Studying Logistics and Supply Chain Management

When you think of McDonald’s, you think of burgers. But did you know a lot goes into serving you that burger. The company needs to source the ingredients, send them to restaurants on time and per their requirement. When you think of the number of outlets they have and the sheer number on their menu, this is a mind –bogglingly complex operation. And this is the simplest way in which one can understand how logistics and supply chain works.

However, in large industries, this is more complex and much more sophisticated and high tech at times. So essentially Logistics and Supply Chain Management is in very simple terms the sourcing of raw materials (or ingredients), sending them to factories, processing units, assembly lines or kitchens and then from here the finished goods/products are delivered to distributors, retail outlets and or customers. And throughout this cycle,budget, time and resource are calculated and measured and captured for better analysis of performance on future deliverables.

Our economies are more interconnected and globalised than ever before, and this reflects in the supply chain. Take iPhone for example. It is an Apple product, an American product. However, iPhone is designed and researched in the United Sates, its constituent parts are manufactured in China and Taiwan, which are then assembled in either Mexico or Eastern Europe and shipped back to the USA for marketing and sales, and then sent out to other countries for sales!

Companies need excellent organisers who would be able to handle such complex supply chains. By studying a degree in logistics and supply chain management in the UK, you will pick up much sought-after skills in people and time management, negotiation, planning and in using specialist software to manage and organise inventories, transport and supply networks.

Studying in the UK has its merits. The UK is at the forefront of logistics and supply chain management teaching, learning and research. There are over 68 universities offering courses in this subject area.

Some of the universities where you could study courses in this subject area are:

• Northumbria University
• Coventry University
• University of Bedfordshire
• Birmingham City University

Salary and Career Prospects

Upon graduating with a degree in logistics and supply chain management from UK, you could work asLogistics and Distribution Manager, Supply Chain Planner, Warehouse Manager, Purchasing Manager and Buyers Administrator or take up roles in general management and administration.

Salaries vary depending on experience, qualification and location; although on average suitably qualified and experience professional earn are around £39,000 (37 lakhs INR) per annum.

Why Study in UK?

The UK is a world-renowned seat of learning, teaching and research with 3 universities in top 10 and 7 in top 50 in THE World Rankings 2018.

The UK is home to many of the world’s most leading companies. These include engineering and technology (Boeing, Jaguar, and Apple), energy and fossil fuels (Shell, BP), banking and finance (Barclays, Goldman Sachs), law firms (Linklaters, Allen &Overy) and hospitality companies (Hilton, Marriott).

London is a major global hub, particularly for banking, fashion, luxury goods and media, advertising and publishing.

It is possible for students to remain in the UK after finishing their studies, provided they meet prevailing visa requirements.