International Logistics

Module overview

The international logistics module provides a sound foundation in international logistics management in terms of road, rail, air and sea freight transport. The focus is primarily from a user perspective in order to provide a logistics and supply chain management viewpoint. Logistics is recognised as a key function in meeting market requirements quickly, flexibly and without incurring punitive inventory costs. To be competitive companies need to manage logistics both internally and externally across all their supply chains. This module will give students a comprehensive understanding of concept, tools and techniques involved in international logistics management.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

The strategy of international logistics management.
The impact of current logistics trends on the supply chain network operations and design.
The impact of lead/transit time on overall supply chain efficiency and effectiveness.
The different transportation modes.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Problem solving: recognition, definition, analysis and solution.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Categorise and critically discuss operational issues and market structures for different transport modes.
Construct and apply freight transport cost models and assess the cost/service trade-offs inherent in the proposed transport solution.
Evaluate and choose between the different transport modes and combine them with other elements to form an efficient and effective supply chain.
Plan and construct routes and schedules in a single depot environment and determine the impact of constraints on road freight vehicle productivity.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

The programme employs a range of teaching and learning methods tailored to online delivery and the needs of working professionals. One of the primary methods used is asynchronous learning, where students can access materials on their own schedule. This includes multimedia resources - but not just video lectures, but also podcasts, animations, and interactive simulations; and reading materials like PDFs or e-books. These resources allow learners to engage with content at their own pace. In addition, discussion forums provide a space for students to ask questions and participate in debates with their peers without the need for everyone to be online at the same time. The asynchronous learning is complemented by synchronous components, such as webinars. These sessions, typically held via Microsoft Teams, give students the opportunity to interact with instructors in real-time, asking questions or participating in discussions. All of these methods are designed to accommodate different learning approaches and ensure that students can apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios relevant to their professional contexts. With a strong emphasis on self-paced learning, supported by ongoing instructor guidance.

Study time
Type	Hours
Online Course	26
Guided independent study	34
Independent Study	90
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Pfohl, H.-C.. Logistics systems : business fundamentals. Springer.

McKinnon, A. (2018). Decarbonizing logistics: distributing goods in a low carbon world. Kogan Page Publishers.

Manners-Bell, J. (2016). Introduction to global logistics: Delivering the goods.

Christopher, M. (2011). Logistics and Supply Chain Management. London: Financial Times.

Lun, Y. H. V., Lai, K.-h., Cheng, T. C. E., & Yang, D. (2nd). Shipping and logistics management. Springer.

Assessment

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

In-class activities

Assessment Type: Formative
Feedback: Formative group feedback on students’ performance in in-lecture exercises will be provided verbally immediately after the exercises. If possible, students will use technological tools to answer questions in the exercises.
Final Assessment: No
Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Report	100%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Report	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Report	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External