LGMT 685

Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Online Course Syllabus
Credit Hours: 3
Delivery Method: Online (Internet / Blackboard)
Required Course Materials
David, P. (2013). International logistics: The management of international
trade operations (4th ed.). Berea, OH: Cicero Books.
ISBN: 978-0-9894906-0-3

Suggested Supplemental Materials

American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the
American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC:
Author.
ISBN: 978-1-4338-0561-5
(APA website: http://www.apastyle.org/manual/index.aspx)

Course Description
Today, globalization is affecting almost every aspect of the worlds economy and the worlds
economy is sustained by global logistics. The focus of this course is on understanding the role
of logistics and supply chain management in meeting the needs of the transnational enterprise,
from the sourcing of raw materials through delivery of the finished product to the final customer.
The course addresses the role and scope of logistics in the global economy; key strategies for
supporting different market entry alternatives; the impact of different transportation modes on
international supply chain management; the use of international commerce terms and contracts;
the impact of exchange rates on supply chain profitability; supply chain security; and the role of
global supply chain management as a key source of competitive advantage. A number of case
studies are also analyzed throughout the course to highlight important principles and best
practices in global logistics and supply chain management.

This syllabus was developed for online learning by Dr. Constantine M. Koursaris

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Course Goals
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to design,
build, and manage global supply chain networks.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Understand the importance of logistics and supply chain management in the global
economy and describe some of the factors that make planning and managing international
logistics more complex than domestic logistics. (PO 1 and 3)
2. Evaluate the impact of alternative market entry strategies on supply chain operations. (PO
4)
3. Explain key elements of international contracts, alternative terms of payment, and the use of
bank guarantees to minimize risk. (PO 1)
4. Assess the impact of the choice of currency and exchange rate fluctuations on the cost or
profitability of international transactions. (PO 4)
5. Explain the use of international commerce terms and key documents associated with
managing global logistics operations and describe the overall customs clearing process and
the role of tariffs and non-tariff barriers in international trade. (PO 1 and 2)
6. Understand key concepts and terms associated with insuring goods being shipped across
international boundaries as well as sources for government and private insurance. (PO 4)
7. Describe the role of the five basic modes of transportation in an international environment
and the role of intermodal transportation and understand the role of packaging in the supply
chain and the unique challenges associated with packaging products for global markets.
(PO 1 and 4)
8. Understand the importance of the host country infrastructure when making site selection
decisions or planning and managing international logistics or supply chain operations and
explain the role of transportation in meeting the needs of homeland security and how
government and industry are working together to improve the security of international trade.
(PO 1, 2 and 4)
9. Analyze the value of using export managers, third party logistics providers, and other
facilitators to meet the international logistics and supply chain needs of the enterprise. (PO
3 and 4)
10. Explain the unique role of global supply chain management as a key source of competitive
advantage for firms operating internationally. (PO 1 and 2)

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Grading
These are the major assignments in the course and will be the basis for evaluation according to
the grading scale shown in the table below.
Course Grade Scale

Evaluation Items & Weights

90 100%

Review and Discussion Questions

20%

80 89%

Discussions

15%

70 79%

Assignments

5%

69%

Group Project

20%

Research Paper

20%

Final Exam

20%

Total

100%

Review and Discussion Questions

Review and Discussion Questions are taken from the textbook each week. Responses to these
questions must be submitted on time, unless prior arrangements are made with the instructor.
Discussion
Students are expected to routinely participate in the class Discussion Board and other online
activities. Superior grades will be given to active students who exchange ideas in a thoughtful
manner while respecting the courtesies due others.
Assignments
All assignments must be completed on time, unless prior arrangements have been made with
your instructor. This category includes the exchange rates assignment in Module 4, the
research paper topic, and the research paper outline.
Group Project
The purpose of this project is to provide a forum through which students can experience what it
is like to work together remotely as a team to carry out complex international logistics tasks.
Each group must deliver a 20 page report (+/- 2 pages) on the findings of their work. Group
members will be graded based on (a) the quality of the final team report and (b) each students
personal participation in preparing the report.
The final report will be graded using the same criteria listed below for the Research Report.
Each students grade on the Team Project will be evaluated based on their participation in
Group discussions, timeliness in submitting their portion of the work, and quality of work
submitted to the Team Leader.
Research Paper
Each student must prepare a formal 10-page paper on a topic of your choice related to global
logistics or supply chain management. Your instructor must approve specific topics in advance.
.

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This paper represents 20% of your final course grade. Your paper will be evaluated based on
the following criteria:

Quality and depth of content. (60 points)

Organization of the report. (10 points)
Overall format, i.e., typed, use of page numbers, title page, table of contents, appropriate
labels on figures and tables, etc. (10 points)
Correct grammar and evidence of proofing, i.e., no spelling errors. (10 points)
Variety and documentation of references used. Format for citations and references must
follow APA guidelines. (10 points)

Due dates are as follows:

Module 2 Topic Submitted for Approval

Module 3 Outline Submitted for Approval
Module 8 Final Research Paper Submitted

Final Examination
The Final exam will be a timed open-book, open-notes exam that will be administered online
and posted to Blackboard at the appropriate time. The exam will consist of multiple choice and
short answer questions that address the material and learning objectives covered in Modules 1
through 8.
Additional Information
APA Format
Go to http://www.apastyle.org/manual/index.aspx for the American Psychological
Association Publication Manual.
Library
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has one of the most complete library collections of
aviation-related resources in the world.

ERAU Libraries: http://library.erau.edu/

Hunt Library Worldwide: Information, Services, Help
o Worldwide Library: Basic Training
o Worldwide Library: Ask-a-Librarian
o Reference: Research Request

Contact Information

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Telephone: 1-800-678-9428 or 386-226-6947
Email: library@erau.edu

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RefWorks
RefWorks is an online database tool that can manage references and citations from almost any
source. It provides specific guidance in how to collect and use references, create
bibliographies, and write research papers.
You may access it through this ERAU organizational login link when signed in to ERNIE or
directly from the RefWorks website (http://www.refworks.com). A different link must be used
for off-campus access (see these instructions). RefWorks requires users to create a
RefWorks-specific username and password. Please contact the Hunt Library if you have any
questions.
Course Policies
Academic Integrity
Embry-Riddle is committed to maintaining and upholding intellectual integrity. All students,
faculty, and staff have obligations to prevent violations of academic integrity and take corrective
action when they occur. The adjudication process will involve imposing sanctions which may
include, but are not limited to, a failing grade on the assignment, a failing grade in a course,
suspension, or dismissal from the University, upon students who commit the following academic
violations:
1. Plagiarism: Presenting the ideas, words, or products of another as ones own. Plagiarism
includes use of any source to complete academic assignments without proper
acknowledgement of the source. Reuse or resubmission of a students own coursework if
previously used or submitted in another course, is considered self-plagiarism, and is also
not allowed under University policy.
2. Cheating: A broad term that includes, but is not limited to, the following:
a. Giving or receiving help from unauthorized persons or materials during examinations.
b. The unauthorized communication of examination questions prior to, during, or
following administration of the examination.
c. Collaboration on examinations or assignments expected to be, or presented as,
individual work.
d. Fraud and deceit, that include knowingly furnishing false or misleading information or
failing to furnish appropriate information when requested, such as when applying for
admission to the University.
Note: The Instructor reserves the right to use any form of digital method for checking
plagiarism. Several electronic systems are available and other methods may be used at the
Instructors discretion.
Online Learning
This course is offered through ERAU Worldwide Online (Blackboard) and runs nine (9) weeks.
The first week begins the first day of the term and ends at midnight EDT/EST (as applicable)
seven days later. Success in this course requires in-depth study of each module as assigned,
timely completion of assignments, and regular participation in forum discussions.

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Late work should be the exception and not the rule and may be downgraded at the discretion of
the Instructor, if accepted at all. Unless all work is submitted, the student could receive a failing
grade for the course. Extensions may be granted for extenuating circumstances at the
discretion of the Instructor and only for the length of time the Instructor deems appropriate. The
most important element of success in an online course is to communicate with your Instructor
throughout the term.
Conventions of online etiquette, which include courtesy to all users, will be observed.
Students should use the Send Email function in Blackboard for private messages to the
Instructor and other students. The class Discussion Board forums are for public messages.
It is highly recommended that students keep electronic copies of all materials submitted as
assignments, discussion board posts and emails, until after the end of the term and a final grade
is received. When posting responses in a discussion forum, please confirm that the responses
have actually been posted after you submit them.
Course Schedule
Module

Title

Introduction to
Global Logistics and
Supply Chain
Management

International
Logistics
Infrastructure and
Modes of Entry

International
Contracts and Terms
of Trade

Terms and Currency

of Payment

International
Logistics
Documentation and
Insurance

Activities
1.1 - Discussion: Introductions
1.2 - Readings
1.3 - Discussion: Module 1 Questions
1.4 - Assignment: Review and Discussion Questions
1.5 - Preview: Research Paper
1.6 - Preview: Group Project
2.1 - Readings
2.2 - Video
2.3 - Discussion: Module 2 Questions
2.4 - Assignment: Review and Discussion Questions
2.5 - Assignment: Research Paper Topic
2.6 - Group Project Roles and Deadlines
3.1 - Readings
3.2 - Discussion: Module 3 Questions
3.3 - Assignment: Review and Discussion Questions
3.4 - Assignment: Research Paper Outlines
3.5 - Group Outline Review
4.1 - Readings
4.2 - Discussion: Module 4 Questions
4.3 - Assignment: Review and Discussion Questions
4.4 - Assignment: Exchange Rates
4.5 - Group Project Report Draft
5.1 - Readings
5.2 - Discussion: Module 5 Questions
5.3 - Assignment: Review and Discussion Questions
5.4 - Group Project Report Editing
5.5 - Reminder: Research Paper

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International Ocean,
Air, Land, and
Intermodal
Transportation

Packaging for Export

and Supply Chain
Security

Customs Clearance
and Using
International
Logistics for
Competitive
Advantage

Final Examination

6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
8.1
8.2
8.3

Readings
Discussion: Module 6 Questions
Assignment: Review and Discussion Questions
Group Project Report: Completed Draft
Reminder: Research Paper
Readings
Discussion: Module 7 Questions
Assignment: Review and Discussion Questions
Group Assignment: Group Project Report Submission
Assignment: Group Project Peer Evaluation
Reminder: Research Paper
Readings
Discussion: Module 8 Questions
Assignment: Review and Discussion Questions

8.4 - Assignment: Research Paper

9.1 - Final Exam Review
9.2 - Final Exam