Production and Logistics (MiM)

This is an introductory module, providing an overview on planning problems in (1) production and (2) logistics and on methods to solve these. (1) In the production part, students become acquainted with different planning hierarchies (strategic, tactical and operational) and the planning problems on the respective level: - At the beginning, strategic planning problems such as site location planning are covered. - Then, in the tactical planning level, we discuss questions concerning the infrastructure of production systems. - In the second part of the lecture, operational planning decisions are treated. - We introduce demand forecasting techniques and examine master planning problems. - After giving attention to material requirements planning, we proceed to production planning issues where we focus on lot sizing questions, machine scheduling and sequencing in flow lines. (2) The logistics part of the module discusses questions along the supply chain: - Beginning with transport logistics and the corresponding planning problems on the determination of tours, routes and packing schemes. - Afterwards, within the area of material logistics, inventory control policies and their extension to the stochastic case are elaborated. - The strategic design of the logistics network is dealt with when talking about planning problems of supply chain management. - Then, the interfaces to the predecessor resp. successor companies in the supply chain are explained. Within the procurement stage, methods for the selection of suppliers and within the distribution stage, the installment of a suitable distribution network and the processes in the warehouse are discussed. In order to deal with the arising decision problems in production and logistics, simple heuristics as well as simple linear programming and mixed integer programming models are discussed and applied.

At the end of the module the students will be able to: - understand the relation between different planning problems in production and logistics - analyze specific planning problems on the strategic, tactical and operational level in detail. Apply respective solution methods approaches. Understand how these solution methods are derived and motivated. - understand the main problem settings in production and logistics planning and explain resulting strategic decision making and managerial tasks - identify, quantify and evaluate the main economic trade-offs in decision making in production and logistics (e.g. holding vs. setup costs, costs vs. service) and their implication on supply chain performance. - select and apply the solution approaches taught in this course to specific industry problem settings in production and logistics. Understand how the problem structure dictates the ideal solution framework. - critically evaluate the theoretical frameworks and their potential applications - analyze novel solution approaches for cross-disciplinary issues from industry

The assessment takes place in form of a written exam (120 min) at the end of the semester. In the exam students demonstrate that they are able to explain, discuss and critically evaluate various concepts of production management and logistics. Furthermore, they proof that they can apply the discussed quantitative approaches for operations and supply chain management, critically evaluate them and discuss the results. The answers involve own formulations, as well as calculations or mathematical modelling.

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The lecture 'Production Management' will take place in form of a flipped classroom. The students will prepare the announced topic using the lecture material and the learning videos provided. During the classes, questions regarding the topic will be discussed and selected exercises are used to gain a deeper understanding of the prepared topic. The lecture 'Logistics und Supply Chain Management' is a recorded class room lecture (Lecturio) and supported by tutorials. Students are expected to study the supplementary reading material and use the video recordings of the lecture to gain a comprehensive understanding of the course content.