AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to make students understand the models for forecasting product demand, production planning, warehouse management and distribution of products between warehouses and distribution centers. Understanding these models allows students to acquire the theoretical and practical knowledge to plan, coordinate and manage efficient logistics systems that also guarantee a high level of customer service.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

• understand the principles of operation of industrial supply chains, with reference to production planning, procurement, distribution, and inventory management;
• analyze typical supply chain decision-making problems using models and economic-operational evaluation criteria;
• compare alternative supply chain configurations in terms of cost, service level, and demand variability;
• apply tools for production planning (MPS, MRP), inventory management (EOQ, reorder policies), and product distribution;
• use basic methods for the sizing and management of logistics flows;
• evaluate supply chain performance through logistics and production KPIs (service level, lead time, costs, inventory turnover);
• interpret KPIs in order to identify critical issues and possible improvement actions.

TEACHING METHODS

Theoretical lectures are complemented by Excel-based exercises aimed at applying the quantitative models covered in the course and enhancing the understanding of their decision-making and operational aspects

Students with a certified learning disability (DSA), a disability, or other special educational needs are invited to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course to discuss teaching and examination arrangements that, while respecting the learning objectives of the course, take individual learning needs into account and provide appropriate accommodations.
Please also note that requests for exam accommodations or exemptions must be submitted using the form available at this link https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti#no-back , to the course professor, the DIME contact person (federico.scarpa@unige.it), and the relevant office ( inclusione.studenti@info.unige.it) at least seven working days before the examination, in accordance with the guidelines available at this link https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course begins with a general introduction to the operating principles of supply chains and the main decision-making problems, also through teaching tools such as the Beer Game, used to highlight typical dynamics of distribution systems and the emergence of the bullwhip effect.

 The phenomenon of demand variability and its effects on the supply chain is then explored in depth, with particular reference to the bullwhip effect and its underlying causes.

A central part of the course is devoted to demand forecasting, through quantitative models based on statistical and probabilistic approaches, including random utility models, time series methods (extrapolation, smoothing), and regression models.

The course then addresses the design and analysis of warehouse systems, with reference to storage capacity and handling capacity, and their impact on logistics performance.

Significant attention is devoted to inventory management, both under deterministic and stochastic conditions. The main inventory control models are analyzed, including Economic Order Quantity (EOQ), fixed-period policies, fixed-order quantity policies, and the (s,S) policy.

Distribution systems and the main configurations of distribution networks are then introduced, with reference to the management of flows from the producer to the end customer.

The course also includes an overview of ICT systems supporting logistics and supply chains, highlighting the role of information systems in process planning and control.

The main transport modes and the issues related to last-mile delivery are then analyzed, with particular attention to operational constraints and logistics costs.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Detailed notes on the different topics discussed in lectures will be provided by the teacher through the Aulaweb page. Therefore, all registered students, including working students, will access documents to prepare the exam. It is recommended to attend the lectures.

• Designing and Managing the Supply Chain, D. Simchi-Levi, P. Kaminsky, E. Simchi-Levi, McGraw-Hill.
• Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Operation, S. Chopra, P. Meindl, Pearson.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management, M. Christopher, Pearson.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/en/corsi/11920/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Examination is based on an oral test, proposing two/three questions, selecting their subject among the unit topics.

Students with a certified learning disability (DSA), a disability, or other special educational needs are invited to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course to discuss teaching and examination arrangements that, while respecting the learning objectives of the course, take individual learning needs into account and provide appropriate accommodations.
Please also note that requests for exam accommodations or exemptions must be submitted using the form available at this link https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti#no-back , to the course professor, the DIME contact person (federico.scarpa@unige.it), and the relevant office ( inclusione.studenti@info.unige.it) at least seven working days before the examination, in accordance with the guidelines available at this link https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The following aspects will be assessed:

• knowledge and understanding of the principles and models covered during the course;
• ability to understand the assumptions, limitations, and fields of application of the main quantitative methods and tools used in Supply Chain Management;
• ability to apply the models presented to quantitative and decision-making problems typically encountered in supply chain management;
• ability to critically analyze the results obtained and compare alternative solutions based on economic and operational criteria;
• ability to interpret logistics and production performance indicators (KPIs).