Group T Staff Speaks Up

The logistics sector is having trouble filling vacancies. First, there are not enough qualified candidates applying for the jobs and, second, logistics processes are becoming so complex that employers are asking more of their employees with respect to flexibility, safety, and language knowledge. Group T's International Postgraduate Program in Logistics Management addresses these issues.

Geert Waeyenbergh, Academic Coordinator of the Logistics Management program.


“Flanders is Europe's logistics region par excellence,” explains Dr. Geert Waeyenbergh, the program's academic coordinator. “Our central location, ports, dense highway and railway networks, and waterways, have Flanders play a pivotal logistics role. Combining the know-how that is present at this level with Group T's expertise in the area of management results in a successful formula, not only nationally, but also internationally. To this end, we can depend on the support and collaboration of the Flemish Institute for Logistics, a worldwide trendsetter.”

“The Logistics Management Program has three objectives,” Geert Waeyenbergh continues. “First, we familiarize the students with the main functions and principles of logistics management. Then, we aim at the exchange of knowledge and experience between professors and students and also between the students themselves through interactive learning and teamwork. Finally, we seek to develop the entrepreneurial skills of the future logistics managers. Our program rests in particular on two main pillars: logistics and management.”

Another pillar in the training program is the balanced mix of theory and practice. “Its core is the Logistics Management Project,” Geert Waeyenbergh explains. “This is a real life project in which the students analyze and solve a concrete logistics problem. All the important aspects and facets of logistics come into play: supply-chain management, transport, storage, information systems, distribution, outsourcing but also of business management like marketing, operations, costing, benchmarking, etc. The program is conceived to link all theoretical courses directly to the project. So the students can apply in practice all the theory that comes into play.”

IPPL’s fourth pillar is the modular structure. The program has five equally set-up modules. “Module 1 is intended to be a general introduction to logistics and entrepreneurship,” says Geert Waeyenbergh. “This is done through case studies, company visits and testimonials from professionals. Both success stories and failures are brought to light. From the outset, emphasis is thus placed on real life situations.”

‘Study and Understand’ is the general theme of Modules 2 and 3. Geert Waeyenbergh: “Module 2 is chiefly fleshed out with theory. Nevertheless, in the first semester students will still have a chance to play a supply-chain management game that is a realistic simulation of how it is played out in practice.”

In module 3, theory from the previous modules are highlighted, illustrated and made concrete through practice and cases. These too, according to Geert Waeyenbergh, are conceived in such a way that they are easily applied in the Logistics Management Project. “Take the course ‘Warehouse and Distribution Management.’ In the corresponding practice and cases, we handle very concrete aspects like the criteria for warehouse location choice, building layout, design and making a warehouse operational, strategies for setting up distribution networks, organization of international transportation, etc. It’s always about challenges and problems faced by every logistics manager in professional practice.”

Module 4 covers the entire Logistics Management Project. “While one team plans a warehouse, for example, another team solves a full supply-chain problem from producer to consumer. Yet another team takes on the transportation or distribution problem or looks for the best way to store one or more products. The tasks are very diverse, but that is no accident. Logistics Management is simply complex and multifaceted,” says Geert Waeyenbergh.

“In the final module, feedback is given. The students submit their report on the project and present the results. “In this module, the students take part in peer assessment. They comment on every project and suggest alternative solutions for each. In this way they learn from each other.”

“That IPPL is also conceived as an international program is perfectly normal,” confirms Geert Waeyenbergh. “Logistics and entrepreneurship are now simply worldwide matters. The logistics manager must therefore be able to function in a multicultural setting. Well, that’s the kind of environment you’ll find at Group T. With so many foreign students, you’ll live and work in a context that is a strong reflection of your future professional practice. The faculty is also international and we work closely with the Mae Fa Lung University in Bangkok, which plays a pivotal role in logistics in Southeast Asia.”

• The website of the Flemish Institute for Logistics
• Read what students have to say about Group T's Logistics program.