COURSE SYLLABUS
M&L 4386 – Logistics Technology and Application
Fall 2012
Instructor:
Office:
Office Hours:
Primary Phone:
E-mail:
Steve DeNunzio
Fisher Room 250
By Appointment
614-769-3155
TBD
Revised:
July 6, 2012
Class Day & Time:
Location:
Credit Hours:
Mon/Wed/Fri 5:20pm – 6:15pm
Schoenbaum Room 219
1.5
Course Description & Prerequisite
Focus on the operational use of logistics software technologies such as transportation management
systems, warehouse management systems, and inventory management systems. The objective of the
class is to provide a strong knowledge and understanding of the tools and software used in logistics and
supply chain management. In addition, several key themes will be consistent throughout the course:
 The role of process and relationships with technology as an enabler.
 Dependencies and linkages between the various tools and stages in the supply chain.
 Best practices and pitfalls in implementing and using logistics systems.
The class will include interaction with industry professionals, exploring industry examples and
exploration of leading tools. This course will include lectures, lab exercises and homework.
Prerequisite: BUS M&L 3380 Logistics Management
Textbook
All course materials will be distributed in class or posted on OSU Carmen.
Communication
OSU Carmen will be used as the primary source for class information and posting.
Course Method
Classes will be conducted using an interactive format combining; class discussions, lectures,
guest speakers, industry analysis, industry visits, and text readings. Everyone is expected to participate
in class and to prepare by reading the appropriate readings prior to the class meeting. The hands-on,
participative nature of the class makes attendance critical.
Americans with Disabilities Act
If you have a disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires
classroom/course accommodation or auxiliary aids, please inform me of your needs during the first week
of class so that I can take appropriate action.
Course Disclaimer
The schedule, policies, and assignments contained in this course syllabus or on the course
website are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, class progress, or by mutual
agreement between the instructor and the students.
General Course Instructions
All cellular phones, pagers and other electronic communication devices are to be turned off
during class. Any electronic recording of the lecture or presentations is not authorized without prior
approval by the instructor or guest speakers. The only exceptions will be those authorized in writing by
the Office of Disability Services.
Software and Participants
When possible, we will be working with various companies to get hands-on experience with their
software and tools. While all are leading commercial applications, the use of specific tools is for
educational purposes and not meant as an endorsement of any one company or application.
Evaluation/Grading Criteria
Exam & Presentation - There will be one exam, a final group presentation, a paper, and a class
participation grade. The exam will be short essay. The exam and the presentation will both be worth 350
points, with a total of 700 points for the course. Presentation groups must be defined and communicated
to the instructor via email by a member of the group by September 7th.
Class Participation – Class participation will be graded based on participation and class quiz results.
Participation will be evaluated based on quality and frequency of participation. For each class the
following standard will be used for measuring participation:



Inactive/unprepared
Occasional quality comment
Multiple quality comments
“Quality” is defined as factually correct, in-context and constructive. To encourage your participation
each week, I will also review your activity on the discussion boards. Please note that participation in the
discussion boards is not a substitute for class discussion, but it is a way to increase learning and
dialogue around the reading and topics we discuss in class. Posting quality will be measured using the
same guidelines as the class discussion.
Your participation and performance on class quizzes will be combined for your class participation grade,
with a maximum of 200 points possible for the course. Because class attendance and participation is
important, missed quizzes may not be made up.
Technology Paper – Worth 100 points, you will be expected to write a short paper on a recent industry
development or solution using logistics technology. The topic can be based on your actual experience, if
it is related to technology in a logistics setting. To obtain full credit the paper must:
 Include at least two documented sources if not based on direct personal experience.
 The paper must be no more than 1 page, using at least 11pt font.
 Be posted in one of the discussion forums on the class Carmen site and a question or comment
posted to start the discussion.
 The paper must be posted by September 17, 2012. This will provide an opportunity for others in
the class to review and discuss. No exceptions.
Overall Grading Criteria & Scale
Criteria
Points
Midterm
Final Presentation
Class Participation
Technology Paper
350
350
200
100
1000
Grading Scale
Point Total
940 – 1000
910 - 939
880 - 909
820 - 879
790 - 819
760 - 789
700 - 759
670 - 699
610 - 669
- 609
Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD
E
Extra Credit - To obtain up to 25 extra credit points, write a short paper on an idea for a new logistics
technology or new application of technology to logistics. The topic can be based on your actual
experience, if it is related to technology in a logistics setting. To obtain full credit the paper must:
 Include at least two documented sources if not based on direct personal experience.
 The paper must be no more than 1 page, using at least 11pt font.
 Be posted in one of the discussion forums on the class Carmen site and a question or comment
posted to start the discussion.
 The paper must be posted by September 17, 2012. This will provide an opportunity for others in
the class to review and discuss. No exceptions.
Note that this is a second paper, in addition to the one required from all students.
Schedule and Readings
Week
Date
Topic
1
8/22/12
1
8/24/12



2
8/27/12

2
2
8/29/12
8/31/12
Lecturer/Instructor
Course Overview and Expectations
Class Introductions
Introduction to Logistics
Technology
Business Strategy and Information
Systems
Steve DeNunzio

Supply Chain Network Optimization
Lynn Mulherin

Planning & Demand Management
and S&OP
Richard Hall
OSU Holiday - Labor Day
Project Management for Logistics
Technology
Connectivity and Collaboration
Selecting & Implementing a WMS
Presentation Groups Formed
3
3
9/3/12
9/5/12


3
9/7/12



Course
Pack
Section
Steve DeNunzio
1
Nancy Howard
1
Senior Manager - DTC
Abercrombie & Fitch
2
SVP – Operational
Business Development
Bob Evans Farms
2
EVP – Supply Chain
Bob Evans Farms
Steve DeNunzio
Tim Dolcich
None
3
4
Industrial Engineer
DSW
Dave Widdifield
Instructor
4
9/10/12

Material Handling Equipment
Tim Neroni
4
Executive VP
KMH Systems
4
4
5
5
5
9/12/12
9/14/12
9/17/12
9/19/12
9/21/12

Guest Lecturer

Transportation & Fleet
Management



Midterm Exam
TMS Systems On-Hand Exercises
Third-Party Logistics
Tom Goldsby
Instructor
Brad Grimsley
VP – Global Logistics
Limited Brands
Trevor Baumann
Zappos
Case
5
HR Generalist
Con-Way Freight
IBM TBD
John Loughry
None
5
6
Account Executive
Amber Road
6
6
6
7
7
7
9/24/12
9/26/12
9/28/12
10/1/12
10/3/12
10/5/12

Customer (CRM) Systems
Kelly Cook

Manufacturing, Lean and Related
Concepts
Tom Goldsby

The Future! Technology
Developments (Green, RFID, Voice
& Light Pick, Materials, Robots,
Tools)
Final Presentations
Final Presentations
Final Presentations
Lou Cerny



NOTE: All guest lecturers tentative and subject to change.
7
Senior Vice President –
Marketing
DSW
8
Professor – Logistics
OSU
9
Senior VP
Sedlak Management
None
None
None
None
None
None