Logistics Systems Engineer – Interdisciplinary Competence Model for Modern Education

Abstract

Abstract-Logistics is an interdisciplinary field of study. Modern logisticians need to integrate business management and administration skills with technology design, IT systems and other engineering fields. However, based on research of university curricula and competence standards in logistics, the engineering aspect is not represented to full potential. There are some treatments of logistician competences which relate to engineering, but not a modernized one with widespread recognition. This paper aims to explain the situation from the conceptual development point of view and suggests a competence profile for "logistics system engineer", which introduces the viewpoint of systems engineering into logistics. For that purpose, the paper analyses requirements of various topical competence models and merges the introductory competences of systems engineering into logistics. In current interpretation, logistics systems engineering view integrates networks, technologies and ICT, process and service design and offers broader interdisciplinary approach. Another term suitable for this field would be intelligent logistics. The practical implication of such a competence profile is to utilize it in curriculum development and also present it as an occupational standard. The academic relevance of such concept is to offer a specific way to differentiate education in logistics. IndexTerms-competence models, curriculum development, logistics engineering, systems engineering. INTRODUCTION I.Logistics is by nature an interdisciplinary field of study. In terms of engineering, logistics topics range from optimization of order delivery, inventory and distribution networks to dealing with inherent physical properties of cargo and designing transit, warehousing, handling and supporting IT-systems. From the traditional viewpoint of business administration, logistics is viewed as a function in service of company strategy that aims to provide the right products at the right time in the right place as consistently as possible. There is of course substantial common ground in these approaches, but also differences, which means the most suitable approach in logistics is interdisciplinary education. The aspects of both natural and social sciences are heavily linked in logistics also in studying the broad view of transport economics, such as in analyzing cargo flows, travel patterns and regulatory systems, and in logistics network design.More specifically, modern logistics needs to be treated as a cross-functional integration concept that is aimed at coordinating business functions priorities, analyzing supply and demand realities and outlooks, developing processes that would better match existing demand with available supply and cooperating with suppliers for improvements to material and information flows.However, based on research of university curricula, it is observed that the field of logistics education does not include engineering aspects to enough extent. This is both in terms of technologies as well as the systematic nature of engine...

A review: The Role of Warehouse Laboratory for Higher Education

“…Higher education in logistics has been criticized in terms of gaps between academia and market relevance (Niine & Koppel, 2015;Birou et al, 2022). It is debatable that in logistics education exist a balance between theory and practice, vocational and academic training.…”