Three years ago, Martin Hendel, a recognized expert in the field of supply chain optimization, launched his informative podcast Supply Chain College. In it, Martin invites leading experts to discuss the latest trends and challenges in supply chain management, all under the motto Practical knowledge & ideas for better supply chain management.
In one of the latest episodes, he discussed supply chain learning solutions and the challenges of modern supply chain education with our Managing Director, Andrea Walbert. The discussion highlighted that the core problem in supply chain management is not the understanding of individual methods, but rather the overarching communication and collaboration. It became clear that planning and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) continue to be central topics experiencing high demand in further education. These subjects reflect the need to communicate and collaborate across departmental boundaries to develop effective supply chain solutions.
Interestingly, it was shown that there is a significant trend towards blended learning and shorter, more focused learning formats. This development demands a more active role from learners and requires educational institutions like ours to develop innovative learning solutions to make complex content understandable and accessible.
A key aspect of the conversation was the emphasis on soft skills such as problem-solving ability and the capacity to compromise as key competencies for future supply chain professionals. Therefore, education must not only focus on technical knowledge but also on the development of these overarching abilities that are essential for successfully navigating the complex world of supply chain management.
Finally, Andrea's personal motivation and vision were highlighted. Her passion for developing new, innovative learning solutions and her commitment to lifelong learning are reflected in the continuous development of her institute's educational offerings. The focus is on using digital tools and platforms to improve the learning experience - exemplary for the dynamic and future-oriented direction of modern supply chain education.
