The logistics sector has to master the so-called twin transition. This simultaneous transformation towards sustainability and digitalisation is challenging, as it requires a sufficient number of suitably qualified labour. Higher education institutions play a key role in this, having typically adapted the curricula of their logistics degree programmes to emphasise topics related to the twin transition. However, this does not necessarily guarantee that enough young people will be attracted to these programmes and choose to study logistics. In order to successfully accomplish the twin transition, the study motives of potential students must also be considered when designing curricula. Therefore, a survey was carried out among first-year students of bachelor's and master's programmes in logistics at an Austrian university of applied sciences to identify their reasons for studying. This student-centred research takes a multidimensional approach, combining different dimensions of motives for studying, such as self-transcendent, self-oriented and extrinsic motives. This allows the results to be compared with motivational mindset profiles as defined in the literature. The results suggest that there are two distinct groups of logistics students. One group mainly wants the study programme to help them achieve their career goals. The other group also wants to improve their own personal situation, but additionally that of society. Based on the survey results, basic recommendations for a student-centred curriculum design are provided to support the expectations of both groups.

Authors:
Reinhold Schodl, University of Applied Sciences BFI Vienna, Austria
Sandra Eitler, University of Applied Sciences BFI Vienna, Austria

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Reinhold Schodl is the director of the Logistics and Transport Management study program at the University of Applied Sciences BFI Vienna in Austria.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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