Reverse Logistics: The Inspiration Behind Rich Bulger’s Book

By Dr. William Oliver Hedgepeth, American Public University

October 10, 2024

Rich was awarded his master’s degree in reverse logistics management in September 2023. He believes that one of the best unintended benefits of his education was how his courses forced him to write down what he had already learned and experienced.

At the same time, his courses challenged his thought processes and helped him to solve new business problems that he faced. Rich credits the University with fostering his creative thinking and helping him understand the broad impact of logistics decisions on communities and the world at large.

Read about Rich Bulger's journey and how his book, "Going Circular," was created here: https://apuedge.com/reverse-logistics-the-inspiration-behind-rich-bulgers-book/ 

RLA Members can download "Going Circular" for free here: https://www.rla.org/product/1314 

I am the Program Director for the Reverse Logistics Department for the American Public University System. Prior to joining APUS I was a tenured Associate Professor of Logistics at the University of Alaska Anchorage for nine years. My research and teaching interests are in military logistics, global logistics, reverse logistics, hybrid aircraft, transportation, supply chain management, lean operations, RFID technology, disaster logistics, knowledge management, business logistics, and project management. I earned my Ph.D. and masters degree in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University while also working for TRADOC (Training and Doctrine Command) at Fort Monroe. My work experience includes 28 years as a civilian operations research analyst on transportation and logistics systems with the Department of Defense. I shuttled from the Pentagon, Crystal City, Fort Monroe, Fort Leavenworth, Fort Lee and Fort Belvoir while conducting cost and operational effectiveness analyses, developing computer models, and artificial intelligence applications for logistics and combat systems. I eventually rose to the rank of GS-15. One of my really cool assignments was as the initial Director of the Artificial Intelligence Center for Army Logistics, Fort Lee, 1985-1990. I am also the former Director of Data Management for the Army Model Improvement Management Office, 1981-1984, Fort Leavenworth. After my life in DOD, I worked for GRCI, which eventually merged with AT&T, as a senior scientist on Army logistics program developments. I did write a real book, RFID Metrics, examining how we define problems such as reverse logistics to track and trace produce along their life cycles. It was published in 2007 by CRC Press.