COURSE SYLLABUS
BUSML 4386 – Logistics Technology and Application
Autumn 2014
Instructor:
Office:
Steve DeNunzio
Fisher Room 50
Class Day & Time:
Location:
Office Hours:
Primary Phone:
E-mail:
By Appointment
Credit Hours:
614-769-3155
denunzio.4@osu.edu
Revised:
October 19, 2014
Tu & Th 5:30-6:50 PM (Term 2)
Schoenbaum 205 (Lecture)
Schoenbaum 219 (Lab)
1.5
Course Description & Prerequisites - Focuses on the strategic and operational use of supply chain
technologies such as transportation management systems, warehouse management systems, and
inventory management systems, along with hardware and other applications. The objective of the class
is to provide a strong knowledge and understanding of the technology used in logistics and supply chain
management. In addition, several key themes will be consistent throughout the course:



The role of strategic planning, 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.
This course will include lectures, guest speakers, lab exercises, and readings.
Prerequisites: BUSML 3380 Logistics Management; BUSMHR 2291 Applied Business Skills &
Environment II
Textbook – None. There will be assigned readings from industry articles and journals, which will be
posted on 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, lab time, and text readings. Everyone is expected to participate in class and to
prepare by reading the appropriate readings prior to the class meeting.
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.
In-Class Decorum – Please limit the use of cellular phones, tablets, laptops and other electronic
communication devices 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 Industry Participants - When possible, we will be working with various companies to
either learn about their processes, or 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. Likewise, statements made by guest speakers
should not be construed as endorsements or opinions of The Ohio State University.
Attendance Policy - Because of the participative nature of the class, attendance is critical and
attendance will be taken. Excessive absences will be noted and will affect your participation grade. If
you think you will miss class, please let instructor know in advance. Fisher College of Business strongly
enforces University attendance policies. As per University Rule 3335-8-33, any student may be
disenrolled from a course for failure to attend by the first Friday of the term, or by the 3rd instructional
day of the term, or by the second class meeting, whichever occurs first. For more on the rule, visit here:
http://trustees.osu.edu/rules/university-rules/rules8/ru8-33.html
Evaluation/Grading Criteria
Technology Paper – Worth 200 points, you will be expected to write a short paper on a recent industry
development in logistics technology, a technology trend, or an example of a company 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:
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Include at least two documented sources if not based on direct personal experience. If based on
personal experience, cite yourself as a reference. Use endnotes, and use whatever style guide
(MLA, Turabian, etc.) with which you’re comfortable.
Be single-spaced, one-inch margins, at least two (2) and no more than four (4) pages, and use at
least 11pt font.
Feel free to include pictures and diagrams as an appendix.
The paper should include content that reflects your own evaluation & opinion of the technology.
Is it the next big thing? Will it go nowhere? What are the benefits & drawbacks? Your instructor
reads plenty of articles every week…. I know MY opinion…. I want YOURS!
Be turned in, in hard copy, no later than the start of class on November 18th. No exceptions.
Spelling and grammar count. If you need assistance, please visit the OSU Writing Center (4120A Smith
Lab). For full guidelines, download and review the paper criteria & grading rubric from Carmen.
Final Exam – There will be a final exam, in our classroom, on the evening of December 16th (see
schedule below). The exam will be composed of fifty (50) multiple choice questions, each worth six (6)
points.
The final exam will cover any concepts taught by the instructor, as well as any assigned readings. The
exam will not include any material introduced by guest speakers, nor information about their companies.
The exam is worth a total of 300 points.
Class Participation – I will post conversation topics to your discussion forum on our class Carmen page.
To encourage your participation each week, I will 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 grade will be calculated from: class attendance, in-class participation & discussion
board participation.
There will be a maximum of 100 participation points possible for the course.
Final Grade – Your final course grade will be posted to Carmen and the Gradebook as quickly as
possible after the last day of the course. The course is graded using the standard OSU Grading
Scheme. The instructor will assess your overall performance in the course, if you’re found to be
extremely close to the threshold between two grades. Please do not campaign for a higher grade!
Overall Grading Criteria & Scale
Criteria
Points
Final Exam
Technology Paper
Class Participation
Grading Scale
Point Total
300
200
100
600
558 – 600
540 – 557
522 – 539
498 – 521
480 - 497
462 – 479
438 – 461
420 – 437
360 – 419
359 and Below
Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD
E
Schedule and Assignments (Subject to Change)
Week
Date
Topic
1
1
2
2
3
10/21/14
10/23/14
10/28/14
10/30/14
11/04/14
Introductions and Course Overview
Logistics Technology Overview & Strategy
Network Modeling and Optimization
Instructor Traveling – No Class!
Case Study
3
11/06/14
ERP & E-Commerce Systems
4
4
11/11/14
11/13/14
Veterans’ Day Observed – No Class!
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
5
11/18/14
Material-Handling Equipment
5
6
11/20/14
11/25/14
Transportation Technology
TMS Lab
6
7
7
11/27/14
12/2/14
12/4/14
Thanksgiving Observed – No Class!
Manufacturing Systems
CRM Systems
8
8
9
12/9/14
12/11/14
12/16/14
The Future of Logistics Technology
Finals Week – No Class!
Final Exam (8:00 to 9:45 PM)
NOTE: All guest speakers tentative and subject to change.
Guest Speaker
(If Any)
Assignment
Prof. Dave Widdifield
OSU
Brad Grimsley
L Brands
Chris Conrad
Lululemon Athletica
Victor Molina
SDI
TBD
TBD
Papers Due
Meet In Lab; Schoenbaum
219
Study Guides Distributed
Tony Weaver
DSW
Schoenbaum 205