Course Objectives

This module provides students with a solid foundation of some of the key methods and procedures in the field of material flow and logistics planning. Students will learn to apply the range of tools and assessment methods to develop different planning alternatives by beginning the module with the actual collection of data for detailed analysis. Students will also gain proficiency in applying qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods to select the best planning alternative. The course will also place an emphasis on intensifying students’ theoretical foundation through working on a practical case study conducted in small groups.

Lecturer: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Johannes Fottner

This module provides students with an insightful overview of supply chains’ fundamental concepts, theories, and applications, covering its main challenges and planning methods. It aims to stimulate critical thinking and equips students with the strategic ability to find the insights behind theories that will help them to match the right supply chain for different types of products, align their supply chain planning in inventory management, procurement and sourcing as well as risk management to create value in supply chains.

Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Alexander Hübner

At the intersection between sustainability and productivity, organisations find their competitive edge as they navigate the new revolutionary wave of business in this 21st century. This module aims to provide students a rigorous insight into green supply chains, their drivers and objectives emphasising on innovative methodologies and techniques to reduce its carbon footprint while increasing the company’s short- and long-term profits. Students will also gain an in-depth understanding of the threats and growing vulnerability of global and local supply chains and strategies for mitigating and avoiding these risks.

The transformation that the consumer industry underwent over the past years has ushered in a new wave of technologies, such as analytical demand planning or integrated sales and operations planning, to ensure their operations are well integrated from suppliers through to customers with decisions made from an end-to-end perspective. This module addresses the key issues of logistics and supply chain management from the perspective of national and international consumer goods producers, wholesalers, retail chains and e-commerce companies from the fast-moving consumer goods, lifestyle and retail sectors. Students will be able to gain a solid understanding of the logistics framework across the value chain by analysing each step from the producer to the consumer. Students will also closely examine and analyse the possibilities of designing and integrating supply, engaging in close discussions on real-life case studies to apply theory in practice.

With an increasing number of logistics functions being outsourced to third-party logistics service providers (LSPs), a new set of challenges emerge that are different from traditional industrial management practices in many respects. The successful management of one’s supply chain is critical to understanding LSP’s complementary role in a company and how it can make a positive impact by improving efficiency and generating economic value. This module offers a critical insight into the global LSP industry, its key players and best management practices. Students are also introduced to the relevant theoretical concepts of advanced service management. In addition, students will understand the typical business models and management issues relevant to successful dealings with logistics outsourcing partners, thus preparing them for a successful career in the logistics services arena.

This module provides an incisive portrait of the issues that happen throughout the various stages of the supply chain. From the movement, storage, handling, and control to the protection of materials, goods, and products throughout the manufacturing, distribution, consumption and disposal process, students will closely study every stage of evaluating and selecting systems, mechanical equipment, systems and related controls. In addition, the module will also cover the principles of material handling systems and gain appreciation of leveraging internet of things technologies and ambient intelligence to optimise processes.