Business Administration, Management of Business Logistics, 7.5 credits

Aims and objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

• the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
• the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
• the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

• gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
• stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
• communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course objectives

The goal for the course is

• to give knowledge and skills in the subject physical distribution and transportation functions - to give knowledge and skills that can be used in companies.

Knowledge and understanding
After the completion of the course, the student should be able to, in the context of business logistics, give an account of, and discuss:

• the fundamentals of physical distribution and storage
• using the different theories and an understanding thereof if business logistics in the logistic supply chain in its key areas: warehousing, distribution and marketing channels, inventory control and transportation.

Skills and ability
After the completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• use and demonstrate different theories in practise within companies in supply chains
• apply, understand and take into consideration the importance business needs to take with business logistics.

Judgment and Approach
After the completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• demonstrate the ability to identify logistics problems in business logistics, with support from the literature, and the need for further knowledge
• demonstrate skills to critically evaluate, and systematically learn from, the logistics operations in business
• critically assess both the customer and supplier perspective in business logistics, as well as, to demonstrate awareness of the importance of business logistics.

Main content of the course

Focus in the course is to understand the strategic functions in six key areas in physical distribution:
1. SCM and Logistics in the SC.
2. Transport and transport modes
3. Order and inventory management
4. Financial analysis of the SC
5. Sustainability in the SC
6. Managing Information flows and technology

Teaching methods

Teaching is conducted using lessons, presentations, and seminars.

• Presentations where the teacher introduces the subject based on the course literature.
• Lessons when case studies are discussed and analysed.
• Seminars where students' work is presented and discussed.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Group Work, 2.5 credits (Code: A001)
Group Work: Major Paper, Opposition and Presentation.

Written Examination, 5 credits (Code: A002)
Individual written examination.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

According to regulations on grading systems for first- and second-cycle education (vice-chancellor's decision 2019-01-15, ORU 2019/00107), one of the following grades is to be used: fail, pass, or pass with distinction. The vice-chancellor or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special reasons.

Grades used on course are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

Group Work
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

Written Examination
Grades used are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

The final grade will be translated into the ECTS grading scale.

To be able to receive the grade Pass for the course the student will need to receive the grade Pass on all examination parts of the course.

To be able to receive Pass with Distinction the student will need to receive Pass with Distinction on the Written Examination and the grade Pass on all other examination parts of the course.

All assignments for the course need to be completed and turned in according to instructions of the teacher.

Specific entry requirements

General entry requirements.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

The individual written examination can be written in English or Swedish. All other submissions and presentations are to be made in English.

Remaining tasks should be completed as soon as possible according to the teacher's instructions.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

Coyle, John J., Langley Jr C. John, Novack, Robert A., Gibson, Brian J. (Latest edition)
Supply Chain Management: A Logistics Perspective
Cengage Learning

Additions and Comments

Additional articles/papers, maximum 100 pages.