Course syllabus for Distribution networks

The course syllabus contains changes
See changes

Course syllabus adopted 2022-05-03 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameDistribution networks
  • CodeTEK119
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerMPSCM
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyIndustrial Engineering and Management
  • DepartmentTECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMICS
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 37120
  • Maximum participants65
  • Minimum participants10
  • Block schedule
  • Open for exchange studentsYes
  • Only students with the course round in the programme overview.

Credit distribution

0119 Examination 7.5 c
Grading: TH		7.5 c
  • 25 Okt 2022 am J DIG
  • 04 Jan 2023 pm J DIG
  • 16 Aug 2023 pm J DIG

In programmes

Examiner

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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

The course is compulsory for master’s students Supply chain management. Other students can be accepted if they also follow TEK416 Purchasing and supply management (the course goes during the same study period).

Aim

The course aims at providing students with an understanding of distribution networks. The course deals with company functions directed towards customers, such as marketing, sales, and logistics.

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

  • Define distribution and explain related concepts
  • Describe and explain the role of distribution in a company
  • Explain how distribution is linked to other functions in a company and to the operations of customers and suppliers
  • Describe contemporary trends impacting on distribution and analyse the effects of these from several perspectives
  • Describe and explain central components and features of distribution channels and distribution networks
  • Analyse and compare different types of distribution structures and distribution strategies in terms of efficiency and value creation
  • Use theoretical concepts in the course on real cases

Content

In the first part of the course distribution is discussed as the phenomena that connects production and consumption. Definitions of distribution are discussed as well as current changes and trends that affect distribution. We conclude that the main consequence of current changes is that suppliers need to reconsider the perspective on their distribution strategies. Previous conceptualizations have focused on the output of the factory and advocated a "channel out" approach. Today's changing conditions call for a complementary perspective that takes point of departure in the operative context of the customer. The main mission for a supplier then should be to assist customers in solving their problems and identifying and realizing their business opportunities. The course therefore covers a network perspective on distribution, which implies that we discuss how the nature of a certain distribution solution impacts on and is impacted by the surrounding business network and its characteristics. Furthermore, the course also deals with managerial issues related to strategizing and organizing of and in distribution networks.

Based on this, a number of themes are dealt with in the course:
  • Definitions of distribution
  • The role of distribution in companies
  • Current transformations and trends in distribution
  • Distribution structures and distribution strategies
  • Efficiency and value creation in distribution netoworks
  • An industrial network approach to distribution

Organisation

The course is based on a combination of lectures, seminars, group work and individual work.

Literature

The course literature consists of a mixture of books, articles and other working materials that will be announced no later than two weeks prior to the course introduction.

Examination including compulsory elements

The course is examined through assignments and a written examamination.

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.

The course syllabus contains changes

  • Changes to module:
    • 2022-05-02: Digital exam Changed to digital exam by Emilio
      [0119 Examination 7,5 credit] Changed to digital examination