While many educators are taking tentative "check swings" at artificial intelligence (AI)—a baseball term describing when a batter begins their swing but abruptly stops midway, caught between commitment and restraint—two of Sam M. Walton College of Business’ brightest are clearing the outfield. Lecturer Daniel Stanton (or, as he is better known, Mr. Supply Chain®) and Assistant Teaching Professor Janeth Gabaldon are more than happy to step up to the plate and take big swings, sharing their comprehensive approach to integrating AI into supply chain education in a recent interview with Walton Insights.
Throwing a Curriculum Curveball
Stanton, now in his third year of teaching “Foundations for New Product Launch and Integrated Demand-Driven Value Networks ”—with Janeth Gabaldon joining as co-instructor this year—has transformed what could easily be a run-of-the-mill graduate supply chain course into one not easily forgotten. Graduate students can understand fundamental supply chain concepts more deeply through the help of the market’s newest AI tools. But why does this matter?
"Anything impactful you want to do in the world depends on supply chain management—whether it's feeding the hungry, improving sustainability, or making a lot of money," Stanton explained. Their course covers essential areas like planning, sourcing materials, manufacturing, distribution, transportation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability in the supply chains
The first half of the semester delves into these individual supply chain functions, while the second half focuses on cross-functional strategies like sustainability, risk management, and startups. Students are challenged through exams, detailed reports, and the building of professional dashboards. This educational odyssey concludes with a capstone project where students put their recently obtained skills and knowledge into practice in a real-world scenario by designing a supply chain for a new product.
Not Just Another Class Credit
What sets this program apart is its emphasis on practical, industry-recognized skills. Gabaldon highlighted her and Stanton’s unique delivery method, integrating firsthand learning with valuable professional certificates. "The way we deliver the class is unique,” she explains. “We integrate hands-on learning with certificates that are valuable beyond the classroom. Daniel provides certifications through LinkedIn Learning courses and industry organizations like the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals.” These credentials give students a significant competitive advantage when either entering the job market or advancing in their current professional path, aligning with Walton College's focus on career readiness and employability post-graduation.
Stepping Up to the Plate With AI
Numerous educators are still check swinging on AI, uncertain whether to embrace or minimize it. Stanton and Gabaldon have chosen a different route—the full-swing approach. They've acknowledged AI as an essential component of their curriculum, teaching students to use it as a tool to enhance learning and leverage strategic thinking rather than replace it.
"We believe AI should be a tool for learning, not something to be discouraged," Gabaldon emphasized. "Our goal is to integrate it into the curriculum so students understand its value and limitations."
The course includes a dedicated module on using ChatGPT, helping students navigate the evolving AI landscape responsibly. This approach also addresses one of the biggest misconceptions about AI in education: that it makes students lazy.
"In reality, when used correctly, it enhances productivity and enables deeper learning," Gabaldon countered. "In the professional world, some fear AI will replace jobs, but we believe jobs will evolve instead. Our role is to prepare students to use these tools effectively."
AI's Potential in Supply Chain Management
Stanton shared a compelling example of AI's power: "I recently generated a comprehensive supply chain risk management plan in minutes using AI—something that would typically take days." When asked about underexplored areas of AI in supply chain, he identified two promising domains: "Risk management and resilience," Stanton emphasized. "AI can help predict disruptions and build stronger, more adaptive supply chains. Sustainability is another key area—AI can optimize resource use and reduce environmental impact."
Gabaldon added her perspective: "I'd include security and process improvement. AI can detect security risks and refine operations in ways we're only beginning to understand."
Both professors challenged the common misconception that AI will replace jobs. "Another misconception is that people underestimate AI's capabilities," Stanton explained. "Many don't fully explore how powerful it can be. AI doesn't eliminate jobs; it changes how we work."
Preparing for a Better Tomorrow
For students and young professionals looking to enter this field, Stanton recommended his book Supply Chain Management for Dummies. This book covers AI implementation and will expand on this topic further in future editions. He also pointed to his multiple highly rated LinkedIn Learning courses, which provide practical guidance.
Gabaldon offered complementary advice, emphasizing the importance of observing real-world supply chains: "Supply chain is everywhere—think about how packages arrive, why gas stations rarely run out of fuel, or why prices fluctuate. Understanding these patterns is just as valuable as any textbook."
Through their innovative teaching approach, Stanton and Gabaldon are not just preparing students for today's supply chain challenges—they're equipping them with the skills and mindset to thrive in tomorrow's AI-enhanced world. Their work exemplifies how educators can commit to technological change without hesitant check swings, all while maintaining focus on the core principles and real-world usage of supply chain management.
As AI continues to revolutionize supply chain management, Walton students aren't just keeping pace—they're positioning themselves to shape the future of the field. This hopeful reality is coming to life through the comprehensive knowledge and experiential learning that Stanton and Gabaldon so enthusiastically provide.
