The term “logistics professional” remains a very broad concept, much like logistics itself. When attempting to outline the current state of logistics—both in terms of logistics education and the preparation of personnel for economic practice—it must be noted from the outset that this is by no means an easy task. At the same time, one must realize that the approach presented here may contribute to initiating a discussion within the community. Although this should not be treated as a criticism. After all, nothing contributes to creative discussion as much as the diversity of views expressed within it. Either way, this picture is neither overly idyllic nor painted in too gloomy colors.
If we want to carefully explore the essence of the definition of logistics to determine the ideal profile of a logistics professional, we immediately encounter the first major barrier. Which one should be given priority? Which one best captures the essence of the issue? A definitive answer in this regard will certainly not be obtained. And there is nothing strange about this, because as early as 1968, the American scholar Harold Koontz used the term “the management theory jungle.” He thus pointed to the fundamental problem, which is a specific “thicket” of definitions resulting from the multitude of functioning concepts, methods, techniques, and tools that often overlap because they lack a clearly defined unique area of operation. And although the argument of their specific “universality” is often raised, we are probably dealing more often with a “deja vu” phenomenon.
In short, we get the impression that a supposedly “new” concept is, in its essence, just another version, only in an increasingly attractive scientific guise. But why are these considerations so important at the very beginning? Because in the discipline of logistics, axioms of a specific kind have not yet been developed. Therefore, logistics remains a very grateful topic for comprehensive scientific discussion. Nevertheless, adopting, for example, the definition of logistics according to the Society of Logistics Engineers (SOLE), it means supporting management planning, control, and regulatory activities that, during all phases of product use, ensure the efficient use of resources and adequate effectiveness of logistics elements, as well as effective control of resource consumption by intervening in the system at the right time. That is just that much and so much! Relying on the average image of a modern logistics professional in Poland, while they cope quite well in repetitive situations, they often begin to make fundamental mistakes in crisis situations when logistics processes cease to be repetitive. A statement by one of the internet users is significant here: “/../ I have been working as a logistics professional in the procurement and logistics department for 4 years. A logistics professional is under pressure every day to satisfy the production client, the final product recipient client, and of course the company owner – minimum inventory, delivery flexibility, etc. Alongside planned and repetitive tasks, an unforeseen element appears every day, which often causes heart palpitations and stress. What counts is satisfying the client’s needs, even if you have to stand on your head /…/”. (http://www.logistykafirm.com).
Thus, a classic dilemma arises at the intersection of science vs. practice. In Poland, there are several leading academic centers training managers for the TSL (Transport-Spedition-Logistics) industry. But not only for it. Manufacturing and trading companies are also looking for specialists in this discipline. Therefore, the spectrum of required knowledge and skills is very broad. However, such a broad vision of logistics must result in profound changes in the education profile for logistics specializations and fields of study in the near future.
Logistics, by its very nature, is more of a skill, a specific kind of proficiency in building a cost-service mix in customer service, than a technology for efficiently moving things in time and space. Therefore, it is based on interdisciplinary knowledge, including economic, managerial, legal, IT, and engineering aspects. It is really about creating added value for the client at costs that should be accepted by the company itself, and not—as is unfortunately often raised—by the client. Because their selection criterion is largely based on price, which may, but does not have to, be a derivative of the costs actually incurred. Logistics is not exactly a spectacular discipline, but it is undoubtedly an effective one. Because, in reality, we are interested in how much it costs us to deliver one net zloty of sales to the client. Just that much and so much.
The article comes from the magazine “Logistyka” 3/2008.