Insights into a Graduate Degree in Industrial Distribution Offered by Distance Education

Abstract

Wholesale Distribution in the United States is a $6 trillion dollar industry that includes 370,000 businesses that employ 6 million people. With evolving distribution business models, margin pressure, and an aging workforce, distributors are faced with a talent management crisis, especially with hiring, developing and retaining managers and developing a leadership pipeline. Traditionally, distributors promoted for their managerial and leadership positions based on tenure and prior job performance. With an increase in the need for business competitiveness, customer experience, value added services and innovative new solutions, distributors need to develop competency based mid-mangers who can effectively drive change and impact profitability.