Integrating Sustainability into Logistics Oriented Education in Europe

Abstract

In the last decades, logistics has become an important industry sector, with significant impacts on the environment generated through several internal and external logistic processes. We analysed and elaborated on integrating sustainability topics within logistics-oriented programmes at universities across Europe, based on a framework of systemising and classifying sustainability terms. We also analysed pedagogical approaches within the identified courses. In our study, we perceived a moderate diversity of courses from the system and horizontal sustainability perspectives. Courses mostly focus on “principle” and “approach” levels, denoting specialised courses, with less environmental and social topics. Such coverage and distribution might imply a limitation to develop complex, multi-dimensional, and inter-disciplinary understanding, thinking, and problem-solving required for real-world challenges, comprehending all the dimensions. We also perceived a scarcity by using pedagogical approaches, where the majority of the courses emphasise traditional ones. This paper’s novelty lies in providing the first empirical evaluation and elaboration of logistics-oriented programmes at European universities from a sustainability perspective. Thus, our study enriches current knowledge and research on sustainability integration into curricula at the university level, enabling new insights and better correlations between various study fields and pedagogical approaches used.

Features of the Higher Education for the Circular Economy: The Case of Italy

“…In particular, studies are fragmented since they have focused on specific academic disciplines [23], without providing a clear and integrated analysis of the degree programs, courses, and modules concerning the CE in general. This limits the establishment of the CE as a discipline by itself.…”

Evaluation of Student-Perceived Service Quality in Higher Education for Sustainable Development: A Fuzzy TODIM-ERA Method

“…In terms of the reliability dimension, the multi-disciplinary curriculums and programs need to focus on the involvement of industry professionals to prepare students for the workforce [51]. Maritime transportation courses need to incorporate innovative pedagogical approaches in the responsiveness dimension, such as guest lectures, game-based learning, and problem-solving education [21,40], to encourage a shift in thinking and attitudes toward environmentally friendly behavior. In the assurance dimension, the HEIs should ensure that teachers and other staff possess sufficient relevant expertise in maritime transportation to guide their students in their career planning [42].…”

“…Many scholars have devoted themselves to investigating themes related to higher education for sustainable development in recent years. First, some scholars focus on successfully implementing ESD and addressing sustainability issues in HEIs, such as the evolution, challenges, and strategies of higher education in the ESD framework [3]; the interdisciplinary teachinglearning sequence [2]; and the experiences of sustainability-related courses [21,46]. These ESD practices can effectively promote and enhance the sustainability competencies of teachers and students in higher education.…”

“…Higher education institutions (HEIs) foster and promote sustainability competencies [17,18]. Despite the considerable academic progress in ESD [19][20][21], more research is necessary to address the challenges posed by sustainability implementation in higher education, particularly in terms of student-perceived service quality. Sustainability can only be achieved if students are satisfied with the education service provided by their host institutions [9].…”

“…In addition, integrating sustainability into transportation education is a pivotal subtopic to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, which has gained growing attention from academia [21,40,41]. Maritime transportation is widely recognized as one of the significant pillars anchored to economic growth, social stability, and environmental issues.…”