Logistics Course

Lesson 1 • Logistics Stakeholders and Relationships

Identifies internal and external parties involved in logistics operations. Shows how stakeholder alignment drives service quality and efficiency.

Lesson 2 • Core Logistics Functions and Flows

Examines the primary functional areas: transportation, warehousing, inventory, and information flow. Links each function to overall operational performance.

Lesson 3 • Defining Logistics and Its Scope

Covers the definition, historical evolution, and boundaries of logistics as a field. Establishes shared vocabulary used throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Supply Chain Tiers and Networks

Maps upstream and downstream tiers from raw material to end consumer. Clarifies how network structure shapes logistics complexity and cost.

Lesson 2 • Demand Characteristics and Flow Types

Analyzes how demand patterns influence supply chain and logistics design. Students learn to match flow strategies to product and market characteristics.

Lesson 3 • Supply Chain Risk and Resilience

Introduces sources of supply chain disruption and resilience strategies. Prepares students to incorporate risk thinking into logistics planning.

Lesson 1 • Freight Costing and Rate Structures

Explains how carriers price services and how shippers calculate total freight cost. Enables accurate cost comparison across transport options.

Lesson 2 • Carrier Selection and Management

Covers criteria for evaluating and selecting carriers and managing ongoing relationships. Links carrier performance to customer service outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Routing, Scheduling, and Load Planning

Teaches methods for optimizing delivery routes, schedules, and vehicle loads. Reduces transportation cost while maintaining service commitments.

Lesson 4 • Transportation Modes and Characteristics

Compares road, rail, air, sea, and pipeline transport on cost, speed, and capacity. Provides the foundation for mode selection decisions.

Lesson 1 • Warehouse Technology and Automation

Surveys barcode, RFID, warehouse management systems, and automation equipment. Shows how technology investments improve accuracy and throughput.

Lesson 2 • Inbound and Outbound Processes

Details receiving, put-away, picking, packing, and shipping workflows. Establishes process standards that reduce errors and cycle times.

Lesson 3 • Warehouse Performance and Cost Control

Introduces labor productivity metrics, cost-per-unit benchmarks, and continuous improvement tools. Enables data-driven warehouse management decisions.

Lesson 4 • Warehouse Types and Functions

Distinguishes storage warehouses, distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and cross-docks. Aligns facility type selection with supply chain strategy.

Lesson 1 • Safety Stock and Service Level Trade-offs

Quantifies safety stock requirements based on demand variability and lead time. Links inventory investment decisions to target customer service levels.

Lesson 2 • Inventory Concepts and Classification

Defines inventory types, costs, and classification methods such as ABC analysis. Provides the analytical foundation for all subsequent inventory decisions.

Lesson 3 • Inventory Accuracy and Cycle Counting

Covers cycle counting programs, root cause analysis for discrepancies, and record accuracy targets. Accurate records are prerequisite to reliable replenishment.

Lesson 4 • Demand Forecasting for Inventory

Covers qualitative and quantitative forecasting methods and forecast error measurement. Accurate forecasts directly reduce excess stock and stockouts.

Lesson 1 • Procurement Risk and Compliance

Identifies supply risk categories and compliance obligations in procurement. Protects the organization from disruption, fraud, and regulatory exposure.

Lesson 2 • Supplier Performance Management

Establishes scorecards, review cadences, and improvement plans for active suppliers. Ongoing performance management sustains quality and delivery commitments.

Lesson 3 • Supplier Identification and Qualification

Covers market research, supplier shortlisting, and qualification criteria. Ensures only capable suppliers enter the approved vendor base.

Lesson 4 • Competitive Sourcing and Negotiation

Explains RFQ and RFP processes, bid evaluation, and negotiation tactics. Students practice structuring competitive events and reaching favorable agreements.

Lesson 1 • Data Capture and Visibility Technologies

Covers barcode, RFID, IoT sensors, and GPS tracking for real-time logistics visibility. Visibility data enables proactive exception management and customer updates.

Lesson 2 • Logistics Analytics and Reporting

Introduces descriptive, diagnostic, and predictive analytics applied to logistics data. Analytics converts operational data into actionable performance insights.

Lesson 3 • Enterprise Systems in Logistics

Surveys ERP, WMS, TMS, and OMS platforms and their integration points. Establishes how enterprise systems form the digital backbone of logistics.

Lesson 4 • System Selection and Implementation

Guides students through requirements definition, vendor evaluation, and go-live planning. Practical implementation knowledge prevents costly system failures.

Lesson 1 • Continuous Improvement in Logistics

Applies lean, Six Sigma, and kaizen principles to logistics process improvement. Builds a culture of ongoing efficiency gains and waste elimination.

Lesson 2 • Network Optimization Techniques

Covers facility location modeling, flow path analysis, and network consolidation strategies. Optimized networks reduce cost while maintaining service commitments.

Lesson 3 • Logistics Strategy Development

Integrates all course concepts into a structured logistics strategy framework. Students align logistics capabilities with business objectives and competitive priorities.

Lesson 4 • Outsourcing and 3PL Strategy

Evaluates when and how to outsource logistics functions to third-party providers. Covers provider selection, contract design, and governance of outsourced operations.