APPLIES TO ACADEMIC YEAR 2016/2017

GRA 6718 Distribution and Logistics Service Providers

Responsible for the course
Bente Merete Flygansvær

Department
Department of Accounting - Auditing and Business Analytics

Term
According to study plan

ECTS Credits
6

Language of instruction
English

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 outcome
Acquired 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

Acquired 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

Reflections
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

Prerequisites

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 spesific prerequisites and will assume that students have followed normal study progression. For double degree and exchange students, please note that equivalent courses are accepted.

Compulsory reading

Articles:
The literature in the course is comprised of selected articles and book chapters on the topic of distribution and logistics service providers. The readings will be taken from logistics and supply chain management journals and books, such as International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management, The International Journal of Logistics Management, International Journal of Logistics Research and Application, Industrial Marketing Management, Long Range Planning, Production and Operations Management and also related literature from European Journal of Marketing, Journal of Business Research.

Other:
During the course there may be hand-outs and other material on additional topics relevant for the course and the examination.


Recommended reading

Course outline
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

Computer-based tools


Learning process and workload
A course of 6 ECTS credits corresponds to a workload of 160-180 hours.

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.


Examination
The course grade will be based on the following activities and weights:

Class participation 40%
Each student will be expected to attend class, present articles, participate in discussions and hand in reflection notes from class discussions.

Term paper 60%
The theme of the term paper will be published at semester start.