Embedding “insights from industry” in supply chain programmes: the role of guest lecturers

Purpose – Guest lecturers (GLs) are a popular mechanism for transferring insights from industry into supply chain programmes. With a scarcity of capable supply chain (SC) talent in today's labour market, there is real value in executives contributing to SC programmes at schools and universities. By guest lecturing they can “light the fire” in students about how exciting the field and practice are and how much potential there is in considering a career in SC management. Students on SC programmes can be shown part of the way towards modern SC practice for which there is a real need for more talent. However, it may be difficult to ensure GL effectiveness; it is neither the executive's job nor his/her profession and academics often find it hard to recruit GLs. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the hands‐on experience of GLs and academics from multiple backgrounds, this paper develops both a framework that can help ensure effective use of the GL, and 11 specific tips and suggestions for recruiting and using GLs in SC programmes. Findings – It was found that there are more creative ways to use GLs in programmes than typically considered, as well as a wider recruitment of different types of GL than those most commonly sought after and most hard to recruit. Originality/value – This paper aims to assist educators in curriculum development and to help to ensure that, when executives offer up scarce time and experience, they maximise the impact of their service.