Why Study a Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management?
Logistics and supply chain management was once considered a low-skilled industry. But today it is a reputable occupation that is not just in demand, but recession-proof. As e-commerce grows in popularity, so too does the importance of these two components of business. Hence, the popularity of a qualification in logistics and supply chain management like a diploma is also soaring.
What is logistics and supply chain management?
Logistics is the art of moving products from production into consumers’ hands. It involves packaging, transport and warehousing. The ultimate goal is to ensure that people received their goods in a timely manner and at a minimal cost. Hence you can see how important logistics is to a business.
The Covid-19 pandemic for instance, really tested businesses’ logistics divisions. People quarantined at home relied increasingly on purchasing goods online and getting it delivered to their house. Businesses that managed to deliver on time, at a minimal cost, with products arriving in good shape would receive positive feedback from customers. However, if deliveries were late or products arrived broken, businesses might either lose the customer or go through a lengthy returns or exchange process that costs extra in time, money and effort.
Supply chain management is related but slightly different. It covers the entire process flow from productions to sale. It involves procurement of supplies and raw materials, product development, demand and supply planning, logistics and distribution, warehouse management as well as inventory control. An unbalanced supply chain may result in extra operations cost for a business. Whereas a well-managed supply chain may help reduce operations cost, thus lowering overall costs and increasing profits for the business.
Logistics and supply chains are integral components in a business. Therefore, a qualification like a diploma in this area empowers you to add value to virtually any business you can think of. It is therefore a versatile and agile qualification that will give you transferable skills that you can apply to a variety of industries and positions.
However, there is the question of whether or not logistics and supply chain management is actually right for you.
As with any other job, you will thrive if you have the personality for it. Every career has its limitations and this applies for logistics and supply chain management as well. So if you’re considering pursuing a diploma in logistics and supply chain management, consider this before applying:
– Do you like solving problems?
– Can you work effectively within a system?
– Do you like clearly defined rules, regulations and procedures?
– Can you work independently?
– Are you good in Mathematics?
– Are you comfortable with irregular, demanding hours?
And here are certain skills that would definitely be handy for you to excel in logistics and supply chain management:
- Ability to solve complex problems
- – Ability to communicate well
- – Organisational skills
- -Management skills
- – Critical thinking and analytical skills
- -Independence
- -Attention to detail
If you have some of the above and above all, an interest in the area, then feel free to proceed with your application! (lead to application page)
Now, take a look at what a diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management entails in a college like the Ranaco Education and Training Institution:
In 2 years and 6 months, you’ll cover these subjects:
- Logistics and the Supply Chain
- Procurement and Supply Management
- Demand Management and Customer Services
- International Trade
- Protective Packaging and Material Handling
- Logistic Supply Chain and information System
- Transportation Management
- Warehousing Management
- Logistic and Supply Chain Challenges for the Future
- Supply Chain Performance Measurement
After graduation, you may enter a diverse range of industries including e-commerce, shipping, manufacturing, warehousing, aviation (cargo division), road transport, cargo and port operations as well as freight forwarding. Career options include:
- Logistics and Distribution Officer
- Purchasing Officer
- Warehousing Officer
- Logistic Engineer
- 3rd Party Logistic Controller
- Rail Terminal Planner
- Export / Import Officer
- Air Traffic Controller
- Planner Production (managing raw materials to produce finished goods)
- Logistics Transportation Planner
- Custom Officer
- Freight Forwarder
- Packaging Teams
- Inventory
- Shipping Officer
- Marine Department Officer
Logistics and supply chain management is an integral part of a business’ operations. Logistics involves getting a businesses’ product into the hands of its consumers safely, affordably and on time. Supply chain management ensures that the entire process from production to delivery is as smooth and cost-effective as possible. As the person in charge of this, personnel who are qualified in logistics and supply chain management will always be in demand, as long as business is conducted in the world at large. However, as with any career, do take note that you will need certain personality traits and skills to excel. Good luck!
