New RMIT degree for Shanghai - Brief Article

Business Asia, Feb 11, 2000

Australia's logistics expertise will be further utilised in Asia thanks to a new deal signed by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and the Shanghai Institute of Foreign Trade (SIFT) to start an undergraduate logistics degree in Shanghai this year.

RMIT currently has an advanced diploma course in International Trade at SIFT, and this development provides an opportunity for graduates from that course to complete a Bachelor of Business in Transport and Logistics.

The program mirrors the course offered at the Melbourne campus.

RMIT transport logistics senior lecturer Kerry Hammond said there had already been strong expressions of interest from students in Shanghai, as well as from industry associations, who see logistics education as vital to the growing economy in China.

"Currently, China is making great strides in developing infrastructure that supports modern logistics, such as new airports, increased container handling at sea ports and the construction of new roads and rail lines," Hammond said.

"However, Chinese policy makers realise that infrastructure without properly educated logistics professionals is not enough to achieve efficient and effective material flow essential for future business success."

Hammond said RMIT, in its new role of educating logistics graduates in Shanghai, would also play a vital role in assisting Chinese businesses make the change from planned economy operations to material-driven supply chains.

"Both sides see the benefits of introducing modern logistics education into China's largest commercial centre as well as assisting Chinese managers in moving towards a more costeffective material flow for the growing manufacturing industry," he said.

"Most current logistics education in China is similar to logistics education in the West during the post-WWII era. During this time, industry and education focussed on studying the individual components of logistics -- warehousing, packaging, materials handling, inventory control and transport.

"In the West since the 1970s logistics has moved to a distinct discipline, by integrating all the components into a single management unit or supply chain."