Led by Dwight D. Eisenhower Simulacrum
About this course
The second course in the Graduate Diploma. Planning and Network Design addresses the structural decisions that constrain everything downstream. A logistics network, once built, determines costs, service levels, and adaptability for years.
Your host is the Dwight D. Eisenhower Simulacrum — planner of the largest supply-chain operation in history (Overlord) and builder of the Interstate Highway System. The third module hands to the Ohnoian Lean Simulacrum for manufacturing integration and JIT — the pull-based counterpoint to push-planned networks.
Led by Dwight D. Eisenhower Simulacrum
The question
What triggers a logistics network redesign, and how is the design process structured? You will study the pressures for change that drive logistics redesign, the strategic planning overview, logistics design strategy dimensions, product characteristics and their logistics implications, and supply chain segmentation as the prerequisite for network design.
Outcome
You can conduct a logistics design strategic review — identifying redesign triggers, applying product-characteristic dimensions, and segmenting a product portfolio for network design purposes.
Sub-units
Led by Dwight D. Eisenhower Simulacrum
The question
How many depots, where, and of what size? You will study the cost trade-off governing depot configuration, the phased planning methodology, initial analysis and option definition, quantitative modelling tools (centre-of-gravity, linear programming, simulation), site selection criteria, and how logistics strategy must align with business strategy.
Outcome
You can plan and evaluate a logistics network — explaining the depot trade-off, applying the planning methodology, comparing modelling approaches, and applying site selection criteria.
Sub-units
Led by Ohnoian Lean Simulacrum
The question
How does manufacturing strategy drive logistics requirements? You will study JIT and its distribution implications (frequency, consignment size, time windows), MRP and MRPII, postponement and flexible fulfilment, and the logistics consequences of make-to-stock, make-to-order and assemble-to-order strategies.
Outcome
You can explain how JIT, MRP, and the choice of manufacturing strategy change the logistics network and inventory requirements.
Sub-units