The Digital Transformation of SCM Education: A Comparison of Curricula with Focus on Digitalization and Logistics 4.0

Purpose Digital transformation of supply chains and logistics implies new requirements on competencies and alters the emphasis of skills and capabilities to be taught. Academic education must adjust curricula to prepare students accordingly. This paper investigates approaches in this endeavour in order to reveal key challenges, core topics and structural patterns. Design/methodology/approach We apply means of content analysis to assess SCM and logistics master studies´ curricula. Findings Our results indicate different levels of coping with the educational challenges associated with the digital transformation of SCM and logistics from just slight cosmetics of relabeling to well thought through curricula that aim to prepare students for the future. Research limitations/implications (if applicable) So far, we focused in our assessment on curricula of full time master programs according to Eduniversal Best Masters Ranking and QS Business Masters Rankings. In a second stage, corresponding other master programmes in the digital economy, business analytics, informatics and computer science domain are included to serve as a benchmark. Practical implications (if applicable) Best practices and the development of resulting guidelines should support future SCM and logistics education to provide students with knowledge and skills to master present and upcoming digital transformation challenges. Original/value By working towards maturity levels and highlighting differences in the implementation of digital elements in curricula, we hope to help separating pure relabeling and buzz wording from a more rigorous reflection of the digital transformation in SCM and logistics education