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Principles of Global Logistics Management

Discover the key concepts of a global distribution network, including the physical characteristics of goods.

3,456 enrolled on this course

  • Duration

    2 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours
This course is part of the program Global Distribution Networks, which is one of the building blocks that leads to a degree in MSc Global Logistics. Find out more.

Explore logistics and supply chains, and the issues created by globalisation

On this course, you will identify and explore the issues shaping global logistics in the world today. You will have the opportunity to define logistics and supply chains and address the importance of the physical characteristics of goods.

Throughout this course, you will evaluate the influence of inventory, outsourcing and trade blocks on global networks. You will also discuss and assess, in detail, the problems caused by this increasing globalisation.

What topics will you cover?

Week 1

  • Defining logistics and supply chains
  • The supply chain river
  • Elements of logistics
  • Physical characteristics: how does this shape logistics?
  • Compare coal and diamonds, or ladders and clothing, or gold and ammonium nitrate

Week 2

  • What is shaping global logistics? Globalisation, inventory reduction, outsourcing and supply chain complexity
  • Recognise the key global trade blocks and the movement of trade internationally
  • Critically evaluate globalisation and the problems it can cause

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Identify what shapes the global logistics market
  • Recognise physical characteristics of goods
  • Critically evaluate the effect of physical characteristics on logistics networks
  • Analyse the role of global trade blocks
  • Discuss the effect of global trade blocks on logistics movements
  • Consider the imbalance of trade, effect of protectionism, is free trade a dream?
  • Assess complexity of global supply chains
  • Evaluate inventory centralisation and the transport cost/inventory trade-off
  • Recognise the rise of outsourcing to the logistics service provider

Who is the course for?

This course is for business professionals aiming to improve their logistics, supply chain or distribution skills.

Please note that the staff described in the ‘Who will you learn with?’ section below may be subject to change.

Who will you learn with?

Nick Wright is a Senior Fellow of the HEA and a Fellow of the CILT with over 30 years' experience in global logistics senior management roles in Europe and the USA.

Who developed the course?

Coventry University

Coventry secured 5 QS Stars for Teaching and Online Learning in the QS World University Ranking 2020 and has received No. 1 in the world for Massive Open Online Courses in MoocLab’s World University Ranking 2021.

  • Established

    1992
  • Location

    Coventry

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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This course is part of the program Global Distribution Networks, which is one of the building blocks that leads to a degree in MSc Global Logistics.

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