SCM 455: Logistics Systems Analysis and Design

Textbook Information

Required:

  • Contemporary Logistics, 12th Edition. Authors: Paul R. Murphy Jr., and A. Michael Knemeyer; ISBN: 978-0134519258.

Optional:

  • Chopra, Sunil and Meindl, Peter (2016), Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Operation, 6th Edition, Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. ISBN-13:  978-0133800203; ISBN-10:  0133800202.

Published Remarks

None

Hardware Requirements

None

Software Requirements

None

Proctored Exams

This course uses Honorlock for proctoring exams. You will need to take all exams using Chrome.  The practice exams will give you experience using Honorlock, but the software does not monitor your activity during the practice exams.  You will need to download and install the Chrome extension for Honorlock. 

Course Description

Method of Course Delivery: Asynchronous Online

SCM 455 (3 credits) is designed to familiarize the student with the basic concepts and techniques of logistics management. Logistics is concerned with the efficient flow and storage of both raw materials and finished goods, and the associated managerial activities needed for effective control of materials from their initial point of origin to their final point of consumption. This course will provide a basic understanding of the concepts and techniques important to analyzing business logistics problems. The strategic importance of logistics and its relationship to other functional areas of responsibility will be emphasized. 

Prerequisite or Concurrent Courses: SCM 301 or SCM 310.

Students who do not meet these prerequisites may be disenrolled according to Administrative Policy C-5. if they do not have the proper prerequisite override. Students who add the course after being disenrolled according to this policy are in violation of Item 15 of the Student Code of Conduct.

Course-Level Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, successful students will be able to:

  • Describe the principles of logistics management.
  • Identify the right supply chain for a given business strategy.
  • Comprehend the role of logistics in increasing profits in a firm.
  • Interpret dynamics within the supply chain to optimize performance and profitability.
  • Apply methods to enhance the performance of distribution, reverse logistics, and global supply chain communications.
  • Use linear programming models to solve logistics problems including classical vehicle routing, warehousing, and transportation issues.
  • Describe how trading partners may coordinate to increase logistics efficiency.
  • Sketch current logistics problems and solutions using case studies.

Course Requirements and Grading

SCM 455 will rely upon a variety of methods to assess and evaluate student learning, including:

  • online quizzes are low stakes and allow you to practice your mastery of the concepts in the lessons;
  • homework assignments are designed to let you use the methods and models introduced in the lessons to solve predefined problems;
  • case studies and final paper requires you to identify the business problems that are key to improving the performance of a company or achieving a business goal. You will be using various analytical tools to find solutions and develop managerial insights.  
  • required participation in online discussion – your substantive posts on an assigned topic will allow me to gauge your progress and ability to articulate key concepts;
  • exams will be used to evaluate your knowledge and skills through the learning. 

Note that the Check Your Knowledge and Vocabulary Review sections of the modules are not graded.  However, you will want to complete these assignments to prepare for your quizzes, homework, and exams.

You will earn a grade that reflects the extent to which you achieve the course learning objectives listed above. Grades are assigned by the percentage of possible points earned in each lesson’s activities. Below is a breakdown of each lesson’s value as a percentage of the total course grade.

Grading
Assignment Points Percentage
Quizzes 75 15%
Homework Assignments & Case Study 145 29%
Discussion Board Participation 30 6%
Final Paper 50 10%
Exams 200 40%
Total 500 100%

The following cut-off percentages (of total points possible) will be used to determine letter grades:

Grade Percentages
Grade Percentage Range
A > 93.0%
A- 90.0 – 92.99%
B+ 87.0 – 89.99%
B 83.0 – 86.99%
B- 80.0 – 82.99%
C+ 77.0 – 79.99%
C 70.0 – 76.99%
D 60.0 – 69.99%
F <59.99%

Late Policy

NO late assignments will be accepted. Only under VERY RARE and EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES may the instructor accept a late assignment at his/her discretion. Should a student have a medically related, military-related, or emergency circumstance that may cause concern for lack of timely assignment completion, he/she MUST communicate the issue with the instructor before the assignment deadline. The instructor will ask for any/all supporting documentation to validate the circumstance. Technology issues are NOT valid circumstances. Please start assignments early, ask questions, and DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE to submit as technology sometimes has issues. I’m willing to work with students if there’s an open line of communication. Sometimes things (life) happen, so don’t hesitate to get in touch as soon as the emergency arises. Remember, I am here to support and assist you.