Murphy and Poist (2006) recognize the changing nature of the logisticians’ role is driven by different factors like globalisation, computerisation or cross-firm relationships. Two years later the global financial crisis has affected businesses around the world and brought transformation to how personal and transferable skills of the transport and logistics graduates can contribute to organisations’ success. Tough trading conditions have made many companies across the world to compete in a difficult economic environment, while remaining competitive. The transport and logistics industry being globally oriented has had to adapt to the new current economic climate. Traditionally the transport and logistics is a competitive industry where the need of qualified personnel has grown in recent years from organisations’ necessity to move products and services through the supply chain in a cost effective way. Making a contribution to the economic success, the organisations have to carefully consider their strategic planning process. The connection between planning and the way people are managed within organizations have to be part of the business strategy Brauns (2013). The human resource activity is part of any organisation strategic plan and is a key role in finding suitable candidates to take on the transport and logistics challenges.
Sourcing and distributing goods to customers have led to improvements in two business areas: customer relationship and developments of information technology systems. Introduction of new concepts in customer relationship management (CRM) such as efficient consumer response (ECR) or collaborative planning, forecasting and replenishment (CPFR), have required people with specific set of skills. Moreover, developments in the information and technology systems such as warehouse management systems (WMS) or distribution requirements planning (DRP), contributed to the necessity of looking after professionals that are capable of performing tasks efficient and effective. As the use of technology is increasing in logistics activities, suggestions have been made to keep balance between people and technology to achieve optimal process performance (Grant, 2012, p.187).
The transport and logistics graduates are in the unique position to develop personal and transferable skills required by the industry through the subjects taught and work experience during the period of study. The subjects studied at university will help future graduates to acquire a diverse array of knowledge and skills to effectively help them in their jobs. The skills that a graduate can bring in the transport and logistics industry are various and can be categorised as interpersonal and organisational skills.
The transport and logistics graduates have to possess a variety of interpersonal skills that will add value to their future employers. One of the most important is communication, where the process of presenting the information to internal and external partners is seen as key in performing tasks successfully. Having developed communication skills such as listening, the graduates can work efficiently in teams where decisions are reached by consensus.
The organisational skills that transport and logistics graduates will possess are related to the industry’s specific requirements such as planning or managing resources. The sequence of performing tasks or projects in an effective manner requires graduates to be aware of the time needed to perform and complete different activities. Time management and the ability to plan in advance are skills that can add value in the decision making process by completing the workload when required without delays. One way of managing the time effectively is by delegating low priority tasks to other members of the team. This also could prove leadership qualities that employers are looking for.
Leadership and motivational skills developed by graduates could be of benefit to organisations that look to fill management roles. Besides the communications skill, graduates that prove strong leadership and the ability to coordinate and work in a team are in a better position to perform in large organizations. Encouraging people to prioritise tasks and setting achievable targets can have a positive impact on organization’s overall performance, as well as developing team working skills where more flexibility is required.
Flexibility is a skill that can be transferred to organizations where the work environment requires quick decision to be made in a short period of time. This skill is more likely to be used at operational level on a daily basis, especially in organisations that deals with high volumes of goods and information. Distribution centres are such an example where a positive attitude leads to improved performance.
The transport and logistics graduates have to set themselves clear and specific objectives in order to secure a job with an organisation. The self-awareness skill can help graduates to reflect on their capabilities and asses their strength areas. Using the SMART analysis tool to identify possible weaknesses can also contribute to set realistic goals and their completing time frame. By setting the objectives will be much easier to work towards achieving better results and to be in a better position when looking for employment. The knowledge acquired throughout the subjects taught to them is an important step in developing personal and transferable skills. The potential benefit that transport and logistics graduates can bring to organisations is to allow them to improve their skills through developments programmes. Graduates who can use their skills effectively could be the closing gap between organisations’ strategic objectives and customers.