• International Commerce and Information Review
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.251-274
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• 2011

The aim of this research is to identify the competencies required by logistics managers or supply chain managers in China. And this research also attempts to show their relative importance and key knowledge areas that require improvement. Using a survey questionnaire, data was collected against forty three logistics and supply chain management skills or competencies, which were then grouped into four categories and analysed. The Analysis revealed that supply chain awareness, ability to make decisions, analytical skill, communication skill, supply chain cost, people skill, and integration of internal or external information flow which belong to logistics planning group are considered the most important Competencies for effective and efficient logistics functioning. On the other hand, reverse logistics and IATA regulations from environmental awareness group show little influence on logistics managers for improving their logistics performances. The results have implications for a variety of parties including prospective logisticians, students, teachers and companies considering expanding their business to Chinese market. For example, the results permit companies to employ appropriate logistics managers who are qualified with sufficient skills and competencies suggested in this research. In the case of practitioners, the results provide a benchmark for comparison with their current level of abilities and suggested competencies.

• International Commerce and Information Review
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.147-172
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• 2012

The aim of this research is to identify the competencies required by freight forwarding company logistics managers or supply chain managers. And this research also attempts to show their relative importance and key knowledge areas that require improvement. Using a survey questionnaire, data was collected against forty three logistics and supply chain management skills or competencies, which were then grouped into four categories and analysed. The Analysis revealed that supply chain awareness, ability to make decisions, analytical skill, communication skill, supply chain cost, people skill, and integration of internal or external information flow which belong to logistics planning group are considered the most important competencies for effective and efficient logistics functioning. On the other hand, reverse logistics and IATA regulations from environmental awareness group show little influence on logistics managers for improving their logistics performances. The results have implications for a variety of parties including prospective logisticians, students, teachers and companies considering expanding their business to Chinese market. For example, the results permit companies to employ appropriate logistics managers who are qualified with sufficient skills and competencies suggested in this research. In the case of practitioners, the results provide a benchmark for comparison with their current level of abilities and suggested competencies.