Stevens' Michael Pennotti travels to Hong Kong as member of Society of Logistics Engineers delegation 

In mid July, Michael C. Pennotti, a professor of Systems Engineering and Engineering Management at Stevens Institute of Technology, traveled to Hong Kong as part of a delegation from the International Society of Logistics Engineers (SOLE). Pennotti traveled in the company of Dr. Tony Trovato, SOLE president, and Ms. Sarah James, the executive director of SOLE.

Pennotti was the only representative of an American university making the trip. His role was to provide academic support as SOLE introduced their Certified Professional Logistician program to Hong Kong. He also explored potential opportunities for partnerships in the region involving Stevens' Systems Design and Operational Effectiveness program (SDOE). Founded in 2000, the fast-growing SDOE program provides onsite instructional modules to a number of international audiences, as well as in the US. The program includes a four-course graduate certificate in Systems and Supportability Engineering that is offered in collaboration with SOLE. The certificate program is the only one of its kind in the academic world.

Hosting the delegation were the Executive Committee of the Hong Kong Logistics Association, which serves as the administrator for the newly established Hong Kong chapter of SOLE. The Americans met with government officials, business leaders, and academicians from The City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, the University of Hong Kong, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

"In response to the government call for development of enhanced logistics capabilities, and with the associated funding that has been made available, nearly every university in Hong Kong has developed programs in logistics," said Pennotti. "We believe that a marriage of our concept of systems engineering with the academic concept of logistics in Hong Kong will have a great affect as ideas and influence flow from Hong Kong throughout mainland China."

Pennotti notes that most Hong Kong universities have developed cordial relationships and joint programs with institutions outside of Hong Kong. Most are with universities in Australia and the UK rather than the US.

"A good example," said Pennotti, "is Hong Kong Baptist University. They have more than 10,000 students in degree programs, despite being accredited to grant degrees in only two subjects: elementary education and early childhood development. Overseas institutions grant the remainder, with HK Baptist hiring adjunct faculty and administering classes locally. Included is a bachelor's degree program in Logistics Management, administered by the University of Michigan, and a program in supply chain management developed in collaboration with Lehigh University and the Wharton School.

"Clearly," he continued, "Stevens is well-equipped to engage students in this kind of international environment. We plan to follow up, along with SOLE, on the progress we made during our initial visit to Hong Kong."

SOLE was founded in 1966 as the Society of Logistics Engineers, "to engage in educational, scientific, and literary endeavors to advance the art of logistics technology and management."

There are over 90 SOLE chapters in more than 50 countries throughout the world. Chapters conduct technical meetings, symposia and workshops, all designed to provide the SOLE member with opportunities for professional advancement. Chapters and districts also sponsor regional technical meetings. Dr. John Farr, the Founding Director of Stevens' Department of Systems Engineering and Engineering Management, sits on the advisory board.

About Stevens Institute of Technology

Founded in 1870, Stevens Institute of Technology is one of the leading technological universities in the world dedicated to learning and research. Through its broad-based curricula, nurturing of creative inventiveness, and cross disciplinary research, the Institute is at the forefront of global challenges in engineering, science, and technology management. Partnerships and collaboration between, and among, business, industry, government and other universities contribute to the enriched environment of the Institute. A new model for technology commercialization in academe, known as Technogenesis®, involves external partners in launching business enterprises to create broad opportunities and shared value.

Stevens offers baccalaureates, master’s and doctoral degrees in engineering, science, computer science and management, in addition to a baccalaureate degree in the humanities and liberal arts, and in business and technology. The university has a total enrollment of 2,150 undergraduate and 3,500 graduate students, with about 250 full-time faculty. Stevens’ graduate programs have attracted international participation from China, India, Southeast Asia, Europe and Latin America. Additional information may be obtained from its web page at www.stevens.edu.  

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