Preparing logistics managers to manage modern military supply chains

PURPOSE: The aim of conducted research was to identify a set of competencies required of a logistics manager, in managerial positions in the armed forces, necessary to manage contemporary military supply chains.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The research process consisted of theoretical and empirical parts. The theoretical part included the analysis of current scientific studies on the problem of logistics managers' education, requirements set by employers in the military and civilian labour market, as well as the applicable legal acts on the subject in question. The empirical part of the study was based on a diagnostic survey with the use of an interview questionnaire. The study involved 26 experts holding managerial positions in military and civilian logistics entities and persons responsible for logistics education at universities, 7 managers from logistics companies, 11 officers from military logistics units, 8 university teachers responsible for developing study programs. The research was conducted in 2020-2021.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The research results may be helpful in the process of developing curricula dedicated to logistics managers, both in the armed forces and in the civil market.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This study is an original study of experts involved in the education of logistics managers.peer-reviewe

Typology of Logistics Curricula – Four Categories of Logistics of Logistics Undergraduate Education in Europe

The field of logistics education is rather colorful. The range of possible topics is huge and so each curriculum has unique approach towards which topic areas to emphasize and which to treat briefly or even omit. There is only little effective standardization in logistics education. This study examines the content of 42 undergraduate logistics curricula in Europe via cluster analysis, with a goal to propose a typology of logistics curricula. The findings define the spectrum of logistics education in four clusters, ranging from „business administration“ with little focus on most specific logistics topics, through „interdisciplinary logistics management“ and „modern transport management“ to „logistics engineering“ with a strong quantitative and technology approach. However, a problem remains that curriculum title does not always reflect actual profile. A typical title “logistics management” might in one case contain various engineering elements, but in another none at all. Such findings point out the need for curricula boards to decide, if trying to cover the entire scope by „one-size-fits-all“ program is the best option or if more distinct focus is needed. In both cases this decision needs to be intentional, agreed and clearly communicated to avoid confusing students and society. Furthermore, the study points out the need to refine standards of competences in logistics, especially for logistics engineering