CONESTOGA COLLEGE
Conestoga professor a leading voice in supply chain industry

A 25-year veteran in the logistics and supply chain management industry, Conestoga professor Laurie Turnbull has been sought after by CITT Canada's Logistics Association to present his expertise to its national membership audience at industry events for over a decade. Most recently, Turnbull presented two webinars in May: "Incoterms®: Minimize Your Supply Chain Risk," and "FOB vs. Incoterms® in North America."

"Incoterms® and FOB are shipping trade terms that govern the transfer of cost and risk between buyers and sellers. They are an essential element of supplier negotiations and impact numerous trade documents," said Turnbull of the content he presented.

Incoterms® (international commercial terms) are rules issued by the International Chamber of Commerce that define the responsibilities of exporters and importers for the sale of goods in international transactions. FOB (Free on Board) is an Incoterm®, but it is also a trade term used within North America, referring to the place where a buyer or seller assumes responsibility for the goods being shipped.

"Incoterms® and FOB are also topics in several Conestoga courses on procurement, logistics and supply chain management, and are essential to assist our students in becoming subject matter experts related to international trade," added Turnbull.

Turnbull used the port accident in Baltimore in March, where container ship Dali crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge, collapsing the bridge and blocking access to one of the busiest ports in the United States, to illustrate the impact of these terms in a practical situation.

"Seven weeks later, the ship remained at the accident site with nearly 5,000 ocean containers on board. Those containers are carrying thousands of shipments that will be delivered late and, in some cases, may no longer be usable by the intended recipients," said Turnbull.  

"Many buyers and sellers involved in these transactions will end up in litigation over non-payment of invoices if the parties do not understand their responsibilities and obligations. Many supplier relationships will not survive if the parties do not select appropriate shipping trade terms."

CITT has been one of Canada's leading logistics and supply chain associations for over 65 years, and since 2018, has recognized Conestoga's Bachelor of Business Administration - International Business Management program and the Business Administration - Supply Chain and Operations Management program for proficiency in logistics.

"This relationship benefits Conestoga students since CITT members are recognized as supply chain professionals and thought leaders in best practices by leading companies in many industry sectors in Canada," said Turnbull.

CITT also offers the CITT-Certified Logistics Professional (CCLP) accreditation, a valuable designation that opens doors for those looking to obtain employment in the industry.

"Being recognized by CITT helps Conestoga graduates who wish to pursue a CCLP designation, further bolstering the reputation of our students in this field," explained Turnbull.

Turnbull obtained his professional CITT designation in 1988 and was the recipient of the CITT Award of Excellence in 2014. He has been a full-time professor at Conestoga since 2017, teaching various courses in supply chain management.

"Laurie has drawn upon his extensive career experience to provide practical instruction and guidance to countless students," said Dr. Michelle Grimes, executive dean, School of Business.

"Laurie's work helps to illustrate the strength of instruction at Conestoga, our contribution to industry organizations, and our ability to provide students with a relevant and career-focused education that produces job-ready graduates who are well-prepared to obtain professional designations and make a lasting impact."

Conestoga's four-year, co-op Bachelor of Business Administration - International Business Management program is designed to prepare students to manage international business endeavours and work in global companies. The Business Administration - Supply Chain and Operations Management program takes a hands-on, project-oriented approach and provides students with opportunities to work with current business and industry partners for a career in the growing, dynamic, and underserved field of supply chain management.

Both programs are offered through Conestoga's School of Business, which provides numerous opportunities and pathways to complete, specialize or expand business education through full- or part-time studies. Its programs reflect today's business needs across a wide range of credentials from apprenticeships, one-year certificates, two- and three-year advanced diplomas, to graduate certificates and degree opportunities that include multiple specializations.