Introduction to Logistics Course

Lesson 1 • Key Stakeholders in Logistics

Identifies shippers, carriers, intermediaries, and end customers. Students understand each party's interests and how they interact within the system.

Lesson 2 • Defining Logistics and Its Scope

Covers the formal definition, historical evolution, and boundaries of logistics. Anchors all subsequent topics by establishing shared terminology.

Lesson 3 • The Supply Chain Structure

Maps upstream and downstream flows of goods, information, and money. Students can diagram a basic supply chain and identify each node's role.

Lesson 4 • Logistics Value and Customer Service

Explains how logistics generates place, time, and form utility. Connects service levels to customer satisfaction and competitive advantage.

Lesson 1 • Freight Rates and Cost Structures

Breaks down how carriers price services, including line-haul, accessorial, and fuel surcharges. Students calculate total transportation cost for a shipment.

Lesson 2 • Carrier Selection and Procurement

Covers criteria for evaluating and selecting carriers, including reliability, capacity, and compliance. Links carrier quality to overall supply chain performance.

Lesson 3 • Overview of Transportation Modes

Compares road, rail, air, ocean, and pipeline transport on speed, cost, and capacity. Builds the decision framework used in later mode-selection exercises.

Lesson 4 • Transportation Documentation and Compliance

Reviews essential shipping documents and regulatory compliance requirements. Ensures students can prepare and verify documentation for domestic shipments.

Lesson 1 • Facility Layout and Space Utilisation

Covers slotting, aisle design, and vertical space use to maximise throughput. Students apply layout principles to a sample floor plan exercise.

Lesson 2 • Warehouse Functions and Types

Distinguishes storage, distribution, fulfilment, and cross-dock facilities by function. Establishes the operational context for all subsequent warehousing topics.

Lesson 3 • Order Picking and Packing Methods

Compares discrete, batch, zone, and wave picking strategies for efficiency. Students match picking methods to order profiles and volume levels.

Lesson 4 • Receiving, Putaway, and Storage

Details inbound processes from dock receipt through product placement in storage. Connects accurate receiving to inventory integrity downstream.

Lesson 1 • Inventory Types and Classification

Categorises inventory by function—cycle, safety, pipeline, and anticipation stock. Provides the classification framework used in all subsequent inventory decisions.

Lesson 2 • Reorder Point and Safety Stock Calculation

Teaches formulas for reorder point, lead time demand, and safety stock sizing. Students solve numerical problems using real demand and lead time data.

Lesson 3 • Inventory Accuracy and Cycle Counting

Explains root causes of inventory discrepancies and cycle counting programmes. Accurate records are prerequisite to reliable replenishment and order fulfilment.

Lesson 4 • Demand Forecasting Fundamentals

Covers qualitative and quantitative forecasting methods and error measurement. Accurate forecasts reduce excess inventory and stockouts in later planning steps.

Lesson 1 • Supplier Performance Management

Introduces scorecards, corrective action plans, and supplier development programmes. Closes the procurement loop by linking supplier output to supply chain goals.

Lesson 2 • Competitive Bidding and Negotiation

Explains RFQ and RFP processes, bid evaluation, and negotiation tactics. Students practice total cost of ownership analysis to support negotiation positions.

Lesson 3 • Procurement Process and Strategy

Maps the procure-to-pay cycle and distinguishes strategic from tactical purchasing. Frames procurement as a value driver, not merely a cost function.

Lesson 4 • Supplier Contracts and Terms

Reviews key contract clauses, payment terms, and performance guarantees. Students identify risk-shifting provisions and their operational implications.

Lesson 1 • Export and Import Documentation

Covers commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and customs declarations. Students complete a sample export documentation package.

Lesson 2 • International Freight and Insurance

Compares ocean, air, and multimodal international freight options and cargo insurance types. Students select appropriate coverage for high-value international shipments.

Lesson 3 • Incoterms and Risk Transfer

Explains the standard trade terms that define cost and risk allocation between buyer and seller. Students assign correct terms to given trade scenarios.

Lesson 4 • Global Trade Environment

Surveys trade agreements, tariff structures, and non-tariff barriers affecting logistics. Provides the regulatory context for all international shipment decisions.

Lesson 1 • Barcode, RFID, and Auto-ID Technologies

Compares barcode, RFID, and QR code technologies for inventory and asset tracking. Students evaluate technology fit based on read rate, cost, and environment.

Lesson 2 • Emerging Technologies in Logistics

Surveys automation, IoT, blockchain, and AI applications transforming logistics operations. Students assess readiness and potential ROI of emerging technology adoption.

Lesson 3 • Logistics Information System Landscape

Surveys ERP, WMS, TMS, and OMS platforms and their integration points. Establishes the technology architecture context for all subsequent system topics.

Lesson 4 • Data Analytics in Logistics

Introduces descriptive, diagnostic, and predictive analytics applied to logistics data. Students interpret dashboards and identify actionable insights from KPI reports.

Lesson 1 • Supply Chain Risk Identification

Categorises demand, supply, operational, and external risks using structured frameworks. Builds the risk inventory that feeds all subsequent mitigation planning.

Lesson 2 • Risk Mitigation Strategies

Covers diversification, dual sourcing, safety stock buffers, and contractual protections. Students select mitigation strategies matched to specific risk profiles.

Lesson 3 • Business Continuity and Disruption Response

Designs business continuity plans, escalation protocols, and recovery time objectives. Students draft a response playbook for a simulated supply disruption.

Lesson 4 • Building Long-Term Supply Chain Resilience

Explores flexibility, agility, and redundancy as strategic resilience levers. Connects resilience investment to competitive advantage and stakeholder confidence.