An insightful session on foundational principles of logistics 

As part of the Supply Chain Management course, Apeejay School of Management (ASM) Dwarka, recently organised a guest lecture for the PGDM Trimester IV students. The session was conducted by Mr. Akhilesh Munjal, a seasoned industry expert and independent logistics consultant with over 47 years of experience in international trade, shipping, freight forwarding, and container operations. Mr. Munjal is a Fellow of the International Association of Marine and Shipping Professionals (IAMSP), a certified professional in transportation and dangerous goods logistics, and an award-winning author of the widely respected “Handbook of Shipping Process.” His rich industry experience, coupled with his passion for education and training, made him an ideal speaker for this session.

The lecture began with Mr. Munjal providing a concise recap of the foundational principles of logistics. He introduced the students to the “7 Rights of Logistics” — the right product, in the right condition, delivered to the right customer, in the right quantity, at the right place, at the right time, and at the right cost. This framework served as a reminder of the core objectives that drive all logistics operations, and it helped students align their theoretical learning with industry expectations.

Building on this foundation, Mr. Munjal traced the evolution of logistics from its early manual form (Logistics 1.0) to the highly digital and automated future represented by Logistics 5.0. He explained how technology, integration, and data analytics have progressively redefined logistics processes over the decades. Alongside this, he elaborated on the transformation of logistics service providers from 1PL (First-Party Logistics) to 5PL (Fifth-Party Logistics), highlighting the increasing complexity and specialisation in service delivery. His explanation of these shifts provided students with a macro-level understanding of the industry’s dynamic nature.

To deepen the learning experience, Mr. Munjal introduced a role play exercise involving student volunteers. In this activity, students took on the roles of various logistics stakeholders, including carrying and forwarding agents, shipping companies, customs officials, and freight forwarders. Through this interactive demonstration, students were able to visualise the interconnected roles and dependencies within a global supply chain. This practical segment proved highly engaging and helped demystify some of the more complex logistical processes discussed in class.

Toward the end of the session, Mr. Munjal drew attention to some recent disruptions faced by global logistics networks. He shared real-life examples of how global supply chains were impacted by events such as geopolitical tensions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and port congestions. He also discussed how companies navigated these challenges through strategies such as route diversification, digitalisation, and proactive risk management. These insights gave students a realistic view of the operational risks in logistics and the need for resilience and adaptability in supply chain planning.

The session concluded with a lively interaction between the speaker and the students, with many queries being raised and addressed enthusiastically. Overall, the lecture offered a comprehensive and practice-oriented perspective on logistics and supply chain management. It not only reinforced classroom concepts but also encouraged students to think critically about the future of the industry and their potential roles within it.