Ateneo - UPO

The course provides the basic knowledge that is preparatory for the analysis of the logistics activity and the interpretation of the related location choices. In particular, the themes of means of transport, intermodality, supply chain, territorial logistics systems, green logistics and e-commerce will be explored. Appropriate case studies and empirical evidence relating to these topics will also be proposed.

Lecture notes will be distributed during the course.
These notes refer to the following textbooks:
- Tadini M., Violi C. "Logistica, Intermodalità e Territorio", FrancoAngeli, 2013 (formato e-book)
- Bertalero G. (a cura di) "Guida al trasporto merci attraverso le Alpi", FrancoAngeli, 2021
- Payaro A. "Logistica Pratica", Esculapio, 2022

The course's objective is to provide students with basic knowledge of logistics, which is essential for assessing the logistics-territory relationship and interpreting recent developments. Furthermore, the course will provide students with the knowledge needed to understand the different modes of transport and their logistical implications, as well as the relationship between logistics and business location decisions.

The course awards 8 credits (CFU), corresponding to 200 hours of total learning. Of these, 60 hours are dedicated to in-person teaching activities, including both hands-on teaching and interactive learning; the remaining hours are dedicated to self-learning, through individual study of reference texts and materials made available on the DIR platform.

None

Teaching will be carried out both through lectures, held by the teacher or by experts in the sector, and through group exercises and group discussions.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/servicesstudents-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The final assessment is based on an integrated system that includes a mandatory written examination and an optional project work activity.
- Written Examination (Mandatory): The exam is conducted in written form and covers all teaching content and study materials made available on the course's DIR platform, as well as the required textbooks. The test consists of open-ended questions structured to assess both the assimilation of fundamental theoretical concepts and the development of the student's critical analysis skills.
- Project Work / Group Project (optional, for attending students only): Students may choose to develop a practical group project, to be carried out in teams. The final project must be submitted strictly within the deadlines defined and communicated by the instructor.

Final Grade Calculation (expressed on a 30-point scale):
- For students taking the written examination only: The final grade will correspond entirely to the outcome of the written test itself (100% of the grade).
- For students participating in the group project: The final grade will be calculated as a weighted average of the two assessments, distributed according to the following weights:
- 3/4 (approximately 75%): Written examination score.
- 1/4 (approximately 25%): Project work evaluation.

To pass the exam and achieve the various assessment levels, students must meet the following criteria:
- Criteria for passing (18-23/30): demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental theoretical concepts of economic geography and transportation, and a basic understanding of transportation modes and logistics.
- Criteria for achieving average and good grades (24-27/30): demonstrate good critical analysis skills, the ability to independently connect the topics covered in the course, and, in the project work, propose correct and well-structured analytical solutions.
- Criteria for excellence (28-30 with honors): demonstrate a thorough understanding of the subject matter, excellent critical analysis skills, excellent command of the scientific vocabulary of economic geography and transportation, and the ability to develop innovative and integrated application solutions (in the written exam and/or project work).
The written exam assesses knowledge of the topics covered in the course and of the specific terminology; The project work directly evaluates the field's ability to analyze and interpret the specific characteristics of transport modes and their possible integration into effective logistics itineraries.

- Location decisions, global production and logistics
- Logistics hubs and networks
- Logistics operators and services
- Supply chains
- E-commerce and supply chains
- Logistics and international trade
- Load units, types of transport, criteria for choosing a mode of transport, transport costs
- Incoterms
- Logistics and intermodality
- Types of intermodal transport
- Maritime transport
- Bulk maritime transport
- Ro-Ro combined transport
- Containerised maritime transport and combined sea-rail transport
- Air freight
- Rail freight corridors and the European TEN-T network
- The North Sea–Rhine–Mediterranean Corridor and Swiss Alpine crossings
- Examples of logistics solutions for freight transport across the Alps
- Regional logistics systems
- Logistics in the Novara and Vercelli areas
- Relocation options and their logistical implications

Although not a specific topic of the course, the gender dimension may be integrated transversally throughout the curriculum, offering a complementary analytical lens.

The written examination will assess the theoretical knowledge and practical skills developed by the student in relation to the following areas:

Knowledge and comprehension
- Knowledge of the basic concepts of logistics
- Knowledge of the different modes of transport
- Knowledge of the impacts of modal choice and intermodality on logistics operations
- Identification of the interaction between logistics and the local area
- Knowledge of the reciprocal influence between logistics and location choices

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
- Ability to assess the role of different modes of transport and to select their use (including intermodal transport) based on various criteria
- Acquisition of the ability to select modes of transport and create optimal routes for the movement of goods
- Assessment of the costs, timescales and impacts involved in route planning

Independent judgement:
Developing a mature ability to analyse the characteristics of freight transport and the role of logistics in the modern economic system.