Imperial Logistics, a provider of logistics and supply-chain management services, has joined with the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) to create an educational program in supply chain, logistics and transportation. The venture will provide advanced teaching and research in those areas. Its aim, according to the partners, is to elevate the visibility of supply-chain management among firms in southern and greater Africa, with an eye toward promoting the field as a career of choice for professionals, and enhancing national competitiveness and economic growth in Africa. The program will have both a regional and international dimension, with links to leading centers in Asia-Pacific, the Americas, Europe and Africa, as well as overseas academics and industry professionals. GIBS MBA students will be able to select a supply-chain and logistics management elective in partial fulfillment of their academic course work. GIBS will also run a number of executive education short courses in supply chain and logistics management, as well as host executive roundtables on best practices. GIBS will also be involved in conducting research and development projects, along with the publication of its findings. GIBS and Imperial Logistics plan to host a number of conferences and forums each year, the first of which is scheduled to take place in May of 2012.
