Logistics (Byte Size Skills Course) Course

In this course we examine logistics. Logistics is concerned with managing the flow of materials through an organisation to the customer. It is concerned with making things happen. It organises inputs (receipts from suppliers), supplies the transformation process (work in progress) and is finally responsible for delivering the output (finished goods) to the customer.

Increasingly, organisations are looking at their products or services as part of a chain or network. They are looking at what they produce and trying to optimise the value of all the inputs from all sources - that is, all the suppliers in the chain of supply. This is called supply chain management. This closer linking between customer and supplier organisations obviously needs much closer integration, and organisations are sharing much more information to achieve this. This involves utilising information technology for sharing data about stock levels, demand and trends. These initiatives use technology such as EPOS (electronic point of sale equipment), EDI (electronic data interchange), scanning and bar-coding.

After participating in this course, you should be able to:

• define logistics
• explain how logistics works in a factory, from goods in to distribution out
• identify the problems involved in stock holding and control
• understand just-in-time (JIT) approaches
• understand the role played by distribution
• identify key performance measures and the role of benchmarking in logistics
• appreciate that logistics strategy is linked to an organisation's corporate strategy.

Study Options

In order to offer our students the most convenient and flexible distance learning courses, Stonebridge Associated College offers you the option to study for your course via two methods:

• 1. Via the traditional paper-based method.
• 2. Through the online method.

Study Hours

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

Tutor Support

With this course you will have unlimited access to your own personal tutor who specialises in their field of study. It is your personal tutor's role to ensure that you receive constructive feedback and to deal with any queries you may have. You are more than welcome to telephone, fax or email your personal tutor.

You will also have access to a dedicated and friendly team of administrators and course advisors who offer sound and professional guidance and advice when you need it. This ensures that you will never feel neglected and that you will always succeed!

Assessment Method

After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

Syllabus

Introduction

Objectives

Section 1: What is Logistics?

Introduction

1.1 Origins of logistics

1.2 Defining logistics

1.3 Logistics strategy and information technology

Summary

Section 2: Logistics in Practice: a Factory Visit

Introduction

2.1 Factory tour

2.2 Stock control systems

2.3 Physical distribution

Summary

Section 3: Controlling Supply: Materials Planning and Control

Introduction

3.1 Scope and purpose of materials control

3.2 Constraints on material planning and control

3.3 Reordering stock

3.4 Just in time

Summary

Section 4: Supply Chain Management and Distribution Systems

Introduction

4.1 What is supply chain management?

4.2 Relationships in supply chains and partnership sourcing

Summary

Section 5: Strategy, Performance and Key Measures

Introduction

5.1 Logistics strategy, fit and performance

5.2 Benchmarking

Summary

Review Activity

Summary

References

Recommended Reading

Tutor-marked Question Paper

On completion of your course, you will receive the dual award:

Award 1 is issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges: Logistics (Byte Size Skills Course) Certificate

There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.

What should I do next? To find out more about this course (and to view a few sample pages of the course material) click the 'Enquire now' button to contact the course provider.