Skills you can learn in a specialised logistics management MBA degree

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is fast becoming a necessary qualification in the dynamic business world of today. Students of the MBA graduate with a holistic knowledge of business, ensuring that they are equipped to make effective decisions in the practical business environment. 

Whilst a generic MBA allows students to improve knowledge in all key business areas, a specialised Logistics Management MBA sees the student graduate as an expert in this field. A critical area to many businesses, Logistics and Supply Chain management experts are able to advise in a range of areas from inventory management, to corporate governance while overseeing the general management of receipting and distributing stock. These are just some of the skills which will be acquired throughout the programme in addition to the following four important specialties:

Project Management

In today’s fast-paced business environment, being able to effectively manage projects is essential. Great project managers are skilled in the planning and management of projects, the applications of project management concepts and associated reporting requirements. Throughout the MBA (Logistics and Supply Chain Management) students are presented with the opportunity to perfect their project management skills, and implement them effectively into logistics management.

New Product Management

Imperative to logistics managers of today, new product management involves the understanding of planning for new products, concept generation, evaluation, procurement and provisioning. Managing new products is a useful skill as it allows you to manage the technical development of a product, as well as cross-functional teams across the organisation. It is also important for logistics professionals to see how new product management fits into their role, and to apply principles with this in mind. 

Integrated Logistics Management

As a logistics manager, understanding the integration of logistics within the modern-day supply chain is imperative. Building on operations and strategic marketing skills, integrated logistics management sees students gain an understanding of how the demands of modern logistics management impacts varying supply chains across the local and global logistics network. The ability to measure logistics performance operationally, financially and socially is a great skill to have as a manager, and that is one of the many aspects under the overarching skill of integrated logistics management.

Strategic Supply Chain Management

With an understanding of all facets of supply chains, skills in strategic supply chain management ensure that you can operate a chain in both small and large organisations. Upon completion of the MBA, students will understand the role of supply chain management in delivering customer satisfaction and value in modern business operations. You will also be able to apply concepts to current industry problems, and understand the use of negotiation and relationship management to build a successful supply chain.

Whilst these are just four of the many expert skills you will learn throughout the specialised Logistics and Supply Chain Management MBA, they are some fantastic skills to possess. I am curious though – what other skills do you believe are important for this role? I’d love to hear from current logistics professionals, as well as those who have completed or are considering completing a specialised MBA. Comment below to share your views.