Program Overview

Program Overview

The module "Methods and Models for Logistics" aims to provide the basic elements of logistics and integrated inventory management techniques, as well as to develop and use logical-mathematical models for the analysis, and the optimal planning and management of logistics systems.

Aims and Content

Learning Outcomes

The course aims to provide the basic elements of logistics and integrated inventory management techniques, as well as to develop and use logical-mathematical models for the analysis and planning of logistics systems. This objective allows students to acquire methodological and practical knowledge to model and manage logistics systems.

Aims and Learning Outcomes

The main objective of the course is to introduce the basic concepts regarding the planning and management of logistic systems. In particular, the students will learn how to face problems related to facility location, inventory, supply chain, and routing. A particular emphasis is given to the formalization of decision problems as mathematical programming problems and on the integration of aspects related to energy and environmental sustainability in logistics systems.

Prerequisites

It is suggested to have basic knowledge of systems analysis and theory.

Teaching Methods

The course includes lectures, seminars, and computer exercises. Exercises will be carried out in the classroom, encouraging work in different groups to promote personal and social skills and project development. Small projects will also be assigned to develop and present.

Syllabus/Content

The course will be characterized by the presentation and discussion of the following topics:

• Introduction to the basic concepts of logistics
• Demand forecasting
• Facility location (both for public and private sectors)
• Warehouse management
• Integrated supply chain management and optimization
• Routing problems All the topics mentioned above will include aspects related to environmental and energy sustainability and how to include them in the formalization of optimization problems.

Recommended Reading/Bibliography

• Ghiani, Laporte, Musmanno-Introduction to logistics systems planning and control-Wiley 2004
• Lecture notes and slides provided by the Professor

Teachers and Exam Board

• Michela Robba
• Exam Board:
  • Davide Giglio (President)
  • Angela Di Febbraro
  • Michela Robba (President Substitute)

Lessons

Lessons Start

The timetable for this course is available on the Portale EasyAcademy.

Exams

Exam Description

The exam is only oral. It includes a discussion of the reports of the computer exercises. Besides, specific questions about the various topics treated in the lectures will be proposed to the students. Moreover, students should be able to define decision variables, parameters, objective function, and constraints, with specific reference to the decision problems present in the training material.

Assessment Methods

The assessment is based on the evaluation of the capability of the student to solve and formalize new problems and to use the methods and tools presented during the lectures and the computer exercises.

Exam Schedule

• 07/01/2026, 10:00, GENOVA
• 22/01/2026, 10:00, GENOVA
• 13/02/2026, 10:00, GENOVA
• 04/06/2026, 10:00, GENOVA
• 02/07/2026, 10:00, GENOVA
• 21/07/2026, 10:00, GENOVA
• 07/09/2026, 10:00, GENOVA

Agenda 2030 - Sustainable Development Goals

The course contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals:

• Affordable and clean energy
• Sustainable cities and communities
• Responsible consumption and production
• Climate action