Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Supply Chain Management, Specialization in Logistics, Humanitarian Aid

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Supply Chain Management

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion

Academic unit

HBIU College of Business and Economics

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

• Analyze complex humanitarian supply chain networks using advanced quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Evaluate the impact of global logistics strategies on the operational effectiveness of faith-based nonprofit organizations.
• Design resilient supply chain solutions that prioritize stewardship of resources in emergency and development contexts.
• Integrate ethical decision-making frameworks with professional management practices to address organizational challenges.
• Communicate original scholarly findings through rigorous academic publication and public dissemination.
• Develop innovative models for servant leadership within large-scale, cross-sector logistics systems.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES701
• Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
• 4
• None
• BUS710
• Ethical Foundations of Stewardship
• 3
• None
• MGT720
• Global Logistics Operations
• 3
• None
• RES701 — Advanced Quantitative Research Methods: This course covers advanced statistical analysis and mathematical modeling for supply chain research. Students explore data integrity and computational techniques. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS710 — Ethical Foundations of Stewardship: A study of ethical paradigms and their application to resource management and organizational governance. Students evaluate the stewardship of assets in a social enterprise context. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT720 — Global Logistics Operations: Explores the design and management of complex global networks and the movement of goods in diverse geopolitical environments. Emphasis is placed on logistics efficiency and resilience. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES702
• Qualitative Research Design
• 4
• RES701
• BUS730
• Supply Chain Sustainability
• 4
• None
• MGT740
• Humanitarian Supply Chain Coordination
• 4
• MGT720
• EDU750
• Servant Leadership in Organizations
• 3
• None
• RES702 — Qualitative Research Design: Provides instruction on ethnographic, phenomenological, and case study methodologies for researching non-profit impact. Focuses on rigorous interview and observational strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS730 — Supply Chain Sustainability: Examines sustainable procurement, environmental responsibility, and social equity within the context of global supply chain management. Addresses long-term systemic impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT740 — Humanitarian Supply Chain Coordination: Focuses on the coordination of relief supplies during crises, emphasizing cross-sector collaboration between international, governmental, and private partners. Explores logistical bottlenecks in aid delivery. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU750 — Servant Leadership in Organizations: Analyzes the theories and applications of servant leadership within complex organizations. Students examine how leadership styles affect organizational culture and mission fulfillment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES801
• Advanced Statistical Analysis
• 4
• RES701
• BUS810
• Strategic Procurement and Contract Management
• 4
• None
• MGT820
• Risk and Crisis Logistics Management
• 4
• MGT740
• BUS830
• Corporate Social Responsibility and Labor Ethics
• 3
• None
• RES801 — Advanced Statistical Analysis: Focuses on the application of multivariate statistics and predictive modeling for logistical efficiency. Students develop competency in software-based data analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS810 — Strategic Procurement and Contract Management: Explores the legal, financial, and ethical dimensions of procurement and vendor management in large-scale humanitarian projects. Emphasizes fair competition and integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT820 — Risk and Crisis Logistics Management: Examines risk management frameworks for disaster recovery and operational continuity during volatile events. Students design incident response simulations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS830 — Corporate Social Responsibility and Labor Ethics: This course examines the socio-economic impacts of labor policies and the ethical responsibilities of global supply chain managers. Students will analyze frameworks for fair trade and equitable resource distribution in international markets. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES850
• Dissertation Seminar
• 4
• RES801
• MGT840
• Global Trade and Emerging Markets
• 4
• None
• BUS860
• Organizational Change and Innovation
• 4
• None
• COM870
• Communication and Stakeholder Management
• 3
• None
• RES850 — Dissertation Seminar: Supports students in the selection of a dissertation topic and the development of a comprehensive literature review. Facilitates peer review and initial research proposal approval. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT840 — Global Trade and Emerging Markets: Investigates the intricacies of trade policies and logistics infrastructure in developing nations. Focuses on the socio-economic impact of supply chains in global South markets. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS860 — Organizational Change and Innovation: Provides theoretical frameworks for managing change and promoting innovation within humanitarian organizations. Focuses on navigating bureaucratic resistance and building adaptable systems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM870 — Communication and Stakeholder Management: Develops strategies for effective stakeholder engagement and communication across diverse international cultural contexts. Explores ethical persuasion and transparent reporting. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP880
• Doctoral Research Practicum
• 4
• RES850
• BUS885
• Advanced Topics in Humanitarian Law
• 4
• None
• MGT890
• Advanced Supply Chain Strategy
• 4
• None
• RES895
• Dissertation Research Phase I
• 3
• RES850
• CAP880 — Doctoral Research Practicum: Students implement their research design and engage in primary data collection under faculty supervision. Focuses on ethical research practices and field engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS885 — Advanced Topics in Humanitarian Law: Analyzes the intersection of international humanitarian law, NGO statutes, and logistical constraints. Explores the regulatory environment governing aid distribution. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT890 — Advanced Supply Chain Strategy: Synthesizes advanced concepts in integrated supply chain strategy, performance measurement, and resource optimization. Focuses on aligning organizational strategy with community needs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES895 — Dissertation Research Phase I: Dedicated time for writing and refining the initial chapters of the dissertation manuscript. Includes ongoing engagement with the research committee. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP899
• Dissertation Final Defense
• 6
• RES895
• BUS898
• Contemporary Leadership Issues
• 3
• None
• RES896
• Dissertation Research Phase II
• 3
• RES895
• MGT897
• Logistics Systems Modeling Lab
• 3
• MGT890
• CAP899 — Dissertation Final Defense: The final stage of the doctoral program, involving the completion of the dissertation manuscript and a successful oral defense. Demonstrates full command of the research topic and its implications. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS898 — Contemporary Leadership Issues: Explores emerging trends and challenges in leadership across global sectors. Students evaluate their readiness to lead organizations with ethical integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES896 — Dissertation Research Phase II: Final review of findings and completion of the dissertation manuscript. Students incorporate feedback from the defense into the final archival version. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT897 — Logistics Systems Modeling Lab: A final applied lab focusing on the creation of complex simulation models for multi-echelon supply networks. Prepares students for technical leadership roles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a master's degree in a related field such as business administration, supply chain management, economics, or public administration from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Candidates must submit a formal statement of intent, three professional or academic letters of recommendation, and a research proposal that aligns with the institution’s mission and the faculty’s research expertise. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the culminating scholarly endeavor, requiring candidates to conduct original, independent research that contributes substantially to the body of knowledge in humanitarian logistics. Students identify a significant problem within the discipline, develop a rigorous research design, and execute a comprehensive study that reflects a deep engagement with both supply chain theory and ethical, faith-based practice. The research process emphasizes the integration of professional expertise with a commitment to biblical stewardship and compassionate service. The final dissertation must demonstrate mastery of literature, methodological competence, and a critical capacity for applying ethical reasoning to logistical systems. Beyond the empirical findings, the work must provide a reflection on how the student’s research findings foster human flourishing and sustainable organizational outcomes. The project is worth 12 credit hours and culminates in a formal oral defense before a committee of faculty scholars.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours, including the transfer of up to 35 credits from a previous master's program, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Candidates must demonstrate consistent progress in their dissertation research, resulting in an approved and successfully defended final manuscript that meets the university’s standards for doctoral research and professional integrity.
• Students are also expected to demonstrate ongoing commitment to the institutional community, which includes participating in spiritual formation retreats, engaging in service-learning opportunities, and upholding an established code of ethical conduct. The degree serves as a recognition of both high academic achievement and the cultivation of an informed character, ensuring graduates are prepared for a life of professional excellence, spiritual maturity, and service-oriented leadership.
• Career Opportunities
• Director of Humanitarian Logistics for Global NGOs
• Supply Chain Policy Advisor for Non-Profit Agencies
• University Faculty in Business and Economics
• Disaster Relief Operations Consultant
• Strategic Resource Manager for Faith-Based Foundations
• Director of International Development Programs
• Important Notices
• The program educates ethical professionals who demonstrate technical excellence, servant leadership, professional integrity, and a commitment to apply sound principles to advance faith-based organizations, strengthen communities, and contribute responsibly.
• HBIU is a lawfully operating nonpublic faith-based postsecondary institution that maintains its status under section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes. The University annually affirms its compliance with the requirements applicable to faith-based institutions in Florida through Commission for Independent Education.
• HBIU accreditation from QAHE (for quality assurance in pre-tertiary and higher education mechanisms). QAHE offers globally recognized accreditation and quality assurance for higher education, training providers, and professional institutions worldwide. Students should consider the nature and scope of this recognition in relation to their individual certification and professional goals.
• Transfer credit is evaluated individually based on course content, credit hours, grades, institutional documentation, program requirements, and applicable university policies. Although HBIU provides academically structured programs, no institution can guarantee that another college, university, employer, licensing board, or credential-evaluation service will accept its credits or credentials. Students are encouraged to obtain advance written confirmation from the intended receiving organization.
• The program develops academic knowledge and applied competencies for service in faith-based organizations, nonprofit institutions, community programs, and related professional environments. Some occupations associated with the subject area may be regulated by governmental or professional authorities. A degree from HBIU demonstrates completion of the University's academic requirements but does not, by itself, confer professional licensure or legal authority to perform regulated services.
• Where a program is related to an external certification, eligibility is determined exclusively by the applicable certifying organization. Certification bodies may establish additional requirements involving education, examinations, experience, background screening, continuing education, or membership. HBIU does not guarantee certification eligibility or examination approval unless a formal written agreement expressly provides otherwise.
• Career and occupational information is provided to help students make informed educational decisions. Employment outcomes depend on factors such as the graduate's experience, geographic location, professional qualifications, employer requirements, economic conditions, interviewing ability, and any applicable licensure or certification requirements. Completion of a program does not constitute a promise of employment, promotion, job placement, or a particular occupational title.
• This program is delivered through online instruction. Students must have access to the technology, equipment, internet service, software, and learning resources identified in the University's technology requirements.
• Internship or field-experience participation is subject to academic eligibility, site availability, supervisor approval, and the requirements of the participating organization. The University assists students with the placement process but cannot guarantee placement with a particular organization, supervisor, location, or schedule.
• Students are responsible for reviewing the catalog, understanding program requirements, providing accurate information, meeting academic and financial obligations, and verifying whether the program supports their intended educational or professional goals.
• Completion of a University program does not authorize a graduate to use a professional title that is protected or restricted by law. Graduates must use titles that accurately reflect their education, credentials, employment role, and current licensure or certification status.
• Degree abbreviation | Ph.D. in Faith-Based Supply Chain Management
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Maximum approved transfer credit | Up to 40 semester credit hours
• Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer | 80 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion
• Advanced faith-based supply chain management theory and specialization | 30 credit hours
• Research methods, statistics, and scholarly inquiry | 24 credit hours
• Professional leadership and higher-education teaching | 15 credit hours
• Advanced electives and concentration courses | 18 credit hours
• Scholarly writing and publication | 9 credit hours
• Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 6 credit hours
• Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours
• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES701 | Advanced Quantitative Research Methods | 4 | None
• BUS710 | Ethical Foundations of Stewardship | 3 | None
• MGT720 | Global Logistics Operations | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES702 | Qualitative Research Design | 4 | RES701
• BUS730 | Supply Chain Sustainability | 4 | None
• MGT740 | Humanitarian Supply Chain Coordination | 4 | MGT720
• EDU750 | Servant Leadership in Organizations | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES801 | Advanced Statistical Analysis | 4 | RES701
• BUS810 | Strategic Procurement and Contract Management | 4 | None
• MGT820 | Risk and Crisis Logistics Management | 4 | MGT740
• BUS830 | Corporate Social Responsibility and Labor Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES850 | Dissertation Seminar | 4 | RES801
• MGT840 | Global Trade and Emerging Markets | 4 | None
• BUS860 | Organizational Change and Innovation | 4 | None
• COM870 | Communication and Stakeholder Management | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP880 | Doctoral Research Practicum | 4 | RES850
• BUS885 | Advanced Topics in Humanitarian Law | 4 | None
• MGT890 | Advanced Supply Chain Strategy | 4 | None
• RES895 | Dissertation Research Phase I | 3 | RES850
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP899 | Dissertation Final Defense | 6 | RES895
• BUS898 | Contemporary Leadership Issues | 3 | None
• RES896 | Dissertation Research Phase II | 3 | RES895
• MGT897 | Logistics Systems Modeling Lab | 3 | MGT890