LogisticsProjects

=MP 30 LO: Decision support in logistics projects by quantitative models=

1. Introduction
During execution of logistics projects various different decision situations occur. Many of them could not be supported in an optimal way without mathematical models. Additionally the decision support is done very often with estimates or past figures for the required data.

Therefore one main topic of this course is to work out different decision situations in logistics projects, in which mathematical models are required. The second main topic includes the mathematical modelling of the developed decision situations as well as the optimal solution of these problems. The third main topic extends the solution methods, so that problems with uncertain data can be solved.

2. Course structure

 * Supply Chain Management concepts
 * Types of Supply Chains
 * Planning tasks along Supply Chains with special focus on logistics
 * Prerequisites and challenges of project management to enable collaborative planning in Supply Chains


 * Transferring decision situations in linear optimization models
 * Solving linear optimization models with state-of-the-art software
 * Interpretation of results
 * Limitations of linear models without uncertainty


 * Different methods to deal with uncertain data
 * Scenario analyses
 * Robust solutions

3. Case studies
The course includes various small case studies, e.g. finding cost optimal transport structures

4. Parameters
ECTS: 6 Hours of study in total:180 Weekly hours per semester: 4 Course characteristics: compulsory Course frequency: every year - winter semester Maximal capacity: 10 students Course admittance prerequisites: Modules of the first 2 semesters - the exams of 2 modules out of 10 can be open Skills trained in this course: professional, methodological, and personal skills Assessment of the course: Teaching staff: Prof. Dr. Stephanie Thorn, (Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Tysiak)
 * Contact hours: 60
 * Self study hours: 120
 * 75% contributions within the course (homework, group work, presentations, case studies)
 * 25% written or oral examination at the end of the course

5. Learning outcomes

 * 5.1 Knowledge**

The students can


 * explain the differences of Supply Chain Management Concepts
 * give an overview of logistical planning task along the supply chain
 * explain the limitations of linear models
 * explain different methods to deal with uncertain data
 * explain the challenges of project management in cross-company Supply Chains
 * explain prerequisites for successful Supply Chain Management Projects


 * 5.2 Skills**

The students are able to


 * develop a linear optimization model, based on a real decision situation
 * apply adequate optimization software
 * interpret the solution of the models in the real decision situation
 * apply scenario analyses to deal with uncertain data
 * solve selected planning problems along the supply chain with adequate models and methods

in a given context in the course.


 * 5.3 Competence - attitude**

They are able to
 * structure decision situations
 * solve logistical problems
 * understand optimization models and methods

in a new context / project.


 * 5.4 On scaling outcomes**


 * Analysis - assessed according to complexity and completeness
 * Models – assessed according to correctness, complexity and completeness
 * Tools - appropriate application, correctness, complexity and completeness of results

=6. Teaching and training methods:=

Lectures introducing concepts, methods and tools Group work to train concepts and methods, to develop skills and to work on case studies Home work to add individual contributions Presentations to communicate results

=7. Course mapping=

All courses of the first 2 semesters contribute to this course. There is a strong link to risk management.

Risk Management is strongly linked to optimization with uncertain data. The evaluated risks could be the input for scenario analyses.
 * MP09: Managing Risk:**

=8. References:=

Sarker, R.A.; Newton, C.S. (2008): Optimization Modelling: A practical approach, Boca Raton 2008. Kilger, C.; Stadtler, H. (2009): Supply Chain Management and Advanced Planning: Concepts, Models, Software, and Case Studies, 4. ed., Berlin, Heidelberg 2009. Ayers, J.B. (2010): Supply Chain Project Management: A structured collaborative and measurable approach, 2. ed., Boca Raton 2010. User guidelines for FICO Xpress Optimization Suite