BPL 2315: FREIGHT OPERATIONS- 45 Contact Hours
Prerequisite: None
Purpose of the Course
The aim of this course is to equip students with knowledge and competence relating to freight
operations locally and internationally.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
1. Identify various components of domestic and international freight operations
2. Explain the processes and interfaces involved in freight operations
3. Discuss the regulation and standards in freight operations
Course Description
Introduction of freight operations; Different modes of freight Transport: Surface freight, oceanic freight; Key roles of freight operations personnel; Freight transport and management : Planning and scheduling of freight operations, Freight Route planning and scheduling, Operational Efficiency in freight operations; Analytical models in freight operations, Origins, destination and routes, collection and delivery; Freight technology: Freight operations management systems; Costing and pricing of freight services; Role of public and private actors in the freight system; International bodies in freight operations; Domestic versus international freight operations; Regulatory Environment: national and international legislation, sources of legislation; Freight Insurance, Custom processes, structure and organization of freight Industries, Freight management; Key trends in fleet management; Computerized fleet management systems and analytical tools; Managing fleet size, composition, and utilization; Fleet routing plans; Optimal
replacement cycles; Fleet risk management strategies; Green fleet strategies; Safety and security in fleet management; Traffic Act. [Cap 403]; Emerging issues in freight operations
Teaching Methodologies
Lectures, Class discussions, Group Activities, Case Studies
Instruction Materials/ Equipment
LCD Projector, White board, Text Books
Course Assessment
Continuous Assessment 30 %
Examination 70 %
Course Text Books
1. Gourdin, Kent N. (2006). Global Logistics Management: A competitive advantage for the 21 st Century, Oxford: Blackwell Publishing. ISBN2015327220X
2. Kee-Hung Lai and Edwin T.C. Cheng, (2006). Just-in-time Logistics, An Introduction. McGraw Hill. ISBN1115327210X
3. Ronald H. Ballou, (2004). Business Logistics / Supply Chain Management, Prentice Hall. ISBN3015327287X
Course Reference Textbooks
1. Bernhard, T. (1997). Information systems in Logistics and transportation. UK. Oxford. ISBN2015327221X
2. John J. Coyle, Edward J. Bardi and C. John Langley Jr., (2003). The Management of Business Logistics, A Supply Chain Perspective, Thomson. ISBN1115327280X
3. Paul R. Murrhy Jr. and Donald F. Wood, (2004). Contemporary Logistics, Prentice Hall ISBN1015327271X
Course Journals
1. Journal of Business Logistics
2. International Journal of Logistic management
3. International journal of physical Distribution and Logistics management
Course Reference Journals
1. Journal of Supply Chain management
2. International Journal of purchasing and materials management
3. International journal of Operations and Production management
4. Transportation Journal