Where Research Meets Industry Practice
The MLI Research Club serves as a platform where academic research meets practical industry experience — encouraging research, knowledge sharing and professional discussion within logistics and supply chain management.
Academic Research Meets Industry Experience
Founded in 2023, the MLI Research Club brings together practitioners, academics, and students to produce original research on the issues that matter most to logistics and supply chains.
Our publications — including student research, academic research, industry insights, reports, articles and discussion papers — contribute to knowledge sharing and professional development. Membership is open to Professional MLI members and selected contributors.
20+
Publications
3+
Years Active
3
Focus Areas
Research Club Membership
- Access to all working papers and reports
- Invitation to quarterly research seminars
- Collaborate on published papers
- Early access to survey data and findings
- Listed as a Research Club contributor
- Quarterly Research Bulletin by email
- Input into annual research agenda
Available to Professional and Fellow MLI members at no additional cost.
View Membership OptionsResearch Priorities
The Research Club focuses on building a body of knowledge that connects academic research with practical industry experience.
Student Research
Supporting and showcasing research conducted by students in logistics, supply chain and related fields.
Academic Research
Rigorous research papers and studies contributing to the academic body of knowledge in logistics and supply chain management.
Industry Insights
Practitioner-driven perspectives and analysis on current trends, challenges and opportunities in the logistics sector.
Professional Reflections
Practitioner accounts and reflections on professional experiences, lessons learned and career development in logistics.
Research Publications
Published research outputs including papers, reports, articles and discussion papers that advance logistics knowledge.
Knowledge Sharing
Initiatives to disseminate research findings, encourage discussion and foster a culture of continuous learning within the profession.
Recent Research
State of Logistics in Africa 2025
By MLI Research Club
Our flagship annual publication benchmarks South African and sub-Saharan African logistics performance across cost, reliability, infrastructure, and talent. Includes the 2025 Logistics Performance Index for 14 African nations.
Last-Mile Delivery Innovation in Township Economies
By Dr. S. Dlamini, T. Khumalo
An empirical investigation of informal and tech-enabled last-mile delivery models serving South Africa's township markets. Case studies from Soweto, Khayelitsha, and uMlazi.
Port Congestion at Durban: Causes, Costs and Solutions
By MLI Research Club
Analysis of the systemic causes of container dwell times at the Port of Durban and a 10-point policy framework presented to the Department of Transport.
Cold Chain Infrastructure Gaps for Agricultural Exports
By A. Mohamed, P. Govender
Mapping temperature-controlled logistics capacity across South Africa's agricultural export corridors, with recommendations for public-private investment priorities.
SA Logistics Salary & Career Survey 2024
By MLI Research Club
Survey of 1 400 logistics professionals on compensation, career satisfaction, skills gaps, and workplace diversity. Benchmarked by tier, province, and sector.
Contribute to the Research Agenda
Are you a practitioner, academic, or student with research to share? The Research Club welcomes submissions, collaborators, and peer reviewers. Contact our Research Director to get involved.