Evolution of competencies of logistics and supply chain managers

One new concept emerging in current business reality is a virtual supply chain. This paper indicates in what way a virtual supply chain, that is subject to constant changes, influences the requirements for competencies of managerial staff in that specific business environment operating with discontinuities, temporary character, focus on customers, geographical dispersion, intensive support of IT systems, network structure and an extensive use of key competencies of their members. The paper presents the concept of virtual supply chain and results of research conducted in order to determine how current knowledge and skills of decision-makers fit into that concept. In that sense the quality of human resources, connected to logistics operations and management, has been examined from the point of view of the directions of required changes in the area of adequate qualifications and competencies for efficient management of virtual supply chains. Research was be based on a survey, conducted in 2010 and aiming at identification of skills and qualifications of logistics personnel in average Polish companies. Results of the study indicated that logistics qualifications of managerial personnel in Polish companies are constantly improving. Requirements of virtualisation of logistics and supply chain business result in a modified patterns of logistics professional carriers and new challenges for education and training systems.