Course Objectives

The objective of the course is to introduce and familiarize students with key concepts, emerging trends and decision support methods/tools on freight transportation operations, as well as the planning, design and management of terminal (i.e., airport, port) operations. In addition, the student will learn how to model transportation problems using MIP techniques and solve supply chain network problems using GAMS software.

Course Description

The course covers the operational aspects of freight transportation with particular focus on properties of freight transport modes, types and characteristics of vehicles, as well as international transport documentation and commercial terms related to international trade and logistics. Emerging trends and innovative business models in freight transportation are also discussed in the course. Furthermore, the course module places special emphasis on the planning, design and management of terminal (i.e., airport, port) operations, as well as the modelling and solution of supply chain network problems using MIP and GAMS software. Finally, heuristics algorithms for the solution of the Vehicle Routing Problem and the Traveling Salesman Problem are also presented.

Suggested Textbooks

• Rushton, A., P. Croucher, and P. Baker (2017), The Handbook of Logistics and Distribution Management: Understanding the Supply Chain, 6th Edition, Kogan Page.
• De Neufville, R. and A.R. Odoni (2013), Airport Systems: Planning, Design and Management, 2nd Edition, McGraw-Hill Education.
• Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (2020), Port and Terminal Management, ISBN: 978-1-911328-11-7, London, UK.
• Shapiro, J.F. (2006), Modelling the supply chain, Duxbury, ISBN: 0-534-37363-1.
• Pistikopoulos, E.N., M.C. Georgiadis and V. Dua (2010), Process Systems Engineering, Supply Chain Optimization, Wiley-VCH, ISBN: 978-3-527-31693-9.