Research-Teaching Nexus to Logistics Competence and Skills: An Exploratory Study on Logistics sector from the perspective of Managers in Oman

Abstract

Research-teaching nexus is critical in designing and developing appropriate competence and
skills to educational programs. Its contribution to emerging and dynamic fields like logistics
above all is enormous. The increase in volume of transaction, information and financial flows is
immense in our globalized world such increase in transaction requires competent and skilled
manpower in the field of logistics and transport management. It is important that the change in
logistical services must be continued with the changing business environment and thus, the
professionals must be well trained through educational development courses to gain knowledge
and skills of the logistics operations. The purpose of this research is to explore quality and
quantity of logistics specialists in the Sultanate of Oman and assess the role of research-teaching
nexus in filling knowledge and skill gap. Survey (Interview) was conducted to managers of
selected large scale Omani companies. Experienced senior managers were purposively chosen to
have valid and reliable data. Skill and knowledge deficits in the filled were explored and the role
of research and teaching were recommended.Research should focus on educational needs and
setting of curricula for teaching. Teaching should focus on competence and skill development
and training of manpower to fit the company needs. Teaching should target on the educational
level, the development of professionals, and equipping the logistical workforce with these skills
that are important for the future. Partnership between companies and educational institutions
would assist to narrow the mismatch in skill and competence needed by companies and produced
in colleges/universities