GRA 6718 Distribution and Logistics Service Providers

GRA 6718 Distribution and Logistics Service Providers

Course code: 
GRA 6718
Department: 
Department of Accounting and Operations Management
Credits: 
6
Course coordinator: 
Bente Merete Flygansvær
Course name in Norwegian: 
Distribution and Logistics Service Providers
Product category: 
Master
Portfolio: 
MSc in Business - Supply Chain and Operations Management
Semester: 
2018 Spring
Active status: 
Active
Level of study: 
Master
Teaching language: 
English
Course type: 
One semester
Introduction

Any company is linked to other organisations, whether it is suppliers, customers, logistics service providers, or other intermediaries. The performance of the individual firm is dependent on the strength and weaknesses of its partners in the supply chain. Such distribution arrangements are developing in a global context which needs to take the environment into consideration. This development has had a significant impact on shippers and logistics service providers as well as on other participants in the distribution network. In this course strategic issues and challenges linked to the outbound part of logistics, i.e. distribution will be addressed.

Learning outcomes - Knowledge
  • To understand the complexity that distribution in its new context represent and the implications for distribution strategies.
  • To understand and appreciate the vast tactical and strategic decisions logisticians have to consider when trying to navigate in logistics network consisting of a myriad of actors all trying to win the customers lust and all trying to deliver leading edge services that are sustainable in the long run.
  • To gain knowledge about analytical methods and tools, and their practical usage when analysing and solving comprehensive real life problems facing managers
Learning outcomes - Skills
  • To be able to explain how complex issues can be broken down into concrete tactical and strategic decision options
  • To be confident enough to approach logistics issues in a creative and solution oriented way
  • To be able to communicate verbally and in writing how current theoretical perspectives in the field is applicable to logistics professionals
Learning Outcome - Reflection
  • To understand the implication distribution in its new context has on future distribution choices
  • To be experience first hand how real life logistics problems can be tackled using an array of perspectives, tools and creative solutions
Course content

Major topics to be covered include:

  • The role of transport in the economy and global trade
  • Transport modes
  • Third party logistics from shipper and carrier perspectives
  • Costing and pricing Information Management and Technology
  • Distribution arrangements
  • Environmental considerations in distribution and transport
Learning process and requirements to students

Learning through a mix of theoretical readings and other material, group assignments and presentations, and class interaction and contribution. The workload is moderate but the final grade reflects the work the students have put into the different parts of the course. Students are required to actively participate in case presentations and discussions. 

Please note that while attendance is not compulsory in all courses, it is the student’s own responsibility to obtain any information provided in class that is not included on the course homepage/It's learning or text book.

This is a course with continuous assessment (several exam components) and one final exam code. Each exam component is graded by using points on a scale from 0-100. The components will be weighted together according to the information in the course description in order to calculate the final letter grade for the examination code (course). Students who fail to participate in one/some/all exam elements will get a lower grade or may fail the course. You will find detailed information about the point system and the cut off points with reference to the letter grades when the course start.

At resit, all exam components must, as a main rule, be retaken during next scheduled course.

Software tools
No specified computer-based tools are required.
Qualifications

All courses in the Masters programme will assume that students have fulfilled the admission requirements for the programme. In addition, courses in second, third and/or fourth semester can have specific prerequisites and will assume that students have followed normal study progression. For double degree and exchange students, please note that equivalent courses are accepted.

Exam categoryWeightInvigilationDurationGroupingComment exam
Exam category:
Activity
Form of assessment:
Class participation
Exam code:
GRA67181
Grading scale:
Point scale
Grading rules:
Internal examiner
Resit:
All components must, as a main rule, be retaken during next scheduled course
40No -Individual
Exam category:
Submission
Form of assessment:
Written submission
Exam code:
GRA67181
Grading scale:
Point scale
Grading rules:
Internal and external examiner
Resit:
All components must, as a main rule, be retaken during next scheduled course
60No1 Semester(s)Group (3 - 4)
Exams:
Exam category:Activity
Form of assessment:Class participation
Weight:40
Invigilation:No
Grouping (size):Individual
Duration: -
Comment:
Exam code:GRA67181
Grading scale:Point scale
Resit:All components must, as a main rule, be retaken during next scheduled course
Exam category:Submission
Form of assessment:Written submission
Weight:60
Invigilation:No
Grouping (size):Group (3-4)
Duration:1 Semester(s)
Comment:
Exam code:GRA67181
Grading scale:Point scale
Resit:All components must, as a main rule, be retaken during next scheduled course
Exam organisation: 
Continuous assessment
Grading scale: 
ECTS
Total weight: 
100
Sum workload: 
0

A course of 1 ECTS credit corresponds to a workload of 26-30 hours. Therefore a course of 6 ECTS credits corresponds to a workload of at least 160 hours.