Undergraduate Logistics Research Articles

Developing learning skills through game-based learning in complex scenarios: A case in undergraduate logistics education

This study investigates the impact of game-based learning (GBL), an increasingly popular educational approach, on the development of self-directed learning (SDL) skills in complex scenarios, particularly in undergraduate logistics education. A key component of the three year study is LOST (Logistics Education Simulator), a serious game platform, deployed in an undergraduate engineering course in Mexico. An extensive literature review was carried out using Scopus to examine recent works published between 2019 and 2024, providing a state-of-the-art overview of the field. Subsequently, a survey based on the scale created by Fisher, King, and Tague (2001), known for its extensively evaluated internal consistency, revealed five distinct factors of self-directed learning. The findings underscore that the LOST platform significantly enhances self-directed learning, promoting the development of Self-management Skills, Openness to Learning Opportunities, Initiative and Independence in Learning, Self-concept as an Effective Learner, and Love of Learning. The students demonstrated a significant increase in their perception of these skills over the course of the study, highlighting the effectiveness of GBL in promoting such learning skills. These findings highlight the multidimensional nature of learning skills that can be fostered through GBL. The study concludes by discussing the vital role of GBL in complex scenarios, particularly in enhancing the development of self-directed learning skills in undergraduate logistics education.

An Integrative Framework for Action Research, Experiential Learning, and AI Advancements

The paper explores the synergistic integration of action research methodology and experiential learning in undergraduate logistics and supply chain management (LSCM) programs. We examine how this novel approach addresses the demands of the dynamic LSCM industry by combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills, enhancing critical thinking abilities, and real-world engagement. By examining case studies and extant literature, we illustrate how action research and experiential learning synergise to create a holistic educational experience. We present a comprehensive framework for integrating action research and experiential learning pedagogies that aims to empower students with the essential skills and adaptability to excel in the evolving world of LSCM. The study highlighted several critical elements for educators to implement this integrated approach successfully. Additionally, we explore the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on teaching and learning within this integrated framework. The potential benefits and concerns when adapting AI within this integrated framework include enabling personalised learning, data-driven insights, collaborative engagement, and ethical considerations.

Perceptions of Undergraduate Logistics Students on Knowledge of Logistics: A Case of Private University in Malaysia

The demand for logistics is increasing rapidly these days, thus the knowledge of logistics plays an important role. There are many types of businesses involving logistic activities which require competent logisticians. Students who graduate from logistics or supply chain programmes are expected to have the knowledge of logistics when they work and later become competent. There is a gap where logistics programmes at higher education institutions need relevant curriculum so that the graduates excel not only in theory but also in practical subjects. This research paper aims to explore the perceptions of undergraduate students on the knowledge of logistics in a Malaysian private university. A Theory of Education Productivity is adopted as guidance in the study. Three independent factors are derived from the theory, namely aptitude, instruction and environment. Using non-probability sampling and regression analysis, these three factors have an influence on the knowledge of logistics for undergraduates. Implications of the findings are also discussed.

Teaching system transformation of logistics engineering major from the perspective of smart economy: an empirical study from China

ABSTRACT The technology and service modes of logistics industry are changing greatly in smart economy, and innovation is becoming new development engine, which promotes the urgent transformation requirement of teaching system of logistics engineering majors in universities. Based on the data from logistics engineering majors in Chinese universities in 2021, a relevant study on the undergraduate logistics engineering major is carried out. Along with ‘ability-motivation-opportunity’ (AMO) theory, this paper analyses the influence of ability, motivation and opportunity on the transformation. The current situation of teaching system, the existing problems and the improvement measures are investigated. Based on the above analysis, this paper puts forward the relevant suggestions to promote the cultivation of innovative talents, mainly including planning and designing the training programme system for logistics engineering major, placing more emphasis on logistics practice courses, promoting undergraduate students’ participation in various logistics contests, and increasing the level of teaching investment and guarantee.

Research on the Innovation of Course Setting and Practical Teaching of Logistics Management Major Based on SPT Concept

SPT teaching concept plays a very good role in the training of higher vocational talents. How to apply this teaching concept to the undergraduate logistics management teaching has become a new topic for higher vocational colleges to upgrade their undergraduate courses. This paper sums up the research on the curriculum setting and practical teaching of the logistics specialty through literature review, and puts forward some opinions on the outstanding and innovative curriculum system setting and practical teaching of the newly upgraded undergraduate logistics management specialty in combination with the positive factors and successful experience of our school’s “SPT” teaching concept in the higher vocational education mode.

Changes in Teaching and Learning Practice in an Undergraduate Logistics and Transportation Course Using Problem-Based Learning

This research paper presents the outcomes of a change in the teaching and learning practices from a traditional lecture-based method to a Problem Based Learning (PBL) curriculum in the undergraduate Logistics & Transportation (L&T) course at the Federal University of Itajuba (UNIFEI), Brazil. Detailed PBL practices adoption and the perception by the students of the PBL process are explored in survey research using a mixed-methods approach. The data was collected in two subsequent semesters of the L&T course, with different PBL scenarios and students, gathering quantitative and qualitative data. It was demonstrated that aligned with the theory on PBL, the majority of the students, over 91%, appreciated the benefits of the PBL-based practices in all course dimensions, with a strong perception of L&T teaching and learning improvements. Researchers and faculty involved in university teaching and learning can use PBL detailed practices, including problem scenarios and theoretical framework to design their own PBL classes to improve student learning and can also use the questionnaire structure and statistical tests for adoption in future implementations. The study is one of the few to provide a change in teaching and learning practices, associated with a valid and reliable two-stage survey covering the course concepts and learning objectives modelled by Factor Analysis, and, going beyond to provide PBL process impact and adaptations due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Changes in teaching and learning practice in an undergraduate logistics and transportation course using problem-based learning

This research paper presents the outcomes of a change in the teaching and learning practices from a traditional lecture-based method to a Problem Based Learning (PBL) curriculum in the undergraduate Logistics & Transportation (L&T) course at the Federal University of Itajubá (UNIFEI), Brazil. Detailed PBL practices adoption and the perception by the students of the PBL process are explored in survey research using a mixed-methods approach. The data was collected in two subsequent semesters of the L&T course, with different PBL scenarios and students, gathering quantitative and qualitative data. It was demonstrated that aligned with the theory on PBL, the majority of the students, over 91%, appreciated the benefits of the PBL-based practices in all course dimensions, with a strong perception of L&T teaching and learning improvements. Researchers and faculty involved in university teaching and learning can use PBL detailed practices, including problem scenarios and theoretical framework to design their own PBL classes to improve student learning and can also use the questionnaire structure and statistical tests for adoption in future implementations. The study is one of the few to provide a change in teaching and learning practices, associated with a valid and reliable two-stage survey covering the course concepts and learning objectives modelled by Factor Analysis, and, going beyond to provide PBL process impact and adaptations due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Simulation Game Outcomes: A Multilevel Examination of Knowledge Sharing Norms, Transactive Memory Systems, and Individual Learning Goal Orientations

Background. Because computer-based simulation games are widely used in university classrooms, it is important to investigate factors which can lead to effective student team performance and positive individual outcomes. Aim. This correlational study aimed to examine the effects of knowledge sharing norms, transactive memory systems, and individual learning goal orientations on game outcomes. Method. The setting for this study was an undergraduate logistics and supply chain class. The class uses a serious simulation game which is designed to realistically mimic the business transactions within an enterprise resource planning system (ERP). Cross-sectional surveys captured individual learning goal orientations. After multiple rounds of simulation game play, subsequent surveys captured student reactions, perceptions of knowledge sharing behaviors, and transactive memory systems. Results. Two sets of analyses were conducted using a sample of 100 undergraduates performing in 42 teams. At the group-level, OLS regression results suggest that, while there was no effect on objective team performance, knowledge sharing norms enhanced perceptions of team performance, and this effect was mediated through the development of transactive memory systems. For individual-level outcomes, multilevel results suggest that knowledge sharing norms were positively related to satisfaction with the team, but not satisfaction with the task. However, transactive memory systems were positively related both satisfaction with the team and satisfaction with the task. Individual learning goal orientation was positively related to satisfaction with the task but not satisfaction with the team. Conclusion. Our findings suggest that learning goal orientations and norms for knowledge sharing are linked to positive outcomes of team-based simulation game learning activities. Because learning goal orientations are malleable and norms for knowledge sharing can be encouraged, these factors are within the influence of the instructor. As such, they should be nurtured and developed through the active encouragement of experimentation, exploration, and communication between team members.

Assessing learning styles of undergraduate logistics students using Kolb's learning style inventory: A cross-sectional survey

Understanding students’ learning styles and adapting instructional strategies to the variety of student learning styles are determinants for effective learning and enhance learning performance. Using Kolb’s learning style inventory (LSI) and demographic questions, this study assesses the learning styles of undergraduate logistics university students by identifying their dominant learning style and by exploring whether students’ demographic factors influence their learning styles. To this end, a cross-sectional survey involving 429 undergraduate logistics university students in South Africa was conducted. The results show that accommodating learning style as the most predominant learning style among undergraduate logistics university students, followed by students with assimilating learning style. The combined proportion of these two groups of students represents more than two-thirds of the sampled population. The study’s findings show that gender and learning styles were significantly related. While the majority of male logistics students displayed the diverging learning style, their female counterparts exhibited the converging learning style. On the other hand, learning styles and age group; learning styles and type of high school attended; and learning styles and nationality were found not to be related. This study has implications for practice and extends the literature on learning styles and demographic factors in the unexplored logistics discipline.

Acceptance of Information System Modules in Logistics Program: Perceptions From Logistics and Supply Chain Undergraduate Students

In most universities, Information System module is embedded into the curriculum for undergraduate logistics and supply chain students. This study applies perceived users towards technology based on the Information System Success Model and intention to use the technology based on the Technology Acceptance Model. Dimensions in these two models are used to study how Information System module influences undergraduate logistics and supply chain student desire to learn it. Data was gathered through questionnaires from 181 logistics and supply chain undergraduate students from a private university. Respondents provided answers by perceiving the user satisfaction, system quality and information quality towards intention to study Information System module. Results indicated that system quality and user satisfaction are positively associated with students’ intention to study. The standardized coefficients for system quality was higher (β = .28) compared to user satisfaction (β = .19) toward intention to use at .05 level. The study implies that improve system quality and user satisfaction in SPA 8i to attract students for learning the module.

Typology of Logistics Curricula – Four Categories of Logistics of Logistics Undergraduate Education in Europe

The field of logistics education is rather colorful. The range of possible topics is huge and so each curriculum has unique approach towards which topic areas to emphasize and which to treat briefly or even omit. There is only little effective standardization in logistics education. This study examines the content of 42 undergraduate logistics curricula in Europe via cluster analysis, with a goal to propose a typology of logistics curricula. The findings define the spectrum of logistics education in four clusters, ranging from „business administration“ with little focus on most specific logistics topics, through „interdisciplinary logistics management“ and „modern transport management“ to „logistics engineering“ with a strong quantitative and technology approach. However, a problem remains that curriculum title does not always reflect actual profile. A typical title “logistics management” might in one case contain various engineering elements, but in another none at all. Such findings point out the need for curricula boards to decide, if trying to cover the entire scope by „one-size-fits-all“ program is the best option or if more distinct focus is needed. In both cases this decision needs to be intentional, agreed and clearly communicated to avoid confusing students and society. Furthermore, the study points out the need to refine standards of competences in logistics, especially for logistics engineering.

A Qualitative Study on Logistics Educational Needs in Malaysian Higher Education Institutions: A Perspective from Logistics Practitioners

The purpose of this article is to provide a perspective view pertaining to logistics educational needs (LEN) in undergraduate logistics programmes from Malaysian logistics practitioners. It focuses on the perception concerning courses required in logistics programmes offered by the Malaysian higher education institutions from 43 respondents. The objective of this study is to discover what is important across the constructs of courses in logistics program using an open-ended questionnaire. It deals with the exploratory approach to LEN and its relevancy in the present logistics curriculum. The findings show that 39 items were derived from the study and were grouped under knowledge, skills and working experience. The findings are considered to create a roadmap to design a quantitative study for exploring LEN in the Malaysian undergraduate logistics programmes.

Logistics and supply chain job placement: the 2007 perspective

The development of an effective recruitment strategy that attracts and secures entry-level logistics talent is essential to maintain corporate performance. A critical aspect of job placement involves understanding the preferences of students and employers. This research presents results of parallel surveys of U.S. undergraduate logistics, transportation and supply chain student and employer preferences and perceptions regarding employment. Results provided include a demographic respondent profile, their organization /functional area preferences and their perspectives on selected entry-level employment issues. These research results are intended to provide employers, educators and students with information that can be used to improve job placement success.

Entry‐Level Logistics Management Hiring Issues

Successful job placement of logistics graduates is highly beneficial to organizations offering logistics positions as well as to university logistics programs. A critical aspect of successful job placement involves understanding the preferences and perceptions of both students and employers regarding logistics positions. In this paper, we report the results of surveys of U.S. undergraduate logistics student and employer preferences and perceptions regarding logistics positions. The research results provide employers and logistics educators with information that can be used to improve job placement success.