Fitchburg State University
School of Business Administration
School of Graduate, Online, and Continuing Education (SGOCE)
Course Number: MGMT 9155
Course Title: Transportation and Logistics Management
Spring B 2023: March 13 – May 01 2023
Class Room: Online MBA
Faculty: Dr. Kay K. Kim
Office: Percival Hall GO9-D
Office Hours: Online (Google Meet by email appointment)
Phone: (978) 665-3533
E-mail:kkim@fitchburgstate.edu
Credit Hours: 3
* Syllabus
A syllabus is a contract between the instructor and student. It outlines the instructor’s expectations for the
course and offers a guide for what to expect during the semester. The instructor’s creation and distribution
of the syllabus, coupled by the student’s enrollment in the course and receipt of the syllabus, signify
agreement that both parties agree to the terms and conditions set forth on the syllabus and for the class.
Unfortunately, unforeseen circumstances may change the timeline for the delivery of information or
eliminate some material/assignments; however, I will not add tests or other more assignments that may
result in undue hardship for any student.
* Course Description
This course presents core knowledge related to the areas of Transportation and Logistics (TL)
management within supply chain operations. It provides deep insight into the key functional areas and
complex activities required with moving goods through the supply chain from manufacturing to the
end customer. Particular focus will include apparel distribution, operations servicing large retail
customers, domestic and global transportation, and services meeting end-consumer requirements.
This is an on-line course so there are no regularly scheduled “face-to-face” class sessions. The course
material includes annotated material and PowerPoint slides for each chapter along with relevant video
content as supplemental material for each chapter. The instructor can be contacted by e-mail or by
phone and appointments can be made to meet in person if needed.
* Course Learning Method
Students will read the textbook, watch on-line content, read both journal articles and case studies and
report on them, and tour supply chain operations to develop an understanding of core concepts. Case
Studies, Discussion Board posts and Blogs will enable students to share ideas with other class members
in order to enhance the learning experience of all. Discussion Board questions will be based on reading
materials from the textbooks, assigned journal articles and other web-based material.
The professor can be contacted by e-mail:kkim@fitchburgstate.edu for any questions. If a student
wishes to have a face-to-face conversation, this can be set up at mutually convenient times to meet
in Percival Hall, GO9-D, or by Google meet (online) by email appointment at Fitchburg State
University.
* Appointment Time:
See office hours above; I can be only available by appointment. Please send an e-mail message to arrange a
date and time.
* Course Textbook Required and Readings
Supply Chain Management: A Logistics Perspective, John J. Coyle; C. John Langley, Jr.;
Robert A. Novack; Brian J. Gibson,11th ed., Cengage: ISBN-13: 978-0-357-44213-5
It is also important that participants keep abreast of current events that are relevant to the subject of
economic development, and attempt to relate them to course materials.
Supplemental readings and other materials relevant to this course are accessible through
our Canvas
online course management software. You must have an active Fitchburg State email account to access
blackboard
* Course Learning Objectives
After completing the course students will be able to successfully:
1. Evaluate multiple methods and tools used by today’s Supply Chain managers in
Transportation and Logistics (TL) Operations.
2. Discuss contemporary issues facing carrier management including profitability, industry
consolidation, security, insurance availability, and labor shortages.
3. Evaluate various domestic and international transportation modes/alternatives and provide
strategic recommendations for a series of customer deliveries.
4. Evaluate design structures for integrated customer-centric and supplier-centric logistics.
5. Describe the specific functional elements involving cycle time, velocity, and inventory in order
to achieve warehousing operational effectiveness in both cost and service.
6. Analyze a variety of plant layouts and locations for contemporary, customer-focused
warehousing facilities as part of a total logistics network.
7. Apply learned methodologies to the analysis of various logistical systems and practical
supply chain scenarios and case studies.
8. Highlight and explain supply chain technologies for transportation management,
warehousing management and customer service focused systems.
9. Focus on relevant warehouse measurements for distribution operations that
underscore plant performance, customer service and cost optimization.
* Graduate (MBA) ISLO (Intended Student Learning outcomes)
1. Students will be able to integrate theory and practice across business functional areas of business to
formulate informed decisions.
2. Students will be able to evaluate and apply the legal, social, & economic environments of business.
3. Students will be able to describe the global environment of business.
4. Students will be able to distinguish the legal & ethical obligations and responsibilities of business.
5. Students will be able to apply decision-support tools to business decision making.
6. Students will be able to construct & demonstrate effective oral and written forms of professional
communications.
7. Students will be able to collaborate & work in teams to solve business problems.
8. Students will be able to evaluate the opportunities and challenges of globalization.
* Course Assessment and Grading
All assignments are to be posted in Syllabus by the required date. The Course Calendar posted in Syllabus
provides assignment due dates for all Deliverables.
Assignments
Items
1. Discussion Board Posts –
(35%)
2 - 1. Case Report 1: Analyze –
(10%)
2 - 2. Case Report 2: Analyze –
(10%)
Course Objective(s)
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Indented Learning Student
Outcomes (ISLO)
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
2, 3, 5, 8, 9
2, 3, 4, 5,
2, 3, 5, 8, 9
2, 3, 4, 5,
3 - 1. Journal Articles Critique 1
– (5%)
3 - 2. Journal Article Critique 2
– (5%)
1, 2, 3, 4,
1, 2, 3, 5,
1, 2, 3, 4
1, 2, 3, 5,
4 -1. Profiles (Paper) of a
Transportation – (25%) or
4 – 2. Profiles (Paper) of a
Warehousing Firm – (25%)
5. Presentation of ONE Profile
via You Tube or other method –
(10%)
Total (100%)
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
7, 8
5, 6
* Grading:
* Grades
Minimum Score
Grade
95-100 points
4.0 A
92 - 94 pts
3.7 A89 - 91 pts
3.5 A-/B+
86 - 88pts
3.3 B+
83 –85pts
3.0 B
80 – 82pts
2.7 B77 – 79pts
2.5 B-/C+
74 – 76pts
2.3 C+
71 – 73pts
2.0 C
00 - 70pts
F
W
Withdrawn
IN
Incomplete
IP
In-Progress
________________________________________________________________________
Your grade is a function of your work and the instructor’s facilitation of your learning. If you have any concerns
about the conduct of the class, the grading of assignments or the presentation of the material, which you believe are
adversely affecting your grades please let the instructor know so that the problem might be corrected. Do not wait
until the end of the semester to voice your concerns, instead let the instructor know immediately!
The following criteria will apply to the letter grading of assignments:
A: Student’s work reflects a deep understanding of the different aspects of supply chain management
as evidenced by case analysis submissions, assignment, class discussions and performance on the
final exam. The student’s work often incorporates outstanding features beyond average expectations.
B: Student’s work meets expectations and reflects a good understanding of the material being covered.
The student is able to integrate important concepts of supply chain management in the completion of
assignments, case analyses, and participation in online discussion boards.
C: Important expected components are present in assignments, case analyses and the written and oral
Profiles presentations, but more details/coverage is needed.
* Academic Honor Code:
Each student is required to sign the Academic Integrity Policy on all work submitted for the
course. Refer to Fitchburg State University Student Hand Book.
* Student Responsibilities:
The student is expected to actively participate in all electronic discussions and complete all assignments
on schedule. Failure to participate will result in a lowering of a student’s average. Participation based
upon informed synthesis of reading material (assigned as well as other retrieved information by the
students from relevant publications) is expected.
* Course Grading Methodology:
(1) Discussion Posts: Blackboard discussion forums – one for the introduction / welcome and for each chapter
in the textbook – will be used to host student participation. Each week, students are expected to: 1) read
the appropriate chapter in the text; 2) review the online content; 3) read the assigned readings, and then
4) contribute to the discussion forums. Each Discussion Forum will correspond to one week’s assigned
reading or a pertinent topic related to the covered areas.
Discussions are a valuable part of a management information Systems course and this is no different for
one that occurs in an online environment. A benefit of class discussions is that they allow us to learn
from each other. Each of you has a unique perspective and the course discussions provide the
opportunity for you to express your position. As I think you will find, a great deal of the learning in the
course will come from our dialogue with each other. In total we will have seven weekly discussions
during the session
* Requirement – For each session’s discussion board question, You will be posting only one (1) of your own
post (1 - 2 paragraphs per each question on each chapter that is comprehensive and reflective in content) by
Sunday night and another 2 comments on your class mates’ primary post for each discussion question by
11:59 PM on the due date (Wednesday).
For most assignments you will be required to initially address the topic of the discussion directly. I would
expect your input to be efficient (not too wordy) as you attempt to offer useful insight into the conversation.
Meaning, a long- winded diatribe about a topic will be viewed negatively as will a short, cursory comment
(e.g., “I agree they should cut their price”). In general, three to four paragraphs is usually sufficient for a post.
Discussions will be open from Monday morning (12:00am) through Sunday night until 11:59pm.
INCLUDE SPECIFIC FIRM EXAMPLES FOR FULL CREDIT FOR YOUR DISCUSSION! All
students are responsible for reading all threads each week. At the end of each week, the
instructor will evaluate each student’s contributions and assign a participation grade in the
Canvas grade center.
 Level of analysis/argumentation: You must present a thoughtful argument and
interpretation, not a mere summary of facts. (Note: it does not matter which side of an issue
you argue, only how well or how poorly you make the argument.)
 Use of evidence: The material you select to support your thesis must be relevant and must
clearly back up your argument. The best evidence is actual company examples of the points
you are making from either personal experience or research!!
 Clarity of communication: You must present the evidence and express your argument in a
clear, comprehensible manner.
* Each discussion will be graded on a 5 point Likert Scale that is based on your level of participation and the
content of your posts. Thus, the depth and value of your contribution to the discussion will be considered in
grading. While I consistently monitor the discussions, I generally do not engage in these discussions. I elect
this policy as I do not want to sway the discussion or offer a point that a student may be poised to provide.
(2) Individual Case Reports (2): Individual case analyses are designed to challenge the student’s
analytical skills and highlight key learning elements from the course content. The written analysis
represents each student’s analysis skills/recommendations on the situation(s). Students can compete
this assignment individually.
1) The typed report should have a cover sheet listing the case and student’s name.
2) This is followed by a three - four-page single-spaced response to the case questions
provided.
3) Please list each question in your report with your answers immediately following this.
There are 2 cases to be assigned.
** Please use New Times Roman 12 font or equivalent with a one-inch margin all around and number
your pages. Submit one electronic copy of your report via Blackboard “Assignment/Assessment
section” before the scheduled case due date listed in the syllabus.
** Late case reports will receive some penalty point- (20%).
Much of the grade beyond a "passing score" depends on the student's ability to go beyond the
"average" solution and provide innovative approaches, solutions, and appropriate implementation.
(3) Journal Article (2): Academic Journal Article Critique will be presented on specific topics relative to the
course material covered. Write-ups should be presented in a rubric format and include a student’s
higher- level understanding of the subject matter being discussed.
** You may select any of Transportation and Logistics article from the academic Journal, No Wall Street Journal
Article!!! – WSJ is a newspaper, not a Journal! Any topic which is related with “Logistics and
Transportation” – Academic Journal will be accepted.
** Write-ups should be presented in the rubrics and include a student’s higher- level understanding of the subject
matter being discussed. Academic Journal Article Critiques are submitted it through our blackboard
“Assessment/Assignment” section: Please click on the link for each assignment and upload your File (1 - 2
page) - single spaced on the blackboard “Assessment” “Turnitin”.
** The format For Journal Article critique will be as follows (Rubrics)
I
Executive Summary
What you learned from the article? – Lessons (20 %)
II
Talking Points from the article? – Author’s thesis or arguments - (40 %)
III
Conclusion and your opinion on the article – your arguments - (40 %)
(4) Research Project with One Profile: Either one Transportation/3PL Firm or one Warehousing/Distribution
Center Firm
** Students must submit their targeted firm for approval via email.
1) The Transportation/3PL profiles approval is due on 04/23/23.
or
The Warehousing Firm approval is also due on 04/23/23.
2) You should design a presentation (Power Point). Submit it to the blackboard
3) The final research paper (MS-Word) also will be submitted online via blackboard
(Assessment/Assignment) (also due on 05/01/23).
4) There is no number of pages and content limits, totally in your free format required.
** Firm Profile (final research paper) should include the following sections:
I. Introduction: List the objective of the paper and scope of your analysis. – 20%
II. Body: This includes the main sections of your paper. – 30%
III. Conclusion: Discuss your conclusions about the competitiveness of the firm(s). – 20%
IV. References: List all the references you used in your paper. – 20%
V. Appendix sections: Tables, annual reports, statistics, and other relevant information.10%
* Note: Body (contents)_In section II,
The following factors should be included in the Paper:
(a) Types of Equipment - categories and number as well as capacities,
(b) Territory served, Services offered,
(c) Key Financials (Revenues; Operating Income; Net Assets; Cash
(d) Financial Ratios (ROA; Debt/Equity)
(e) Coverage; Current Company Website and its functionality,
(f) Bibliography with at two - three full-text articles from trade and business press
** Examination
There will be no examination (online class).
** Online Attendance/Participation
The extent of knowledge you gain from this course is directly related to your class attendance and participation.
Although attendance is often a matter of circumstances (e.g., business problems, illness, etc.) it constitutes 10
% of your Penalty grade each item and will be determined by attendance checks.
The University attendance policy is in effect for this course. Class attendance in the Blackboard classroom and
participation is expected because the class is designed as a shared learning experience, and because essential
information not in the textbook will be discussed in the discussion board. Online presence and participation in
all class discussions is essential to the integration of course material and your ability to demonstrate proficiency.
Attendance for this online course is considered when you are logged in and active in Blackboard, i.e., posting
assignments, taking quizzes, or completing Discussion Boards. If you are absent/not active in the course shell,
it is YOUR responsibility to let the instructor know immediately, upon your return, the reason for your absence
if it is to be excused.
All instructors must follow university policy. However, it is the instructor’s discretion, as outlined in the course
syllabus, of how unexcused absences may or may not count against successful completion of the course
* Inclement Weather and Online Classes: Online classes may or may not be affected by campus closures due to
inclement weather. Unless otherwise notified by your instructor via e-mail, online messaging, or online
announcement, students should assume that assignments are due as scheduled.
* Blackboard Learn Accessibility Statement:
Fitchburg State University is committed to ensuring its online courses are usable by all students and faculty
including those with disabilities. If you encounter any difficulties with technologes, please contact our IT
Department.
To better assist them, you would want to have the operating system, web browser and information on any
assistive technology being used. Blackboard Learn course management system's accessibility statement is also
provided: http://www.blackboard.com/Platforms/Learn/Resources/Accessibility.aspx
** Online “Netiquette:
In any social interaction, certain rules of etiquette are expected and contribute to more enjoyable and productive
communication. Emails, Discussion Board messages and/or any other forms of written communication in the
online environment should use proper “netiquette” (i.e., no writing in all caps (usually denotes yelling), no curse
words, and no “flaming” messages (angry, personal attacks).
** Racial, ethnic, or gender slurs will not be tolerated, nor will pornography of any kind
Any violation of online netiquette may result in a loss of points or removal from the course and referral to the
Dean of Students, including warnings and other sanctions in accordance with the University’s policies and
procedures. Respect is a given principle in all online communication. Therefore, please be sure to proofread all
of your written communication prior to submission.
** Diversity/Tolerance Policy:
Students are encouraged to contribute their perspectives and insights to class discussions in the online environment.
However, offensive & inappropriate language (swearing) and remarks offensive to others of particular nationalities,
ethnic groups, sexual preferences, religious groups, genders, or other ascribed
statuses will not be tolerated.
* Technology Requirements: In order to successfully access the materials in an online course, Fitchburg State
University advises that your computer be equipped with the minimum system requirements.
Blackboard Learn 9.1 is the platform software for this course. Blackboard Learn supports major web browsers
such as Windows Internet Explorer, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome.
However, since the latter two are updated continually, some recent versions may not be compatible. If you
experience difficulty accessing or using components of the course, try using Internet Explorer. Also, no matter
what browser you use, always enable pop- ups.
* Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a hallmark of higher education. You are expected to abide by the University’s code of
Academic Integrity policy. Any person suspected of academic dishonesty (i.e., cheating or plagiarism) will be
handled in accordance with the University’s policies and procedures.
The University has an obligation as an educational institution to be certain that each student work is his/her own.
Dishonesty in such academic practices as assignments, or other academic work cannot be condoned.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarizing, fabrication of information or citations,
facilitating acts of dishonesty by others, having unauthorized possession of examinations, submitting work of
another person or work previously used without informing the instructor, or tampering with the academic work of
other students.
The University has an obligation as an educational institution to be certain that each student work is his/her own.
Dishonesty in such academic practices as assignments, or other academic work cannot be condoned.
A student who submits work that is not original violates the purpose of Fitchburg State University and may forfeit
his/her right and opportunity to continue at the university. In this class, any breach of academic integrity will not be
taken lightly because it not only affects you but all others in your class. This is not fair to your classmates nor to
the instructor so do not cross the line.
**Contextual Coverage
Global: Analysis of factors contributing to globalization of production
Technological: Demonstrated competence in Word, Word Table, Excel formulas and graphics, Powerpoint.
Also computer aids in manufacturing.
Quantitative: Hand-in assignments using Quantitative means to obtain a solution. Communication: Hand-in
assignment will have a communications component.
*** Disabilities Statement from Disability Services
‘If you require course alterations or accommodations due to a disability or emergency medical condition, please with
me as soon as possible (email, phone call). You should work with the Disability Services Office (978-665-4020).
They will provide you with the forms we will need to determine the particular accommodations that your situation
merits.’
** Topics/Assignments/Tentative Schedule for MGMT 9155
** COURSE WEEKLY SCHEDULE
(Subject to change, please review the syllabus on Blackboard for updates.)
** Post no later than midnight of this date.
Session
Date
Due
Topic/Textbook
Week 1 03/13 Ch.1: Introduction,
- 03/19 Ch.2: Global Dimensions,
* Each week post your work no later than prior to
Midnight of the date indicated to the left.
Assessment/
Course Objectives ISLOs
Assignments
(Discussions, Cases, Article
Critiques, Profiles (Paper
& Presentation)
1. Discussion
1, 2, 3, 4
1, 2, 3, 4, 8
2. Discussion
Ch.3:Role of Logistics
Week 2 03/20 Ch. 4: Distribution and
SCM Network
03//26 Ch. 5: Analysis and Design,
Ch. 6: Sourcing Materials
and Service: Purchasing vs
Procurement vs Strategic
Sourcing, Production
Operations
Week 3 03/27 – Ch. 7: Sales and Operations
04/02 Planning (S&OP),
Collaborative Planning,
Forecasting, and
Replenishment (CPFR)
Week 4 04/03 – Ch. 8: Order MGT and
04/09 Customer Service,
Ch. 9: Inventory in the
Economy and in the Firm
Week 5 04/10 - Ch. 10: Distribution
04/06 Planning and Strategy
Ch. 11: Transportation
planning and Strategy
Week 6 04/17 – Ch. 12: The Third-Party
04/23 Logistics (3PL) Industry
Ch. 13: Supply Chain–
Finance Performance
Week 7 04/24 – Ch. 14: Supply Chain
05/01 Technology Innovations
(IT),
Ch. 15: Supply Chain
Analytics and Big Data,
Omni-Channel, 3-D printing
3. Discussion
1. Discussion
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9
1, 2, 3, 5, 8
2. Discussion
3. Discussion
1. Discussion,
1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
2. Case Report 1, page 227
Case 7-1:Tires for you
(Word or PDF)
1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6
1. Discussion,
1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
1, 2, 5, 6
2. Discussion
3. Article Critique 1
1. Discussion,
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8
1, 2, 3, 7, 8
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
2. Discussion
1.Discussion
2. Article Critique 2,
3. Approval due (Profile 1
or 2)
1. Discussion,
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8,
9,
2. Case Report 2- page
565, Case 14-1 (Word or
PDF)
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
8,
3. One Profile Presentation
(power point)
and
4. Final Research Paper
(Word or PDF)
Submit!
Notes:
*The schedule is tentative and could be changed by instruct.
Helpful Internet Sites (Examples): some are no longer available
The following websites may be useful for your profile reference and to enhance your learning experience: (Some
are not available, as of AY2022)
www.supplychainlink.com
www.clm1.org
www.inddist.com
www.nitl.org
www.logisticsworld.com
ww.cpfr.org
www.trafficworld.com
www.transporttopics.com
www.nawd.org
www.mmh.com
www.mheda.org
www.warehouselogistics.org
www.packagingdigest.com
www.exportinstitute.com
www.tradecompass.com
www.supply-chain.org
www.nistevo.com
www.mhia.org
www.warehousemag.com
www.americanshipper.com
www.automotivesourcing.com
www.logisticsworld.com
www.gartner.com
www.scdigest.com
Certainly, the above sites may be very useful for your profile paper and for your career interests! They
can also serve as sources for company examples for your article summaries and for your discussion
board posts!