Course Description :

This course covers logistics concepts and systems with respect to their collective impact on organizational performance. Other topics covered in the course include planning and implementation, demand forecasting, distribution, inventory management, transportation, and warehousing. Relevant technologies for maximizing logistics efficiencies are also emphasized.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale :

The purpose of this course is to provide students with both a broad framework of logistics theory and a thorough understanding of how to select, implement and operate competitive logistics systems. Students gain valuable vocational skills in the practice of integrated logistics management through a building of a working modular logistics system and they develop appropriate policies for each operational level of this system.

Measurable Learning Outcomes :

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Locate logistics as an important set of activities to the wealth-creating potential of the firm.
2. Recognize the essential relationship between marketing and logistics.
3. Formulate a logistics cost-benefit analysis from a firm’s balance sheet and income statements.
4. Construct an integrated working ERP model.
5. Develop a workable ERP implementation plan detailing timings and responsibilities.
6. Apply logistics systems approaches to effectively improve the firm’s total costs and customer service.

Course Assignment Detail :

Textbook readings and lecture presentations :

Course Requirements Checklist :

After reading the Course Syllabus at Liberty University, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (4) :

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences.

• Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided promptly for each discussion.
• Each thread must be 1000 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge.
• In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 classmates’ threads.
• Each reply must be 500 words.

Discussion: Integration of Faith and Learning :

The Faith and Learning assignment is to be completed across Modules 4 and 5. In Module 4 the student will make his/her main post of about 750 words. In Module 5, the student will make a substantive critical response of about 500 words to one of his/her colleagues’ main posts. Before the student attempts this Faith and Learning paper, he/she will need to watch the Kaltura video lecture prepared on business ethics.

Integrated Learning Project Assignments (8) :

The integrated learning assignment is a series of 6 assignments and a final course consolidated submission. All assignments and the compilation of the final consolidated submission is managed as individual assignment.

Part 1 – Company Selection :

The student will choose a company to use as the subject of this project.

Part 2 – Master Production Schedule :

The student will develop an Excel-based Master Production Schedule for their chosen product.

Part 3 – Enterprise Resource Planning :

The student will develop an Excel analysis of the modules and functionality of 3 ERP systems, one of which must be SAP and the other 2 are of the student’s choice. The student will overlay the functionality of these ERP systems onto the main manufacturing processes of their selected firm and determine which software best fits their chosen company.

Part 4 – Materials Requirements Planning :

The student will develop an Excel-based Materials Requirements Plan for their chosen product. The student will show at least 4 MRP levels with sub-assemblies, purchased components, manufactured components, and raw materials.

Part 5 – Distribution Requirements Planning :

The student will develop an Excel-based Distribution Requirements Plan for their chosen product. The student will show at least 4 distribution warehouses with 4 components planned for each with at least 1 common to all distribution warehouses.

Part 6 – Capacity Requirements Planning :

The student will develop an Excel-based Capacity Requirements Plan for their chosen product.

Part 7 – Assignment Plan :

The student will develop a time-phased assignment plan for the implementation of an ERP system at your selected firm.

Part 8 – Final :

The final integrated learning project comprises a working Excel ERP model for your chosen firm. The final project will tie all the preceding assignments together into a fully integrated working ERP model in Excel. The integrated module: weeks will include, Master Production Schedule, Bill of Materials, Materials Requirements Planning, Capacity Planning, Distribution Requirements Planning and Shop Floor Control. The final submission will also include a written management report detailing (1) a recommendation for implementation based on a cost/benefits analysis; (2) an implementation project plan with responsibilities; (3) a justified recommendation for an ERP system (e.g. SAP, or other) and its operation (local or cloud processing; and scope of application (national, global, etc.).