Measuring the Market for Logistics Education

Abstract

The work described in this report is a continuation of work that was undertaken in the 1994-95 academic year. The purpose of that effort was to survey the Twin Cities logistics community to determine two issues. The first addressed the necessary level of skills for graduating students with an interest in logistics in order to be successful candidates for entry level positions. The second issue was to identify the types of courses, i.e., topical interest, demanded by logistics professionals to update their skills. Results from that study are summarized in a report distributed by the Center for Transportation Studies. It has been observed that the first study was oriented almost exclusively toward logistics professional, i.e., respondents represented companies who recognized that logistics was an important activity. Thus, the first survey results were likely skewed toward upper management in larger firms interested in logistics. It was not clear that the previous survey adequately reflected the broad spectrum of general practitioners making logistics related decisions in smaller firms. The objective of this survey was to be more inclusive in terms of types of firms and individuals surveyed. Specifically, an attempt was made to include enterprises of various sizes and not exclusively belonging to logistics related associations. The 1997 version of the survey draws conclusions in the following areas; the education practice and policies established by a cross section of firms; the topical coverage needed by practitioners for continuing education related to logistics; how continuing education courses should be packaged in order to have the maximum impact on the market; the general need for future graduates specializing in logistics; specification of the desired skill set for entry level logistics positions.