Program Overview

Introduction to Smart Logistics

The Smart Logistics program, denoted as CE 56901, is offered by the Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering at Purdue University. This course provides a comprehensive foundation in analytical tools, methods, and applications of logistics systems within the context of planning and operations of integrated supply chain systems.

Course Details

• Credit Hours: 3
• Instructor: Professor Satish V. Ukkusuri
• Learning Objectives:
  • Reinforce the integrated nature of logistics systems from tactical, operational, and strategic perspectives.
  • Understand basic concepts and models of demand prediction, inventory management, operational, and tactical planning in supply chain management.
  • Develop quantitative tools for planning and logistics problems using optimization techniques.
  • Apply the science of logistics systems to improve the cost and overall efficiency of real-world logistics problems.

Description

This course is divided into two main parts: the science of logistics and the business of logistics. The science of logistics introduces unique characteristics of supply chain management, including demand forecasting, planning, and management, inventory control and planning, and operational transportation issues. The business of logistics applies these principles to real-world logistics systems, using case studies to discuss operational issues, vehicle routing problems, and interactions between carriers and shippers.

Topics Covered

• Conceptual Foundation
• Tactical level: Demand forecasting and inventory control
• Operational level: Operational networks and shipper perspective
• Strategic level: Network design and supply chain contracts

Prerequisites

• Undergraduate calculus
• Basic knowledge of probability and statistics at the undergraduate level
• Competency in using Excel and VB for data analysis

Applied/Theory

• Demand forecasting method
• Inventory control method
• Operational networks
• Routing & Scheduling algorithm
• Yield management
• Supply chain contracts

Homework and Projects

• Three problem sets will be given, with analysis used as the basis for class discussion.
• Problem sets are due at the beginning of class on designated days; late submissions are not accepted.
• There will be one in-class (virtual) examination testing readings and materials covered in class.

Textbooks and References

• No recommended textbook; material will be derived from various sources distributed by the instructor.
• References include:
  • Simchi-Levi, David; Chen, Xin; and Bramel, Julien. The Logic of Logistics, 2nd edition, Springer, 2005.
  • Ahuja, R.K., Magnanti, T.L. and Orlin, J.B. Network Flows: Theory, Algorithms and Applications. Prentice-Hall Inc., 1993.
  • Daganzo, Carlos, Logistics Systems Analysis, Fourth Edition, Springer, 2005.

Computer Requirements

• Python (interpreted high-level programming language for general-purpose programming) and its libraries for data mining (numpy, scipy, matplotlib, etc.). Available for free download.