Logistics Management
According to a survey by Logistics Management Magazine, of 800 logistics professionals in 2012, the average salary was $96,000. The Labor Department estimates that employment [in logistics management] should increase by 25.5 percent between 2010 and 2020. That means an addition of 27,800 jobs for a total of 136,700 in the field by 2020
What is logistics management?
Logistics management is that part of supply chain management that plans, implements, and controls the efficient, effective forward and reverse flow and storage of goods, services and related information between the point of origin and the point of consumption in order to meet customers’ requirements. Logistics management activities typically include inbound and outbound transportation management, fleet management, warehousing, materials handling, order fulfillment, logistics network design, inventory management, supply/demand planning, and management of third party logistics services providers. To varying degrees, the logistics function also includes sourcing and procurement, production planning and scheduling, packaging and assembly, and customer service. It is involved in all levels of planning and execution – strategic, operational and tactical. Logistics management is an integrating function, which coordinates and optimizes all logistics activities, as well as integrates logistics activities with other functions including marketing, sales manufacturing, finance and information technology.
Where is logistics management used?
Logistics management is the backbone of all distribution systems for goods and services. Today, companies recognize that an efficient logistics management is necessary to remain competitive in today’s business environment. Thus every company that provides goods and services must have a logistics management function. Manufacturing companies of all varieties have extensive logistics management departments. In addition, independent transportation companies using land, rail, sea, and air methods of shipment exist to support those organizations that outsource their logistics management operations. Service organizations (banks and hospitals), merchandising firms (retailers and wholesalers), and governmental agencies at the state and national levels (military and transportations agencies) also have extensive logistics management operations.
What kind of career choices can I expect and what is the job outlook?
Logistics management is the second largest employment sector in the United States and offers excellent salaries, opens doors, and provides advancement opportunities to the prospective manager in countries around the world. Logistics managers are in such great demand that both U.S. News and World Report Career Guide and Working Woman magazine have cited logistics as a hot career track. Nearly every Fortune 500 and Global 500 is a potential employer of logistics managers. Career paths start with general entry level positions such as logistics analyst, customer service associate, and inbound materials scheduler and can lead to upper level management positions in areas such as corporate logistics or materials managers, business development or operations site manager and vice president positions in marketing, logistics, or operations and manufacturing.
What kinds of courses will I take?
Students in the logistics management program take the core curriculum required of all John L. Grove College of Business students. These courses include accounting, finance, business computer systems, marketing, economics, business law, supply chain and operations management, organizational behavior, and statistics that provide a broad business background. In addition to these courses, there are both required and elective courses in the logistics management major. Students will develop cross-functional team skills that emphasize logistics management, warehousing operations and well as management and marketing. Logistics management consists of four required courses in the areas of distribution systems, global logistics, supply chain systems, and warehouse management. In addition, two interdisciplinary electives from marketing, management, geography, or supply chain management are required.
May students who are not majoring in logistics management take those courses?
None of the logistics management courses have prerequisites other than core courses taken by every student in the John L. Grove College of Business. Thus any business major can take a logistics management course as an elective. Given the important role that logistics management plays in all business enterprises, it would be an excellent choice for all business majors.
Where can I get more information?
For specific program information contact:
Department of Finance and Supply Chain Management
228 Grove Hall
Shippensburg University
1871 Old Main Drive
Shippensburg, PA 17257-2299
717-477-1434
Fax: 717-477-4067
E-mail: jrbard@ship.edu
John L. Grove College of Business
717-477-1435
E-mail: business@ship.edu
Website: http://www.ship.edu/business/
The John L. Grove College of Business is accredited by the AACSB International.