Objectives

This course aims to provide the main methodologies and criteria for analysing, designing and managing the Logistics Process. After an overview on the strategic importance of Logistics and on the Performance Measurement Framework, the course addresses the 3 main layers of Logistics Management: Execution, Advanced Planning, System Design. The last section of the course is dedicated to Innovation Topics in Logistics.

Programme 

1. The strategic role of Logistics Management. Definition of Logistics Management. Evolution of the concept of Logistics. Logistics and Supply Chain Management. The 3-layer model: execution, planning, design. The role of Logistics in the corporate strategy. Types of Logistics Strategies.
2. Logistics Performance Measurement System. Logistic costs measurement and analysis. Customer service KPIs. “Cost-Service” relationship.
3. Logistics Execution. Warehouse Design and Management: objectives, criteria, methodologies, quantitative decision-support models. Automated warehouses: performance indicators, technical features, management policies, application fields, design methods. Order Picking: technological solutions, design methods, management policies. Transportation Management. Transportation modes (road, ship, train, air, multimodal/intermodal): features and application fields. Optimization of road transportation.
4. Advanced Inventory Planning. Inventory planning in a multi-item multi-node logistic system. Collaborative Planning: Information sharing, Central coordination models (e.g. Vendor Managed Inventory -VMI), Collaboration models (e.g. Collaborative Planning Forecasting and Replenishment-CPFR). Impacts of inventory management on order cycle time.
5. Logistics System Design. Logistic network design and management. Distribution network typologies: single and multi echelon, hub and spoke, mixed structures. Design methodologies and quantitative decision support tools. Outsourcing of Logistics: objectives, logistic service providers, selection criteria. Global logistics networks
6. Innovation in Logistics. eCommerce and Multi-channel Logistics. Tracking and tracing along the logistics system: RFId and Internet of Things. Sustainable Logistics. Reverse Logistics.

Course Organisation, Teaching Methods and Reference Material

The Logistics Management Course is based on the assumption that students have a basic knowledge of Production and Logistics Planning Models (Demand Forecasting, Inventory Management, Production Planning). Students that do not have this basic knowledge will be provided with references and material to fill the gap. 

The lessons will be both theoretical and quantitative (about 15 practical exercises). Students will have the opportunity to visit some relevant logistic structures (e.g. distribution centres, warehouses, inter-modal platforms, etc.) and to attend lectures held by executives of important multinational companies.

The teaching material consists of: (i) set of slides supporting the in-class lectures; (ii) practical lessons/exercises; (iii) supplementary exercises; (iv) selected references (selection of papers and chapters of relevant books, videos, etc.). All the material will be available before the related lesson on https://beep.metid.polimi.it.

The final exam consists of a written part (2-3 quantitative exercises + 2-3 theoretic questions with open/essay answer) and an oral part. Access to the oral exam is allowed only if the written exam is sufficient. Both parts are mandatory and must be taken in the same session. The written exam may be taken by passing 2 in-itinere written examinations having the same structure as the final written examination.

The teaching material consists of: (i) set of slides supporting the in-class lectures; (ii) practical lessons/exercises; (iii) supplementary exercises; (iv) selected references (selection of papers and chapters of relevant books, videos, etc.). All the material will be available before the related lesson on https://beep.metid.polimi.it.