Aim
The aim of this course is to provide students with fundamental understanding as well as more advanced knowledge of the design and implementation of physical distribution and transportation systems. The entire distribution network will be considered, focusing on key aspects such as infrastructure and transport modes, transport market structure and design/planning of distribution operations. The course will address the most important theories, concepts, models, methods and tools used by academics and practitioners to identify, describe, design, analyse and evaluate diverse solutions for physical distribution of goods. It will furnish an understanding of the important role played by physical distribution/transportation into contemporary supply chains across several industry sectors, as well as convey the knowledge and skills to methodically analyse transportation needs and make informed decisions regarding choice and design of appropriate distribution solutions.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

Develop an understanding of distribution networks and their key systemic performance objectives
• Understand and apply theories, models and tools for needs identification, design and implementation of physical distribution solutions across various industries

• Compare/contrast and evaluate the use of different transport modes and infrastructure across various operational situations.

• Understand the factors influencing the design of distribution networks

• Apply tools for solving facility localisation and transportation planning problems.

• Understand and explain the structure and characteristics of transportation markets, as seen both from the service provider and user (buyer) perspectives.

• Understand and explain the importance of relevant public policies, regulations and risk/security issues in physical distribution operations.

• Appreciate the implications of sustainability for the design and operation of distribution networks.

• Appreciate the characteristics and particularities of physical distribution design in the context of humanitarian aid supply chains.

• Reflect on the insights gained and personal interests developed in the area of physical distribution.

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

• Analyse and solve practical problems through case studies

• Think critically about application of appropriate engineering methods and quantitative tools

• Read selectively across various literature sources and apply relevant knowledge to problems at hand

• Develop oral and written communication skills

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

Physical distribution chains and networks: Overview and systemic performance objectives
• Modes of freight transport and related infrastructure: road, rail, sea and air

• Transport markets: industry structure, characteristics and types of third party logistics service providers

• Purchasing of transportation services (e.g. tendering process, costing methods, contracts)

• Terminals and cross-docking facilities.

• Distribution network design (facility localization )

• Long-haul and short-haul transportation planning

• Transport regulations and public policy (e.g. global trade, customs regulations, documentation)

• Transport security and risk issues

• Contemporary trends and challenges in transportation (e.g. sustainability aspects, physical distribution of humanitarian aid)

Literature
Coyle, J, Novak, R, Gibson, B & Bardi, E. (2010) Transportation: A Supply Chain Perspective, South Western Cengage Learning, Ohio, USA.
Lumsden, K. (2007) Fundamentals of Logistics, Chalmers Insitute of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden. (it can be downloaded from the department website).
A selection of relevant articles will be posted on the course webpage.

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.