Logistics Management (MBA)

Overview

This English-language Master's-level program combines core management training with advanced logistics and supply chain practice. Students learn to analyse companies, markets and competitors, and to view organisations through a process-oriented lens using the value-creation chain. The curriculum covers management instruments required to embed processes in corporate structures, with emphasis on controlling tools such as budgeting, benchmarking and performance measurement.

Supply chain and logistics are treated holistically: students develop and apply a comprehensive logistics management model and a logistics-chain perspective that connects operational functions within firms to value-added partners and customers. The programme addresses production planning and controlling at both company and cross-company levels, and examines supplier management, strategic and operational make-or-buy decisions, plus integration of logistics service providers.

Practical application is stressed throughout. Project leadership, information and communication management, change and human-resource aspects of implementation, and quantitative and systems-analysis methods are taught so graduates can plan, coordinate and improve logistics solutions. The course also covers e-business for procurement and sales, selection and use of information systems to support logistics, and incorporation of environmental considerations into logistics decision-making—preparing students for roles in global, complex supply-chain environments.

Core topics and skills (concise)

• Company, market and competitor analysis; value-creation / process-oriented management
• Process integration criteria and instruments; organisational and cooperation system design
• Controlling tools: budgeting, benchmarking, performance measurement
• Project leadership and coordination; information & communication management within projects
• Change management and human resource management in operational contexts
• Quantitative methods and systems analysis for management planning and control
• Holistic logistics management model and logistics-chain concepts
• Production planning & controlling; integrated and cross-company logistics management
• Supplier management; strategic and operational make-or-buy decision making
• Integration of logistics service providers and efficiency-enhancing management instruments
• E-business concepts for supply and sales; information systems selection, adaptation and use
• Environmental and sustainability considerations in logistics planning and operations

Overview

This MBA curriculum is delivered in a modular, consecutive sequence and balances broad management foundations with in-depth logistics expertise. The programme begins with optional German language classes (months 1–3) — a course through the language school TUDIAS is available and can issue a certificate to help you settle into daily life in Germany. The next phase (months 4–9) covers General Management topics that make up roughly 40% of the curriculum, followed by focused Supply Chain and Logistics modules (months 10–15) comprising about 60% of the programme. The final stage (months 16–18) is dedicated to researching and writing the Master’s thesis.

Key modules and outcomes

• General Management (months 4–9)

  • Strategic and Operational Management: strategic planning, organisational design and change management.
  • Controlling and Financial Management: controlling techniques and corporate financial management.
  • Project and Process Management: project planning/control and business process design.
  • Information Management: quantitative analysis for decision support and knowledge/information management.
  • Extras: two workshops in human resource management to build soft skills useful for job applications.
  • Learning outcomes: ability to make strategic and operational decisions, manage projects and processes, interpret financial/controlling information, and use quantitative methods and information systems for management decisions.

• Logistics / Supply Chain Management (months 10–15)

  • Basics of Supply Chain Management: logistics conceptual design and outbound distribution.
  • Planning Tasks in Supply Chain Management: inbound procurement logistics and strategic logistics planning.
  • Supply Chain Management Specialisation: strategic SCM, planning instruments for logistics, and logistics & transportation law.
  • Production Planning and Quality Management: production planning/controlling and quality assurance in logistics.
  • Applied Logistics Management: internet-based logistics processes, ICT systems in logistics, and environmental aspects of logistics.
  • Learning outcomes: capability to design and plan end-to-end supply chains, apply strategic and legal instruments in logistics, manage production and quality, and deploy ICT solutions with awareness of environmental impacts.

Practical training, assessment and tools

Teaching combines traditional lectures with case studies, hands-on exercises, group projects and self-study. Computer-based learning and relevant software are used to reinforce theoretical concepts and practical methods; lecturers are available for consultation. After completing the main modules, a specialised SAP logistics training is offered, focusing on applying SAP — a leading enterprise resource planning tool — to logistics problems. The programme culminates in an independently researched Master’s thesis (months 16–18), where students demonstrate integrated knowledge and applied problem-solving.

Concise bullet summary

• Structure: modular, usually completed consecutively across 18 months.
• Language prep: optional German classes (months 1–3) with certificate by TUDIAS.
• Compulsory modules: nine modules total; ~40% General Management, ~60% Logistics/Supply Chain.
• General Management modules: Strategic & Operational Management; Controlling & Financial Management; Project & Process Management; Information Management.
• Logistics modules: Basics of SCM; Planning tasks in SCM; SCM Specialisation; Production Planning & Quality Management; Applied Logistics Management.
• Soft skills: HR workshops for interpersonal and career skills.
• Practical tools: case studies, exercises, group work, computer-based learning; SAP logistics training after main coursework.
• Final requirement: Master’s thesis (months 16–18) demonstrating applied research and integrated competencies.

Graduates are equipped for managerial and specialist roles across the supply chain such as logistics manager, supply chain planner, procurement specialist, transport and distribution manager, or roles in production planning and quality management. The programme’s mix of controlling, project management and IT/ERP (SAP) training helps bridge operational responsibilities and strategic decision-making.

The emphasis on applied methods, case studies and optional internships (advisory support offered) also positions graduates well for roles with logistics service providers, manufacturer supply-chain teams, and companies seeking staff who can integrate digital information systems and sustainability considerations into logistics operations.