OVERVIEW

The course presents the main optimization and control methods for planning and organizing logistic networks and intermodal nodes.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide methodologies and tools for optimizing and controlling logistic systems (intermodal networks, container terminals, logistic centers). Referring to the planning and organization of logistic systems, the student will learn how to: - identify the decision problem type - define the most appropriate mathematical model - define the most adequate solution methodology - choose a software solution for the problem - discuss the problem relevance/effects

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The learning outcomes of the course are the following, with reference to planning/organizing logistic networks:

- to identify the typology of the decision problem

- to know the most appropriate optimization model for the considered problem

- to formulate the optimization problem 

- to identify the most adequate solution methodology for the problem

- to ifentify a software solution for the problem

- to discuss the effects and impacts of the solution on the overall system planning process

PREREQUISITES

Basics of operations research, basics of systems theory

TEACHING METHODS

The course will be organized with standard lessons and some team working activities to implement and solve, with optimation software, decision problems related to logistic systems

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Introduction to logistics
• Strategic decisions in logistics: location problems, network design problems
• Tactical decisions in logistics: allocation of products in storage areas, vehicle allocation in transport networks, intermodal transport planning
• Operational decisions in logistics: bin packing problems, vehicle routing and vehicle scheduling problems for freight distribution
• Ports and container terminals: main characteristics and planning problems

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Gianpaolo Ghiani, Gilbert Laporte, Roberto Musmanno, “Introduction to Logistics Systems Planning and Control”, John Wiley and Sons, New York, 2004.

J. W. Böse, “Handbook of Terminal Planning”, Operations Research/Computer Science Interfaces Series, Springer, 2011

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

SILVIA SIRI (President)

CECILIA CATERINA PASQUALE

SIMONA SACONE (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://courses.unige.it/11160/p/students-timetable

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists in an oral test. During the test, the student has to discuss a project or a team working activity carried out during the lessons; in the presentation the student must describe the modelling and implementing activity of an optimization model for a logistic problem, by discussing in detail all the results. Moreover, the student must answer some open questions regarding the topics addressed in the course.

Students with learning disorders will be allowed to use specific modalities and supports that will be determined on a case-by-case basis in agreement with the delegate of the Engineering courses in the Committee for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam aims to verify the following aspects about the knowledge of the student:

- knowledge regarding the main decision-making problems and the related mathematical formalization and resolution approaches for the organization of logistics systems activities

- ability to formalize mathematical models for solving problems for logistics systems

- ability to implement mathematical models using suitable software

- ability to analyze results and evaluate alternative scenarios for planning and managing logistics systems

The evaluation of the exam will take into account not only the knowledge of the contents addressed in the course but also the reasoning and critical analysis skills of the student, as well as his/her capability to use a technical lexicon appropriate to the context.

Exam schedule