MN4450 Logistics Strategy

This is the logistics capstone course. The course is concerned with the linkage between strategic objectives and how to enable and support those objectives, and explores how fundamental aspects of logistics planning and execution provide input to and shape "big decisions." It expands the understanding of logistics strategy as a concept within the area of operations, logistics and supply chain management. The course examines and critiques both established and emerging logistics practices in terms of costs and benefits, and it explores how to develop and advocate alternative logistics approaches to support current and future institutional goals while mitigating associated risks.

Prerequisite

GE3042 and MN4480 or equivalents, or instructor permission.

Lecture Hours

3

Lab Hours

0

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, you will be able to:

  • Assess, identify, and offset risks associated with a logistics strategy based upon knowledge of people and materiel to be moved, transportation methods chosen and the characteristics of the supply network as well as compare different logistics strategies and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each;
  • Evaluate various stock positioning strategies, assess the relationship between stock positioning and transportation planning, measure the impact of warehousing decisions on inventory requirements, and evaluate the operational implications of warehouse placement, configuration, and materiel handling policies;
  • Identify various risks in a logistics strategy; examine different approaches to mitigating or minimizing risks and uncertainty in the logistics environment; estimate the costs of uncertainty in the logistics environment;
  • Assess costs and benefits of various logistics strategies;
  • Develop models to solve problems related to course learning outcomes;
  • Understand how to develop and advocate policy recommendations within a bureaucratic organization to address emergent logistics issues.