Academic thinking in science logistics

Abstract

The scientific discipline of logistics has existed at universities and colleges for about 45 years and trains young academics for the industry and for logistics tasks in all other areas (e.g., trade, transport, hospital, administration, military. hazardous goods logistics, disaster logistics). Subtly and yet noticeably, logisticians are characterized by a special way of thinking. The task is to make this academic logistical thinking explicit, but not retrospectively, declaratively, but on the state of the year 2023. This work is intended to contribute to basic research and academic teaching in logistics. The authors characterize logistical thinking and then provide some guidance accordingly, that can be used, for example, in the analysis, design, optimization, improvement and planning of logistical solutions and have a high degree of general validity. The research is based on the authors' many years of expertise in the field of Supply Chain Management, Logistics and Material Handling combined with a comprehensive German literature review and the evaluation of current academic education, research projects and trends.