Description

This course provides a foundation of analytical tools, methods and applications of logistics systems in the context of planning and operations of integrated supply chain systems. The material is useful for students interested in managing supply chain systems providing background on where and how specific methods can be used for improving overall performance of the supply chain. The course is broadly divided into two parts: (1) Science of Logistics which provides an introduction to unique characteristics of supply chain management; demand forecasting, planning and management; inventory control and planning; operational transportation issues such as vehicle routing and supply chain contracts and network design. (2) Business of Logistics which discusses the applications of the science to real-world logistics systems. Real-world case studies from past problems will be the basis for discussion and will include the nature of costs in supply chain networks, operational issues, vehicle routing problems, and interactions of carriers and shippers using auctions. The course will use intuitive arguments and mathematical optimization tools to illustrate the concepts in a rigorous fashion. Examples of problems that will be discussed include a few examples of real-world problems in logistics (Dell supply chain, multimodal transportation from Asia to Europe), supply chain contracts, auctions in freight supply chains, and intermodal considerations in freight modeling.