Module 1 discussion
Reply substantively to only one of the topics below. Begin
your reply by copying and pasting the topic in the first line of your reply.
Refer to the “Modules –> Course Specific Information –>
Discussions” section for substantive participation requirement and
information on accessing the grading criteria rubric.
Discussion responses must be a minimum of 500 words (per
question where applicable); however, “distinguished” work will always exceed
minimum requirements. All discussion
posts will have a minimum of three references.
Is logistics part of supply chain management? Or is supply
chain management part of logistics management? Defend your answer.
Access the GE Aviation website (Links to an external
site.)Links to an external site.. Discuss some of the benefits of integrated
logistics management noted by GE Aviation.
Access the Defense Acquisition University website (Links to
an external site.)Links to an external site.. Describe your findings about how
the Department of Defense defines integrated logistics management (i.e., the
integrated management of a number of logistics support elements).
Research another reference to integrated logistics
management and share your findings with the class.
Reply substantively to at least two of your classmates on
two different topics than your original post. Review the evaluation rubric for
grading criteria: How do I view the rubric for my graded discussion?
Module 2 discussion
Reply substantively to only one topic from each group below.
Begin your reply by copying and pasting the topic in the first line of your
reply. Refer to the “Discussions” section for substantive
participation requirements and grading criteria rubric.
Discussion responses must be a minimum of 250 words (per
question where applicable); however, “distinguished” work will always exceed
minimum requirements. All discussion
posts will have a minimum of three references.
Group 1:
Some unique technologies have evolved from needs within the
logistics community. Two of these, RFID and simulation, have impacted not just
processes within logistics, but also how business is conducted in general.
Select one of the above technologies and describe how it has changed the
management of logistics in a firm with a specific example to illustrate your
point.
As indicated in the previous question, RFID is having a
major impact on the management of logistics. What are some of the issues or
challenges associated with the implementation of RFID?
As you search the internet for logistics applications you
may run into CRM, SCM, or ERP solutions. What do these acronyms mean and what
is their relationship to logistics management?
The text presents many examples of how the internet has
streamlined the distribution process. From an integrated logistics point of
view, what are some of the impacts you might expect on other functional areas
such as Procurement, HR, Marketing, Finance, Manufacturing, IT, Legal, etc.
Select one of these areas and address how a new web-enabled distribution
process might affect that functional area. Defend your answer.
Group 2:
The text presents three demand forecasting models. The
concept of collaborative planning, forecasting, and replenishment (CPFR) is
also briefly presented. Discuss how these two concepts form just one aspect of
a true integrated logistics process. What are some of the issues that may
become apparent when implementing CPFR?
We have addressed the critical role of information
technology in managing logistics. Go to the website for Oracle, SAP, IBM, or
another software firm and briefly describe what you find about their demand
management or order management products in terms of their capabilities to track
supply and demand, as well as proposed benefits.
Reply substantively to at least two of your classmates on
two different topics than your original post.
Module 3 discussion
Reply substantively to only one of the topics below. Begin
your reply by copying and pasting the topic in the first line of your reply. Refer
to the “Discussions” section for substantive participation requirements
and grading criteria rubric.
Discussion responses must be a minimum of 500 words (per
question where applicable); however, “distinguished” work will always exceed
minimum requirements. All discussion
posts will have a minimum of three references.
How do the packaging concepts presented in this module
impact the unique requirements associated with air cargo? Research the website
for Fed Ex, UPS, DHL, or another air cargo carrier and report your findings
about their air cargo packaging requirements and/or services. Defend your
answer.
In the last several years, air cargo facilities have
benefited from the revolutions in standard warehouse design. Examples include
the air cargo facilities of express shippers and the new Hong Kong
International airport facility. How can RFID-enabled Unit Load devices benefit
air cargo and air passenger baggage service? Support your answer with specific
examples from your findings.
Describe the relationship between packaging, the
environment, corporate social responsibility, and logistics. Provide one or
more examples to support your position.
Reply substantively to at least two of your classmates on
two different topics than your original post.
Module 4 discussion
Reply substantively to only one of the topics below. Begin
your reply by copying and pasting the topic in the first line of your reply.
Refer to the “Discussions” section for substantive participation
requirements and grading criteria rubric.
Discussion responses must be a minimum of 500 words (per
question where applicable); however, “distinguished” work will always exceed
minimum requirements. All discussion
posts will have a minimum of three references.
One of the greatest changes in the transportation industry
has been the steady growth in the use of containers. Based on the role of
logistics in the world’s economy, do you expect that growth to continue?
Explain why or why not, and provide examples. Cite three or more references to
back up your position.
Look up the freight forwarding capabilities of a large
parcel carrier (UPS, Fed Ex, DHL, or another) and describe the scope of
services offered, geographic coverage, and their freight forwarding
capabilities.
Do you think the role of a transportation manager in a
collaborative supply chain has changed significantly due to the introduction of
new technology as discussed in the readings and presentations? Explain why.
Cite one or more examples to illustrate your point.
If you were building a performance scorecard for your
transportation function, what metrics would you include to help you track and
manage performance? Justify your choice and provide examples.
Reply substantively to at least two of your classmates on
two different topics than your original post.
Module 5 discussion
Reply substantively to only one of the topics below. Begin
your reply by copying and pasting the topic in the first line of your reply.
Refer to the “Discussions” section for substantive participation
requirements and grading criteria rubric.
Discussion responses must be a minimum of 500 words (per
question where applicable); however, “distinguished” work will always exceed
minimum requirements. All discussion
posts will have a minimum of three references.
Using the internet or other resources, describe at least one
example of a major firm located in a new city or state and describe the
facility location benefits supported by the firm or local government officials.
How can the internet be used to assist in the site selection
process to locate a facility? Give at least one example to illustrate your
point.
Free trade zones are frequently located around major
airports or seaports. Discuss how locating a free trade zone at a secondary
international airport (meaning predominantly cargo and not passenger) can be
beneficial to a community and contribute to the region’s supply chain
capabilities. Use an airport such as the one located in Louisville, Kentucky as
an example.
There are a variety of software applications that can be
used to assist in the site selection process. Using the internet, identify and
briefly describe at least one example of a software application that can be
used by logistics managers to facilitate location decision making such as the
use of Geographic Information Systems, network optimization modeling,
transportation modeling, etc.
Reply substantively to at least two of your classmates on
two different topics than your original post.
Module 6 discussion
Reply substantively to only one topic from each group below.
Begin your reply by copying and pasting the topic in the first line of your
reply. Refer to the “Discussions” section for substantive
participation requirements and grading criteria rubric.
Discussion responses must be a minimum of 250 words (per
question where applicable); however, “distinguished” work will always exceed
minimum requirements. All discussion
posts will have a minimum of three references.
Group 1:
What is cross-docking and why is it an important concept for
many corporations? Support your answer with examples.
Using the internet, look up and briefly describe the
capabilities and proposed benefits of at least one warehouse management
software application (or warehouse management solution). Support your answer with examples.
Select one or more technologies related to warehouse
management (RFID, voice recognition, bar coding, scanners, robotics, etc.) and
describe the potential impact of that technology on the design and management
of a warehouse or distribution center. Support your answer with examples.
Group 2:
Using the internet, look up and describe the capabilities
and proposed benefits of at least one inventory management software application
(or inventory management solution). Support your answer with examples.
Many business analysts use inventory turnover as one of
several major metrics to assess the financial health and future success of a
corporation. How can inventory turnover ratios offer insight into the health of
a company’s operations? Support your answer with examples.
If you were the decision maker, would you choose to let
another firm manage your inventory (i.e., Vendor Managed Inventory). Why or why
not? Support your discussion with some recent industry examples.
Reply substantively to at least two of your classmates on
two different topics than your original post.
Module 7 discussion
Reply substantively to only one of the topics below. Begin
your reply by copying and pasting the topic in the first line of your reply.
Refer to the “Discussions” section for substantive participation
requirements and grading criteria rubric.
Discussion responses must be a minimum of 500 words (per
question where applicable); however, “distinguished” work will always exceed
minimum requirements. All discussion
posts will have a minimum of three references.
Many firms consider procurement to be a more strategic
function than in the past. Discuss why. Support your answer with examples.
We constantly hear and read in the news about the issue of
corporate social responsibility, safety, and procurement. Do you expect the
trend toward socially responsible procurement to continue? Explain why or why
not. Provide one or more examples to support your position.
Using the internet, look up one export management company.
What services and proposed benefits do they offer in terms of international
logistics? Provide one or more examples to support your position.
Reply substantively to at least two of your classmates on
two different topics than your original post.
Module 8 discussion
Reply substantively to only one of the topics below. Begin
your reply by copying and pasting the topic in the first line of your reply.
Refer to the “Discussions” section for substantive participation
requirements and grading criteria rubric.
Discussion responses must be a minimum of 500 words (per
question where applicable); however, “distinguished” work will always exceed
minimum requirements. All discussion
posts will have a minimum of three references.
Having control over your logistics and supply chain
operations is a major issue for large corporations, but at the same time, many
firms are outsourcing services that are not considered to be part of their core
competencies. Discuss how firms are dealing with the risk of losing control
while obtaining the benefits of outsourcing. Provide one or more examples to
support your position.
Control is a major issue in Performance Based Logistics
(PBL) management. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages associated
with PBL and what is being done to limit the downside risk of allowing one or
more additional parties to manage a firm’s (or the government’s) logistics
operations? Provide one or more examples to support your position.
As the head of logistics and supply chain management for
your firm, what are some of the major steps you would take to insure that your
international supply chains are secure? Provide one or more examples to support
your position.
Discuss how can an audit of a firm’s logistics operations
indicate where to improve performance. Describe what is benchmarking and how
can it help improve overall performance in an organization. Provide one or more
examples to support your position.
Reply substantively to at least two of your classmates on
two different topics than your original post.
Module 1 assignment
After completing the module readings, submit your responses
to the questions below..
Chapter 1:
The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals
(CSCMP), defines logistics as “that part of Supply Chain Management that plans,
implements, and controls the efficient, effective forward and reverse flow and
storage of goods, services, and related information between the point of origin
and the point of consumption in order to meet customers’ requirements.” Your
management team has requested a short bio from you to put into a sales
proposal. Write a short bio on yourself (or a fictitious logistician) that
touches upon at least three of the underline concepts listed above. Suggestion:
Use a lot of verbs and adjectives.
Channel members work together in several different channel
arrangements such as (1) ownership channel, (2) negotiation channel, (3)
financing channel, (4) promotions channel, and (5) logistics channel. Select
two and discuss how IT technology (such as the internet, iPhones, iPads, etc.)
will likely influence the channel member within the next 3-5 years. Discuss the
pros and cons.
Chapter 5:
Chapter 5 discusses six barriers to supply chain management
implementation of which two described are incompatible corporate cultures and
globalization challenges. Discuss how these two potential barriers are related
and how advances in technology (i.e. the internet) may play an important role
in both creating or eliminating SCM barriers. Include examples in your
discussion.
Discuss how only the slightest variations in a supply chain
process up front can greatly multiply to extremely large variations later
downstream (i.e. the “Bullwhip effect”). Discuss how over reaction and panic by
supply change managers can lead to this phenomenon and identify methods used
today to reduce this risk.
Module 2 assignment
After completing the module readings, submit your responses
to the questions below.
Chapter 2:
General types of information management systems include: (1)
Office Automation System, (2) Communication System, (3) Transaction Processing
System (TPS), (4) Management Information System (MIS) and Executive Information
System (EIS), (5) Decision Support System (DDS) and (6) Enterprise System. As
the CEO of a large manufacturing company, you wish to involve all six
techniques. However, you only have funding to develop two. Which two would you
choose to fund and discuss your rationale for your selection.
Discuss how cloud computing is likely to influence the field
of logistics and supply chain management over the next 3-5 years. Discuss both
positive and negative attributes.
Chapter 7:
Some compare demand forecasting to more of an art than a
science. What is meant by this? If so, how does a supply chain manager become a
supply chain “artist”?
Chapter 7 discusses how important customers are to
organizations. A corporate executive once stated “Your Company’s brand is owned
not by you but by your customer – if you do not understand this, your company
will be lost”. Describe how brand recognition can be used as an effective
communication tool between a company such as such as FedEx or DHL and its
customers.
Module 3 assignment
After completing the module readings, submit your responses
to the questions below.
Chapter 11:
The textbook defines sustainable products as “products that
meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their needs”. Sustainability is becoming increasing more important and
driving retail companies to implement cleaver ways to (1) reduce packaging
waste and (2) lightening packaging weight. Some companies are designing
packaging that are close-looped in that the packing material can be used for
reverse logistics shipments (i.e. toner cartridges). Select, research a company
and report on what they are doing to achieve sustainable packaging. Write a
brief abstract (1/2 page) on your findings.
2. Special shipping container called casks are typically
used for transporting radiological waste and spent nuclear fuel
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_flask (Links to an external site.)Links
to an external site.) typically by railcar. Discuss some of the risks
associated transporting these materials by rail. What design attributes do you
think may be important in the design of these casks. What process controls are
important? i.e. lifting and handling. Write a brief abstract (1/2 page) on your
findings.
Module 4 assignment
After completing the module readings, submit your responses
to the questions below.
Chapter 12:
In 1956, Malcolm McLean invented the ISO shipping container
that is widely in use today. Describe how “the box” impacted the different
modes of transportation (such rail, motor, and water)? Where do you see
container technology in (say) 50 years? Is there a possibility of another
technology that could disrupt container technology and deem it obsolete?
With air, rail, motor, water and pipe being the five
recognized modes of transportation today, some are arguing that additive
manufacturing (3D printing) may someday become the sixth mode of
transportation. Research additive manufacturing and discuss how this new
technology may someday change the face of transportation with respect of air,
rail, motor, water and pipe.
Chapter 13:
The bill of lading is the single most important
transportation documentation. Yet there are two types: straight bill of lading,
order bill of lading and three form type: long form bill of lading, short form
bill of lading and pre-printed form bill of lading. Briefly explain the purpose
of each and how and when each should be used.
Use the FedEX Less-Than-Truckload Freight Classification
Tool (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. and FedEx commodity
type: printer materials, etc. and estimate the LTL Freight classification of
the following:
|
Commodity |
Weight |
Length |
Width |
Height |
Type of Commodity |
LTL Freight Classification |
|
Pallet of textbooks |
400 lb |
48” |
48” |
40” |
Printed Material |
|
|
Machine Lathe |
1,800 lb |
72” |
36” |
50” |
Machinery |
|
|
Pallet of 8½ x 11 paper |
400 lb |
48” |
48” |
40” |
Paper Goods |
|
|
Bundle of 20’ metal piping |
1,800 lb |
240” |
36” |
50” |
Metal and Wood Building Materials |
What can be said about the LTL Freight Classifications in
terms of each commodity type relative to shipping costs?
Module 5 assignment
After completing the module readings, submit your responses
to the questions below.
Chapter 9:
1. 1. You are responsible for locating a new warehouse that
services five stores (1 through 5). Use the Weighted Center-of-Gravity
technique to calculate the weighted average location of the new warehouse based
of the five stores locations and monthly volumes.
|
Store |
North Location (miles) |
East Location (miles) |
Monthly Volume (tons) |
|
1 |
23 |
55 |
50 |
|
2 |
15 |
37 |
120 |
|
3 |
8 |
10 |
10 |
|
4 |
1 |
2 |
40 |
|
5 |
(5) |
(10) |
60 |
2. 2. The textbook (pages 155-163) lists several general
factors influencing facility location such as natural resources, market for
goods, labor, tax and incentives, …to name a few. Using the internet and in the
context of these general factors, research a manufacturer in the news who
recently opened a new facility and discuss the factors that seemed to
influenced the manufacturer’s decision for the facility’s location
Module 6 assignment
After completing the module readings, submit your responses
to the questions below.
Chapter 8:
An automotive parts suppliers manages a warehouse that
specializes in disc brakes. The manager is interested in calculating the
optimum order quantity (EOC) of a specific skew. She knows the following
information: the annual usage is $3,225; the administrative costs per order is
$140 and the carrying cost of the inventory is 0.2.
a. What is the optimum order quantity (EOQ)? Show all steps.
b. A year later, the administrative costs increased to $150
per order and the annual usage increased to $4,000. However, the company was
locked into the EOQ. To what value should the carrying costs of the inventory
be revised?
2. “Muda” is the Japanese word meaning “waste”. The goal in
lean manufacturing is to identify and eliminate Muda. Describe how the
Just-in-time (JIT) approach eliminates Muda and optimizes warehouse inventory.
Describe at least one other approach to eliminating Muda.
Chapter 10:
Many leading retailers such as Amazon, Home Depot and Office
Max are leading the way in warehousing and delivery service automation. For
example, Amazon is using autonomous Kiva robots to completely redefine the
picking process. Research a leading manufacturer who is implementing advanced
warehousing technology and write a brief description describing the technology,
the level of commitment the company has in the technology.
2. OSHA plays an important role in warehouse facility safety.
Google “OSHA warehouse accidents” and select from www.osha.gov (Links to an
external site.)Links to an external site. a recent warehouse accident that
resulted in a fatality. Write an abstract (no more than ½ page) describing the
accident, the outcome of the OSHA investigation and the OSHA citation(s). Do
you agree with the OSHA findings and citation? As a warehouse manager, what
changes would you make to prevent this from happening again?
Module 7 assignment
After completing the module readings, submit your responses
to the questions below.
Chapter 6:
Select a major logistic and supply chain company and
research (via internet or other resources) how the company is prequalifying its
suppliers and vendors. Based on the literature and chapter concepts, describe
the unique characteristic(s) or aspect(s) about the vendor evaluation program
that sets them apart from others.
Sustainable procurement is growing in popularity. What are
the driving factors causing this trend? Why should our company care what
happens to the environment in 200 years? Take either a supporting or
non-supporting position on this statement and defend your position. Provide
facts to support your argument.
Chapter 14:
Unlike domestic logistics, global logistics involve several
additional factors such as political, economic and cultural factors of which
the international logistician must be aware. Select a country and briefly
discuss what might be the possible challenges (or benefits) shipping freight to
that country with respect to these factors.
Using the internet or any other resource, select an export
management company (EMC) and describe the services it provides to
manufacturers. What are the advantages of using an EMC? Discuss any
disadvantages as well.
Module 8 assignment
Submit your responses to the questions below (taken from the
textbook’s questions for discussion and review).
Chapter 3:
Using the Strategic Profit Model construct a model (Hint: a
good application for Excel).
a. Calculate the Net Profit Margin, Asset Turnover and
Return on Assets using:
|
$ thousands |
|
|
Sales |
1,000 |
|
Cost of Goods Sold |
700 |
|
Variable Expenses |
60 |
|
Fixed Expenses |
120 |
|
Inventory |
50 |
|
Accounts Receivable |
100 |
|
Other Current Assets |
150 |
|
Fixed Assets |
1,500 |
b. What is the maximum allowable Inventory level before
Return of Asset equals 0.05?
2. Traditionally, a balanced scorecard (BSC) is used to
evaluate a typical business from four distinct perspectives: customers,
internal business processes, learning and growth, and financial results.
However, the BSC model can be adapted and applied to other domains such as
logistics. Select a global courier delivery services company (such as FedEx or
DHL), research and describe their BSC in the context of logistics (or propose a
BSC in the event you are unable to find any useful information).
Chapter 4:
Overarching managerial issues in logistics are comprised of
several “ilities” such as productivity, quality, sustainability, complexity and
possibility (risk). In many instances, these aspects are interrelated and
correlate with one another. For example, although implementing a new reverse
logistic process (sustainability) may positively influence brand recognition
(quality), it may also cause interruptions to the company’s supply chain
(productivity). Discuss how the five “ilities” are interrelated and correlate
with one another (negatively, positively or neutrally). Use examples to help
illustrate your case. Can you think of additional “ilities” not mentioned here?
Quality is associated with various organizational standards
institutes such as ISO 9000, Six Sigma, and Malcolm Baldridge. Annually, these
institutes recognize top quality companies and organizations for quality
achievement. Using the internet or any resource, identify a recent quality
award winner in logistics and supply chain management and write a brief summary
(1/2 page) answering who, what (describe the award), how (what they did to win
the award) and why this particular organization received the quality award.
Final Research Paper
Guidelines for the Research Paper
Each student must prepare a formal 10 page paper on a topic
of your choice related to global logistics or supply chain management. Your
instructor mus approve your specific topic in advance. Your paper, which is
worth 100 points and 20% of your grade, will be evaluated based on the criteria
in the rubric linked in the submission activity.
Your paper should include the following:
Demonstrating quality and depth of content
Organizing the report properly
Following formatting requirements:
Times New Roman, 12 pt. Font
Double Spaced
Use of Page Numbers
Title Page
Table of Contents
Appropriate labels on figures and tables
Demonstrating correct grammar and evidence of proof-reading,
i.e., no spelling errors
Including a variety and documentation of references used;
format for references follows APA Guidelines
Required APA Format for Research Paper
The format for your research paper can be found in the
current Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association(APA). Take
this opportunity to become familiar with the APA Manual (Links to an external
site.)Links to an external site. and its format.
For grading information, review the Research Paper Rubric in
Module 7, Activity 7.4.
Submission due dates by module are listed below. Failure to
meet submission dates will result in points being deducted unless coordinated in
advance with your instructor!
Module 2 – Topic submission for approval
Module 3 – Outline submitted for approval
Module 6 – Draft version should be complete (not submitted)
Module 7 – Submit final research paper (worth 20% of grade)
Academic Integrity
Upon submission, your final paper will automatically be
evaluated through Turnitin, (Links to an external site.)Links to an external
site. an originality detection tool. Your paper will be checked against a
database of millions of written works and provide feedback on originality. You
may view your originality report; however, you will not be permitted to submit
your final paper a second time. Ensure your work is entirely your own and cite
your sources!
Before submitting your final research paper in Module 7, you
are encouraged to submit your paper as a draft to Turnitin and review the
originality report. Read and understand all plagiarism information provided to
you. Plagiarism (i.e. copying & pasting text from the internet into your
assignment), including self-plagiarism (i.e. turning in or using portions from
an assignment you submitted in another class), will not be tolerated.
Violations of academic integrity may result in failure of the course or
expulsion.
