Course syllabus

Humanitär logistik - logistik i utvecklingsländer och vid katastrofer
Humanitarian Logistics - disaster relief and logistics in developing countries

MTTN45, 7,5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2018/19
Decided by: PLED I
Date of Decision: 2018-03-20

General Information

Elective Compulsory for: MLOG2
Elective for: I4, M4, RH5, MKAT2
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

The course will give students fundamental and advanced knowledge about humanitarian logistics and the design, management and measurement of supply chains in the humanitarian context. Disaster relief as well as logistics in developing countries will be covered. The scope of the course is to provide an overview of the specific context of humanitarian logistics and a set of important available concepts, models and tools. The course will furnish an understanding of the important role of logistics and supply chain management in the humanitarian context. It will also convey the knowledge and skills to methodically analyse needs, and consequently to design, manage and measure the supply chain.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to use theories, models and tools to describe, analyse and evaluate supply chains in a humanitarian context.

This means that the students will have:

 

• an overall picture of specifics about the humanitarian context and how this (may) impact on the design of the supply chain
• an understanding of the relationships between key elements in the supply chain and how to use it in this particular context
• capacity to understand, explain, and compare a set of specific models for managing the humanitarian supply chain
• an understanding of how to measure performance and implement changes to improve overall supply chain efficiency
• basic knowledge of information and documentation requirements

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

independently be able to:

 

• methodically analyse needs and how they impact on supply chain design
• use established technical terms to communicate and discuss supply chain related issues in the humanitarian context
• put into practice models and tools presented in the course
• use reference literature and scientific publications to analyse, evaluate and develop solutions

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• have acquired a deeper insight into the humanitarian logistics area
• be confident with methods to be used for the analysis of humanitarian supply chains
• be able to apply critical thinking to humanitarian logistics problems
• have developed an interest in humanitarian logistics issues
• have improved their insight into the role of logistics in the humanitarian context

Contents

The humanitarian context: actors, activities and resources involved in disaster relief and logistics in developing countries; designing, managing and measuring supply chains; sourcing and procurement; outsourcing and cooperation with logistics service providers, coordination needs and means; infrastructure, transportation and warehousing; trends in logistics/SCM strategies and structures.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U,3,4,5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment: To qualify for a final grade, the student must have completed a compulsory project and cases. Evaluation of course performance is based on the project and participation in class. Parts: 2. Compulsory attendance may occur in certain parts.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Parts
Code: 0112. Name: Project.
Credits: 5. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: Approved project. Contents: The students engage in case work and are trained in small groups in identifying, theorizing, analyzing and understanding problems related to humanitarian logistics and supply chains.
Code: 0212. Name: Cases and Participation in Class.
Credits: 2,5. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: Approved assignments/cases. Contents: In the assignment/case studies, the students will work in groups to analyze and solve cases and to write and orally present and participate in discussions.

Admission

Admission requirements:

• MTTF01 Logistics OR MTTN01 Logistics in the Building Process OR VBRN40 Preparedness and Planning OR VRSN01 Introduction to Societal Resilience OR minimum 3 years of experience working with logistics and/or disaster management

The number of participants is limited to: No
The course might be cancelled: If the number of applicants is less than 12.

Reading list

• Tomasini, R & Wassenhove, L: Humanitarian logistics. INSEAD Business Press and Palgrave Macmillan, 2009, ISBN: 9780230205758.
• Simchi-Levi, D, Kaminsky, P & Simchi-Levi, E: Managing the supply chain, The definitive guide for the business professional. McGraw-Hill, 2004, ISBN: 9780071410311.
• Christopher, Martin: Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 4 ed. Financial Time Prentice Hall, 2012, ISBN: 9780273731122.
• Selected material announced at course start.

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Joakim Kembro, joakim.kembro@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 may result in an automatic drop from the course.