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Simulating Distribution Networks Prior to Implementation

Create and test a global distribution network, utilising scenario tools, designed to meet an end customer’s service expectation.

  • Duration

    2 weeks
  • Weekly study

    10 hours

Build and test a global distribution network while meeting client expectations

During this course, we’ll be learning to create and test a working distribution network, using a scenario planning tool to bring together warehouse, transport and terminal assets to manage and position inventory.

We’ll be studying the links between physical characteristics of goods and customer demand and will learn how to undertake an audit of an existing distribution network, examining its validity and identifying issues and critical uncertainties.

What topics will you cover?

Week 1

  • Outlining a future distribution network
  • How scenario planning can be used to model a future distribution network
  • Auditing existing networks
  • Bringing together warehouse, transport and terminal assets to manage inventory
  • Linking physical characteristics of goods to customer demand
  • Links between information systems and technology

Week 2

  • Using scenario planning to test a future distribution network
  • The driving forces and focal issue of the scenario
  • Testing the validity of a future distribution network using scenario matrix of uncertainty

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...

  • Investigate a future distribution network by assessing customer/supplier location, level of quality to be maintained, mode of operation and level of information system integration
  • Justify how scenario planning can be used to model a future distribution network
  • Apply scenario planning to test a future distribution network
  • Explore the validity of a future distribution network, developed using scenario planning
  • Assess other simulation or scenario tools that can be used to model a future distribution network

Who is the course for?

This course is for business professionals aiming to improve their logistics, supply chain or distribution skills. It is aimed at anyone looking to distinguish between the different operators within a global distribution network.

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

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