Transport education evolves in line with AI

Transport education is evolving to provide the technical skills required for an industry which is being increasingly driven by data and artificial intelligence, Dr Sebonkile Thaba, deputy head: Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management at the University of Johannesburg College of Business & Economics, told the March Transport Forum meeting. She is supported by the Tshwane University of Technology, which on its website states: “South Africa’s supply chain and logistics sectors are under increasing strain, driven by global economic shifts, rapid technological advancements and mounting service delivery expectations. “A key challenge facing the industry is a widening skills gap, one that is stifling efficiency, innovation and growth across the board.” “At the University of Johannesburg (UJ), we do not want to keep on hearing the words ‘industry mismatch’,” Thaba told the delegates. “We want to move with the industry. “Transport and logistics organisations are becoming increasingly aware that there is a need for fleet telematics, ERP platforms, data- driven operations and integrated supply-chain systems,” she said. However, many graduates of logistics-related courses leave university with very limited exposure to commercial operations and are not prepared for the digital management of a fleet. “When graduates arrive at an organisation, they are expected to already understand ERP systems.” UJ is bridging the skills gap by digitalising the fleet management module. “We redesigned the fleet management course to include enterprise resource planning systems and fleet management. Students now learn how fleets operate in a real transport environment.” The university has adopted a consulting-based learning approach, whereby students apply theoretical knowledge to real-life business challenges through case studies or live projects. “We are also running a blockchain project for our purchasing or procurement students.” There is a need for synergistic partnerships with the industry. “The goal is not just to teach students. It is to prepare people who can operate in real environments. “This only works when three elements come together – education, technology and industry,” said Thaba. “University provides students with knowledge, technology provides tools, and industry provides real content. “Working together, they create more ready professionals. “And this is exactly what we are building here in South Africa. “We are actively looking to expand this model by welcoming collaboration with other universities, companies and public institutions,” she said. The industry is calling for coordinated action. “Southern Africa’s cold chain industry is at a tipping point,” said Lilian Nganda, head of customer communication and events at Maersk. “Export demand is rising, technology is more affordable than ever before, and trade agreements are lowering barriers to entry. “However, without decisive action, infrastructure gaps and compliance failures will continue to cost the region billions”. ER