The logistics and supply chain management program that is discussed within the framework of the current paper focused on several crucial concepts that cannot be ignored by modern logistics specialists such as sourcing, planning, managing and communication, transportation, and warehousing. The most important part of the program was that it allowed me to view logistics as an area of knowledge creation that also focused on the processes related to innovation and advancement. Accordingly, logistics is a content-based industry where research methods have to fall under a certain paradigm to ensure progress and successful knowledge sharing (Derwik et al., 2016). The program also contributed to how I perceive the concept of discipline and converse with peers. There were multiple frames of reference that might represent specific obstacles to management and communication. After working together with other specialists in logistics, I can tell that the presence of sourcing and warehousing skills should also be praised within the logistics industry because no logistics company would be able to survive based on its manager’s skills alone.
Another important discovery was the high value of the spirit of entrepreneurship that currently affects the logistics business and makes the majority of logistics experts keen on innovating and researching further. The industry should pay more attention to how it responds to other changes and whether it can adjust to the ever-transforming environment (Niine & Koppel, 2015). The program experience helped me gain additional knowledge in terms of how opportunities are to be exploited positively. The variety of existing logistics companies and services also poses the question of how one could nurture proper planning and transportation operations while also aligning all the initiatives against the available resources and prognosticated outreach (Ceniga & Sukalova, 2015). Without a doubt, the current program offered me a different outlook on how logistics work in reality, having me follow the framework and explore the epistemological and ontological pillars of this industry.
I have learned to step away from assumptions and operate real-life data that can be used to ensure the most viable transportation path and create prospects to advance. The program may also be seen as a practical reference that proves the importance of discipline, a hardworking attitude, and diligence (Klumpp, 2018). The existing state of logistics may also hint at the fact that one should constantly review their approach to the industry to conquer and retain the top spot without having to transform too much. Accordingly, the current logistics and supply chain management program experience proves that every logistician should pay closer attention to the value of interconnectedness and mentorship. I believe that without these two, there would be no effective communication, warehousing, and transportation. The mentor should always contact the mentee and vice versa, ensuring a strong feedback exchange channel that is going to serve as a predictor of future updates in the industry.
The last important concept that I would like to review in association with the logistics and supply chain management program is the presence of specific gaps. These limitations may only be overcome under the condition where future logisticians are well-balanced and possess knowledge in the areas of warehousing, planning, sourcing, transportation, and managing and communication. After successful completion of the program, I may conclude that there is a need for more focus on social skills because the lack of understanding and guidance could majorly deteriorate any organization, primarily when the latter usually operate on tight schedules and budgets.
References
Ceniga, P., & Sukalova, V. (2015). Future of logistics management in the process of globalization. Procedia Economics and Finance, 26, 160-166.
Derwik, P., Hellstrom, D., & Karlsson, S. (2016). Manager competences in logistics and supply chain practice. Journal of Business Research, 69(11), 4820-4825.
Klumpp, M. (2018). Automation and artificial intelligence in business logistics systems: Human reactions and collaboration requirements. International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications, 21(3), 224-242.
Niine, T., & Koppel, O. (2015). Typology of logistics curricula–four categories of logistics of logistics undergraduate education in Europe. International Journal of Engineering Pedagogy (iJEP), 5(2), 4-11.