210706 Logistics Network Analytics

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Business
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

Organisations attempt to understand and control the cost structures of operating and/or being an integral component of a supply chain network. These structures can span the spectrum of input requirements (supply) and customer expectations (demand) and, as such, can include costs associated with procurement, warehousing and logistics. A detailed analysis of the supply and demand aspects helps identify opportunities for redesigning logistic networks and assists organisations predict performance outcomes to mitigate potential problems. This subject teaches learners to use qualitative and quantitative methods to make decisions around supply chain logistics network design, including last-mile delivery scenarios and their management. The strategic and tactical dimensions provide learners an in-depth understanding of how to position different building blocks whilst ensuring alignment across upstream and downstream logistics and sustainable logistic networks. Learners study ethical sourcing techniques and data analysis methodologies to optimise distribution and warehousing decisions.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1.	Apply analytical and decision-making methods for supply chain and logistics network design
2.	Understand the flow of materials and information throughout logistic networks
3.	Explain concepts of alignment for upstream and downstream logistic and distribution networks
4.	Demonstrate analytical and decision-making capabilities by designing an optimised and integrated logistics and distribution network

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

This subject focuses on applying analytical and decision-making methods within and across logistics networks and designing an optimal network to gain competitiveness. The knowledge gained from this subject will enhance the student’s capacity to design logistics network and their strategies, understand the flow of materials and information, comprehend the concepts of upstream and downstream logistics and distribution, including ‘last mile’ delivery management, and ethical and sustainable practices in logistics and distribution management. A number of case studies, analytical tools and simulation exercises are used to demonstrate issues, solve problems and enable students to apply leading-edge techniques to real-world logistics solutions.

This subject contributes to the development of the following graduate attribute(s):

Professional and technical competence

This subject contributes specifically to develop the following Program Learning Objective for the Master of Supply Chain Management:

Integrate advanced knowledge of complex supply chain management concepts with technical and commercial capabilities to lead professional practice effectively in operations and supply chain management across domains (4.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject is delivered online using a range of resources, self-directed study and live interactive sessions with the academic. Learners engage in the essential content through a variety of formats (lecture slides, notes, webinars, videos, articles, real case studies) online and learner-led dialogue through online discussions and posts, and interactions via Canvas. The teaching and learning strategies have been designed to enable learners to make progress in their achievement and maximise their accomplishment of the learning outcomes. Various teaching and learning strategies adopted are as follows:

Learners will be expected to read all the assigned readings and media articles, research and identify innovative tools and effective strategies applicable to logistics network design and management.
By conducting self-paced study, learners contribute to the discussions on the impacts of different logistics networks on costs and service level and application to analytical tools in logistics network management, including last mile delivery management. This will enhance learners’ ability to progress successfully throughout the subject and complete all assessment items effectively.
The online sessions will provide opportunities for group activities and discussion, self-assessment, peer review and formative feedback from the subject facilitator. Online collaborative sessions with the facilitator will be conducted at a set time.
Formative and summative feedback will be provided to all learners to support and enhance learner performance outcomes via assessments.

Content (topics)

Designing logistics network and their strategies
Impacts of different logistics networks on costs and service level
Analytical tools for logistics network design and management
Role of data aggregation and data mining in logistics
Last mile delivery management
Ethical and sustainable practices in logistics and distribution management

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Discussion board Briefs (Individual)

Objective(s):	This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 and 2
Weight:	30%
Length:	150 words, each week, excluding references
Criteria:	Credibility of content with evidence and impact Quality of analysis for short answer discussion briefs to online posts

Assessment task 2: Logistics Network Report (Individual)

Objective(s):	This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 3 and 4
Weight:	30%
Length:	1000 words, excluding references
Criteria:	Depth and rigor of application of analytical tools such as optimisation and simulation approaches to determine the optimal design of the network Demonstration of how the optimal design manages alignment and how this can be applied to different domains and industry sectors Coherent communication and clarity of the report

Assessment task 3: Ethical Logistics Analysis (Individual)

Objective(s):	This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2 and 3
Weight:	40%
Length:	1000 words
Criteria:	Depth and rigor of analysis on ethical and sustainable logistics practices and their impacts on sustainable performance Critical analysis of literature and industry reports to identify ethical and sustainable practices and demonstrate their potential usefulness on sustainable performance Discuss the implications of ethical and sustainable practices for different domains and industry sectors including indigenous contexts Coherent communication and clarity of the report

Minimum requirements

Learners must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total marks.

Required texts

There is no prescribed textbook required.

References

Resources from various sources will be used throughout the course.