Considering the Platform for Content Delivery: Online vs. In-Person and the Impact on Student Learning - A Logistics Perspective

Abstract

Purpose: We explore whether the platform for delivering logistics education at the graduate level affects the success of graduate students in finding desirable placement. More specifically, we asked whether in-person learning that emphasizes logistics related technology, knowledge of logistics course content, and exposure to and practice of logistics driven hard and soft skills – is superior to Online learning. We sought to establish which area of learning and which mode of delivery serves as valuable predictors of a successful field placement of graduates within supply chains.
Design and Methodology: Data concerning these variables were collected from 201 former logistics graduates of the supply chain program at a southeastern university, and from 82 of their certified immediate supply chain managers. We employed Structural Equation Modeling for analysis and used Necessary Condition Analysis for a robustness check.
Findings: Findings suggest that mastery of logistics core content, logistics technology, and soft skills emerged as prime predictors of successful field placement amongst graduates who completed their logistics program in-person rather than online. None of the corresponding variables emerged as statistically significant for graduates who elected the Online program as the mode of learning.
Originality/Value: Our findings help ascertain and illuminate facets of delivery platforms with a focus on In-person and virtual Online learning. Since Online learning is here to stay, course designers must make remote learning promising and beneficial for the remote learner.

Funding Statement: No funding was requested in support of this study, and no funders had any role in this study’s design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or in manuscript preparation.

Keywords: Supply chains, Online education, In-person education, Logistics content, Technological content, Logistics software, Logistics hard and soft skills, Student learning, Job placement.