The University of Guyana’s School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI) is set to graduate its first cohort of Master of Science in Supply Chain Management students this November. This milestone is not just a celebration for the students, but a significant step towards addressing the growing demands of Guyana’s rapidly expanding industries, particularly in the oil and gas sector.
Professor Leyland Lucas, Dean of SEBI, reflected on the journey that led to the creation of the programme and its importance in national development. “Like all the other programmes we offer, this one was created in response to the national development needs of the country,” Professor Lucas explained. “We launched this programme as a natural progression from our undergraduate courses in logistics and supply chain management, recognising the increasing demand for advanced skills in these fields.”
The introduction of this graduate programme in 2021 could not have come at a more opportune time. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role that supply chains play in the modern world, as disruptions caused shortages of essential goods. “We lived through the crisis of the pandemic and saw just how important supply chain management is,” Professor Lucas stated. “As a society, we can no longer do business the way we used to. People expect products and services when they need them, and supply chain management ensures that happens efficiently.”
This first cohort, consisting of eight initial students, began the programme during the 2021/2022 academic year. While some faced personal challenges that delayed their progress, five students have successfully completed all the requirements, including their final projects. These projects tackled real-world issues, with one standout project examining the logistics system within the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
Many of the graduates were already working within logistics companies and have now gained the theoretical and practical expertise to significantly enhance their professional roles. “These students are not just equipped to contribute locally but also globally,” Professor Lucas said. “We see them as professionals who can compete on the world stage.”
The success of this first batch has also paved the way for the programme’s growth. SEBI has welcomed a new cohort of 23 students to this programme in the 2024/2025 Academic Year, a promising sign that the Master’s programme will continue to be a valuable asset for Guyana’s development. “Our programmes will continue to grow, and we will keep making meaningful contributions to the country’s development,” Professor Lucas affirmed.
As the oil and gas sector expands and new firms enter Guyana’s economy, the need for efficient supply chain management has become more crucial than ever.
“Issues of logistics and timeliness are no longer casual matters,…In a competitive environment like the one we are in, understanding supply chains, sustainability, and the role of technology is key to remaining competitive,” Professor Lucas explained.
Looking ahead, SEBI remains committed to equipping its graduates with the skills needed to meet these challenges. Professor Lucas, proud of the programme’s success, shared, “I am extremely proud of our first batch. They’ve had their challenges, but they stayed the course, and their success is a testament to their perseverance. We are confident that these graduates will continue to make significant contributions to Guyana’s supply chain management sector.”
As the University of Guyana celebrates this landmark achievement, it’s clear that these graduates are not only prepared to contribute to the national economy but are also poised to make their mark on the global stage.
