Northeastern University

DAmore-McKim School of Business

SCHM 6211 Supply Chain Management-Transportation
Section 01 Class Number 31655 Wednesdays 5:20-7:20pm, 430 Dodge Hall
Spring 2015

Instructor:
Office:
Email:
Phone:
Office Hours:

Bob Murray
325 Hayden Hall
r.murray@neu.edu
617-877-8432
Tuesday 10AM-12PM or by Appointment
Text: Transportation A Supply Chain Perspective, 7th ed. Coyle, Novack, Gibson, Bardi
(South-Western CENGAGE Learning, ISBN - 978-0-324-78919-5)
Articles: Threat of Global Gridlock, George Stalk, HBR July 2009($3.95 at HBSP.com)
Is Amazon a 3PL?, Robert Lieb, Supply Chain Journal,
http://www.supplychainquarterly.com/topics/Logistics/20141027-is-amazon-a-3pl/

25th Annual Logistics Report, Rosalyn Wilson, CSCMP, Jun14 (Hand-out)

Course Description
This course examines the structure, operations, problems, and potential of the several major modes of transportation, and
focuses on the interaction between transportation service providers and shippers in the marketplace. Special interest is
also paid to the cost and service implications of transportation decisions within a broader logistics and supply chain
management context. . Historically, organizations devoted their best and brightest to manage internal operations.
Today, leading companies are scrambling to grow in house Supply Chain Management talent and ensure all general
managers have at least a working knowledge of SCM.
The perspective taken in this course is primarily that of the general manager. The key question for the course is: What
should the general manager know about Transportation to be a good general manager? This can be slightly rephrased
into: How can the general manager ensure Transportation choices contribute effectively to organizational objectives and
control what is typically the most expensive component of supply chain management, transportation expenditure?
Learning Objectives
You will have the opportunity to understand the key transportation concepts issues:
- What are the characteristics of the main transportation modes and corresponding industries?
- What is the role of public policy and regulation?
- What are some specific challenges tied to intermodal and international shipping?
- What are the main information flows between shippers and carriers, and how can information and communication
technologies support transportation operations?
- Which factors play a role in rate-making and pricing?
- Which key decisions do shippers face related to distribution and transportation management, and which strategies can
shippers use to reduce transportation cost while maintaining or exceeding customer service expectations?
- How can green transportation management help achieve corporate sustainability goals?
Summary
As in any endeavor, if you put time into this course, you will take away more than just effort. I hope you find this class
exciting, rewarding and yes, even FUN!
SPECIAL NOTE: Essential to the mission of Northeastern University is the commitment to the principles of
intellectual honesty and integrity. You agree that any taking of exams, papers, presentations, overall
conduct, etc., you will uphold University policy as it pertains to maintaining intellectual integrity and
avoiding all forms of academic dishonesty (e.g., cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration,
participation in academically dishonest activities, perusing an exam before it is given, and/or facilitating
academic dishonesty).
All
research, including searches on the WEB, will be properly documented.
NO Laptop/Smartphone Policy

Laptops and smartphones are NOT permitted for use during class time. Although a proponent of technology in order to
prevent the temptation of using chat programs, web surfing, and other non-class related activities laptops are strictly
prohibited. This of course also applies to any sort of texting or electronic communication during class time.
Assignments
- In each class, come prepared to answer questions at the end of that chapter from the textbook as well as the assigned
supplemental assigned reading(s).
- Support materials (i.e. ppt slides, etc.) can be found on BLACKBOARD
- All formal reading assignments are found in the text, hand-outs or on blackboard.
2 Exams (50% (each exam worth 25%))
- The exams are in-class, closed book, no-notes examinations.
- Any material covered in class lectures, case analyses, Guest Speakers, additional readings, videos, and text
assignments will be fair game for the exams.
- If you miss an exam without proper notification prior to the scheduled date, you will receive a zero on the exam.
The tests are set up so to challenge your critical thinking skills. These tests arent just a matter of memorizing
terms, equations, etc, and asking you to just repeat them back. These tests are thought provoking and are asking
you to take the concepts and APPLY them. Remember we are here to be intellectually challenged.

Topical Presentation (25%)

Topical Presentation
- You and your partners(Teams of 4) will sign up on a specific date to present a topical theme.
- See the topics below
- The purpose of this exercise is to bring real-life relevance to the chapter and our class.
- The presentation will be 20 minutes in length.
- Prepare a 1-page handout (single-sided) summarizing and highlighting some key points related to your topic
(bullet-point format OK).
- Hand out hard copies of your summary sheet to your classmates prior to the presentation.
- Email slides and 1-page handout to the instructor the night before the class.
As an audience member not presenting that day the expectations are as follows:
1) In addition to reading the text/assigned reading, devote 60 minutes of research to the topic and give it some thought so
you are prepared to discuss and ask in-depth questions. You are expected to know the topic and challenge the
presentation conclusions. You will be taking the role of an executive of the company.
3) You will be filling out an evaluation form. All forms and written comments are kept confidential. NOTE: on the form
you will provide a minimum of 5 in-depth questions that you asked of the group presenting.
4) Turn in an executive brief at the beginning of the session. The brief will state the problems/challenges and
recommendations/action plan of the case (1 page in length). The topic and subject matter from the cases are available
for the final exam. NOTE: if you are not in attendance the day the topic is being presented then you will not be allowed
to pass in (and get credit for) the executive brief(s) due on that day.
Supplemental Course MaterialsCurrent Event Discussion
In addition to assigned readings, you're also encouraged to read industry publications such as Logistics Management,
Supply Chain Brain, TalkingLogistics and Supply Chain Management Review (all are available online) to learn about
breaking news and developments in the field. These publications are a good source for the Current Event Discussion at
the beginning of selected classes. If you read something in these magazines or other publications, such as the Wall Street
Journal, Economist or Business Week, which relates to a class topic, share it with the class. I would be looking for
volunteers to find appropriate articles to lead off designated classes.

Information Sources
Below is a list of magazines and online sources that focus on Transportation.
Inbound Logistics (www.inboundlogistics.com)
Logistics Viewpoints (www.logisticsviewpoints.com)
Logistics Management Magazine (www.logisticsmgmt.com)
Supply Chain Brain (www.supplychainbrain.com)
Grading Policy
Attendance at all classes is required. Only documented evidence from the proper authority will excuse you from class.
When someone is presenting we as an audience will be attentive, meaning no sleeping, writing, using laptops or
distractions of any kind, especially true when we have a guest speaker. No assignment will be accepted late. All
deliverables are due in class on expected date. NOT AFTER CLASS, LATER THAT DAY OR ANYTIME
AFTER. Excuses such as my printer died, my USB has a virus, my dog ate my homework, I was sick, I didnt know, I
forgot, will not carry any weight in our class. Class participation is an important part of the course and it is impossible
to participate if you are not there. Late arrivals, early departures or leaving the class are highly disruptive and will
impact your participation grade. Consequently the class participation component of the grade will be made up of
participation with our guest speakers (asking relevant questions, knowing something about the company, getting
involved in the discussions, etc.), a straight numerical average of attendance, as well as a subjective evaluation of the
students overall contributions.
GRADING:
Participation(Inc. written brief)
Exam #1
Exam #2
Topical Presentation

25%
25%
25%
25%

Total

100%

Scheduling of Speakers
In order to bring as much real world experience as possible to the classroom, were fortunate to have 6 Guest Speakers
willing to come into class and share their expertise. However being successful business executives, sometimes their
schedule is subject to change on short notice due to business imperatives. While we will attempt to keep the schedule,
experience indicates sometime there might be a cancellation or postponement. Your patience, understanding and
flexibility are appreciated. Please NOTE and I apologize to the majority for having to make this statement. I am
extremely sensitive/over protective of our guest speakers. If you cannot give them your full attention (no sleeping/body
language is key/writing/perusing your laptop, Ill expect all laptops closed, etc.), do not attend the session. I will if
necessary single you out and instruct you to leave.
Students Responsibilities:
All students are expected to have:
- enthusiasm and excitement for our subject matter (if not fake it!)
- common courtesy, 1 person speaks at 1 time;
- no texting under the desk;
- no getting up in the middle of class to wander;
- Dont email me your documents, (only presentation slides). Always turn in hard copy.
- Nothing is turned in hand written, always typed, 12-font.
- NO Snoozing! I WILL INSIST.
Grades are calculated as follows, there is no rounding up or down:
Grades
Equivalents
A Outstanding Attainment
A- Excellent
B+ Very Good

93 100%
90 92.99%
87 89.99%

4.000
3.667
3.333

B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
I
S
U
X

Good Attainment
Average
Below Average
Satisfactory Attainment
Below Satisfactory
Poor Attainment

83-86.99%
80 82.99%
77-79.99%
73-76.99%
70 72.99%
66 69.99%
64 - 65.99%
60 63.99%
<59.99%

3.000
2.667
2.333
2.000
1.667
1.333
1.000
0.667
0.000

Incomplete
Satisfactory achievement in a pass-fail course; counts toward total degree requirements
Unsatisfactory achievements in a pass-fail course
Incomplete in a pass-fail course

Notice 25% of your grade is comprised of Class Participation.

The class is designed to maximize your understanding and retention through EVERYONEs active
participation. I can avoid cold calling providing everyone does participate.
- If you attend class on a regular basis but do not participate this is an Average Attainment = B- If you attend class and participate occasionally, Good Attainment = B
- Attend class and actively participates, Very Good = B+
- To achieve Excellent or Outstanding a student would have to be actively engaged every class.
o One who shows a genuine curiosity of our subject matter but also then takes it to the next level.
o That next level would be going outside the box of the material we use in class.
o For example, news on a company or finding out something more (outside research) that is relevant to the
topic of the day, asking well thought out in-depth questions, etc.
Your participation grade will be adjusted at the end of the semester per your performance.
There is no NEGOTIATION of grades. There is plenty of work to be done with-in the Semester. There is no
extra credit as a way to make-up for work that should have been done during the Semester. There is no
curving or rounding up of the numerical grade. To be clear being .01 points away from the next letter grade will
NOT put you in the next upper level.
Number of Hours
This is an advanced class in Supply Chain Management. The expectation, along with the 2 hours in class each week, is
that the student will spend 6-8 hours reading, studying and preparing for class each week.
NOTE: I do not give you your grade; I only record your efforts and ENTHUSIAM to our subject matter. It is
my mission to facilitate in every way the grade you aspire to!

Class Dates, Topics and Assignments

1/14, Wednesday: Introduction, Class Organization and Sign-Ups
Chapter 1 Transportation: Critical Link in the Supply Chain
1/21, Wednesday: Chapter 2 Transportation: Critical Link in the Economy and Threat of Global Gridlock, George
Stalk, HBR July 2009($3.95 at HBSP.com)
Team Topical Presentation:
1. Identify total number of ocean-going containers imported to the U.S. from major U.S. trading partners.
2. For the Top 10 (revenue) U.S. flagged airlines, identify the change in fuel cost for each year-to-year.
3. Research current U.S. freight expenditure by mode. Find statistics (costs) for accident rates and fatalities.
4. What are the trends, your analysis and recommendations for shippers?
Current Event Article:
1/28, Wednesday: Chapter 3 Transportation Regulation and Public Policy & Appendix 3A: Department of
Transportation
Team Topical Presentation:
1. Using U.S. government websites, identify pending legislation that addresses current U.S. infrastructure issues
across all modes of transportation. Are there any common infrastructure themes across the modes?
Current Event Article:
2/4, Wednesday: Chapter 4 Costing and Pricing for Transportation & Appendixes 4A 4B
Team Topical Presentation:
1. Case 4-1 Hardee Transportation (A) and Case 4-2 Hardee Transportation (B)
2. Teach Appendix 4A Cost Concepts and Appendix 4 B LTL and TL Costing Models, giving explicit examples.
Current Event Article :
2/11, Wednesday: GUEST SPEAKER

Paul Tagliamonte
Director of Logistics and Distribution
BOSE
http://www.bose.com/
Have NAMETAG, research the company and come with 5 typed transportation related questions.
2/18, Wednesday: Chapter 5 Motor Carriers
Team Topical Presentation:
1. Visit the web sites of four of the largest trucking (focus specifically on their trucking arms) companies in the US:
UPS, FedEx Ground, Schneider National and YRC. Compare and contrast them as to ease of use and available
information. Be sure to give your strong opinion and recommendations.
Current Event Article:
2/25, Wednesday: Chapter 6 Railroads
Team Topical Presentation:
1. Visit the web sites of the four Class 1 railroads: Union Pacific, CSX, Norfolk Southern and Burlington Northern
Sante Fe. Compare and contrast them as to ease of use and available information. Be sure to give your strong opinion
and recommendations.

Current Event Article:

3/4, Wednesday: Chapter 7 Airlines

Team Topical Presentation:
1. Compare and contrast 4 of the largest airfreight providers. Research for service and pricing. Focus on the bases
used for charging the prices (such as cube, weight) and any special requirements the carriers might have for a
shipment. Also research government intervention in the airline industry including loan guarantee programs. Be
sure to give your strong opinion and recommendations.
Current Event Article:

SPRING BREAK
3/18, Wednesday: Chapter 8 Water Carriers and Pipelines
Team Topical Presentation:
1. Research and find the largest international ocean carriers serving U.S. ports (regardless of flag of convenience).
Compare and contrast tonnage in various freight lanes from origin to destination and back U.S. -Latin America,
U.S.-South America, U.S.-Asia, and U.S. Europe. Use total freight volume both picked-up and delivered at
U.S ports as the criteria. What are the trends, your analysis and recommendations for shippers?
Current Event Article:
3/25, Wednesday:

GUEST SPEAKER

Sue Spence
VP, Sourcing & Procurement
FedEx Service
www.fedex.com
Have NAMETAG, research the company and come with 5 typed transportation related questions.
4/1, Wednesday: Exam #1
Chapter 9 Transportation Risk Management
4/7, Wednesday: Chapter 10 Global Transportation Planning
Team Topical Presentation:
1. Outline the planning process for moving hiking boots made in Ho Chi Mihn, Viet Nam that will be sold to a
Dallas, Texas based retailer. Investigate and report on the following issues:
o Appropriate modes of transportation
o Available service providers
o General estimates of transport costs
o Routing options and anticipated transit times
o Documentation requirements
o Insurance needs
Current Event Article:

4/15, Wednesday: Chapter 11 Global Transportation Execution

Team Topical Presentation:
1. Youre company is moving a container of hockey skates from Kitchener, Ontairo to Moscow, Russia (a product
with a North American origin and an inland international destination). You been asked to develop two detailed
diagrams of the key freight movement steps. The first diagram will focus on the intermodal transportation
involving ocean transport. The second diagram outlines intermodal transportation using air transport.
Students should investigate the flows and include the following elements in their diagrams:
o Origin to port moves - distance, possible carriers, routes, transit times
o Port to port moves - distance, carriers, routes, transit times
o Port to destination moves - distance, possible carriers, routes, transit times
o 3PLs to potentially involve in the process and their location of activities
o Potential problem spots - likely areas for delays, disruptions, losses
Current Event Article:

4/22, Wednesday:
Chapter 12 Third Party Logistics, Is Amazon a 3PL?, Robert Lieb, Nov 14(via link) and 25th Annual State of Logistics
Report, Rosalyn Wilson, CSCMP, Jun14(Hand-out)

Team Topical Presentation:

1. Create a presentation on any of the 2 companies listed below. You are required to use multiple sources of
information (more than just the company website) in your research. As part of the presentation, you should
provide a SWOT analysis of the company. This will prevent the presentation from being a commercial for the
company.
1. UPS Supply Chain Solutions http://www.ups-scs.com/
2. Exel http://www.exel.com/exel/
3. CH Robinson Worldwide http://www.chrobinson.com/en/us/
4. Menlo Worldwide http://www.con-way.com/en/logistics
4/TBD, Xxxxday: Exam #2

Northeastern University

SCHM 6211 Transportation

DAmore-McKim School of Business

Your Name: _______________________

Topical Presentation
Peer Evaluation
1. Whats missing from their analysis?

a. Qualitative analysis missing? (examination of non-measurable data)

b. Quantitative analysis missing? (examination of measurable data, i.e. the numbers)

2. What was most impressive?

3. Overall rating of their presentation & analysis

4. List the questions youll be asking:

Use back for comments if needed.

Poor
Excellent
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Team Topical Presentation

Student #1, #2, #3, #4

Depth in which the assigned questions were answered:

Poor
Excellent
12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Team Topical Presentation:

1. Visit the web sites of four of the largest trucking (focus specifically on their trucking arms) companies in the US:
UPS, FedEx Ground, Schneider National and YRC. Compare and contrast them as to ease of use and available
information. Be sure to give your strong opinion and recommendations.

Analysis:
1. Relevancy of their discussion.
2. Was the analysis of complete?
3. Does the analysis show the importance to us as
Transportation Managers?

Poor
Excellent
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

4. Expansion above and beyond the assignment:

Outside sources used.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Key Criteria:
1. Why are we listening?
2. Whats so important?
3. What have we learned?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Northeastern University

SCHM6211 Transportation

Current Event Article Identification

1/21:
1/28:
2/4:
2/18:
2/25:
3/4:
3/18:
4/8:
4/15:

DAmore-McKim School of Business

Northeastern University

SCHM 6211 Transportation

Topical Presentation Teams

(4 per)
1/21:
1/28:
2/4:
2/18:
2/25:
3/4:
3/18:
4/8:
4/15:
4/22:

DAmore-McKim School of Business