Advisor: Alexis N. Sommers, Professor, Ph.D., Purdue University
This 12-credit certificate provides a working knowledge of logistics, and it gives students a background for certification in one of the professional societies serving the discipline. Although an old field of study historically associated with the military, logistics has emerged as a key element in world commerce, including e-commerce and integrated manufacturing.
Modern logistics makes sure that needs are met on demanding timetables, creating effective customer supply chains that reach around the globe, and effective customer support mechanisms that keep people and machines working productively under both benign and hostile environmental conditions. From Mexican product assembly centers to Pacific Rim manufacturers, from New York copier repair technicians to engineers repairing rigs in the North Sea, logistics systems function to get the job done right, on time, and at lowest cost.
Logistics involves product planning, synchronous manufacturing, quality assurance, life-cycle cost analysis, transportation and distribution ERP and JIT, CRM and MRO, and the deployment of educated and experienced logisticians. World-class corporations as well as government agencies and military units require well-designed, effective, efficient logistics systems to achieve their goals and objectives. Career professionals generally acquire a certificate in logistics or a specialized graduate degree.
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