Course content

The subject's position and function in the study:

The subject is compulsory in the 1st year, 2nd semester of the study program INGLOG (Program subject basis subject 2), and should concretely contribute to providing a basic understanding of optimization, and skills in modeling and optimizing key issues in logistics, e.g. production planning, transport planning, capacity and resource planning.

Academic content

• Linear programming and optimization;
• Integer programming
• Network models
• Optimization problems arising in logistics systems;
• Non-linear models with a focus on problems from logistics;
• Forecasting models, demand forecasting

Learning outcome

Knowledge: The course will convey the following knowledge to the candidate

• General knowledge of linear programming (LP) and optimization
• Specific knowledge of the use of LP and optimization for key issues within logistics, e.g. production planning, capacity and resource planning, transport and distribution networks
• Specific knowledge of integer programming
• Specific knowledge of solving/optimizing non-linear systems
• Specific knowledge of forecasting and demand management

Skills: The candidate must be able to:

• Build models for various logistics-related problems such as production planning, capacity and resource planning, transport and distribution planning, and find an optimized solution.
• Build models and find optimized solutions with integrality restrictions.
• Build models and find optimized solutions for non-linear issues in logistics and value chain management, e.g. order quantity or facility location.
• Carry out forecasting for demand and sales data with seasonal variations

General skills: The candidate must be able to

• Understand the role of optimization from an economic and logistic perspective
• Apply optimization in logistics and value chain management in general and in particular with regard to the new developments in the digitization era.
• Understand the ethical values ​​of Scientific Management in general, and for the optimization discipline in particular.
• Understand the role of optimization and planning discipline and its contribution to a more sustainable future in logistics operations in general.

Learning methods and activities

PC-based lectures and exercises. Lectures will be through the usage of PC and interactive with the class. Individual exercises with submission.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercise

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

TLOG1015

Course materials

1) Textbook: Practical Management Science, Winston & Albright, 6th edition, Cengage Learning, 2018.

2) Lecture Notes, Handouts