disruptions, make informed decisions, and respond effectively in complex, uncertain environments.”