Logistics is an indispensable part of the modern economy and goes beyond mere transportation of goods. It is the process of “effectively and efficiently planning, storing, and controlling the movement of all products, services, and information, as well as raw materials, from the point of origin to the point of consumption, in order to meet customer requirements” (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals – CLM definition).
Role in the Turkish Economy
The logistics sector is of strategic importance for Turkey. By the end of 2023, Turkey is expected to generate $35 billion in revenue from logistics and transportation services, ranking 11th in the global market with a share of approximately 2.5%. This growth is increasing the demand for qualified logistics professionals.
Scope and Core Activities
Logistics Management encompasses a wide range of areas, including marketing strategies, production planning, material and inventory management, warehousing, distribution network design, transportation, customs clearance, insurance, and procurement processes. In the 21st century, logistics has become integrated with Supply Chain Management (SCM). Prof. Dr. Martin Cristopher’s prediction that “in the future, competition will not be between companies but between product supply chains” emphasizes this strategic transformation.
Turkey’s Geostrategic Location
Turkey’s location as a bridge between Asia and Europe makes it a critical transit hub on the east-west and north-south axes. According to 2023 data, 56% of export shipments by value are transported by sea, 33% by road, and 10% by air. In terms of tonnage, the share of sea transport reaches 79%. This underscores the need to prioritize maritime and road logistics in educational programs.
The primary objective of Logistics Management undergraduate programs is to meet the industry’s need for qualified human resources and to train application-oriented professionals with a global vision.
Qualified Human Resources Need
The programs aim to equip graduates with “strong analytical and synthesis skills,” “knowledge of contemporary logistics management,” and the ability to solve problems in the sector.
Global Vision and Application-Oriented Approach
Students are expected to become individuals who can “communicate in a foreign language,” “follow developments in the international business environment,” and “understand global competition conditions.” Agreements such as accreditation with the International Road Transport Union (IRU) provide graduates with the opportunity to obtain the “Professional Manager Competency Certificate (CPC),” thereby concretizing the goal of achieving global standards.
Logistics Management undergraduate programs have a four-year academic structure and are taught in Turkish.
Typical Four-Year Undergraduate Curriculum
The curriculum consists of basic sciences (Mathematics, Introduction to Economics), introduction to logistics (Logistics Principles, International Trade Operations), specialized courses (Supply Chain Management, Transportation Management, Warehouse and Inventory Management, Customs Regulations), and strategic courses (Strategic Logistics Management, Global Logistics Strategies). The program offers a graduation project or thesis along with elective courses (Sustainable and Green Logistics, E-commerce Logistics).
Practical Training
The integration of theoretical knowledge with practical experience is fundamental. The programs include “50 days of mandatory internships.” Additionally, some universities support practical training through “simulation centers” and “industry projects.”
The mission of the program is to integrate theory and practice and to instill a sense of ethical and social responsibility.
Analytical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
The aim is to equip students with the ability to identify, formulate, and solve logistics problems. This is supported by courses such as statistics, operations research, and simulation.
Technological Competence and Foreign Language Skills
Developing students’ ability to use current transportation software packages (LBS, WMS, ERP) and achieving proficiency in a foreign language such as English are critical objectives.
Career opportunities for Logistics Management graduates are quite broad.
Job Opportunities
Logistics Service Providers (LSPs): Transportation companies, 3PL companies, cargo companies, customs consultancies, port operators, warehouse/warehouse operators.
Logistics Service Users (Manufacturing and Trading Companies): Purchasing, supply chain planning, inventory management, and distribution departments in sectors such as manufacturing, retail, e-commerce, automotive, pharmaceuticals, food, and textiles.
Regulatory and Support Institutions: Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, customs authorities, exporters’ associations, logistics consulting firms, and banks’ international trade departments.
Popular Career Paths and Job Titles
Graduates can work as Logistics Specialist/Manager, Supply Chain Specialist/Analyst/Manager, Purchasing Specialist, Warehouse and Stock Control Officer, Import/Export Operations Officer, and other similar positions.
Leading Employers and Required Skills
Companies such as DHL, CEVA Logistics, Ekol Logistics, and Borusan Logistics seek technical knowledge as well as analytical thinking, problem-solving, foreign language, and communication skills in graduates.
Graduate Education and Academic Career
Graduates can pursue master’s and doctoral programs in Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, and Logistics Engineering, or pursue an academic career.
Ankara offers strong strategic advantages for Logistics Management education.
Strategic Location and Transportation Infrastructure
Located in the center of Turkey, Ankara is at the intersection of major road and rail networks and is a hub for domestic logistics distribution. This gives students the opportunity to observe and practice real logistics operations.
Industrial Ecosystem
Ankara is home to active industrial zones such as ASO Organized Industrial Zones, Başkent OSB, OSTİM. In particular, companies in high-tech sectors such as defense industry, metals, machinery, space and aviation offer students the opportunity to learn different logistics processes.
Ankara Logistics Base (ALU)
Ankara Logistics Base (ALÜ) is Turkey’s first international logistics base, built on a huge area of 700,000 square meters. ALÜ offers integrated facilities such as bonded areas, warehouses, warehouses and parking lots. Most importantly, “in active cooperation with universities, it has established on-site ‘internship and simulation centers’ for students and organizes ‘vocational courses’.” This gives students in Ankara hands-on training and professional networking in the heart of the industry.
Capital City Advantage
Ankara being the capital city offers students the opportunity to be close to key public institutions such as the Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, and sector associations such as UTIKAD and LODER. Participation in the events of these institutions provides internship opportunities and the opportunity to closely follow sector policies.
Outcome Assessment
Ankara is a “logistics laboratory” for Logistics Management education. The central location of the city, its rich industrial infrastructure, the presence of the Ankara Logistics Base, and the administrative center advantage of being the capital city give students studying here a concrete and strong competitive advantage. Students graduate with a valuable network and practical experience at the intersection of all stakeholders of the sector.