Course syllabus
Internationell distributionsteknik
International Physical Distribution
MTT045, 7,5 credits, A (Second Cycle)
Valid for: 2013/14
Decided by: Education Board E
Date of Decision: 2013-04-17
General Information
Elective for: E4, E4-pla, I4, I4-lp, I4-mf, M4-lp
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English
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.
Learning outcomes
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 location 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 international trade
regulations, taxing 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.
Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must
independently be able to:
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)
Teaching methods
The course will be mainly taught through lectures, including guest
lecturers from industry. Additionally, a number of small-group
workshops/lessons will be held with the purpose of applying
theoretical knowledge and models/tools through case-based and
quantitative assignments.
Examination details
Grading scale: TH
Assessment: To qualify for a final grade, the student must have passed the written examination and completed compulsory assignments. Evaluation of course performance is based on the written examination and the assignments.
Parts
Code: 0111. Name: International Physical Distribution.
Credits: 4,5. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: Passed written examination. Contents: Literature, lectures and assignments.
Code: 0211. Name: Assignments.
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.
Admission
Admission requirements:
- MTTF01 Logistics or MTTN01 Logistics in the building process
Required prior knowledge: MTTN25 Warehousing and Materials Handling or MTT091/MTTF10 Materials Handling.
The number of participants is limited to: No
The course might be cancelled: If the number of applicants is less than 16.
Reading list
- Lumsden, K.: Fundamentals of Logistics. Chalmers Tekniska Högskola, 2007. Can be downloaded from the department website.
- Coyle, J, Novak, R, Gibson, B & Bardi, E: Transportation, A Supply Chain Perspective. South Western Cengage Learning, 2010, ISBN: 978-0324789195.
- A selection of relevant articles will be posted on the course webpage.
Contact and other information
Course coordinator: Dr. Kostas Selviaridis, kostas.selviaridis@tlog.lth.se
Course homepage: http://www.tlog.lth.se
Further information: Participation is mandatory for the first session. Absence from the first class session will result in an automatic drop from the course.