SYLLABUS 

MBAD 655 – BUSINESS LOGISTICS- Fall 2005
4 Semester hours
University of  St. Francis
Online format
14 weeks
Dates: August 29nd – December 5th , 2005

INSTRUCTOR:
Donald Maier, Ph.D .
Assistant Professor of Management

OFFICE:
University of   St. Francis , S – 455 (Tower Hall )
500  N. Wilcox Street
Joliet ,  Illinois 60435

CONTACT INFORMATION :
(815) 740- 3666; Dr. Maier's office
Email – dmaier@stfrancis.edu

800-726-2600 - College of Business
815-740-3395 - College of Business

COURSE DESCRIPTION :
This course is designed as an introductory-graduate level course in supply-chain and logistics. An introduction to the concepts of logistics and supply chain management is stressed. Topics include the procurement, customer service, order processing (distribution) management, transportation, warehousing, inventory control, and information technology. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing the interrelationships among these topics in designing a successful logistics strategy.

The course is dependent on the student's knowledge gained in other courses such as accounting, finance, marketing, management, and economics, as we will study fundamental logistics management concepts and how they are woven into a refined system concerned with the move/store/supply functions of logistics.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1. Define Logistics and Supply Chain Management and differentiate between and understand the role and structure of supply chains.
2. List a variety of activities of logistics and understand the relationship between them and discuss the aims of logistics to determine this operation contribution to customer value.
3. Determine the benefits of creating a single, integrated logistics function as well as determining different approaches to this integration
4. Understand the importance of location decisions and discuss factors that affect the choice of location
5. Determine the role of planning in logistics and discuss some practical difficulties with capacity planning  
6. Determine purpose and aims of warehouses and describe the main activities in a warehouse and compare the benefits of private and public warehousing
7. Understand the importance of transportation and compare the different modes of transportation
8. Appreciate the importance of international trade and its effect on logistics

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:

  Coyle, John J., Bardi , Edward J., & Langley, C. John. The Management of Business Logistics, 7 th Edition. South-Western Publishing Company, 2003

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED :
The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) (Most current edition).

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:    

1. Discussion Questions: Each week a student will be assigned some particular questions from either the textbook or other form.   The student chosen will analyze the topic in general and the question in specific. They will then post their response in the discussion area. In other words, the student becomes the "expert" on that particular question. The rest of the class is then required to read and respond to the analysis as a CRITIQUE, not just a review. The initial student will subsequently "lead" the virtual discussion for that given week. Grading is based on the quality of the analysis and the level of leading the discussion. A format is provided on WebCT for the analysis.
2. Participation :
   Even though we are not physically meeting in a classroom, we are meeting "virtually". The discussion that would normally occur in a traditional classroom is replicated through our weekly discussions based on the article critiques that are posted. As such, you are required to post your thoughts, opinions, and experience regarding that weeks article. In essence, your participation grade will be determined from the quality and quantity of the discussion postings. A simple comment such as "I agree" will not suffice. This is a graduate level course and as such graduate level responses/comments/opinions is not only required but expected. We are all adults who have made a commitment to lifelong learning. As such, you are responsible for your success or failure.
3. Company Visits and Executive Perspectives:   Since this is an online course and logistically we cannot conduct a tour/field-trip of a logistics operation.   Yet as individuals we can – and we get the benefit of multiple fieldtrips through the experience of our colleagues.   You will need to visit and tour a logistics operation of any organization, whether it's a manufacturer, 3PL, import/exporter, distributor etc. This organization can also be your firm but to gain outside experience/knowledge visiting another firm may prove more beneficial. Coupled with the tour, focus on what the person conducting the tour is discussing. What perspectives do they and/or their organization is bringing to the logistics industry. You also have the opportunity to attend any one of your local Chapter of the CSCMP (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals) monthly/quarterly meetings in which they also conduct tours. There is a Chicago Chapter and they do provide tours quite frequently. It's a great opportunity to also conduct some networking. Also, if any student knows of a firm that is open to such tours/visits that others can "piggyback" on, or suggest companies that are open to the idea, please pass this information along to the rest of the class. Upon returning from your tour, you are required to submit a 3-5 page analysis which should include:
• General nature of the organization: types of products, services, locations, etc.
• Industry opportunities and threats – both internal and external
• Strategies of the firm: lines of business (product mix, geographic scope), marketing, manufacturing (make/buy/outsource)
• What role does logistics play in this firm? What does logistics have to do well?
• Your overall evaluation of the level of logistics sophistication of this firm
• Photos would also be great!!!!   (but not required)
• The rest of the class will also need to review your study and provide feedback of the analysis. This assignment can be completed at any time during the semester but MUST be completed one week prior to the semester ending.
4. Group Case Study/Proposal: The class will be randomly divided into groups for this assignment. Your assignment is to read, review, analyze a prepare a proposal based on the case study found in our text, Big Byte Computers Inc. Each proposal should reflect on the requirements found on page 625 in addition to discussing the questions on page 623. Each group is competing against the other groups to "win" the contract". Since it is a case study, you are given some flexibility to be creative with your proposal as well as in terms of elements of the case – just don't abuse it. Even though this is an online course, you can conduct group work. The mechanics of this (as are the group dynamics!!) are up to the groups to work out on their own. The analysis/proposal should be at least 8-10 pages, double-spaced, not including title page, bibliography page, tables, charts, etc.
5. Peer evaluation: Each student will submit a peer evaluation on each member of their group. In other words, you can't slack off on your duties and "hide" in the group. The evaluations are kept in the utmost of confidence and should be sent directly to me via email. And yes I do take the evaluations quite seriously!
6. Final Paper: You are also required to write a final paper relating to a topic in logistics. Topics include but are not limited to: transportation, 3PL's, technology, inventory, customer service, warehousing, or international logistics. This paper should be written in a style suitable for publication in a management-oriented journal (such as Harvard Business Review, or Sloan Management Review as examples) or for presentation at an industry conference such as the CSCMP.   Prior approval of topic is required. A recommended approach is as follows:
• Select an area of logistics that's of interest to you
• Within this area, firms overlook, misunderstand, require substantial improvement, or use as a competitive advantage.
• Review the literature to determine what has been written on the subject.
• Transfer the knowledge to a business situation using either personal observation and experience or well-documented industry examples.

Length: no more than 15 pages, not including bibliography or title pages, charts or tables.

GRADING:              

GRADING:                

 From the  University of  St. Francis Graduate Studies Catalogue

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY :
Students in this course will be expected to comply with the University Policies and Procedures regarding academic integrity that appear in the university catalog. Honesty in all academic work is expected of every student. This means giving one's own answers in all class work, quizzes, and examinations without help from any source not approved by the instructor. Written material is to be the student's original composition. Appropriate credit must be given for outside sources from which ideas, language, or quotations are derived. You are expected to do your own work in this course.

ADA STATEMENT :
Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact your instructor privately to discuss your specific needs. Reasonable accommodations, as arranged through the disabilities coordinator, Pat Vivio , will be provided for students with documented disabilities. Contact Pat Vivio at (815) 740-3402 in the Library, Room L-214.

MISSION STATEMENT: 
As a Catholic university rooted in the liberal arts, we are a welcoming community of learners challenged by Franciscan values and charism , engaged in a continuous pursuit of knowledge, faith, wisdom, and justice, and ever mindful of a tradition that emphasizes reverence for creation, compassion, and peacemaking.   We strive for academic excellence in all programs, preparing women and men to contribute to the world through service and leadership.

COLLEGE OF  BUSINESS MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the  College of  Business is to offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs that are career oriented and focus on academic excellence.  Undergraduate programs are designed for traditional and nontraditional students providing a blend of professional studies and a strong liberal arts curriculum. Graduate programs are designed for working professionals and are practitioner based. All programs in the  College of  Business are driven by the University's Catholic Franciscan mission. The College seeks to inspire in its students a love of knowledge and truth and to instill the Franciscan values of respect, compassion, integrity and service.

Course Schedule: