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ON CAMPUS
We are seeing huge growth in demand for professionals with postgraduate skills in logistics and supply chain management .
Supply and demand
Pandemic creates demand for degrees in data science and logistics .
By Wade Zaglas
Lockdowns associated with the pandemic and a move away from traditional in-store sales to online purchases has seen demand for RMIT Online ’ s masters programs jump significantly , particularly in the fields of logistics and data science .
With the explosion of “ big data ”, RMIT Online has seen enrolments for the Master of Data Science Strategy and Leadership skyrocket by 64 per cent in the 2020 / 21 financial year . The Master of Supply Chain and Logistics Management and the Master of Business Administration also experienced spikes in student enrolments during the same period , jumping 45 per cent and 37 per cent respectively .
A recent Forbes interview argued the future importance of fields such as logistics , supply chain management and data science cannot be underestimated .
“ One of the most profound , and perhaps unanticipated impacts of the COVID pandemic is the dramatic changes to the global supply chain , global workforce , and newfound pressures on delivery and logistics . Certainly no one would have imagined that a primarily healthrelated cause should have such profound economic , workforce , and basic materials impacts ,” the article said .
“ However , out of challenge comes opportunity . Organisations are reexamining their processes and technologies that deal with all aspects of producing and delivering goods and services to market , from the origination of raw materials to the delivery of finished products .”
Julian Stevenson , product director at RMIT Online , said the university is “ seeing a huge demand for online data science postgraduate degrees as the volume of information and data available to organisations is growing exponentially ” as is the demand for skilled data science professionals .
“ The COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses to pivot to online strategy and improve their logistics practices , and we are seeing huge growth in demand for professionals with postgraduate skills in logistics and supply chain management , as well as marketing skills ,” he said .
“ Further study in data science , logistics , business administration , marketing or management can build professionals ’ competencies as well as help to prepare them for more senior and management roles .”
Stevenson added that employers are “ paying a premium for professionals with postgraduate qualifications who can meet technological and management demands ”, recognising that big data , technological changes and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic requires special expertise like never before .
RMIT Online students gain knowledge and practical skills from industry partners who are at the forefront of their field .
“ The new creed is that practice is more important than theory . To be successful and demanded in the job market , you should not just know stuff , you should be able to do stuff ,” argues another Forbes article about online education trends in 2021 – what it refers to as “ applied learning ”.
“ Potential employers are not interested in what applicants know about using social media for business development ; rather , employers want to see that possible hires know how to put it into practice .
“ India , one of the most competitive labour markets and also a market with a huge potential for online learning , implemented the applied approach to education in its new National Education Policy . In education , this means that more courses are based on the principle of learning by doing , rather than studying theory , and then maybe doing one or two practical exercises .”
Dr Kevin Argus , lecturer in design thinking and marketing for RMIT Online ’ s MBA program , said demand for the MBA program is underpinned by its handson , job-ready skills and strong industry connections .
“ Linking up with industry , RMIT Online knows where the skills gaps are in today ’ s employment market . The organisation can also forecast what the key drivers will be for the future of work . Their programs are designed to deliver workready skills and turn our graduates into valuable team members in the workforce ,” he said . ■
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