Course syllabus for Construction logistics and supply chain management

Course syllabus adopted 2023-02-02 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameBygglogistik och supply chain management i byggsektorn
  • CodeACE130
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerMPDCM
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyCivil and Environmental Engineering
  • DepartmentARCHITECTURE AND CIVIL ENGINEERING
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 88121
  • Maximum participants60 (at least 10% of the seats are reserved for exchange students)
  • Block schedule
  • Open for exchange studentsYes

Credit distribution

0119 Examination 7.5 c
Grading: TH
7.5 c0 c0 c0 c0 c0 c
  • 31 Okt 2024 pm J DIG
  • 08 Jan 2025 am J DIG
  • 22 Aug 2025 pm J DIG

In programmes

Examiner

Go to coursepage (Opens in new tab)

Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

English 6 (or by other approved means with the equivalent proficiency level)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

Only for students admitted to Chalmers Master's programme, MPDCM students will be given precedents on the course.

Aim

The aim of the course is to provide a fundamental understanding of construction logistics and supply chain management. The course aims for students to be familiar with logistics and supply chain management terminology, models and methods to develop practical skills and facilitate analysis of logistics and supply chain management issues in the construction industry taking into accounts sustainable goals and concerns.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

  • Describe the logistics and supply chain objectives in construction.
  • Describe the processes, resources and main actors in the construction supply chain.
  • Apply acquired knowledge to synthesize logistics solutions in construction projects.
  • Compare, analyse and evaluate alternative structures of construction logistics arrangements, including sustainability effects.
  • Explain the design and function of packaging, storage, transport and materials handling in physical material flows in construction.
  • Describe and explain the role of logistics and supply chain information systems.
  • Describe and evaluate planning and control mechanisms of construction logistics and supply chains.
  • Analyse the features and function of interaction and relationships in construction supply chains. 
  • Demonstrate an understanding of contemporary opportunities and challenges for construction logistics and supply chain management in the context of sustainable development.

Content

The course provides an overview of construction logistics and supply chain management. Topics covered in the course:
  • The context of logistics and supply chains in construction.
  • The structure of the construction supply chain including activities, resources and actors.
  • The role of supply chain management in construction.
  • The structure of the logistics system including materials supply, production and distribution.
  • The physical material flow in construction: packaging, storage, materials handling and transport.
  • The information flow in construction logistics.
  • Planning and control of logistics and supply chains in construction.
  • Construction supply chain interaction, relationships and collaboration.
  • Contemporary opportunities and challenges in construction logistics and supply chain management: densification of cities, digitalization and sustainability.

Organisation

The course is based on a combination of lectures, guest lectures, seminars, individual work and group work. The course mixes theory with practice, critical thinking, collective reflection and discussion. Lectures and seminars typically include interactive sessions and students are expected to take active part in all learning and teaching activities in class-discussions and to individually prepare for each session.

Literature

Core textbook in construction logistics and supply chain management complemented by journal articles available through on-line databases at Chalmers library. A more detailed outline and list of readings are presented on the course web page before the course starts.

Examination including compulsory elements

The examination forms include: written group work; presentations; participation at the compulsory lectures, guest lectures and seminars; and a final written exam.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.