Yulia Vakulenko, lecturer and researcher

What is your academic background and what did you do before you started teaching at Lund University?

“I have a Master’s in SCM and Business Process from Linnaeus University (Växjo, Sweden). I entered academia and teaching through my PhD at the Packaging Logistics Division at LTH (Faculty of Engineering), the same place where I teach and conduct research today. You can learn more about my work by clicking the links below.”

About Yulia Vakulenko in the Lund University Research Portal

Could you describe the programme in Service Management with a specialisation in Supply Chain Management?

“In this programme, students are provided with practical and theoretical knowledge for future careers in the service sector, with a focus on supply chain management and logistics. Half of the programme is organised and dedicated to service management-related theories and methodologies, and the other half covers supply chain management. The courses in the two fields are given in a mixture to combine the knowledge from the two.”

What sets this programme apart from other Master’s programmes in the field?

“The programme is designed to support student learning and skills development for students with and without previous supply chain experience in both education and industry. Most importantly, the Service Management programme with its specialisation in Supply Chain Management, provides a unique cross-section between service management and supply chain management and logistics.”

How does the programme meet the needs of the labour market?

“The programme prepares students for career paths in both industry and academia. The specialisation of supply chain management corresponds to the industries’ needs for professionals in various supply chain sectors. At the same time, students also gain the knowledge and skillsets that prepare them for a career in academia – particularly as PhD students – where they can follow the topics of their choice in supply chain management.”

What research projects are you currently working on?

“My core research interest is in the last mile and e-commerce logistics. My studies often incorporate a consumer perspective. My ongoing research projects focus on AI in retail logistics and rural e-commerce logistics.”

What would the students be surprised to find out about you?

“If you come to visit our research team at MindPark (the office centre is in the same building as Campus HBG) to chat about the programme, you will meet my dog Loki, a 3-year-old beagle who comes to work with me and loves visitors, cuddles, and snacks.”