Affiliation

Cranfield University, ENG

Biography

Martin’s work in the field of logistics and supply chain management has gained international recognition. He has published widely and his recent books include Logistics and Supply Chain Management and Business Operations Models. Martin co-founded the International Journal of Logistics Management and was its joint editor for 18 years. He is a regular contributor to conferences and workshops around the world. At Cranfield, Martin chairs the Advisory Board of the Centre for Logistics and Supply Chain Management. The work of the Centre covers all aspects of logistics and supply chain management and offers both full-time and part-time Masters degree courses as well as extensive management development programmes. Research plays a key role in the work of the Centre and contributes to its international standing. In addition to leading a number of on-going research projects in logistics and supply chain management, Martin is active as an advisor to many organisations and is non-executive director of LCP Consulting, a specialist consulting service in the fields of logistics and supply chain management. Martin is an Emeritus Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply. In 1988 he was awarded the Sir Robert Lawrence Gold Medal for his contribution to logistics education, in 1997 he was given the USA Council of Logistics Management's Foundation Award and in 2005 he received the Distinguished Service Award from the USA Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. In 2007 he was appointed a Foundation Professor of the UK Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply and in 2008 was awarded the Institute's Swinbank Award for lifetime achievement. He is Visiting Professor/Guest Professor at a number of Universities in Europe and Asia/Pacific.

m.g.christopher{at}cranfield.ac.uk

Articles

Rethinking logistics management
Volume: 20, Issue 2
The aim of this paper is to provide insights into, and perspectives on, the transformation of mindsets for logisticians. We argue that by exploring paradoxes inherent in the efficiency-focused paradigm of today, a strategic mindset can emerge in which central logistics management issues can be addressed, understood, and dealt with in order to enhance supply chain effectiveness and innovation. Based on a complexity theoretical perspective the paper challenges assumptions inherit in the logistics discipline which is argued to be needed in order to deal with contemporary logistics issues such as sustainable development. Four propositions for further research and practice have been suggested, each highlighting the required insights and understanding necessary for logisticians to make their mindset more strategically oriented i.e. developing logistics managers with the capabilities to enable a greater focus on effectiveness, innovation and other complex issues such as sustainable development.