Interest in supply chain of healthcare systems brought recent graduate Soliman Abdullah to ASU master's program

Soliman Abdullah (MS-SCM '25) was first exposed to supply chain concepts while studying industrial and management systems engineering in his undergraduate program in Kuwait. Eager to gain more knowledge, Abdullah chose to pursue the Master of Science in Supply Chain Management (MS-SCM) from W. P. Carey School of Business.

The world of supply chain affects every industry and every facet of our lives, from the goods we purchase to our food and medical care. Soliman Abdullah (MS-SCM '25) was first exposed to supply chain concepts while studying industrial and management systems engineering in his undergraduate program in Kuwait.

Eager to gain more knowledge about the role supply chain plays in healthcare systems, Abdullah chose to pursue further education. The STEM-designed Master of Science in Supply Chain Management (MS-SCM) from ASU's W. P. Carey School of Business drew him in with its comprehensive curriculum and engaging learning experiences.

W. P. Carey News spoke to Abdullah about what sparked his interest in supply chain management, what he gained from the MS-SCM program, and what’s next in his career.

Why supply chain management?

In his undergraduate program at Kuwait University, Abdullah earned a bachelor's in industrial and management systems engineering. His capstone project integrated rigorous systems engineering methodologies, such as queueing theory, facility planning, quality control, and simulation, to address operational challenges at a primary cancer care center in Kuwait.

"The project focused on analyzing the operations of a comprehensive cancer care facility and developing strategies to improve efficiency and patient satisfaction," he says. "A significant outcome was the positive feedback from patients, highlighting the tangible impact of our proposed enhancements."

Abdullah's experience working on this project inspired him to continue learning more. "As an aspiring researcher in healthcare systems, my academic journey is motivated by a strong interest in leveraging supply chain and operational management to enhance patient care," he says. Pursuing a master’s degree from ASU was a natural next step.

Why W. P. Carey?

The W. P. Carey Department of Supply Chain Management is consistently recognized among the best in the U.S. for both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The W. P. Carey MS-SCM attracts students from around the world who are looking for innovative classes that provide not only the technical skills needed to excel in the field, but also the leadership skills and global perspective required to transform organizations.

"This program provides a comprehensive understanding of advanced and globally relevant concepts that influence contemporary supply chain management," says Abdullah. Under the guidance of distinguished professors, students take courses in every aspect of the supply chain, end-to-end, and learn about its effects on the global economy, as well as societal and environmental impacts.

Supply chain is truly a global industry, which is evident throughout the MS-SCM curriculum. Abdullah credits the learning environment for fostering "the development of analytical and problem-solving skills essential for addressing complex supply chain challenges."

Connections and collaborations with motivated peers add depth to the experience overall. "Engaging in a collaborative academic environment, I actively contributed to discussions, strategic planning, and group-based projects," he adds. All of these efforts culminated in Abdullah receiving the Dean’s Medalist award, which is granted to the highest-achieving student within each academic program.

What's next?

The MS-SCM program has equipped Abdullah with the technical knowledge, along with analytical and soft skills, to solve supply chain problems and be a leading voice in the future of the field.

After graduating in May 2025, Abdullah returned to Kuwait to continue his professional journey. Learning about supply chain management and its effect on critical industries like healthcare has influenced him to focus his career and future education on the more "human" side of the industry.

"This experience reinforced my conviction that operations management extends beyond profit-driven objectives to encompass humanitarian principles, emphasizing patient well-being," he says.

Through projects looking at how supply chain enhancements can improve patient experiences in the healthcare system, and with the backdrop of W. P. Carey's motto of "doing good while doing well," Abdullah has found a passion for improving the healthcare experience through supply chain, something he'll carry with him throughout his career.