Logistic Challenges in SupplyChain Management

There are no specific prerequisite knowledge or skills required to enrol in this course unit (CU). However, the following knowledge and skills may facilitate understanding of the course content:

CB1. Basic knowledge of quantitative methods.

CB2. Proficiency in spreadsheet software.

TM1. Problem-Solving: The course unit follows a problem-based pedagogical approach, incorporating case studies.

The teaching methodology combines:

TM2. Lectures and Expository Teaching: Theoretical and practical classes that integrate the presentation of concepts with practical illustrations. These sessions cover the fundamental principles and include the analysis of illustrative examples.

TM3. Active Learning Methods: A participatory approach involving activities such as the discussion of practical case studies.
The presentation of concepts (ME2) is complemented by guided classroom discussions and debates. In addition, practical classes will include exercises and simulations using appropriate software, providing students with a broader and more diverse learning experience.

The main objective of this course unit (CU) is to motivate students, prepare them, and strengthen their knowledge of the management challenges arising from logistics and supply chain management.

The specific learning objectives are as follows:

LO1. Analyse supply chain planning and management models using the principles of resource optimisation and waste elimination.

LO2. Analyse logistics flows and manage operations, taking into account resilience in the face of risk and uncertainty.

LO3. Critically evaluate logistics cost structures and conduct strategic trade-off analyses.

LO4. Study performance measurement and management models (e.g., the Balanced Scorecard) and activity-based costing systems.

The proposed approach aims to develop the following competencies:

C1. Identify decision-making processes.

C2. Integrate logistics and supply chain management.

C3. Apply quantitative methods to planning and scheduling problems in logistics management.

C4. Work collaboratively in teams to solve real-world logistics challenges, thereby enhancing critical thinking skills.

S1. Fundamentals of Logistics and Supply Chain Management (SCM)
1.1. Evolution and Contemporary Management Models
1.2. Supply Chain Integration and Collaboration
1.3. Resilient Supply Chains – Uncertainty and Risk

S2. Planning, Classification, and Selection Methodologies
2.1. Activity Planning
2.2. Product Classification
2.3. Selection of Alternatives Using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods
2.4. Integration of These Methods with the Principles of Resource Optimisation, Waste Elimination, and Logistics Flow Optimisation

S3. Cost Management in Supply Chains
3.1. Cost Structure and Trade-Off Analysis
3.2. Impact of Supply Chain Design on Total Cost

S4. Resilience and Performance Measurement and Control
4.1. Performance Measurement and Control Models
4.2. Financial Indicators and the Balanced Scorecard

CONTINUOUS/PERIODIC ASSESSMENT

AM1. Individual Assessment (IA) - 50%: Written examination covering the theoretical content, to be held on the date scheduled for the regular examination period. Closed-book examination. Minimum mark: 7 out of 20.

AM2. Group/Individual Assignment (GA/IA) - 50%: Completion of a set of practical exercises and/or development of a project applied to a real-world case. Minimum mark: 9.5 out of 20.
Guidelines on the Use of AI: AI use is permitted as a writing support tool.

Final Grade Calculation:

FG = (GA/IA × 0.50) + (IA × 0.50)

To pass the course unit, students must obtain a final grade (FG) of at least 10 out of 20.

The practical component grade (i.e., completion of the practical exercises and/or development of the project, including the presentation and discussion of the work) will only be taken into account when calculating the final grade if the student obtains a minimum mark of 7 out of 20 in the Individual Assessment (IA), which consists of a written examination graded on a scale from 0 to 20.
Admission to continuous/periodic assessment is conditional upon attendance at least 70% of the classes taught to the group.

B) ASSESSMENT BY EXAMINATION (Resit/Special Examination Periods)

MA3. Students may opt to take only a written examination, in which case the final grade (FG) is calculated as follows:

Final Grade (FG) = Written Assessment (Final Examination) (100%).

The written assessment (WA) takes place during a designated examination period, in accordance with the academic calendar.

Students who have completed the project specified under continuous assessment may, during any of the examination periods scheduled for the 2026-2027 academic year, choose either to retain the grade obtained for the practical assignment/project or to be assessed exclusively on the basis of their examination grade.
Students who have not completed the exercises/project as part of continuous/periodic assessment may instead undertake the following assessments:

MA4. Practical Project (PP) - 50%: Development of a project based on a real-world case and its presentation. The topic is to be defined by the lecturer at the student's request.

MA5. Individual Written Assessment (IWA) - 50%: Examination assessing theoretical knowledge.
The project must be submitted at least 48 hours before the examination date and presented on the day of the examination. The final grade is calculated using the same weighting as for continuous assessment:

Final Grade (FG) = (PP × 0.50) + (IWA × 0.50).

NAO