Program Overview

Course Overview

The course PK8001, Models and Approaches for Logistics 4.0, is a doctoral degree level course offered at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). The course aims to enhance participants' knowledge and understanding of the state-of-art within industry 4.0 and innovative logistics.

Course Details

• Credits: 7.5
• Level: Doctoral degree level
• Course start: Spring 2026
• Duration: 1 semester
• Language of instruction: English
• Location: Trondheim

Course Content

The course focuses on logistics 4.0, defined as the logistical system that enables the sustainable satisfaction of individualized customer demands without an increase in costs, using digital technologies. Key topics include:

• Introduction to industry 4.0
• Introduction to logistics and material handling
• Models and approaches for using digital technologies in logistics
• Models and approaches for designing human-centered material handling and logistics solutions

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge: The student should have an overview of models and tools to analyze an industrial value chain regarding sustainability.
• Skills: The objective of the course is to provide PhD students with efficient tools that enable them to handle and analyze complex systems with the purpose of designing and implementing such systems.
• General competence: Students will gain the background needed to conduct research in a variety of domains.

Learning Methods and Activities

The course includes lectures, self-study, and the writing of a scientific article. To pass the course, a score of at least 70 percent is required. The course is given every second year, with the next offering in spring 2026.

Evaluation

• The final grading includes a paper counting 60% and an oral exam counting 40%.
• The total assessment is pass or fail, where pass requires a total score of at least 70%.
• All assessments must be passed before the overall result can be calculated in the course.
• For a re-take of an examination, all assessments during the course that count in the final grade must be re-taken.

Recommended and Required Previous Knowledge

• Recommended previous knowledge: TPK4135 Logistics and Production Management and TPK4160 Supply Chain Management.
• Required previous knowledge: All students taking this course must be enrolled in a PhD program at NTNU or a different university.

Course Materials

The course materials include articles and chapters from books, as well as lecturing material.

Subject Areas

The course covers the following subject areas:

• Production Management
• Production Engineering/Productivity and Logistics
• Engineering
• Technological subjects

Examination

The examination arrangement is an aggregate score, with a grade of passed or not passed. The ordinary examination is scheduled for spring 2026 and includes an assignment and an oral exam.