Business Logistics Course

Lesson 1 • Core Logistics System Components

Maps the physical and informational components that form a logistics system. Learners identify how each component interacts to move goods efficiently.

Lesson 2 • Stakeholders in Logistics Operations

Identifies internal and external parties whose decisions shape logistics outcomes. Builds awareness of cross-functional dependencies critical for later chapters.

Lesson 3 • Logistics Performance Metrics

Introduces key performance indicators used to measure logistics effectiveness. Connects measurement to continuous improvement goals throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Demand Variability and Uncertainty

Examines sources of demand variability and their downstream logistics impact. Learners learn to quantify uncertainty and build buffers into planning.

Lesson 2 • Collaborative Demand Planning

Introduces cross-functional and cross-company demand planning frameworks. Learners apply collaborative techniques to reduce forecast error and inventory waste.

Lesson 3 • Order Processing and Cycle Management

Details the steps from order receipt to fulfilment and the metrics that govern cycle performance. Links order management efficiency to customer satisfaction outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Lean Inventory and Just-in-Time Principles

Applies lean thinking to reduce inventory waste while maintaining flow. Learners assess when just-in-time approaches are viable given supply chain risk profiles.

Lesson 2 • Inventory Replenishment Models

Covers fixed-order quantity and fixed-interval replenishment models with their trade-offs. Learners select appropriate models based on cost and service constraints.

Lesson 3 • Safety Stock and Service Level Design

Quantifies safety stock requirements under varying lead time and demand uncertainty. Connects inventory investment decisions directly to target service levels.

Lesson 4 • Inventory Visibility and Control Systems

Examines technologies and processes that maintain accurate inventory records. Learners evaluate control systems that prevent shrinkage and support replenishment accuracy.

Lesson 1 • Warehouse Technology and Automation

Surveys warehouse management systems, conveyors, sorters, and robotic picking tools. Learners evaluate automation investments against labour cost and volume thresholds.

Lesson 2 • Warehouse Labour and Productivity Management

Addresses workforce planning, engineered labour standards, and productivity incentives. Links labour management to overall distribution centre cost control.

Lesson 3 • Warehouse Design and Layout Planning

Covers principles for designing storage zones, aisles, and dock configurations. Connects layout decisions to throughput capacity and picking efficiency.

Lesson 4 • Order Picking Strategies

Compares discrete, batch, zone, and wave picking methods by cost and speed. Learners select picking strategies aligned with order profiles and volume.

Lesson 1 • Transportation Modes and Their Trade-offs

Compares road, rail, air, ocean, and pipeline transport by cost, speed, and capacity. Provides the mode-selection framework applied throughout the chapter.

Lesson 2 • Transportation Management Systems

Surveys TMS capabilities for tendering, tracking, and freight payment. Learners assess TMS selection criteria and integration with warehouse and ERP systems.

Lesson 3 • Carrier Evaluation and Contracting

Covers criteria for evaluating carriers and structuring service agreements. Learners draft carrier scorecards and understand key contract provisions.

Lesson 4 • Route Planning and Load Optimisation

Applies routing algorithms and load-building techniques to maximize vehicle utilisation. Learners use optimisation logic to reduce cost per unit shipped.

Lesson 1 • Ocean and Air Freight Management

Details booking, documentation, and cost management for ocean and air shipments. Learners apply mode selection criteria to international shipment scenarios.

Lesson 2 • Global Inventory Positioning

Addresses how to position inventory across international nodes to balance cost and responsiveness. Connects global inventory strategy to demand variability and lead times.

Lesson 3 • International Trade Fundamentals

Introduces trade terms, documentation requirements, and the roles of trade intermediaries. Establishes the regulatory and commercial context for global logistics.

Lesson 4 • Customs Clearance and Trade Compliance

Covers import and export declaration processes, tariff classification, and compliance programmes. Learners identify compliance risks and mitigation strategies.

Lesson 1 • Emerging Technologies in Logistics

Surveys blockchain, autonomous vehicles, and drone delivery and their logistics applications. Learners assess readiness and adoption criteria for emerging technology investments.

Lesson 2 • Logistics Information Systems Landscape

Maps the ecosystem of ERP, WMS, TMS, and visibility platforms and their integration points. Provides the technology context for all analytical tools covered in the chapter.

Lesson 3 • Descriptive and Diagnostic Analytics

Applies dashboards, KPI reporting, and root cause analysis to logistics performance data. Learners build reports that translate data into actionable operational insights.

Lesson 4 • Predictive and Prescriptive Analytics

Introduces machine learning forecasting and optimization models applied to logistics problems. Learners interpret model outputs to support network and inventory decisions.

Lesson 1 • Network Design Principles and Objectives

Establishes the strategic objectives, constraints, and trade-offs that drive network design decisions. Frames network design as a tool for competitive differentiation.

Lesson 2 • Facility Location Analysis

Applies quantitative and qualitative methods to select optimal facility locations. Learners evaluate site candidates using weighted scoring and gravity models.

Lesson 3 • Network Continuous Improvement and Governance

Establishes processes for ongoing network performance monitoring and periodic redesign triggers. Learners create governance frameworks that keep networks aligned with business growth.

Lesson 4 • Network Modelling and Scenario Analysis

Uses network optimization models to compare current and alternative network configurations. Learners interpret model outputs and translate them into strategic recommendations.