Pre-Skills

View Recording of June 26, 2025 MSSCM Academic Pre-skills Student Chat with Academic Director

Students join the Smith School with a variety of technical skills, educational, and professional backgrounds. Incoming students do not need to be proficient with all of the tools listed prior to the start of classes, however, having some prior experience could help them learn more effectively. The resources below have been compiled to assist incoming students with preparing for their master's coursework.

UMD students have unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning, an online library of instructional videos covering the latest software, creative, and business skills.  

 

Case Competition Preparation 

All MS in Supply Chain Students will experience a case competition during New Student Orientation. There will be materials posted here to review prior to Monday, August 18.   

   

Required Pre-Semester In-Person Workshop for BULM 710: Data Driven Decision Making I

There will be an in-person workshop offered for BULM 710: Data Driven Decision Making I with Professor Sujin Kim. This workshop will provide a good foundation for success in this course. This workshop is required and provided at no cost during New Student Orientation.

  

Pre-Skills Assignments for BULM 711: Data Driven Decision Making II 

BULM 711: Data Driven Decision Making II will also focus on analytical principles that can guide complex decision-making. A strong understanding of Excel will be critical to successfully completing the course. 

Due Date: It is very strongly recommended that students complete the following before the start of Term B (October): 

Study Time Required: It is estimated that completing all of these LinkedIn Learning modules will take 6 hours. Please assume this as a minimum to be safe and plan accordingly. 

Please direct questions about the BULM 711 pre-skills assignment to Professor Maria Gisela Bardossy (bardossy@umd.edu).

 

Optional Asynchronous Assignments and Reading

Incoming students do not need to be proficient with all of these tools prior to the start of classes, however, having some prior experience could help them learn more effectively.