Who is managing our Supply Chains?

Abstract

While managers in traditional functions focus on developing strong expertise to become “specialists” in their own discipline, supply chain managers are different animals: They have to possess deep cross-functional understanding of various business fields, strategic decision-making and communication skills as well as strong analytical and IT skills in order to manage the manifold tasks they are facing on a daily basis. 
Although the globalization has increased the complexity of the supply chains, companies are facing a significant undersupply of talent as indicated by thousands of SCM job offers on online job platforms. Surprisingly at the same time, little is known about the persons responsible for managing our supply chains due to the lack of scientific research on that topic.
Prof. Dr. Kai Hoberg and Christoph Flöthmann of the Kühne Logistics University pursue a two-year empirical research in cooperation with McKinsey &  Company to gain in-depth knowledge about supply chain managers. In order to gain research insights, they use a mix of surveys, interviews and secondary data. Based on the study, they hope to provide valuable implications to the supply chain community.

About the Presenter

Christoph Flöthmann joined the KLU as a PhD candidate in Supply Chain Management in September 2012. Beforehand, he studied Business Administration with majors in SCM & Management Science, Finance and Transport Economics at the University of Cologne (Diploma degree). During the course of studies, he also gained first practical experiences thanks to internship positions with OSCAR Student Consulting GmbH, Bayer MaterialScience AG and DB Schenker AG in Germany and Indonesia. His tasks during these employments comprehended the conduction of a global material flow analysis, a customer satisfaction survey and a market/competition analysis.

more info about Christoph Flöthmann

About the Seminar

The KLU research seminar series is a regular meeting of PhD students, Post-Docs and professors who conduct research in the field of logistics and supply chain management. The research seminar is open to the public and we happily welcome guests.