As part of its regular series of events the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) recently hosted an interesting double (academic/practitioner) presentation on the theme Dynamic Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Logistics Leading the Recovery. The presentations were by Edward Sweeney (Director of Learning at NITL) and Aidan Murphy (MD of Supply Chain at C&C and Vice President of CILT).

 Monica Murphy (Chair, CILT Eastern Section) introducing Edward Sweeney and Aidan Murphy

Edward’s presentation set out some of the contextual issues in terms of the economic situation the changing SCM landscape in Ireland, before going on to argue that the ‘big idea’ of SCM relates to integration and alignment. His presentation then highlighted some of the ways in which SCM theory and practice have diverged in recent years before making some concluding comments about the pivotal role of dynamic SCM and logistics in facilitating a sustainable export-led economic recovery. Aidan’s presentation illustrated many of Edward’s points with specific reference to the Bulmer’s business in Ireland and overseas. He highlighted the importance of SCM in the context of the overall financial performance of the business and related the fascinating story of how the Bulmer’s supply chain (‘from the apple tree to the bottle’) has been transformed in recent years.

The presentations were followed by a lively Q&A session, chaired by Monica Murphy (Chair, Eastern Section, CILT), with a wide range of contributions from the floor.

 Monica Murphy thanks Edward Sweeney for his contribution

The forthcoming Logistics Ireland 2010 conference, based on the theme of Dynamic Supply Chain Management and Logistics Leading the Recovery, will explore some of the issues raised during this event in more detail. For further details visit http://www.nitl.ie/Logistics_Ireland_2010/Default.325.html.