Leadership in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Abstract

In today's complex and changing global world, this dissertation looks at how the leadership skills needed for effective supply chain management (SCM) are changing. By looking at six different companies, like DHL, Toyota, Zara, Walmart, and Hanjin Shipping, this study finds six main themes that are important for good SCM leadership. These are: Strategic Leadership and Vision; Technological Innovations; Efficiency and Operational Resilience; Risk Management and Crisis Response; Ethical Leadership and Sustainability; and Cross-Cultural Management and Globalization. The study shows that companies need clear goals and strategic leadership to get through tough times and complicated supply chain problems. The study also stresses how important it is to use new technologies like AI, RFID, and IoT to make decisions and operations run more smoothly. It also shows how operational resilience and efficiency are closely linked, especially in emergency situations. It also stresses how important it is to have good risk management and be ready for crises in order to keep the supply chain stable. Sustainability and ethical leadership are becoming more and more important. Companies like Zara and Walmart are showing how beneficial it is to use sustainable methods in their operations. It is also emphasized how important it is to have cross-cultural management and global sourcing strategies. For example, DHL and Walmart, two global leaders, show how important it is to have cultural competence and strong supplier relationships when managing foreign supply chains. At the end of the dissertation, specific suggestions are made for SCM leaders, such as learning how to be an adaptive leader to deal with changes and making ethical leadership a priority to promote sustainability. Researchers now have a better idea of how complex SCM leadership is. The results also give leaders useful information for making their companies more resilient and competitive in the global market.