Logistics projects from IUE students

Senior students from the Department of Logistics Management at Izmir University of Economics (IUE) Faculty of Business shed light on logistics problems with the projects they developed as part of the 17th annual ‘University-Industry Collaboration’ event. Working in 6 groups, the students developed practical solution proposals for real-life problems in areas such as planning, warehousing, marketing, and transportation, under the guidance of company representatives and academic advisors. Collaborating with companies such as Talay Logistics, TotalEnergies, Boyner Group, JTI Turkey, Barsan Global Logistics, and DSV-Global Transport and Logistics, the students had the opportunity to turn theoretical knowledge into practice and gain firsthand experience in the business world.

At the event, which has become a tradition for the IUE Department of Logistics Management, a panel themed ‘Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in the Logistics Industry’ was also held, moderated by Dean of the Faculty of Business, Prof. Dr. Burcu Güneri Çangarlı. Neşe Gök, Board Member of Inci Holding, and Prof. Dr. Okan Tuna, Co-Founder of ShipsGo, participated in the panel as speakers.

PROJECTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

As a result of their work, IUE students, who implemented projects titled, ‘Reducing Carbon Emissions’, ‘Optimization of Domestic Distribution Routes’, ‘Improvement of Inter-Store Transfer Processes’, ‘Sustainability Framework in Southern Europe’, ‘Improvement of Intermodal Transportation Services’, and ‘Improving Sales Team Performance’, made a difference with their ideas and command of their field. Many companies also set up promotional booths at the event, giving students the opportunity to submit their CV’s.

“A STRONG EXAMPLE”

Prof. Dr. Özgür Özpeynirci, Head of IUE Department of Logistics Management, said that this event contributes not only to students' professional development but also significantly strengthens ties with the industry. Prof. Dr. Özpeynirci said, “By gaining experience through direct interaction with companies, students are able to adapt more quickly to the business world after graduation. At the same time, companies are exposed to fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Our students have proven, through their ideas and creative viewpoints, how well they have been educated and how ready they are for professional life. I’d like to thank all academic advisors, industry representatives, and our hardworking students who contributed to the projects. This event, which is one of the strongest examples of university-industry collaboration, will continue to grow in the coming years.”

“IZMIR PLAYS A KEY ROLE”

Emphasizing that such events are also very important for Izmir’s logistics ecosystem, this year’s coordinator of the event, Prof. Dr. Işık Özge Yumurtacı Hüseyinoğlu said,

“The solution proposals our students developed have been very effective in increasing operational efficiency, using resources more effectively, and supporting the competitive strength of companies. Izmir, with its strategic location and developed logistics infrastructure, plays a key role in Turkey’s foreign trade. As a university, we are training a qualified workforce to support this potential and continue our mission of being a center that produces knowledge and solutions. As a department, our biggest goal is to take concrete steps that will shape the future of logistics in Izmir. We will continue our work in this direction.”