Research
Logistics and Rural Economic Development

Every economic activity is affected by logistics. Logistics encompasses the entire process of "planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient, effective flow, and storage of goods, services, and any related information from point of origin to point of consumption in conformance with customer requirements." (Definition courtesy of the Council of Logistics Management.)

The Logistics and Rural Economic Development program seeks to provide three things to North Dakota:

• A research effort that addresses specific logistical problems and solution strategies unique to North Dakota
• A resource for organizations in North Dakota who, perhaps because of their smaller size or particular industry, are unable to support their own logistical analysis function.
• Education through logistics management courses and roundtable meetings.

The Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute recognizes the need for businesses in North Dakota to excel in logistics and provides the Logistics and Rural Economic Development program with three interlocking objectives.

• Provide services to existing and future economic activities in the state
• Provide short-term analyses
• Comprehensive logistical research

Education will provide a pool of qualified personnel and is an integral part of each objective.

For more information about this program, please e-mail mark.berwick@ndsu.edu.