Shippensburg University – John L. Grove College of Business

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John L. Grove College of Business
Shippensburg University
1871 Old Main Drive
Grove 124
Shippensburg, PA 17257-2299

business@ship.edu
717-477-1435

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Logistics Management

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 echnology.

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 out-source their logistics management operations. Service organizations (banks and hospitals), merchandizing 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 in bound 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 anagement plays in all business enterprises, it would be an excellent choice for all business majors.