About this course: Have you ever wondered how goods get delivered to us so quickly as soon as we order them? One word: Logistics! In this introductory Supply Chain Logistics course, I will take you on a journey to this fascinating backbone of global trade. We cover the three major building blocks of logistics networks: transportation, warehousing, and inventory. After completing this course, you will be able to differentiate the advantages and disadvantages of different modes of transportation. You will understand what goes into designing and setting up a warehousing facility. Finally, you will be able to select the options that enable you to develop logistics networks, that minimize costs and deliver top customer service. This is an introductory course designed to provide you with a start on your learning journey in logistics. You do not need to have any background in logistics, but it would be beneficial if you had a basic understanding of business concepts. Join me and we will learn together about logistics!
Who is this class for: This introductory course is designed for three particular audiences. First, those of you who are exploring a career in Supply Chain Management, but lack the any background. This course will provide you with a general overview of the field of logistics. Second, this course might be valuable for those of you who are working with people in logistics and want to understand their daily challenges better. Third, for those of you who are fascinated by how the products, services, and information are moved and stored in a complex global logistics network.
Created by: Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
Taught by: Rudolf Leuschner, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Department of Supply Chain Management
| Basic Info | Course 1 of 5 in the Supply Chain Management Specialization |
| Level | Beginner |
| Commitment | 4 weeks of study, 2-3 hours/week |
| Language | English, Subtitles: Vietnamese, Greek, German |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Transportation
Welcome to the exciting world of logistics! We are going to start by taking a look at transportation. But before we get there, I would like to introduce you to myself. We will cover the different modes of transportation: motor freight, air freight, intermodal, and express delivery. After completing this module, you'll be able to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of different transportation modes. Furthermore, you will demonstrate how transportation systems use different modes to facilitate the efficient movement of goods from origin to destination. Lastly, you will be able to recognize what transportation modes were used by a shipping company just by looking at the tracking statement.
7 videos, 9 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Is this course for me?
- Discussion Prompt: What are you looking to learn from this course?
- Video: Moving Freight over the Road
- Reading: Objectives, Summary, and Further Information about Moving Freight over the Road
- Discussion Prompt: What characteristics make truck the ideal mode of transportation for many goods?
- Video: Motor Carriers
- Reading: Objectives, Summary, and Further Information about Motor Carriers
- Video: Flying Freight
- Reading: Objectives, Summary, and Further Information about Flying Freight
- Discussion Prompt: Types of Goods moved on planes
- Video: Air Carriers
- Reading: Objectives, Summary, and Further Information about Air Carriers
- Practice Quiz: Air Freight Assessment
- Video: Containers on a Train
- Reading: Objectives, Summary, and Further Information on Containers on a Train
- Discussion Prompt: Goods on rail?
- Video: Express Delivery
- Reading: Objectives, Summary, and Further Information on Express Delivery
- Reading: Express Delivery Firms Background
- Discussion Prompt: Express Delivery Firms
- Reading: Comparison of Transportation Modes
Graded: Motor Freight Assessment
Graded: Transportation Assignment
WEEK 2
Warehousing and Inventory Management
This module introduces you to warehousing and inventory management. After completing this module, you will be able to design your of warehousing facility. You will also understand the different types of inventory and why they are important to ensure customers can find the products they are looking for.
4 videos, 1 reading
- Discussion Prompt: Features of warehouses
- Video: How should we design a warehouse?
- Discussion Prompt: New technology in warehouses
- Reading: Warehousing Best Practices
- Video: How much inventory do we need?
- Discussion Prompt: Cost of Inventory
- Video: When to order inventory?
Graded: Lay out your own Warehouse
Graded: Inventory Assessment
WEEK 3
Logistics Network
This module builds on the previously covered building blocks of logistics networks and reviews the implications of putting together a logistics network. After completing this module, you will be ready to tackle the final exam and able to design your own logistics network and understand the implications of logistics decisions on the overall satisfaction of our customers.
3 videos, 1 reading
- Reading: The Square Root Law
- Discussion Prompt: Logistics Facilities
- Video: Factors Influencing Logistics Networks
- Discussion Prompt: Economic Environment for Logistics
- Video: Striving for Logistics Customer Service
Graded: Logistics Customer Service
WEEK 4
Final Exam
This module builds on the previously covered transportation, warehousing, and inventory. You will be able to appreciate the implications of putting together a logistics network. Furthermore, you will put all of the things into practice that we covered in the previous weeks. After completing this module, you will have shown that you master the basics of logistics and are able to design your own logistics network.
1 reading
- Reading: Logistics Networks Best Practices
Graded: Build a Logistics Network
FAQs
How It Works
Coursework
Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.
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Certificates
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Creators
Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
Pricing
| Purchase Course | |
|---|---|
| Access to course materials | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Available |
Ratings and Reviews
informative and perfect for beginners
Great introductory course!
The lecture of the professor is very interesting
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This course is very useful for me. I have learnt how to build a logistics network. And i recommend to others. Lectures are very clear and understandable.