M&L 4382: Logistics Analytics - Spring 2015
The Instructor: Daniel Taylor
356 Fisher Hall
Phone: 614-357-1194
taylor.465@osu.edu
The Classes:
MWF 1:50-2:45 (SB 230)
Office Hours:
MW 12:30-1:30; Th 12:45-2:00; available most days after class by request
The Course:
4382 can be described as a modeling course in logistics. We will cover a variety of logistics
issues and discuss modeling approaches for solving them. The course is organized into three
primary modules (Forecasting, Modeling, and Network Design) and three shorter modules
(Simulation, Routing, and Inventory Management). Each module will consist of a series of
lectures on modeling and solution approaches to a class of problems.
By the end of the course, you will:
 be familiar with several modeling problems commonly faced in logistics,
 understand the uses of, and the appropriateness of solving problems with, heuristics,
optimization and simulation,
 be able to solve many of these problems using efficient heuristics (i.e. methods for
finding good solutions to a problem) or optimization techniques (i.e. methods for finding
the best solution),
 understand how companies address these problems in the “real world.”
Course Packet: There is an electronic course packet that will be used towards the end of the course. Details
will be posted on Carmen. All other required readings are available through Carmen or
through Business Source Complete (see required reading list on page 4). Optional readings
that can supplement some of the lectures are available upon request.
The Grade:
The final grade will be determined by the weighted average of the following:
Exam 1
Exam 2
Exam 3
Reading Bullet Point Assignments (x5)
Forecasting Case (Report #1)
Network Modeling Case (Report #2)
20%
20%
20%
1% each (5% in aggregate)
15%
20%
I will determine the exact cutoffs at the end of the semester. However, the following are approximately what I
expect the ranges to look like:
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
E
> 89
[86, 89]
[83, 85]
[79, 82]
[75, 78]
[69, 74]
[66, 68]
[64, 65]
[62, 63]
[60, 61]
< 60
Homework: There will be 7 homework assignments assigned during the quarter. You are highly encouraged to
do the homework as we cover the material, but you will NOT be handing them in to be graded. I will post the
solutions and you can check your own work.
Reading Bullet Point Assignments: Provide ten to fifteen bullet points for five of the assigned readings. The
bullet points are to represent insights you gained from the reading. Turn-in a hard copy on days when the
readings are to be discussed (listed on the syllabus). The bullet point assignments are to be done individually.
You may choose the five readings.
Exams: All exams will be closed-book and closed-notes. You will be provided a formula sheet with the
required formulas on it for the first exam. The exams are not cumulative although some material will carryover. Should you be sick on an exam day, you must contact me more than 8 hours before the exam and
schedule a make-up exam that must be taken within 2 days. You will also need to provide a doctor’s note.
Groups: Students will choose their own teams. Groups are to be 3-4 people (preferably 4). You have until
January 16th to form your team. Teams will be formalized during class on January 16th. Teams will be utilized
for in-class exercises and for the case studies.
Forecasting Case – Mahindra & Mahindra: This case will require extensive use of Microsoft Excel and
comparison of forecasting techniques. The case will be accomplished outside of class. I will introduce the case
and will answer questions as needed. You will work on this case with your team and turn-in one report for the
entire team. I will provide case questions and report guidance. The case is available for purchase from Ivey
publishing at https://www.iveycases.com/ProductView.aspx?id=60877. Only one case need be purchased per
team. The report is due on February 9th. Your team has the option to turn-in the report early on February 4th. For
teams that choose to turn-in early, I will have comments and grades available on February 6th, the Friday before
exam 1.
Network Design Cases – Metalworks: The computer lab will not be available during our class time. We will
use the classroom to work on the network design case using Logic Tools, but it will also certainly require work
outside of class time. I will introduce the software on the first and second lab days and you will have four
additional lab days to work on the case. The software is Windows-based, so if you use a Mac, you will need to
buy Parallels. You will work on this case with your team and turn-in one report for the entire team. I will
provide the case, case questions and report guidance. The report is due on May 1st. You must delete the
software from your computer(s) at the end of the semester. Failing to do so is a violation of IBM's
licensing agreement and could expose you to civil lawsuits.
Extra Credit (up to 5%): You have the opportunity to gain up to 5% of additional credit by attending TLA
meetings. The Transportation and Logistics Association (TLA) meets at 7:30 pm on Thursdays.
http://www.osutla.com/?page_id=822. You will receive 1 point each time you attend a meeting and then submit
a one-page write-up on what you learned. Turn-in a hard copy within one week of attending the meeting.
TIPS about all write-ups. Use double-space and 1 inch margins, with “normal” fonts (Times, Calibri,
Arial, etc). Draw your own conclusions on how events affect logistics. Be critical and voice your own
opinion.
Nameplates: It is important that I match names and faces. I will expect you to use a nameplate (or similar paper
proxy).
Late policy: Any assignments/projects that are late lose 20% of their declared value for every 24 hours that
they are late. Example: 20 minutes late – 20% off. 26 hours late – 40%.
Class attendance: Class attendance is not mandatory for this course but it is highly encouraged. Attendance
may be taken during the first two weeks of class or until the class roster stabilizes. Students will be responsible
for all material posted on Carmen, covered in required readings, and discussed during the lectures – to include
guest speakers and in-class exercises. If you miss a class, please catchup thorough your teammates.
The University and College expectation is that students spend two hours outside of class for every hour
spent in class. Since this course meets 3 hours per week, you should expect to spend 6 hours per week
outside of class on course-related work.
I take academic misconduct very seriously. Never represent someone else’s work as your own. If I
suspect any violation of the Code of Student Conduct, I will bring it to the attention of the Committee on
Academic Misconduct who will determine and impose an appropriate sanction. This can range from a
formal reprimand to dismissal.
Course Schedule
(Note: This schedule is subject to change, as necessary)
Forecasting
W1
W2
W3
W4
Modeling
W5
W6
W7
Simulation
Invent.
Mgmt
Vehicle
Route
W8
W9
W10
Network Design
W11
W12
W13
W14
W15
Day
M
W
F
M
W
F
M
W
F
M
W
F
M
W
F
M
W
F
M
W
F
M
W
F
M
W
F
M
Date
Jan 12
Jan 14
Jan 16
Jan 19
Jan 21
Jan 23
Jan 26
Jan 28
Jan 30
Feb 2
Feb 4
Feb 6
Feb 9
Feb 11
Feb 13
Feb 16
Feb 18
Feb 20
Feb 23
Feb 25
Feb 27
Mar 2
Mar 4
Mar 6
Mar 9
Mar 11
Mar 13
Mar 16
Topic
Readings Assignments
Introduction and Overview
Introduction to Forecasting
Forecast Accuracy
HOLIDAY
Time Series Approaches I
Time Series Approaches II
HW #1
Trend and Seasonality I
Trend and Seasonality II
HW #2
Regression and Exponential Smoothing
Forecasting in Practice
#1
Exam Review
REPORT #1 (early)
Guest Lecture - Demand Management
EXAM I
REPORT #1
Solution Methods I
Solution Methods II
Linear Programming (LP) I
Linear Programming (LP) II
Linear Programming with Excel
#2
HW #3
Integer Programming (IP) I
Integer Programming (IP) II
Integer Programming (IP) III
HW #4
Heuristics
#4
Introduction to Simulation
Applied Simulation
#5
Exam Review
EXAM II
Inventory Management I
SPRING BREAK
W
F
M
Mar 18
Mar 20
Mar 23
SPRING BREAK
SPRING BREAK
Inventory Management II
W
F
M
W
F
M
W
F
M
W
F
M
W
F
M
Mar 25
Mar 27
Mar 30
Apr 1
Apr 3
Apr 6
Apr 8
Apr 10
Apr 13
Apr 15
Apr 17
Apr 20
Apr 22
Apr 24
Apr 27
Inventory Management III
Vehicle Routing I
Vehicle Routing II
Facility Location I
Facility Location II
Introduction to Network Design
Guest Lecture - Network Design
Dow Brands and DHL Discussion
Exam Review
Exam III
Classroom Lab
Classroom Lab
Classroom Lab
Classroom Lab
Classroom Lab
HW #5
HW #6
#6
#7
#8
HW #7
#9, #10
REPORT #2 (due 5/1)
M&L 4382 Course Readings
#1: Croxton, K. L., Lambert, D. M., García-Dastugue, S. J., & Rogers, D. S. (2002). The demand
management process. International Journal of Logistics Management, The, 13(2), 51-66.
http://osu.worldcat.org/title/the-demand-management-process/oclc/441047891
#2: Bartolacci, M. R., LeBlanc, L. J., Kayikci, Y., & Grossman, T. A. (June 01, 2012). Optimization modeling
for logistics: Options and implementations. Journal of Business Logistics, 33, 2, 118-127.
http://osu.worldcat.org/title/optimization-modeling-for-logistics-options-andimplementations/oclc/806092221
#3: Optimization Methods in Management Science/Operations Research: Excel Techniques – Tool for
Solving a Linear Program (2013). MIT OpenCourseWare. 15.053/058
http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/sloan-school-of-management/15-053-optimization-methods-in-managementscience-spring-2013/tutorials/MIT15_053S13_tut03.pdf
Solver installation reference: http://depts.washington.edu/mbaclub/wordpress/wpcontent/uploads/2013/07/Tutorial-Adding-Solver-Excel-2013.pdf
#4: Griffis, S. E., Bell, J. E., & Closs, D. J. (2012). Metaheuristics in logistics and supply chain
management. Journal of Business Logistics, 33(2), 90-106.#3: Simulation in Logistics: A Review of
Present Practice and a Look to the Future, Bowersox & Closs, JBL, Vol. 10, #1.
http://osu.worldcat.org/title/metaheuristics-in-logistics-and-supply-chain-management/oclc/806092219
#5: Evers, P. T., & Wan, X. (2012). Systems analysis using simulation. Journal of Business Logistics, 33(2),
80-89.
http://osu.worldcat.org/title/systems-analysis-using-simulation/oclc/806092218
#6: Watson, M. (2013). Supply chain network design: Applying optimization and analytics to the global supply
chain. Pearson Education. Chapter 1 (in electronic course packet).
#7: Watson, M. (2013). Supply chain network design: Applying optimization and analytics to the global supply
chain. Pearson Education. Chapter 12 (in electronic course packet).
#8: Watson, M. (2013). Supply chain network design: Applying optimization and analytics to the global supply
chain. Pearson Education. Chapter 13 (in electronic course packet).
#9: Robinson, E. P., Gao, L. L., & Muggenborg, S. D. (1993). Designing an integrated distribution system at
DowBrands, Inc. Interfaces, 23(3), 107-117.
http://osu.worldcat.org/title/designing-an-integrated-distribution-system-at-dowbrandsinc/oclc/5582114361
#10: Cheung, W., Leung, L. C., & Wong, Y. M. (2001). Strategic service network design for DHL Hong
Kong. Interfaces, 31(4), 1-14.
http://osu.worldcat.org/title/strategic-service-network-design-for-dhl-hong-kong/oclc/4645528958
All articles can be found in the library or on-line through Business Source Complete. To find them with BSC,
go to http://www.lib.ohio-state.edu/ and click on "Research Database List" on the right, go to "B" and click on
"Business Source Complete." From there you can conduct a search using any combination of the author, the
article title, or the journal title. Once you find the article, you should be able to click on "PDF Full Text" to
download the article in PDF format.