LOG725 Transportation and Distribution (Autumn 2023)

About the course

This course content includes history and definition of logistics and logistics systems, and study how to formulate and solve typical logistics problems appearing in transportation and distribution planning.

The problems studied are:

- Transportation problems in different variants

- Transshipment problems in different variants

- Location problems in different variants

- Network flow problems in different variants

- Network design problems

- Routing problems

The steps of study:

• Introduce mathematical programming models to formulate the planning problems

• Use of simple heuristic algorithms for solving by hand small size problems

• Use of standard software (AMPL modelling language and CPLEX solver) for solving the large problems

• Make economical interpretation of solution and perform analysis of solution using output data from solver

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Master of Science in Logistics
• Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Logistics
• Exchange programme - Master's level
• Master of Science in Sustainable Transport and Urban Mobility

Recommended requirements

A quantitative background is recommended.

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

After completing the course, the students will have knowledge of:

• Logistics as a subject area and as a profession

• Logistics history and its current development

• Logistics systems and networks

• Typical planning problems in transportation and distribution

• Simple optimization algorithms for solving by hand small size problems

• Principles how to formulate planning problems as optimization models

• Standard modeling language software (AMPL) for writing models and numerical data for key parameters as computer files in text editor (TexPad) for solving optimization problems with standard solvers (CPEX, MINOS)

• Procedure to make economical interpretation of solution and theory how to perform post-optimal and sensitivity analysis of solution using output data from solver

 

After completing the course, the student will be able to apply the knowledge (skills):

• to define the type of logistics network and the class of transportation or distribution planning problem on the network

• to identify based on a verbal description problem’s input parameters, decision variables, performance/quality

indicators, and their relationships and dependencies

• to solve problems of small size using simple optimization algorithms by hand

• to give precise formulations of planning problems as optimization (mathematical programming) models

• to enter problems formulation (in form of optimization model) and numerical data for parameters as inputs to standard software and use the software to obtain solutions

• to formulate appropriate command files for solver to output data for economical interpretation and parametric and sensitivity analysis of solutions

 

After completing the course, the students will be able:

• to identify structures of different logistics systems and types of transportation and distribution planning problems arising on logistics networks in study and work contexts

• to perceive logical relationships, dependencies, process structures, assumptions and limitations to formulate real planning problems arising in transportation and distribution as optimization models

• to use knowledge which algorithms and models are appropriate for solution of different planning problems in transportation and distribution

• to use skills to solve the transportation and distribution planning problems with simple optimization algorithms and with standard software

• to use skills in performance of parametric and sensitivity analysis to respond in an optimal way to novel situations

• to criticize the advantages and disadvantages of using algorithms and the standard software for solving practical transportation and distribution planning problems

Forms of teaching and learning

3 hours of lectures per week and practical training in computer class

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

• Mandatory coursework: Assignment(s)

• Courseworks given: 5

• Courseworks required: 5

• Presence: Not required

• Kommentar: Individual submissions. All assignemnts should be submitted to be admitted to final exam.

Examination

• Form of assessment: Oral school assessment

• Proportion: 100 %

• Duration: -

• Grouping: Individual

• Grading scale: Letter (A - F)

• Support material: All printed and wirtten aids.

 

Syllabus

Pensumoversikt

• LOG725 Transportation and Distribution