Prof. Marianne Jahre – Up Close & Personal

Introduction

Hello, I'm Mara. My journey at KUU has been shaped by the remarkable people here, and I wanted to share a bit about myself and my work. Having spent over 35 years in logistics at a business school in Norway, I transitioned to my current role as Dean of Research and Professor of Logistics at KUU. What drives me most is the critical role logistics and supply chain management play in our society.

Logistics is ubiquitous in all our activities—whether we're organizing a world championship, managing factory operations, planning events, pursuing sustainability, or responding to crises. Interestingly, logistics often goes unnoticed; it's only when the system falters that we realize its significance. For instance, we notice logistics when we can't access necessary medications, when our trains are delayed, or when we receive incorrect orders.

As educators and researchers in this field, we have a vital responsibility to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to cultivate an operational mindset across various sectors—whether in businesses, public organizations, NGOs, or society at large. I refer to this mission as our "logistical mission."

A fascinating insight I've encountered is the analogy between logistics and our immune system. During the pandemic, discussions around immunity were prevalent. I even created a podcast with an immune system professor, and we discovered several parallels between the two systems. Similar to efficient logistics, an active immune system is often unnoticed until a crisis arises. Moreover, neither system holds stocks; both activate in response to immediate needs, prioritizing resources when demand exceeds supply.

Currently, I’m leading a project addressing global drug shortages, which has become an urgent matter. People are struggling to obtain essential medications, including insulin for diabetics, antibiotics for infections, and paracetamol. This initiative, aptly named "Mia" (which playfully stands for "making me Mama Mia," reflecting my leadership), is dedicated to exploring solutions and improving global supply chains for medicines.

What stands out at KUU is the welcoming community; they have made my transition from Norway seamless. I have encountered hardworking colleagues—excellent researchers and educators—alongside supportive administrative staff. One of my favorite moments at KUU so far occurred outside Elvill Harmony, where I celebrated as graduates joyfully tossed their hats into the air after their ceremony. The sun shone brightly, illuminating the happiness of students, families, and colleagues.

I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to be here and hope that many of you consider joining the KUU family too!

Keywords

Logistics
Supply Chain Management
Research
Community
Global Drug Shortages
Immune System
Operational Mindset
Education
Inclusion
KUU

FAQ

1. What is Prof. Marianne Jahre's professional background?
Prof. Marianne Jahre has over 35 years of experience in logistics, working in a business school in Norway before becoming the Dean of Research and Professor of Logistics at KUU.

2. What drives her passion for logistics?
She is motivated by the crucial role logistics and supply chain management play in our society, impacting various sectors from crisis management to sustainability.

3. How does she relate logistics to the immune system?
She compares the functioning of logistics to that of the immune system, stating both are often unnoticed until a failure occurs and that neither holds reserves but activates based on immediate needs.

4. What is her current research project about?
She is currently leading a project named "Mia," focusing on addressing global drug shortages and improving supply chains for essential medications.

5. How does she feel about her experience at KUU?
Prof. Jahre expresses gratitude for the warm and welcoming community at KUU, which has facilitated her transition and emphasized the hardworking support she has received from her colleagues and staff.