Aim
The course will give to students both fundamental and more advanced knowledge about physical distribution systems solutions and related transport means. The entire distribution network will be taken into consideration. The scope of the course is to provide the most important theories, concepts, models and methods used by theorists and industries to identify, describe, analyse and design diverse solutions for physical distribution of goods. The course will furnish an understanding of the important roll played by distribution into modern industries and supply chains. It will also convey the knowledge and skills to methodically analyse transportation needs, and consequently to choose and design transport and distribution systems.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to use theories, models and tools to describe, analyse and evaluate industries’ distribution needs.

• an overall picture of distribution chains

• knowledge about solutions for distribution comprehending systems thinking, components and means requirements and actors

• capacity to understand, explain, and compare different theories and models about distribution.

• an understanding of factors influencing the design of distribution systems

• an understanding about how changes in distribution systems can influence industries’ activities and vice versa: how industries’ activities can influence requirements of distribution systems

• basic knowledge of information and documentation requirements together with technologies and IT systems

• capacity to independently describe, analyse and design solutions for distribution according to industries’ requirements

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

• methodically analyse transportation needs and choose and design transport and distribution systems

• describe and argue (in both oral and written form) in favour of personally developed transport and distribution systems

• use established technical terms to communicate and discuss distribution related issues

• put into practice theories and models presented in the course

• use reference literature and scientific publications to analyse, evaluate and develop solutions for distribution systems

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• have acquired self-confidence and deeper insight into the area of physical distribution

• be confident with engineering related methods to be used for the analysis of distribution and transport systems

• be able to apply critical thinking to physical distribution problems

• have developed their interest in physical distribution’s issues

• have improved their insight into the role of sustainability in transportation from a social and environmental perspective

Contents

• Freight transportation and characteristics of transport modes and related infrastructures: road, rail, sea and air

• Distribution channels and networks

• Transport security and sustainability

• Transport economics: transportation costs and pricing

• Mode choice and shipment size analysis

• Distribution network design

• Long-haul and short-haul transportation planning

• Terminals, forwarding, IS/IT, documentation, insurance and customs

• Transport regulations and public policy

• Trends in transportation

Literature
Ghiani, G., Laporte, G. and Musmanno, R. (2004) Introduction to Logistics Systems Planning and Control, John Wiley & Sons Ltd, West Sussex, England. ISBN 0470849177
Lumsden, K. (2007) Fundamentals of Logistics (it can be downloaded at the department’s website).
Various articles published on the course homepage.

Code: 0111. Name: International Physical Distribution.
Higher education credits: 4,5. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: Passed written examination. Contents: Literature, lectures and assignments.

Code: 0211. Name: Assignments.
Higher education credits: 3. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: Satisfactorily completed assignments. Contents: The assignments are compulsory and are carried out in groups of 4 students. They cover the choice of transportation mode, design of transportation systems, and transportation planning.