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Faculty
Thomas Temme, Fachhochschule Osnabrück

Course Coordinator
ISUP Secretariat

Prerequisite/progression of the course

Understanding of the basic logistics principles.

Course content, structure and teaching

Topsim Logistics – Students Managing a Virtual Supply Chain

The course will be centred around the Management Simulation Topsim Logistics.

In groups of 3 – 5 the participants of the course take on the role of managers of a virtual company, which markets a range of modern laser printers in an international business environment.

The printer-industry will consist of several student-run companies which all compete against each other. For eight business periods students are responsible to successfully manage the whole supply chain of this market-driven business. This means that they have to take care of all the different customers’ markets, of the company’s internal multi-tier production processes, of warehousing and of the suppliers’ market. Moreover management must initiate and control transports along the supply chain. After each business period students receive an immediate feedback on their success.

Strategic and operational management decisions will cover all areas of a modern company, such as marketing, production, purchasing, logistics, personnel, finance and controlling.

By managing this business students may apply what they have learnt in theory in their previous studies. Besides aspects of above mentioned business functions this refers to result-oriented teamwork, to management methods, to the use of information in decision making and to handling uncertainty and time restrictions.

Students will experience how to successfully manage a complex supply chain. The simulation is dynamic and realistic and it conveys an experience of dealing with “real-life situations” under strong competitive conditions in the market. Participating in the simulation is fun and has a lasting learning impact.

The course's development of personal competences

Dealing with uncertainty, taking decisions under time pressure, teamwork, presentation skills.

Learning Objectives

Students will have to analyse the market situation, competitors and the internal situation of their company. Based on that, they will have to develop objectives, strategies and a plan of tactical action. They will also have to develop management processes and implement control procedures.

Teaching methods

Computer based ongoing interactive case study, lectures, seminars, exercises, discussions, project work.

Examination

Mandatory mid-term feedback assignment: In order to be allowed to present the final assignment, each student team must have given a mid-term group presentation. The presentation's content will be based on the simulation run and it will last about 10 minutes per team.

Final exam: Project/home assignment (written individually), 10 A4 pages.

Re-take exam: Project/home assignment (written individually), 10 A4 pages.

Recommended literature

David B. Grant et al., Fundamentals of Logistics Management, European Edition, 2005

Participant’s Handbook Topsim Logistics

Sidst opdateret af ISUP Secretariat 29.01.2010