Gain an in-depth understanding of the interrelations between components of physical distribution and the role of transport in facilitating and enhancing supply chain operations and logistical performance.

The course emphasis is  on understanding the strategic functions of four key elements in physical distribution, i.e., warehousing, distribution and marketing channels, inventory control and management, and transportation. Issues concerning delivery postponement, warehouse planning and location, selection of marketing channels, freight routing, and transport mode selection in ways that affect transport and physical distribution within and between organizations will be discussed.

 

Course coordinator

Professor Prem Chhetri - School of Business and IT Logistics

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

The overarching goal of this course is to highlight the role of transport and physical distribution in facilitating and enhancing both intra- and inter-firm supply chains and logistics operations. At the end of the course, students are expected to have acquired a sound knowledge of the functional components, as well as their interdependency, underpinning transport and physical distribution operations in organizations. This outcome will be reinforced by the completion of three assignments, which have been designed to increase students’ understanding of contemporary transport and physical distribution practices in the real world as well as to bring theory to bear on practice.

Assessment

Assessment for this course will occur at various times across the seven-week teaching period. In most cases, assessment should follow a similar structure to the below:

  • A short assessment may occur in the first couple of weeks, driven mostly by peer-assessment or objective feedback as is the case of a survey quiz or contribution to the discussion.

  • Assessments that occur mid-study period (approximately week 2 to 5) will have a highly formative purpose, like an extended case study or a scenario role play. These are intended to provide an indication of performance and occur at this time to enable positive changes to future performance.

  • Final assessments are usually summative, and generally, draw the course's threshold concepts together. Your previous assessments will have directly prepared you for a summative-style assessment.

Rich, online feedback will be provided to you throughout the teaching period on practical exercises and by individual consultation, ideally within five business days.


Please note, unit structure and content are subject to change. Contact your RMIT Student Enrolment Advisor on 1300 701 171 for more information based on your particular circumstances.