PhD in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM)

Graduates of the program are expected to master advanced skills in system optimization and strategic leadership:

• Advanced Analytics: Ability to use data science, simulation, and digital twins to design and optimize complex supply chains.
• Decision Support: Competence in making informed business and policy decisions based on supply chain optimization and manufacturing system design.
• Original Research: Mastery in drawing on existing knowledge, compiling original data, and testing hypotheses to advance regional and global LSCM insights.
• Complexity Management: Developing the “know-how” to handle real-world challenges, such as logistical resilience in the face of disruptions.

Applicants seeking admissions to the College of Science and Engineering graduate programs at HBKU should have a strong academic record (minimum 3.0 GPA out of 4.0) from a recognized university.

Applicants to the PhD programs should have a master’s degree. 

They should have also majored in one of the following disciplines: Industrial and Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, General Engineering, or other related fields.

Applicants are required to submit a valid IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 79 to demonstrate their proficiency in English.

First Year – First Semester

LSCM 601 – Research Ethics and Methods – 3 Credit Hours
LSCM 607 – Optimization Models and Methods – 3 Credit Hours
LSCM 611 – Supply Chain Management – 3 Credit Hours

First Year – Second Semester

Elective Course 1 – 3 Credit Hours
Elective Course 2 – 3 Credit Hours
Elective Course 3 – 3 Credit Hours

Second Year – First Semester

LSCM 790 – Doctoral Qualifying Examination – 0 Credit Hours
Dissertation Research (LSCM 890) – Research Phase

Second Year – Second Semester

LSCM 799 – Candidacy Examination – 0 Credit Hours
Dissertation Research (LSCM 890) – Research Phase

Third Year

Dissertation Research (LSCM 890) – 42 Credit Hours
LSCM 899 – Dissertation Defense – Final Requirement

Elective Courses (Students Choose Three)

LSCM 741 – Machine Learning for Supply Chain Management
LSCM 644 – Transportation Analytics
LSCM 631 – Port Management
LSCM 621 – Project Management in Logistics
LSCM 731 – Industry 4.0 in Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management

Program Overview

A 60-credit PhD program in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, taught in English, typically completed over three years. The program requires a Master’s degree for admission.

The program includes three core courses, three elective courses, two semesters of graduate research seminars, and a minimum 42-credit dissertation under the supervision of a single main advisor. The PhD committee is involved only in examinations.

PhD students must also pass a qualifying examination in the third semester, a candidacy examination in the fifth semester, and a final public dissertation defense before the dissertation committee.