Strategic Perspectives on Logistics Management: Theory, Practice and Global Applications

Dr. M. Gurupandi, an accomplished academician, currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Commerce at Alagappa University, Karaikudi. Born on June 4, 1980, he specializes in Cost & Financial Accounting and Financial Management. The academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Commerce from Madurai Kamaraj University, where he completed his doctorate in September 2008. He also holds an M.Phil in Commerce from the same university, attained in August 2003, and an M.Com from Vivekananda College, Madurai, completed in April 2002 with first-class distinction. His academic rigor is further demonstrated by his completion of a Certificate Course in Mass Communication and Public Speech, and proficiency in commerce, where he secured second place in his postgraduate degree course. Over the span of his 16-year teaching career, he has made significant strides in both academia and research. His professional journey at Alagappa University began in 2010 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of International Business and Commerce. In 2016, he transitioned to the Department of Commerce and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2022. His teaching expertise covers Cost & Financial Accounting and Financial Management, areas in which he has guided numerous students to academic success. His research portfolio is impressive, with 14 years dedicated to exploring various aspects of commerce. He has supervised one completed Ph.D. dissertation and continues to mentor six ongoing Ph.D. candidates. Additionally, he has guided 22 M.Phil scholars and over 75 postgraduate students in their research  projects.  His  research  has  been  widely recognized, with 20 publications in international journals, 45 in national journals, and contributions to 33 other academic publications. His academic contributions extend beyond teaching and research. He has been actively involved in several administrative and leadership roles within Alagappa University. As the Program Officer for the National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit AU 01, he has played a pivotal role in fostering community service and social responsibility among students. He also serves as the Coordinator for the Consumer Club and the Small Industries Service Unit (SISU), initiatives that aim to bridge the gap between academia and industry. He has successfully secured and managed several funded projects. Notably, he received grants from the University Grants Commission (UGC) for raising awareness of patent rights among university students and from the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) for establishing industry linkages and industrial parks. His ability to attract substantial funding underscores his commitment to advancing research and fostering industry-academia collaboration. Beyond his university responsibilities; he is an active member of various professional organizations. He holds lifetime memberships in the Indian Commerce Association, the International American Council for Research and Development, and the South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics, among others. His involvement in these organizations highlights his dedication to staying connected with the broader academic and professional community. His contributions have been recognized through various awards and honors. He has received travel grants to present his research at prestigious conferences and has been invited to participate in academic events both nationally and internationally. His work on a Retail Distribution Outlet Management System using Blockchain technology, for which he filed a patent, exemplifies his innovative approach to addressing real- world challenges.

Dr. B. Menaka is presently working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Commerce, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Sivaganga District. She pursued her M.Com., M.B.A and M. Phil at Bharathidasan University and received her Ph.D. in Commerce from Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli. Her research areas of specialization are Human Resource Management, Finance and Marketing. She has actively participated and presented in International and National, Seminars, Conferences, workshops, webinars and Faculty development programs. She has received awards, including the Excellence in Research award, the best young faculty award and Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan award. She has visited countries like Srilanka and Japan to present research papers. Combined department projects and research projects were executed by her with the help of funding agencies like Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) 2.0 and Alagappa University Research Fund (AURF). She has published around 95 research articles in International & National journals. She has published 3 books and 5 book chapters by various international and national publishers. Her Cumulative Impact Factor (as per JCR) is 86.45 and her H-index is 3. She has published 2 patents from national agencies. She has guided 3 Ph.D. and 10 M. Phil Students. She is also involved in various activities of professional bodies and advisory boards.