Syracuse University

School of Management
SCM 701 Supply Chain & Logistics Management
Tu/Th 3:30 4:50pm, Room 303
Fall 2016 Semester
Instructor:
Office:
Phone:
E-mail:
Office Hours:

Gary La Point
room 537
443-3331
gelapoin@syr.edu
Tu/Th 10:00AM 11:30AM or by appointment

Course Materials:
Global Management Simulation (approx. $15)
Cases/Articles as required (approx. $64.)
We do not use a text book in this class but instead we use selected articles on supply chain strategy. These
articles can be purchased Harvard via the following link:
http://cb.hbsp.harvard.edu/cbmp/access/52857195
We will also play a simulation which is also purchased from Harvard via the following link:
http://cb.hbsp.harvard.edu/cbmp/access/52858250

Photo copying of articles is not permitted and each student is expected to purchase their own
articles.
Recommended But Not Required:
There are many different trade publications for supply chain. Most are free and many can be
received electronically on a daily or weekly basis. Below are a few primary ones for the supply
chain industry. You are encouraged to sign up for a couple of these news letters or to view them
on a regular basis.
www.cargobusinessnews.com
www.eyefortransport.com
www.supplychaindaily.com
http://associates.tradepub.com/free/scdl/ (Supply Chain Digest)
www.logisticsmgmt.com/
www.supplychainbrain.com
www.purchasing.com
www.mmh.com (Modern Materials Handling)
www.supplychainasia.com

Course Description:
Companies compete through their Supply Chains
This course is about Strategies for Logistics and the Supply Chain. We will examine specific functions
within the Logistics framework, such as transportation, distribution channels, warehousing, forecasting,
inventory, sourcing, importing/exporting and green supply chains. But we will explore the strategies of
these areas and how to incorporate these specific functions into the bigger picture called Supply Chain
Management. Supply Chain is the integration of a companys operations with their suppliers and
customers. We will look at how Logistics/Supply Chain adds value to the corporation as well as problem
solve strategic management solutions using business cases. Companies with the best managed supply
chains will be the companies that stick around. We will delve into a variety of supply chain strategies that
are pertinent to the situation. Remember, supply chains are becoming the differentiator that distinguishes
one company from another.
From an expense stand point Logistics accounts for approximately 8.5% of the entire Gross Domestic
Product of the US. Logistics and Supply Chain is the single largest component of business. What this
means is, companies spend a lot of money on their supply chains. Therefore, managing the supply chain is
absolutely critical for the success of a company. This is also why companies have placed such a significant
interest in hiring students trained in supply chain. Worldwide there is a lack of trained supply chain
individuals. Emphasis on the supply chain is even more critical in a down economy like we are currently
experiencing. Supply chain management crosses over functional and corporate boundaries effectively
creating a virtual, vertical company.

Learning Objectives:
There are several key learning objectives with this course. First is to go more in depth with
specific logistic topics. Second, is to give the student exposure to more involved logistics/supply
chain management problems and how we approach and solve these problems. Third, we need to
become familiar with the language of Logistics/Supply Chain. Like any unique area,
logistics/supply chain has its own lingo. Learning the language of logistics/supply chain is
critical for anyone going into this field. These terms and acronyms are used daily in normal
conversation so one of our focuses will be on terminology. So, from this class our objectives are
to develop core competencies in:
1. Industry terminology. You should be familiar with the language used in Supply Chain
2. Identifying the appropriate supply chain design/strategy for given products and customer
3. Considering the bigger picture when analyzing a problem and in making supply chain
recommendations, both domestically and globally.
In addition, by the end of this course you should:
1. Have a greater breadth of knowledge of Logistics & Supply Chain areas both tactically but
more importantly, strategically
2. Incorporate creative solutions to supply chain problems. Evaluate multiple potential
solutions to a given problem.
3. Learn how to properly analyze a case

Achieving these objectives:

Much of this course will be taught using the case method, meaning, we will rely on cases to re-enforce
concepts and principles and Learn to Think. The case method is effective because there is not
necessarily any right or wrong answer. Whos to say that management made or did not make the right
decision? What was or wasnt the correct decision is always a matter of debate. But that does not mean
you can say anything and get a good grade. A case analysis must be thorough and recommendations
logical, creative and appropriate to the problem. Your grade in case analysis is determined by how your
position is presented and supported. Cases will be supplemented with numerous articles applicable to the
topic.

Communication:
Any communication that takes place outside of class will be conducted via e-mail per the e-mail address
that has been issued by Syracuse University and set up in Blackboard.

Expectations:

Spend time preparing for this class. Come to class prepared. Read the assigned material before
coming to class. Just because there is no specific text does not mean you can spend less time on
the reading material. Dont just read to get through the articles, You need to think about what you
are reading. Lectures will be supported by articles. The articles I have selected are specific to our
topics. Take time to understand the point(s) they are trying to get across. Everyone is expected to
have completed all assigned readings prior to class time and be prepared for a discussion on these
readings. We will have a discussion after every assigned reading. I will randomly call on students
to contribute to the discussion.

Homework: Since we discuss all homework in class, all written homework is due at the
beginning of class time on its due date. There are no make-up cases or extra credit.
Homework will not be accepted or graded after class time on its due date. The only excuse
for submitting a late assignment is an official excuse from the undergraduate office. Unless
otherwise indicated, all homework is to be typed. Only homework that is typed will be graded.
Please do not send me e-mails with homework attached.
Unless otherwise stated, all written assignments will be submitted through Turn-it-In via
Blackboard. It is your responsibility to ensure you have properly submitted your paper. Bring a
hard copy of your assignment to class to submit and so that you can contribute to the class
discussion. Unless directed otherwise, the internet is not to be used for case assignments.

Attendance: You cannot participate if you are not in class. We will discuss every reading in
depth. As such, you will only get this information from being in class. Please be on time for
class. If you must miss a class please inform me prior to class. If you have to miss a class you
are responsible for obtaining any class notes, homework assignments or announcements made
during that class. Your lack of attendance will impact your participation and attendance grade.
Under new university policy if you miss the first week of class the instructor reserves the right to
have you dropped from the course. Missing 6 or more classes will lower your grade by one full
letter grade.

Class Participation. Since this course uses business cases class participation is extremely
important. Everyone is expected to participate in case discussions. This makes coming
prepared to class critical. But it also makes class more fun. When you are prepared participation
becomes much easier and the discussion much more interesting. We all learn more when the
learning process is fun and interesting. There are no stupid questions in my class. Please, do not
be afraid to ask a question even if it has already been asked. If you have a question chances are at
least one other person has the exact same question. If I do not feel we are having the proper class
participation or if I feel people are not reading the assigned materials I will randomly direct
questions to specific individuals as well as begin having quizzes on the readings.

Laptops/Cell Phones: Unless you are an official note taker or I specially request that you bring
one, there is no need for a laptop in this class. Use of cell phones in class is rude. Please turn off
all cell phones prior to class and leave them off.

Listen to the comments of others. Since we will rely heavily on cases and on class discussions
there will undoubtedly be differing opinions. We need to listen to the comments of others. Your
learning is enriched by actively listening to the comments of others, even if you disagree with
someones position. Actively listening to opposing points of view helps you to better formulate
your own position. But remember, everyone is entitled to an opinion. If you hear an opinion
different from your own do not attack the person offering the opinion, simply offer your own
opposing opinion and why you support your position. We are all here to help each other learn.

Student Work:
Work produced by students as part of this course may be used for educational purposes. It is
understood that registration for and continued enrollment in this course constitutes permission by
the student to use his or her works for educational purposes. In compliance with the Federal
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, works in all media produced by students as part of
their course participation at Syracuse University may be used for educational purposes, provided
that the course syllabus makes clear that such use may occur.

Faith Observances:
Officially Syracuse University will not be recognizing religious holidays this semester.
However, if your faith has specific observances that require you not to be in class please let me
know by the second week of class. SUs religious observances policy, found at
http://supolicies.syr.edu/emp_ben/religious_observance.htm, recognizes the diversity of faiths
represented among the campus community and protects the rights of students, faculty, and staff to
observe religious holy days according to their tradition. Under the policy, students are provided an
opportunity to make up any examination, study, or work requirements that may be missed due to a
religious observance provided they notify their instructors before the end of the second week of
classes. For fall and spring semesters, an online notification process is available through
MySlice/Student Services/Enrollment/My Religious Observances from the first day of class until
the end of the second week of class. If students have identified a religious observance they will be
permitted to make up any assignments that conflict with the observance.

Disabilities:
Students who need special consideration because of a disability should make an appointment to
see me within the first two weeks of the semester. If you feel that you may need academic
accommodations due to a disability, then you need to immediately register with the Office of
Disability Services(ODS) at 804 University Ave., Room 309, 443-4498, or
http://disabilityservices.syr.edu

Academic Integrity:
Complete academic honesty is expected of all students. Any incidence of academic
dishonesty, as defined by the SU Academic Integrity Policy
(http://academicintegrity.syr.ed) will result in both course sanctions and formal
notification to the Whitman School of Management academic integrity committee. All
assignments must be the work of the individual student and may not be copied from
another students work, the text, or any other source such as the internet, except for short
quotations with proper attribution. Almost anything can be found on the internet. The
internet or other sources are NOT to be used in homework unless specifically directed to
do so. Turn-It-In searches the internet and identifies ANY material that has been
duplicated from another source, including student papers. Obtaining previously prepared
material defeats the entire purpose of learning. If it is determined that work submitted in
your name has been derived from another source (i.e. plagiarized) you will receive an F
in the course.
Grading:
At this time I expect to have 4 key case analyses, however, I reserve the right to add or
subtract to this number. Case analysis will follow a pre-described format. The quality of
work, or output, tends to be directly proportional to the input, or effort, put forth on
achieving the output. Spend quality time preparing your cases. Do not wait until the night
before to begin working on your case.
Case 1
Case 2
Case 3
Case 4
Global simulation
Participation/Attendance
Warehouse Location
Quiz 1
Quiz 2
Peer Evaluations
Final (case)
Total

Weight
10 %
10 %
10 %
10 %
10 %
5%
10 %
5%
5%
10 %
15 %
100%

Final Grades:
Final grades will be based on the scale shown below. I typically round up from the half
point. For example, if your average is between 89.5 and 89.9 I would round this up to a
90. If, however, your average is between 89.1 and 89.4 I would round down to an 89 for
you final grade.
Percentage of
Total Points
94 100
90 93
86 89
82 85
79 81
75 78
71 74
66 70
60 65
<60

Final Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD
F

(4.0)
(3.8)
(3.5)
(3.0)
(2.8)
(2.5)
(2.0)
(1.8)
(1.0)
(0)

Topics / Homework Schedule

Date
8/30
9/1
9/6
9/8

9/13

9/15
920
9/22
9/27
9/29
10/4
10/6
10/11
10/13
10/18
10/20

Assignment
Intro to the class; Review Syllabus
Lecture: Intro to Transportation
Transportation Industry Terms
Lecture: Transportation
Industry Terms
HW Read: Working your Assets to Boost your Growth
Lecture: Transportation Pricing
Industry Terms
HW: Transportation (Trucking) Rates
Lecture: Transportation Getting Control of your Freight
Transportation Strategies
Stop Offs
HW: Read Rapid Fire Fulfillment
Discussion: Working Your Assets to Boost Your Growth
Discussion: Rapid Fire Fulfilment
Lecture: How to Analyze a case
HW: Case 1
Lecture: Warehousing
Quiz 1 Transportation Terms/Articles
Lecture: Warehouse Location Assignment
HW:
Warehouse Location Assignment
Review Case 1
HW Read: What is the Right Supply Chain For Your Product
Lecture: Review Warehouse Location Assignment
Lecture: Begin Intro to Importing/Exporting
HW Read: Making Supply Meet Dmnd in an Uncertain World
Discussion: What is the Right Supply Chain for your Product?
Making Supply Meet Dmnd in an Uncertain World
HW Read: Creating Demand Responsive Supply Chains
Lecture: Importing/Exporting
Importing/Exporting Intl Terms Transportation Terms/concepts
Lecture: Importing/Exporting
Read: Building Deeper Supplier Relations
Lecture: Intro to Procurement:
HW: Global Supply Chain Simulation
No Class: Salzberg Program
Review: Results of Global Supply Chain Simulation
Lecture: On-Line Reverse Auctions
HW: Assign Case #2
Lecture: Finish On-Line Reverse Auctions
Discussion: Building Deeper Supplier Relations
HW Read: Getting Off shoring Right

Due Date

9/13

9/13

9/22

9/27
9/29

9/29

10/18

10/27
10/25

10/25
10/27
11/1

HW Read : Smarter Offshoring

Possible Exercise: Beer Game
Discussion: Getting Offshoring Right
Discussion: Smarter Offshoring
Review: Case #2
HW Read: Inventory Driven Costs
Lecture: Intro to International Logistics
HW: The Triple A Supply Chain

10/25

11/8
11/8

11/3

Lecture: Intro to International Logistics

11/8

11/10

Discussion: Inventory Driven Costs

Discussion: The Triple A Supply Chain
HW: Case #3
HW Read: Creating Demand Responsive Supply Chains
Lecture: Push / Pull Exercise

11/15

Review: Case #3

11/17

Quiz 2 International Terms/Concepts/Articles

Discussion:
HW: Case 4
No Class
Thanksgiving Break

11/22

11/15

12/1

11/24
11/29
12/1
12/6
12/8

No Class
Thanksgiving Break
Lecture : Strategies to Reduce Inventory
Review Case 4
HW Read: Reducing the Risk of Supply Chain Disruptions
Lecture: Disruptive Technologies and their impact on Supply
Chain Strategy
Last Class
Lecture: Green Supply Chains
Review Final Case
Final Case Due at Scheduled Exam Date and Time

This schedule and list of topics are tentative: I reserve the right to alter the schedule, topics and
dates as I see appropriate. You will notice that some dates are left blank. This is to allow for
flexibility in the schedule and to allow for discussion of current events in supply chain and to
permit for guest speakers, which we always have during the semester. Quizzes are scheduled but
actual dates may vary.

Required Articles for SCM 401

Articles:
1)

Working Your Assets to Boost Your Growth

2)

What is the Right Supply Chain for Your Product?

3)

Creating Demand Responsive Supply Chains

4)

Rapid Fire Fulfillment

5)

Making Supply Meet Demand in an Uncertain World

6)

Building Deeper Supplier Relations

7)

Getting Offshoring Right

8)

Inventory Driven Costs

9)

The Triple-A Supply Chain