Logistics, Transportation and Distribution

Transportation has been called the "glue" that holds supply chains together. Logistics Management is the art and science of purposefully engineering and coordinating systems and processes that allow transportation, distribution and storage networks to work together efficiently, effectively, and seamlessly. Advancements in transportation technology have been the key enablers of the rise of global trade, offering broad product selection at reasonable prices to consumers in developed economies, and lifting millions living in the developing economies out of abject poverty. In this course, students will explore the fascinating world of transportation and logistics management. The four primary modes of transportation – road, rail, marine and air – will be reviewed in order to better understand the particular features, benefits and limitations of each, and how they link together through a concept called "inter-modalism." Students will learn about the importance of transportation security in the context of new risks that face modern supply chains. Students will better appreciate the economic impact that transportation has upon businesses and firms, along with the Logistics Manager's role in corporate strategy development. And the class will glimpse into the tremendous potential that the future holds for practitioners in this exciting field. This course will be of special interest to those students who want to build a career in all supply chain and operations management disciplines, and in particular the areas of logistics, transportation management, and procurement.