By Veselina Dzhingarova
The aviation industry has faced unprecedented obstacles in the wake of global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and economic downturns. Humanity is experiencing significant disruptions in supply chains everywhere, highlighting the instability of our previously stable world. Amidst this realisation, the dynamics between producers and consumers must evolve to transform supply chain mechanisms, ensuring resilience and adaptability.
To understand the strategies employed by the industry to navigate these turbulent times, we interviewed Ivan Kudrenko, a senior supply chain analyst at Boeing. Mr. Kudrenko shared insights into how Boeing and the wider aerospace industry are adapting their supply chain strategies to address current challenges. Ivan Kudrenko has had a full-tuition fellowship and international scholarships at the University of Michigan (USA) and the University of Strathclyde (UK). He actively enhances industry practices and sustainability through ASCM initiatives and excels in mentorship at the Global Mentorship Initiative, supporting students interested in a career in supply chain management. He elaborated on his career and emphasised the importance of digitalisation, collaboration, and sustainability in building more robust supply chains. For young professionals looking to build impactful careers in this crucial sector, he recommends developing skills in analytics, understanding global supply chain dynamics, and embracing sustainability as a core principle.
Humanity has to look deeper into the reasons for supply chain disruptions, and the problems begin in our education.
Today’s society often debates whether receiving a quality education is directly connected to achieving career success. Despite varying opinions, professionals with a solid educational background in the aviation industry continue to be highly esteemed. Their analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and commitment to continuous learning make them sought-after and successful in their field.
For instance, Ivan Kudrenko, who grew up in a family of electrical engineers, inherited a knack for problem-solving early on. “During my time in school, my love for engineering led me to learn programming languages to apply them to various problems,” Ivan recalls. “Engineering teaches you to see relationships between multiple variables, optimise sophisticated systems, and decompose and systematically solve complex problems.” This passion for engineering drove him to pursue higher education, completing his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering at Kuban State Technological University in Russia. Ivan’s educational journey didn’t stop there. He furthered his studies with a master’s in electrical engineering and business management at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, UK. This experience enabled him to see first-hand how science can solve real-world problems. “I have always been a strong believer in education and the fantastic opportunities it opens,” Ivan adds.
In 2021, Mr. Kudrenko began his MBA program at one of the world’s top business schools – the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan – specialising in operations and supply chain management. “I found the business school experience incredibly enriching,” Ivan remarks. “It broadened my horizons and equipped me with the skills necessary to excel in the dynamic business world. What stood out is how Ross enabled me to develop strong problem-solving skills, tackle tasks from different perspectives, and never stop learning.”
Ivan’s story illustrates the profound impact of quality education on one’s career, particularly in fields as complex and demanding as the aerospace industry and supply chain management.
Supply chains are like people. They need cooperation. With cooperation, all processes work as they should.
Supply chains in the aerospace industry are critical for ensuring the smooth operation of aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. These complex networks, encompassing activities from sourcing raw materials to delivering finished products, are vital for companies to remain competitive and meet customer demands. The efficiency and effectiveness of supply chain management can significantly impact the success of aerospace companies. While at a manufacturing company in Russia, Mr. Kudrenko faced unprecedented challenges caused by a significant devaluation of the local currency, disruptions in established supply chains, and uncertainty with European suppliers. The situation was dire, with the entire manufacturing industry depending on foreign components and facing high costs. To address these challenges, Ivan established the first international supply chain of components from China, bypassing expensive intermediaries. This strategic move was unprecedented for a medium-sized manufacturing company and positioned it for a competitive advantage. Mr. Kudrenko developed a comprehensive strategic sourcing framework to identify international suppliers, evaluate their capabilities, and build mutually beneficial relationships. This framework combined quantitative and qualitative metrics to support informed decision-making and strategic sourcing. The methodology facilitated accurate estimation of current purchasing requirements, identification and assessment of potential suppliers, allocation of human and financial resources, risk mitigation, and informed make-or-buy decisions. Key to the success of this initiative was accurate demand forecasting and supply chain visibility, which ensured the timely and cost-effective procurement of components. The documented framework has been transformed into a company-wide standard supporting its operations. Despite the challenging external environment, this new supply chain resulted in significant cost savings and ensured that the company’s operations were continued. Ivan’s proactive approach and leadership in this project demonstrated the importance of innovation and adaptability in supply chain management.
Another significant project led by Ivan from 2018 to 2021 involved the implementation of Kaizen principles to optimise internal processes and implement lean manufacturing practices. The rapid growth of his company was chaotic, resulting in mistakes in commercial offers, disputes between departments, and poor morale. To address these issues, Ivan spearheaded a cross-functional team to streamline and standardise business processes from order processing to delivery. This initiative involved collaborating with departments such as purchasing, production, sales, marketing, and finance, each with its priorities and KPIs. Mr. Kudrenko developed metrics to improve order accuracy, cycle time, and customer satisfaction by focusing on what customers valued most, such as on-time delivery and predictable quality. Using Six Sigma tools, the team analysed each stage of the process, identified improvement opportunities, and defined trade-offs to achieve the company’s ultimate goals. As a result, Ivan’s team increased manufacturing speed by 10% on average, improving communication and transparency among functions. This experience gave Ivan valuable insights into leading cross-functional teams and implementing Six Sigma tools for process improvement, a skillset that Ivan has been developing and applying throughout his career.
These projects highlight the critical role of human capital in developing and sustaining efficient supply chains in the aerospace industry. Ivan Kudrenko’s work underscores the importance of taking initiative, embracing leadership, and collaborating with colleagues to achieve excellent results in supply chain management.
In the supply chain sphere, education is valuable, but practical experience drives progress.
Establishing smooth and efficient operations heavily relies on the contributions of young professionals. The sphere needs individuals eager to work almost for free, driven by their passion to gain valuable experience in the field. For instance, Mr. Kudrenko had an opportunity to intern at Boeing, where he analysed quality systems for various aircraft systems, developed plans for improving business processes, and implemented them within one of the systems. His engineered system facilitated significant savings within three years. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have interned at such a prominent company. It was a rewarding experience to apply my classroom knowledge to real-world projects and witness tangible results,” Ivan reflects.
Working at Boeing, a global leader in the aerospace industry, Mr. Kudrenko has unique opportunities to work on such important projects as cost reduction, supply chain resilience improvement, supply chain risk management, and implementation of modern logistics technologies. He leads projects focused on consolidating and optimising warehouses supporting aircraft production nationwide. Ivan remarks, “I actively develop and implement strategies to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability in Boeing’s supply chain and logistics management, which I have always dreamed about. It is incredibly motivating to see the impact of your work!”
Mr. Kudrenko’s experience proves that practical experience is essential for advancing the aviation supply chain sphere. Through hands-on work, professionals encounter real-world challenges, develop problem-solving skills, and refine their understanding of industry intricacies. This practical knowledge enhances their expertise and contributes to the overall evolution and improvement of supply chain practices in aerospace.
While there are supply chain setbacks, it becomes clear that the aviation industry needs to help people. Volunteering in the USA is common practice.
This industry operates under high levels of responsibility and complex technical tasks that require collective efforts and collaboration. Individuals who are willing to create a positive work environment are valued. Being ready to assist colleagues leads to more effective problem-solving and helps prevent potential negative situations. As a result, the system can work more effectively as soon as workers are ready to help each other. “I love to be useful,” says Mr. Kudrenko, and we can see it through his volunteer mentorship at Global Mentorship Initiative, educating young professionals and students on discovering their purpose, starting a supply chain management and logistics career, finding employment, and continually developing their skills. At Boeing, he actively participates in the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) team, striving to create a more inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and identities.
Mr. Kudrenko contributes to the scientific community by serving as a reviewer and assisting in evaluating scholarly works submitted for publication or conference presentation. He was a reviewer for papers at the ITEC-2024 (2024 IEEE Transportation Electrification Conference & Expo), focusing on topics such as supply chain management in blockchain, sustainability, and risk management that can be seen on his Web of Science page. “Innovations in electrical engineering often intersect with blockchain technology, a key area of my interest. My understanding of these innovations’ technical intricacies allows me to appreciate better and evaluate blockchain applications in supply chain management,” Ivan states. Mr. Kudrenko is also a member of the team of peer reviewers at the International Journal of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management. He also reviews papers for the prestigious Logistiqua 2024 International Supply Chain Conference. “Contributing as a reviewer allows me to stay at the forefront of the latest research while honing my skills in evaluating scholarly works,” shares Mr. Kudrenko.
Regarding his scholarly contributions to the community, in 2023, Mr. Kudrenko presented his paper, “The New Era of American Manufacturing: Evaluating the Risks and Rewards of Reshoring,” at the TITDS-XIV-2023 Transport Infrastructure Conference, which focused on analysing drivers and strategies for reshoring considering global supply chain challenges. Additionally, he has written two scientific articles: one examining blockchain’s role in critical minerals supply chain risk management and another exploring the implementation of reusable transit packaging in key US industries, providing valuable insights for enhancing sustainability and supply chain resilience.
The aerospace industry is undergoing a significant transformation marked by unprecedented challenges in global supply chains. Despite these, the industry is witnessing a wave of innovation and collaboration driven by professionals like Ivan Kudrenko. Their efforts underscore the critical role of education, practical experience, and cooperation in driving progress in the aviation supply chain sphere.
“The future is here, and research in blockchain and AI coupled with sustainability in supply chain management has immense potential. Integrating blockchain technology into supply chains allows for transparent tracking of products from manufacturer to consumer, ensuring authenticity and compliance with regulatory standards. Furthermore, blockchain’s decentralised and encrypted nature enhances security against counterfeiting and cyberattacks, which is crucial for safeguarding sensitive data in the warehouse industry,” adds Mr. Kudrenko.
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