ML 782 Winter, 2012
COURSE SYLLABUS
LOGISTICS DECISION MAKING
WINTER 2012
Instructor:
Office:
Office Hrs:
David Widdifield
510 Fisher Hall
By Appointment
Class:
Office Phone:
e-mail:
GH 315 - MW 10:30AM-12:18PM
(614) 292-2757
widdifield_2@fisher.osu.edu
Course Description
The primary objectives of Logistics Decision Making are to consolidate and expand on what was
learned in previous coursework and to prepare students for implementing logistics concepts in a corporate
environment. The course strongly emphasizes implementation by employing the case method and requiring
a term project. A secondary objective of the course is to introduce students to the supply chain
management theory and it economic impacts at the local and global level.
Course Text
The course text consists of select Harvard Business School (HBS) cases available for purchase at
UniPrint.
Case & Course Work
During the quarter, we will discuss and analyze 9 HBS cases covering key issues in supply chain. One
additional case will serve as a final examination. The cases represent a variety of current topics which focus
on the following dimensions: operational vs. strategic, supplier vs. customer, domestic vs. international, as
well as innovative topics such as reverse logistics and web based distribution. Student self selected teams of
4-5 will choose one of the 9 cases for analysis and presentation to the class (see pg 4). Prior to the case
discussion, a reading check quiz will be distributed prior to the class discussion for completion by all
students. The class discussion of the case will last about 20-25 minutes followed by the student team
presentation. In addition to the team case analysis, students will also work in teams of 4-5 on a course
project (see pg 2).
Additionally, we will have the opportunity to host senior supply chain managers during lecture to
discuss issues and opportunities in business today and how their companies are preparing to meet them.
We will also be visiting logistics operations as well; these visits are intended to provide you with a “real
world” perspective of the role they play in the company’s supply chain and market strategies. It is
imperative that you attend all guest speaker and industry visits as they will help you develop your case
analysis skills and more importantly business understanding. Due to the importance of these events to the
class, there are no makeup assignments should you miss one of these events. These will count for 30 points
towards your final grade.
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Case & Course Work (cont’d)
Success in this course consists of thorough case analysis and presentation as well as understanding
of business and logistics management principles and theories. Case presentation is exceedingly important to
create the proper environment in the course. Student success is measured based on her or his success in
the following activities;
(1) Case reading check quiz before every case discussion class. This is a very short quiz (5 to 10 minutes) on the basic facts of
the case. The top six of nine grades will be counted.
(2) Submission of case write-up for grading during the quarter (see page 4-5 for details).
(3) Class participation grade and peer assessment.
(4) Examinations, the midterm will cover logistics management lectures and the final is a take home case analysis.
(5) Group project covering logistics decision making in industry.
(6) Guest speaker and industry visit participation.
A) Cases: Analysis, Discussion, and Presentation
1. Case Preparation
While some adaptation may be needed in response to the circumstances of a particular case,
the outline to be followed when analyzing a case is described below. Use the outline below to prepare
the case for presentation. Be sure your team is familiar with all facts of the case as well any external
data used for the analysis.
Team Analysis Outline:
1. Who is the main protagonist in this case?
2. What are the decisions to be made in this case?
 Decisions arise from either problems or opportunities faced by the firm. What are the
problems and opportunities in this case?
 Are there different short and long term decisions to be made?
 Does the case state corporate goals?
3. Who is responsible for making the decision?
4. Who else has input in making the above decisions? Is their perspective in any way different from the
main protagonist and the decision maker?
5. What is the context within which the decisions will be made? Identify important facts related to:
 The company
 The industry
 Customers
 Suppliers
 Business environment (state of the economy, regulation, the natural environment, etc.)
6. What questions need to be answered before a decision is made? What do you need to know?
7. Develop alternatives to the decisions to be made. What logistics concepts and tools could be helpful
in this situation?
8. How would each alternative be implemented? Who benefits and who is hindered if the alternative is
selected? How are they likely to react? How do you deal with the interested parties?
9. Make and justify a decision.
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A) Cases: Analysis, Discussion, and Presentation (cont’d)
2. Class Discussion
All members of the class will participate in the discussion of each case reviewing the case
details, external data or issues relevant to the case, questions, and possible solutions. Additionally,
students or the instructor may introduce other industry related questions which are not part of the case
during this period. The objective of the meeting is not that the group makes decisions or reaches a
consensus, but that all members are familiar with the case details, presented and implied questions, as
well as the different perspectives of group members.
3. Class Case Quizzes
All members of the class will take the 9 case reading quizzes prior to the class discussion or team
presentation of the case. These will be short quizzes (4-5 questions) based on the case facts to ensure
everyone has read and is familiar with the case being discussed. Students will be scored on the best of 6
quizzes for a total of 120 points towards the final grade.
4. Case Presentation: Write-Up
During the quarter, working in groups of up to 4-5, students will analyze and submit a written
case analysis. Student teams are encouraged to select a case for analysis early as they are assigned on a
“first come-first served” basis. The write-up is due on the date the case is discussed in the class, write
submissions will need to be uploaded to the Carmen dropbox prior to the class and not later than
11:59pm the day the case is discussed by the class and presenting team. Late cases will not be accepted
for credit. The case write-up should not to exceed 3 to 4 typewritten pages for the team response.
Additional pages may be added for appendix, bibliography, figures, or tables.
With two exceptions, please follow the same case analysis outline. First, your decision must be
stated clearly in the first paragraph of the write-up. Second, the page limitation makes it necessary that
you restrict the write-up to the facts and issues that you judge most important as opposed to the more
extensive analysis done in preparation for class. Please do not repeat the facts of the case. The team’s
presentation will account for 120 points towards the final grade.
5. Case Presentation: Student Team
Student teams will select one of the 9 cases for the course and conduct a 30 minute in-class
presentation outlining their analysis. Each case will be presented by teams using the case analysis
outline and external data as the basis for the assignment. External data can consist of academic articles,
industry journals, periodicals, personal interviews, videos, or other sources of relevant information. Any
questions regarding the validity of external data need to be submitted to the instructor prior to use. The
objective of this project is to share with the class the facts of the case and the team’s conclusion for
further class discussion. The expected deliverable is a soft copy of the team’s MS PowerPoint
presentation submitted to the Carmen dropbox prior to the case discussion. Presentations will be
considered late is submitted after 11:59pm the day the case is discussed by the class and presenting
team. The team’s presentation will account for 60 points towards the final grade.
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B) Course Project: Company Research or White Paper
1. General Information: Project Type
To further the opportunity to consolidate and to expand the students supply chain knowledge and
its impacts, students will self select teams of 4-5 members. Two types of projects may be chosen by the
group. The first type is company research, the goal is to describe in detail the logistics strategies and
systems of a company focusing on how a company uses them to achieve business and customer goals.
Companies should be selected based on student team interest and access to corporate data. The second
type of project is a 20-page white paper on a current logistics issue impacting businesses, economies and/or
technology. The papers must reflect the current and future state of selected topic and discuss how it is
affecting companies and consumers.
Regardless of which project is selected, the object of the assignment is to focus on a specific
business/supply chain change, issue, or opportunity rather than a general overview. To prepare for the
project, each group will first conduct library and web based research, those teams selecting the company
project will also need to conduct personal interviews with company officials. The goal of the library and web
research is to provide students with background information related to the selected company or subject as
well as aid in the preparation for the company interviews.
All projects are subject to instructor approval and will be presented in class at an assigned date.
Please do not read your presentation. While the following items are not graded directly, there are also
dates for selecting the company, completing the library and web based research, and an outline for the
interviews. The projects and presentation grades are assigned to the group. The instructor may decide to
adjust your grade downward on the basis of a poor peer evaluation. All peer evaluations are to be
submitted to the Carmen dropbox on the date of the project presentation and no later than 11:59pm on
the date of the project presentation.
2
Company Research Option
Students selecting the company research project will select an instructor approved company with a
strong supply chain organization. Each team will complete a written analysis of the chosen company’s: 1company background, 2-market, 3-market share, 4-key competitors, 5-logistical organization, & 6-how the
company employs a specific logistics strategy (i.e. distribution network, order fulfillment, etc) or system
(global trade management, supplier relationship management, etc) to take advantage of potential
opportunities and challenges within the industry.
To prepare for the analysis, teams will use public research data as well as response to a series of
interview questions for personnel from their chosen company. Questions will provide internal data that
support or complement the findings from public data sources. The purpose of this project is to provide
students with an understanding of how companies meet customer expectations, expand their market
position through the use logistics/supply chain management.
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B) Course Project: Company Research or White Paper (cont’d)
2
Company Research Option (cont’d)
Teams are free to select any company/industry; no more than 2 teams can select the same
company. Each team will submit the written analysis portion of their research to the Carmen dropbox prior
to the team’s presentation to the class and no later than 11:59pm on the date of the presentation. The
expected deliverable consist of a 5-10 letter sized, 1.5 spaced, type-written pages using 12 pt Arial or Times
New Roman font. The team’s paper will account for 150 points towards the final grade.
In addition to the written analysis requirement, student teams will conduct a 25 minute in-class
presentation summarizing their analysis of the chosen company. Teams will use their written analysis as the
basis for this project. The objective of this project is to share the results of their analysis with the class and
sharpen public presentation skills. The expected deliverable to the instructor is an MS PowerPoint
presentation slide deck submitted to the Carmen dropbox prior to the team’s presentation and no later
than 11:59pm on the date of the presentation. The team’s presentation will account for 150 points towards
the final grade.
3
White Paper Option
Teams are free to select the white paper option to meet the course project requirements. White
papers will be a professionally written discussion of various supply chain topics impacting businesses at the
national and global level, economies, and supply chain technology. The below listing of topics could be used
for teams wishing to submit a white paper (not inclusive):








Changing customer demands and its impact on supply chain organizations;
Increasing carrier rates and tightening of capacity across the modes of transportation;
Inventory management policies and implementation;
Managing the purchasing function;
Management of fulfillment;
Managing returns;
Software as a Service (SaaS) models of logistics systems;
Supply chain risk.
Teams will submit their final draft white paper to the Carmen dropbox prior to the team’s presentation
to the class and no later than 11:59pm on the date of the presentation. The expected deliverable consist of
a 20 letter sized, 1.5 spaced, type-written pages using 12 pt Arial or Times New Roman font. The team’s
paper will account for 150 points towards the final grade.
In addition submission of the written paper, teams will conduct a 25 minute in-class presentation
summarizing their analysis of the chosen topic. The objective of this portion of the course project is to share
the results of their analysis with the class and sharpen public presentation skills. The expected deliverable to
the instructor is an MS PowerPoint presentation slide deck submitted to the Carmen dropbox prior to the
team’s presentation and no later than 11:59pm on the date of the presentation. The team’s presentation
will account for 150 points towards the final grade.
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C) Exams
There are two exams during the course. The midterm exam will cover the classroom lectures
related to logistics management. This exam will consist of 50 multiple choice questions derived from
guest speakers, industry visits, and lectures. Additionally, the midterm exam will include 10 extra credit
multiple choice questions from the same sources. The midterm exam will account for 150 points towards
the final grade.
The final exam is take home case analysis consisting of specific questions at the end of the case
to be answered by each student. Student response will be limited to answering the final exam case
questions using the supplemental information provided by the case. Additionally final responses can
include information obtained from external data sources (articles, reports, etc) or previously discussed
cases which have relevancy. The expected deliverable is not to exceed 3 to 4 letter sized, 1.5 spaced,
type-written pages using 12 pt Arial or Times New Roman font typewritten pages The final case response
is due 3/5 and needs to be submitted via the Carmen drop box no later than 11:59pm. Each exam will
account for 150 points towards the final grade.
D) Extra Credit
You may earn up to 75 extra credit points in the course by performing one or more of the
following activities. Attendance at the PSMA or TLA will be confirmed during finals week (6/6-9).

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


Attend a minimum of 3 meetings of the Transportation and Logistics Association during the
Spring Quarter (25 points).
Attend a minimum of 3 meetings of the Purchasing and Supply Management Association
during the Spring Quarter (25 points).
Logistics In The News: Identify a news item of interest to the course and talk about in class
for 5 minutes. You have to get it approved by the instructor at least one day in advance (25
points). Topics need to supplement the case/class discussion. Due by 5/24
Case Update: Collect updated information about a case and talk about it in class for 5
minutes. Case updates are acceptable on or after the date when the case is discussed. You
have to get it approved by the instructor at least one day in advance (25 points).
Article Review: Identify 3 academic or professional articles related to supply chain
management and provide a detailed 2-3 page summary (deconstruction) of the article (25
points). Summaries should include;
1. Article citation – author(s), year of publication, article title, journal, volume, number
and date
2. Target audience for article – academician, practitioner, researchers, or students
3. Purpose of the article – change, opportunity, or problem of practice the article
identifies
4. Article findings – key findings or process change
Note, during each class meeting there can be only one Logistics In The News or Case Update presentation. They are
assigned on a first come, first serve basis.
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Course Schedule
Week
1
Date
January 4
Topic/Case
Course Introduction
2
January 9
Supply Chain Definition
2
January 11
Logistics Decision Making
3
January 16
Martin Luther King Day
3
January 18
Inventory Management
4
January 23
Guest Speaker: Monica
Dornfeld/Exel Logistics
Library and Web Research
4
January 25
Ralph Polo Lauren/Luen
Thai
Supply chain collaboration
5
January 30
Walmart
Global economy, supplier partnerships,
sustainability, & supply chain
5
February 1
6
February 6
Midterm Review
Industry Visit: JB Hunt &
Norfolk Southern
Intermodal Yard
Midterm
6
February 8
Highly Confident
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Description/Issue
Class overview, structure, and case
analysis outline
Review of supply chain and influence
decisions can have customers,
corporation, and suppliers
Determination of logistics’ value to the
corporation, customer, and supplier.
Review of strategic factors which influence
logistics decisions, categorization of
decisions, level/role of decision maker
No class
Purpose of inventories & review of
inventory management strategies
On-site research for case & course project
Provide an understanding of the changes in
customer demand in the logistics industry, in
terms of service variety and geographical
scope. Additionally examine the role of IT in
the logistics industry and its impact
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Course Schedule (cont’d)
7
February 13
Home Depot
Evaluation of centralized versus
decentralized merchandising and
purchasing, organizational change, process
improvement, & supply chain
Accountability, global economy,
manufacturing strategy, outsourcing,
product recalls, & supply chain
7
February 15
Mattel
Guest Speaker: Lou
Cerny/J.A. Sedlak
8
February 20
The Wheels Group
Business strategy within the third-party
logistics industry.
8
February 22
Zappos.com
Internet retail issues, including scope of
product offerings, supply chain agility, &
customer service costs.
9
February 27
Li & Fung
Defining and using a firm’s core competencies
in an increasingly uncertain business
environment to leverage these as a
competitive advantage.
Guest Speaker: Steve
DeNunzio/Bob Evans
Farms
9
February 29
Xbox
How supply chains must evolve to support
changing corporate strategy to address the
competitive environment.
10
March 5
Final: In-class Case Analysis
Instructor will select a case for individual
student analysis.
10
March 7
Project Presentations
Finals
March 12
Project Presentations
Important Due Dates to Remember!
Form group for case and project
Select case for analysis & presentation
Library and web research
Select company for project
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January 18
January 18
January 23
January 23
Midterm
Outline for interviews
Final Case Analysis
Final projects
February 6
February 9
March 5
March 7, 12
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Grading
Grading Criteria
Points
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
Case Write-Up
Case Presentation
Guest Speaker
Industry Visits
Reading Quizzes (top 6 of 9)
Project Presentation
Project Write-Up
Class Participation (1)
Total Course Points
150
150
120
60
20
10
90
150
150
100
1000
Extra credit (up to)
75
Point Total
Grade
920 – 1000
900 – 919
880 – 899
820 – 879
800 – 819
780 – 799
720 – 779
700 – 719
600 – 699
0 – 599
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD
E
(1) Class participation is subject to peer assessment review
Evaluation Forms:
1. Case Write-Up Evaluation Form
Page Limit
Made clear decision
Included key facts in the analysis
Quality of alternatives
Decision follows from facts
Written clearly
Followed format
Documentation provided
(No)
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
(Yes)
4
4
4
4
4
4
1
8
8
8
8
8
8
3
12
11
11
12
12
12
5
16
12
12
16
16
16
7
18
13
13
18
18
18
9
20
15
15
20
20
20
10
Comments:______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
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2. Case Presentation Evaluation Form
Appropriate topic
Organization
Knowledge about the project
Question handling
Quality of visuals
Class interest
Documentation provided
1
1
1
1
1
1
(No)
3
3
3
3
3
3
(Yes)
5
5
5
5
5
5
7
7
7
7
7
7
8
8
8
8
8
8
9
9
9
9
9
9
10
10
10
10
10
10
Comments:______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
3. Project Written Evaluation Form
Focus
Well defined topic
Identified problems
Detailed coverage
Completeness
Well written
Documentation provided
13
13
13
13
13
13
0
15
15
15
15
15
15
1
17
17
17
17
17
17
3
19
19
19
19
19
19
5
21
21
21
21
21
21
7
23
23
23
23
23
23
9
Comments:______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
10
20
25
20
25
25
25
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ML 782 Winter, 2012
4. Project Presentation Evaluation Form
Appropriate topic
Organization
Knowledge about the project
Question handling
Quality of visuals
Class interest
Documentation provided
13
13
13
13
13
13
(No)
15
15
15
15
15
15
(Yes)
17
17
17
17
17
17
19
19
19
19
19
19
21
21
21
21
21
21
23
23
23
23
23
23
25
25
25
25
25
25
Comments:______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
5. Group Project Peer Evaluation Form (yourself included)
Project: _____________________________
Group #: ________________
Group member’s name: ______________________________
Active
Disruptive
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
Inactive
Constructive
7
7
Inactive
Constructive
7
7
Inactive
Constructive
7
7
Inactive
Constructive
7
7
Inactive
Constructive
Group member’s name: ______________________________
Active
Disruptive
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
Group member’s name: ______________________________
Active
Disruptive
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
Group member’s name: ______________________________
Active
Disruptive
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
Group member’s name: ______________________________
Active
Disruptive
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
11
6
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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
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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