The creation of the Business Logistics Innovation and Systems Research Centre provided a great opportunity to develop a distinctive approach to the delivery of services to industry, commerce and the professions. There is an increasing recognition of the importance of effective business performance and the management of the value chain using advances in Information and Communication Technologies. Leading organisations now routinely   include supply-side and technology issues in their strategic planning. The focus has moved beyond procurement towards leveraging the capabilities and competences of suppliers and customers through closer integration of the buyers' and suppliers' business processes. Current technological developments are enabling organisations to achieve core competencies and improve performance.

BLIS provides expertise and assistance in the latest Information and Communication Technologies to help improve business performance and take advantage of the benefits of the e-business revolution. Experienced e-business researchers and consultants are able to provide in-depth business and technology analysis to determine present and future technology requirements, provide 'as is' evaluations leading to 'to be' implementation for the local business fraternity, especially the Small and Medium-sized Business (SME) sector, and thus improve company performance, employee satisfaction and profitability.

BLIS has developed Continuing Professional Development with a series of short course modules leading to Post Graduate Certificates and Diplomas with the opportunity to further develop towards an MSc degree. Subjects include E-business Strategies and Models; Business Systems Projects and Management; Information and Knowledge Management; Research and Study Skills for Managers; Logistics, Purchasing and Supply Chain Management; and Business Innovation Management.

BLIS has, recently, embarked upon a new programme of Doctoral Placements to enable research students to spend four days per week at a sponsoring company solving business problems and developing technology solutions and one day in University developing research skills towards their own Ph.D. The student will thus transfer skills and knowledge while being able to rely upon guidance and knowledge from subject experts and supervisors.

Partnership with commercial organisations and companies is at the forefront of BLIS research, creativity and innovation work and increasingly survey services and other business support facilities are being added to the portfolio.