BUSML 4388
Warehouse Operations
FISHER COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
DEPARTMENT OF MARKETING AND LOGISTICS
COURSE SYLLABUS
Term:
Spring T2 2015
Course Title:
BUSML 4388 (3971) Warehouse Operations
Course Location:
Schoenbaum Hall Rm #200
Course Time:
Mon/Wed/Fri 1:50PM to 2:45PM
Prerequisite:
BUSMHR 2292 and BUSML 3380
Description:
Study of general warehouse operations, focusing on facility layout, financial analysis, labor
relations, warehouse management systems, productivity improvement and measurement;
impact of corporate and industry strategies on warehouse operations.
Instructor:
Dr. David Widdifield
Fisher Hall, Room #510
(614) 292-2757 (office)
E-mail: widdifield.2@osu.edu
Website: https://carmen.osu.edu
Office Hours:
Thursday 3pm to 5pm.
Required Text:
Highly Competitive Warehouse Management, An Action Plan for Best-in-Class Performance North American Edition, 2012, Jeroen P. Van Den Berg, Distribution Group, ISBN
97800915910656, Retail $59.95 (OSU Bookstore; www.ohiostate.bkstore.com), $42-$65
(Amazon; www.amazon.com)
The Definitive Guide to Warehousing: Managing the Storage and Handling of Materials and
Products in the Supply Chain, 2014, Scott B. Keller and Brian C. Keller, Pearson, ISBN
9780133448900, eBook available at; http://coursepacks.xanedu.com/?PackId=489511
World Class Warehousing and Material Handling, 2001, Edward H. Frazelle, McGraw-Hill, ISBN
9780071376003, Retail $49.95 (OSU Bookstore; www.ohiostate.bkstore.com), $23-$27
(Amazon; www.amazon.com)
Optional Text:
Warehousing Profitably: How to Tell What's Wrong With Your Warehouse...And Fix It! 3rd
Edition, 2011, Ken Ackerman, Distribution Group, ISBN 9780982994009, Retail $79.75
(Distribution Group; http://www.distributiongroup.com), $70.00 (Amazon; www.amazon.com)
Course Materials:
Course lecture materials will include; guest speaker presentations, industry journal PowerPoint
slides, and text questions. Class materials will be made available on Carmen for downloading
prior to class.
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BUSML 4388
Warehouse Operations
Course Due Date Policy: For assignments (peer evaluation, team presentations) to be counted for full credit they will
need to be submitted on their scheduled due date unless noted otherwise. Any assignment
submitted 12 hrs. after the due date deadline will be assessed a 50% point deduction from the
assignment’s total possible points. Any assignment exceeding 12 hours after the due date
deadline will not be counted for credit towards the class total. I will provide exemptions to this
policy in the event of extraordinary circumstances; however this does not include minor
illnesses, schedule conflicts between school and work, tardiness, or unscheduled vacations. If
you feel there is a need to request exemption from this policy, please notify me via email 24
hrs. prior to the assignment’s due date.
Course Objective:
To provide a general understanding of key distribution center and warehousing concepts and
how businesses use these logistics assets to support customer service profitability goals.
Particularly, this course will provide an understanding of the function of distribution and
warehousing within logistics as well as the primary processes and system infrastructure
required to process goods efficiently. Students will learn how and what role a warehouse
manager plays within logistics operations from a conceptual and practical perspective using
course material and the lived experience of industry practitioners.
Students will also develop a basic understanding of key warehousing concepts and
techniques important to analysis of business logistics problems. The course will also examine
how various logistics activities and warehousing work interdependently with each other to
support business goals. Finally, the course strives to develop management and control
techniques/skills critical in the area of warehouse operations.
Course Format:
This course will be conducted using a combination of class discussion, lecture, guest speaker,
industry analysis, and text questions. The lecture will cover the assigned text chapter, including
comparison to current trends in the industry. You are expected to attend all classes and to be
prepared to discuss and/or apply assigned readings. Students may be called upon to discuss
assigned topics and concepts. In addition, students are expected to actively participate in all
team projects and papers.
Class Point Total:
Grades will be based upon performance on the following:
Assignment
Comprehensive Final Exam
Guest Speaker Attendance
Participation
Peer Review
Team Project
Text Quiz #1
Text Quiz #2
Text Quiz #3
Text Quiz #4
TOTAL
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Points
150
45
80
20
50
25
25
25
25
445
Percentage
34%
11%
18%
5%
12%
5%
5%
5%
5%
100%
BUSML 4388
Warehouse Operations
Assignment Details:
Chapter Quizzes. Prior to the text chapter lecture and/or discussion, I will give a short quiz
consisting of 10 multiple choice questions from our assigned chapter readings (see page 8). On
the day of the chapter quiz students will receive the quiz form and have 15 minutes to complete
and return the quiz. Students failing to take a chapter quiz on the scheduled date will not be
able to complete a make-up quiz unless approved by the instructor at least 24 hours prior to the
quiz date & time or in the event of an extraordinary situation. An extraordinary event is the
occurrence of a situation that is beyond the control of the college, instructor or student. Student
minor illnesses, schedule conflicts, tardiness, unscheduled vacations, or similar situations does
not constitute extraordinary situations to be considered for making up the quiz. If you feel the
circumstances indicate a need to schedule a quiz early or its scheduled date, please notify me 24
hours prior to the quiz date via email. Quizzes will count for 100 (25 pts. per quiz) points toward
your final grade.
Class Participation. Due to the nature of the class meeting schedule, attendance is critical to the
student’s success in the class and knowledge transfer. Therefore the participation grade will be
based on your attendance at each class meeting. Attendance will be taken each class discussion
as well as during project presentations on an attendance log. During guest speaker events or
quizzes attendance will be taken from the sign-in sheet and submitted quizzes. Class
participation will account for 80 points (4 pts. per class meeting) towards your final grade.
Final Exam. A comprehensive final exam will be given at the end of the course. This exam will
consist of questions drawn from the text readings, lectures, and other class assignments. You
are responsible for the material even if it is not emphasized during the lectures. A pre-exam
review sheet will be posted 1 week prior to the exam. This review will focus on material to be
included in the test. The exam will focus on the text chapters contained in the class schedule.
There will be no make up exams except in extraordinary situations. An extraordinary event is the
occurrence of a situation that is beyond the control of the college, instructor or student. Student
minor illnesses, schedule conflicts, tardiness, unscheduled vacations, or similar situations do not
constitute extraordinary situations to be considered for making up the quiz. Any request to take
the exam early or made up require instructor approval by 4/6. Note: exam booklets are not for
student distribution and will need to be returned to me at the conclusion of the exam. Following
the exam, I will schedule a class test review and will return graded student tests. Upon
completion of this review, all student tests will need to be returned to me, any test not returned
will be subject to a grade of “0”. Each exam will account for 150 points towards the final grade.
Distribution Center (DC)/Warehousing Topic Team Presentation. Students will be broken into
self-selected teams of 4 members by 3/11 to research and present to the class an instructor
approved DC/warehousing issue, topic, or trend within industry. The objective of this project is
to gain an understanding of how companies review their DC/warehousing strategies to grow
market position while using logistics to support overall company, customer, industry, and profit
objectives. Topics may include;
a. DC/warehousing network sizing (number of facilities and size)
b. DC/warehousing systems investments (LMS, MHE, RF, WMS)
c. Labor strategies
d. Multichannel/omnichannel strategies
e. Outsourcing
f. Process improvement methodologies
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BUSML 4388
Warehouse Operations
Teams are free to select any DC/warehousing topic & industry however no team can
select the same issue/topic to ensure variety. Student teams will conduct a 15-20 minute inclass presentation outlining the analysis of their research on the chosen topic. Presentations will
review what, when, where, and how the topic is affecting the logistics and specifically
distribution center and warehouse operations in the industry. This presentation will include; 1topic background and/or origin, 2-business/industry affected, 3-impacts on market share, 4-key
processes or technologies needed, 5-how businesses are addressing the issue, & 6-potential
opportunities or threats to business logistics strategies within the industry.
The team’s Microsoft PowerPoint presentation will need to be uploaded to the Carmen
dropbox the 24 hrs. prior to scheduled presentation date. The expected deliverable due to the
instructor is the team’s presentation deck formatted using Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 or higher
containing 10-15 slides. All sources used will need to be document using American Psychological
Association (APA) format (http://www.apastyle.org/learn/tutorials/basics-tutorial.aspx) on
the individual slides as well as included as the last slide listing references at the end of the
presentation. The team’s presentation will account for 50 points towards the final grade.
Guest Speaker Attendance. During the course, we will have the opportunity to host senior level
managers from one of the leading companies in the Columbus area. They will provide critical
insights to the importance of DC/warehousing in their logistics operations from a corporate
perspective as well as current or emerging industry trends in business and/or employment. The
objective of these events is to provide the student with a practitioner’s perspective on the part
DC/warehousing plays in his/her business. Attendance is mandatory for all students as these
events provide timely and unique information about the logistics industry. Due to this, there is
no make-up assignment for students missing the guest speaker. This event will account for 45
(15 pts. per event) points towards the final grade.
Peer Evaluation. All students will submit an individual peer evaluation form rating the
performance of her/his team members on the day of their course project presentation. This
form will need to be completed and uploaded to the Carmen dropbox before 11:59pm on the
day of the team’s presentation. This will account for 20 points towards the final grade. Forms for
the peer evaluation and presentation grading template are attached at the end of this
document.
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BUSML 4388
Warehouse Operations
Extra Credit:
You can earn 5 extra credit points during the course by attending an event of
your choosing from one of the below options. Note: attendance at student organizations will be
confirmed by the sponsoring organization during last week of regular classes (4/27). If attending
a professional logistics organization event be sure to provide me with attendance registration
(hard copy or soft copy) of the event you attend in order to receive credit. All extra credit is due
on 4/17;
 Professional Logistics Meeting Option: (5 pts) you may earn credit by attending a regular
meeting of the following professional or student logistics organizations.
A “regular” meeting is defined as one which a guest speaker (ordinarily from the practitioner
community) presents a timely topic. Eligible events include;
o Buckeye Operations Management Society (BOMS). For information on meeting
dates, times and locations you can reference the BOMS website at:
https://groups.cob.ohio-state.edu/boms. Be sure to sign-in at these meetings to
receive credit for your attendance.
o Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) Columbus Roundtable.
For more information on meeting dates, times, and locations be sure to visit the
CSCMP website at: http://www.columbusroundtable.org. Be sure to sign-in at
these meetings to receive credit for your attendance.
o Purchasing and Supply Management Association (PSMA). For information on
meeting dates, times and locations you can reference the PMSA website at
http://www.osupsma.com. Be sure to sign-in at these meetings to receive credit for
your attendance.
o The Logistics Association (TLA). The TLA meets weekly on Tuesdays and/or
Thursdays during the quarter (and meetings are free!). For information on meeting
dates, times and locations you can reference the TLA website at:
http://www.osutla.com. Be sure to sign-in at these meetings to receive credit for
your attendance.
Grading Scale:
The grading scale is guaranteed. You will receive no less than the grade listed within the
appropriate interval.
Point Total Range
Letter Grade
414-445
401-413
387-400
369-386
356-368
338-355
325-337
312-324
298-311
267-297
0-296
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
E
Source: http://odee.osu.edu/resourcecenter/carmen/gradebook-using-grade-schemes
Revised on: 5/29/2016
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BUSML 4388
Warehouse Operations
Academic Integrity:
All tests, written exercises, and papers are to be your own work. academic integrity is essential
to maintaining an environment that fosters excellence in teaching, research, and other
educational and scholarly activities. Thus, the Ohio State University and the Committee on
Academic Misconduct (COAM) expect that all students have read and understand the
University’s Code of Student Conduct, and that all students will complete all academic and
scholarly assignments with fairness and honesty.
Students must recognize that failure to follow the rules and guidelines established in the
University’s Code of Student Conduct and this syllabus may constitute “Academic Misconduct.”
The Ohio State University’s Code of Student Conduct (Section 3335-23-04) defines academic
misconduct as: “Any activity that tends to compromise the academic integrity of the University,
or subvert the educational process.” Examples of academic misconduct include (but are not
limited to) plagiarism, collusion (unauthorized collaboration), copying the work of another
student, and possession of unauthorized materials during an examination. Ignorance of the
University’s Code of Student Conduct is never considered an “excuse” for academic misconduct,
so I recommend that you review the Code of Student Conduct and, specifically, the sections
dealing with academic misconduct.
If I suspect that a student has committed academic misconduct in this course, I am
obligated by University Rules to report my suspicions to the Committee on Academic
Misconduct. If COAM determines that you have violated the University’s Code of Student
Conduct (i.e., committed academic misconduct), the sanctions for the misconduct could include
a failing grade in this course and suspension or dismissal from the University.
If you have any questions about the above policy or what constitutes academic misconduct
in this course, please contact me. Additional sources of information on academic misconduct
(integrity) can be found by visiting;
 The Committee on Academic Misconduct web pages (http://oaa.osu.edu/coam.html)
 Ten Suggestions for Preserving Academic Integrity
(http://oaa.osu.edu/coamtensuggestions.html)
 Eight Cardinal Rules of Academic Integrity
(http://www.northwestern.edu/provost/students/integrity/rules.html)
Americans with
Disabilities Act:
Course Disclaimer:
Revised on: 5/29/2016
If you have a disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires
special 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. Students requiring special
accommodations will need to provide the instructor the proper university documentation
regarding her/his disability. For more information on Ohio State University’s policies and
procedures concerning student disabilities, please visit the Office of Student Life’s Disability
Services website; http://ods.osu.edu.
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. Exam and quiz dates will not be
changed except in the event of extraordinary circumstances beyond the instructor’s control (e.g.
college or university closure).
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BUSML 4388
Warehouse Operations
Use of Electronic
Devices:
The use of electronic devices (cell phones, digital recorders, laptops, tablet PC, or other similar
device) is permitted during the class discussion. However, if the use of these devices during class
periods creates a disorderly or distracted environment taking away from the course content,
goals, etc., their use in the class will be discontinued.
If this occurs, all devices are to be powered down and stowed during the class period.
Failure to comply with this policy request may result in a student’s dismissal from the class and
loss of any in-class points (including and not limited to exams, presentations, etc.). For more
information see OSU Code of Student Conduct, § 3335-23-04 Prohibited Conduct Policy,
http://trustees.osu.edu/rules/code-of-student-conduct/3335-23-04.html. Additionally, should
a student need to electronically record any portion of the discussion, lecture, or presentation
you will need to obtain the instructor’s or speaker’s authorization 24 hours prior to the event
and use of recording device.
Course Milestones:









3/11:
3/13:
3/16-20:
3/27:
4/3
4/10:
4/17:
4/20:
4/22-29:
Formation of student teams for course project
Guest Speaker #1 & Quiz #1
Spring Break
Quiz #2
Guest Speaker #2 & Quiz #3)
Quiz #4
Guest Speaker #3
Final exam
Course project presentations
Class Schedule:
Note: I may revise this schedule based on the overall pace of the class and/o personal work schedule, to accommodate class progress,
provide a more in-depth focus, or to take advantage of additional guest speakers should the opportunity arise. We will attempt to
stay as close to the below schedule as possible, exam & quiz dates will not be altered.
Week
1
3/4/15
Course Overview, Syllabus, & Introduction
1
3/6/15
Warehousing Introduction
2
3/9/15
Warehousing Introduction
2
3/11/15
2
3/13/15
Spring Break
3
3
3
Date
Topic
Reading
Course Syllabus & Welcome Slide Deck
Frazelle Ch. 1, pgs. 1-11, Keller & Keller
Ch. 1-2
Frazelle Ch. 1, pgs. 1-11, Keller & Keller
Ch. 1-2 & Keller & Keller Ch. 3 & 7
Van Den Berg Ch. 2, pgs. 47-80, Keller &
Keller Ch. 3 & 7
3/16-20/15
Warehousing Strategy
Due: Team selections for course project
Quiz #1 (Frazelle Ch. 1)
Guest Speaker #1: DSW Inc.
No Classes
3/23/15
Warehousing Strategy
Van Den Berg Ch 2, pgs 47-80
3/25/15
Warehouse Processes, Systems and Types
Warehouse Processes, Systems and Types
Quiz #2 (Van Den Berg Ch.2/3)
Van Den Berg Ch 3, pgs 81-119
3/27/15
Revised on: 5/29/2016
Page 7 of 11
See Carmen Website
N/A
Van Den Berg Ch 3, pgs 81-119
BUSML 4388
Warehouse Operations
Week
Date
Topic
Reading
Frazelle Ch 3, pgs 45-69, Keller & Keller
Ch. 8
Frazelle Ch 4, pgs 71-80, Frazelle Ch 5,
pgs 85-108, & Keller & Keller Ch. 8
4
3/30/15
4
4/1/15
4
4/3/15
5
4/6/15
5
4/8/15
5
4/10/15
6
4/13/15
Resource Utilization
Warehouse Workforce
6
4/15/15
Warehouse Workforce
6
7
4/17/15
Guest Speaker #3:Ken Ackerman/Vistage
4/20/15
N/A
7
4/22/15
7
Finals
Finals
4/24/15
Final Exam (will include Keller & Keller)
Final Exam Summary
Team Project Presentations (2)
Team Project Presentations (3)
4/27/15
Team Project Presentations (3)
See Carmen website for details
4/29/15
Team Project Presentations (3)
See Carmen website for details
Revised on: 5/29/2016
Warehouse Performance
Receiving and Putaway
Pallet Storage and Retrieval Systems
Quiz #3 (Frazelle Ch. 3, 4, 5)
Guest Speaker #2:TQL
Small Item Picking Systems
Unitizing and Shipping
Small Item Picking Systems
Unitizing and Shipping
Resource Utilization
Quiz #4 (Frazelle Ch. 7 & 9)
Final Exam Review Posted
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See Carmen Website
Frazelle Ch 7, pgs 127-145
Frazelle Ch 9, Pgs 183-187
Frazelle Ch 7, pgs 127-145
Frazelle Ch 9, Pgs 183-187
Van Den Berg Ch 8, pgs 231-240
Van Den Berg Ch 8, pgs 231-240,
Frazelle, Ch 12, pgs 231-233, Keller &
Keller Ch. 5
Van Den Berg Ch 8, pgs 231-240,
Frazelle, Ch 12, pgs 231-233, Keller &
Keller Ch. 5
See Carmen website
See Carmen website
BUSML 4388
Warehouse Operations
Industry organizations and journal websites of general logistics interest
Source
Type
Website
Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Governmental Agency
www.bts.gov
U.S. Department of Transportation
Governmental Agency
www.dot.gov
American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L)
Professional Organization
www.astl.org
APICS The Association for Operations Management
Professional Organization
http://www.apics.org/default.htm
Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)
Professional Organization
http://www.cscmp.org
Institute of Supply Management
Professional Organization
http://www.ism.ws
Reverse Logistics Association
Professional Organization
http://www.rltinc.com
American Shipper
Trade Journal
http://www.americanshipper.com/asdaily
Canadian Transportation & Logistics
Trade Journal
http://www.ctl.ca
DC Velocity
Trade Journal
http://www.dcvelocity.com
Inbound Logistics
Trade Journal
www.inboundlogistics.com
Industry Week
Trade Journal
http://industryweek.com
Internet Retailer
Trade Journal
http://www.internetretailer.com/home
Logistics Management
Trade Journal
http://www.logisticsmgmt.com
Logistics Today
Trade Journal
http://www.logisticstoday.com
Retailing Today
Trade Journal
http://www.retailingtoday.com
Supply Chain Brain
Trade Journal
Supply Chain Digest
Trade Journal
http://www.supplychainbrain.com/content
/index.php
http://www.scdigest.com/index.php
Transport Topics
Trade Journal
www.transporttopics.com
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BUSML 4388
Warehouse Operations
Warehousing Topic Team Presentation Grading Form
Team Name
Whse Topic
Date of Presentation
Points
Points
Possible
Awarded
15
10
10
10
5
Presentation Elements
Content: Did the team’s presentation;
1. Use accurate information based on external data?
2. Provide answers to all questions?
3. Adequately highlight major points of presentation using external
statistics, anecdotal data, and/or quotes
4. Properly cite all facts, figures, statistics, or tables used on slides in
APA format?
5. Provide a detailed reference slide at the end?
Delivery – Overall: Did the team;
1. Appear confident in body language and speaking tone?
2. Avoid the use of inappropriate language or words?
3. Dress in appropriate attire?
4. Maintain eye contact with audience?
5. Use personal/professional experience to enhance content?
Delivery - Specific: Did the individual speaker;
1. Allow adequate time for audience to read and comprehend slide
presented?
2. Face audience while speaking
3. Maintain engaged posture throughout presentation?
4. Not read directly from notes or slides?
5. Use a conversational tone easily heard by audience?
Organization and Preparation: Did the team;
1. Clearly state presentation objective at the beginning of
presentation?
2. Have a smooth transition between speakers?
3. Present a logical sequenced of ideas and topics during
presentation?
4. Appear to be comfortable with the topic material; no direct reading
of notes or slides
5. Intelligently and skillfully answer audience questions?
Presentation Visual Aids: Were the team’s slides and/or videos;
1. Appropriate to presentation?
2. Easily read by audience?
3. Preloaded before presentation?
4. Support content
5. Use adequate clarity and size?
Total
Points
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BUSML 4388
Warehouse Operations
Team Peer Assessment Form
Student First Name:
Student Last Name.Email #:
Whse Topic:
Team Name:
Presentation Date:
Team Member’s Name: __________________________
Inactive
Disruptive
☐1
☐1
☐2
☐2
☐3
☐3
☐4
☐4
☐5
☐5
Active
Constructive
Team Member’s Name: __________________________
Inactive
Disruptive
☐1
☐1
☐2
☐2
☐3
☐3
☐4
☐4
☐5
☐5
Active
Constructive
Team Member’s Name: __________________________
Inactive
Disruptive
☐1
☐1
☐2
☐2
☐3
☐3
☐4
☐4
☐5
☐5
Active
Constructive
Team Member’s Name: __________________________
Inactive
Disruptive
☐1
☐1
☐2
☐2
☐3
☐3
☐4
☐4
☐5
☐5
Active
Constructive
Team Member’s Name: __________________________
Inactive
Disruptive
☐1
☐1
Revised on: 5/29/2016
☐2
☐2
☐3
☐3
☐4
☐4
☐5
☐5
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Active
Constructive