CURRICULUM
CORE COURSES
Analytical Methods Subject of the Course:
The course deals with decision making support methods in Logistics through analytical models, methods and techniques. The reviewed problems are discussed at strategic, tactical and operational level. In each thematic field, methods of formulating the corresponding problems, a multitude of models as well as solution methods of solving them are presented and thoroughly discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on Linear and Integer Programming, Networks and Combinatorial Optimization models.
Course Objectives:
The aim of the course is the presentation of the basic analytical methods – tools used for modeling and solving problems that arise during decision-making in a wide field of processes and actions covered by the subject of Logistics. Students will be able to apply techniques and models of Operations Research to complex problems in the area of Logistics and transport and develop new models using the appropriate analytical tools to deal with real decision making problems.
Supply Chain Management Course Description:
Supply Chain Management is the management of the acquisition, transformation and delivery processes that enable and direct the flows of products and services – as well as the supporting reciprocal flows of information and funds – along a chain leading from the sources of the original inputs up to the end customers, all aimed at achieving the best possible customer service at the lowest possible cost.
Objectives of the Course:
Obtaining skills and up-to-date knowledge on basic areas pertaining to Supply Chain Management. Course participants, irrespective of their future careers, will be familiar will basic concepts of logistics and will understand the significant impact of supply chain management on financial performance and viability of an enterprise.
Logistics Information Systems Subject of the Course:
The application of Information Systems (IS) is wide and varies. This course focuses on their application as a mechanism to support management processes of enterprises, decision-making as well as the use of IS in the majority of business areas. The use of modern IT tools and techniques and the implementation of the latest trends in the field of the Supply Chain Management lead to significant improvements in the operation of enterprises and contribute to the drastic reduction of Logistics costs, which constitute a significant percentage of the value of a final product.
Objectives of the Course:
After attending this course, the students will have gained knowledge in the management – administration of modern Information Systems and e-business in the Supply and Handling of Products.
ELECTIVE COURSES
Computational Tools for Problem Analysis and Solvint Description:
The specific course focuses on the presentation and study of computational tools and techniques for modeling and analyzing unstructured business problems and decision-making issues. Spreadsheet software applications are used as the main analysis tool, due to their widespread use in the business environment as well due to the significant, often unexploited, capabilities for data analysis and processing that they provide. The tools employed are based on a wide range of methods for quantitative analysis and decision analysis, from the areas of Management Science, Applied Statistics and Decision Analysis.
Learning Objectives:
Upon successful completion of the course, the students will be able to:
- develop models for exploratory analysis and study of practical business problems,
- apply sound scientific techniques in practical problem-solving and analysis, and
- efficiently use the corresponding spreadsheet software tools for performing the above in a time-efficient manner.
Operations Cost Analysis Subject of the Course:
The subject of the course is the acquisition of Knowledge and skills in the application of the modern methodology of Activity Based Costing (ABC) to the processes of a company. ABC was originally developed to solve the problem that many managers could perceive through their experience but could not demonstrate through traditional costing systems. Today, ABC systems are recognized as the most modern (state-of-the-art) cost control technique, finding application in a wide range of activities and businesses worldwide.
Course Objectives:
The aim is to:
- Make students familiar with the basic concepts of Activity Based Costing methodology.
- Learn and be able to operate a powerful and integrated decision support system which will be based on ABC method as it is applied with its principles.
- Understand that the smooth operation, development and above all the profitability of the business depends on the acquisition and retention of satisfied customers and on the accurate measurement and allocation of costs.
Inventory Management Subject of the Course:
A study of the models of inventory management and control, for both deterministic and random demand, and an analysis of the methods for reducing the inventory cost in a firm.
Course Objectives:
The aim of the course is to help graduates of the MSc as future managers of Logistics and Supply Chain Management departments to effectively manage their companies’ inventories in order to reduce inventory costs, while increasing the customer service level.
ERP Systems for Supply Chain Management Course Description:
The course “ERP Systems in the Supply Chain – Applications with SAP” benefits of the main advantage of ERP systems, that is, business process integration. With this approach one achieves addressing issues pertinent to Logistics, as well as, teaching how business processes interact and exchange information to make decisions. The Business Processes which are presented and used during the Course are related to the corresponding SAP Module:
Business Process Module
Sales (SD) – Sales and Distribution
Production (PP) – Production Planning and Control
Procurement (MM) – Materials Management
Storage (WM) – Warehouse Management
Financial Management (FI/CO) – Financial Management / Controlling
Objectives:
In a nutshell, the aim of the course ““ERP Systems in the Supply Chain – Applications with SAP” is to provide to the students both the theoretical concepts and the practical skills in integrated ERP systems with emphasis in Logistics. More specifically, the course aims to demonstrate all the mechanisms which an ERP Systems offers, to support the business decision-making process along with the Logistics processes. Furthermore, students will come across with a variety of real – daily basis Project Management Process problems and difficulties, which should overcome using ERP’s functionalities.
Project Management Course Description:
The course deals with the study and practical training of project management through the integrated study of a project from inception to completion. Initially, the knowledge areas, methodologies and approaches for project evaluation and selection among candidate projects are presented, and the necessity to align the project management objectives with the strategy of an organization are highlighted. Then, a step-by-step presentation of an integrated project plan, is presented, which contains the project charter, the analytic documentation of the project scope, the entire time management aspects, the budget development, the staffing plan and the risk response planning. In each of the course sections, specific techniques and global standards are presented, which corroborate the proper project plan development and provide reliable quantitative indices to support monitoring of the physical and financial progress of a project. The entirety of the course is strongly oriented towards practical application and is thus enriched with pragmatic case studies and representative examples from the Greek and international projects reality.
Objectives:
- Learning the basic concepts, methodologies and techniques of modern project management
- Understanding the necessity of aligning project management with the strategy, values and targets of an organization as well as the feeling of the multidimensional impact that projects have on the context they are executed in
- Developing the perception and critical thought for projects that have been or about to be executed and acquiring coherent evaluation criteria for these projects
- Getting acquainted with the most widely spread and globally accepted techniques and standards that facilitate project management and formulate a common international language of communication in these subjects
- Encouraging further reading and investigation of this interdisciplinary subject and developing the motivation for professional involvement
Personal Skills Development The development of “soft skills” is a critical success factor across all domains and markets of the current business environment. In this context, the introductory seminars in Personal Skills Development will help students to improve their communication and presentation skills, as well as build teamwork, creativity, negotiation and leadership skills using experiential activities such as business games, team building exercises, self-assessment tests, role-playing exercises, simulations etc.
CORE COURSES
Procurement and Supply Course Description:
Procurement and Supply constitute the body of integrated activities that focuses on the acquisition of materials, equipment, and services needed to reach organizational goals. It have the responsibility to plan, implement, and manage the internal and external dimensions that constitute the supply system of an enterprise or a non-for profit organization.
Objectives of the Course:
Obtaining skills and up-to-date knowledge on subject areas pertaining to Procurement and Supply. Course participants, irrespective of their future career, will receive support to be familiar with basic concepts and will understand the application of methodologies to manage problems arising from acquiring materials and services from enterprises and organizations.
Warehouse Management and Material Handling Subject of the Course:
The course introduces students to the warehouse management and material handling functions, which are considered critical parameters of modern supply chains. It analyses issues related to the day-to-day operations of warehousing, handling, moving and delivering materials and products to customers, as well as the critical aspects of operations that influence the strategic choices of companies. Particular emphasis is placed on the design, planning and operation of networks and distribution centres for retail chains located in urban areas.
Course Objectives:
Acquire knowledge and skills in critical areas of warehousing and handling with emphasis on the retail chain sector. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to know and manage issues of site location and design of distribution networks and centres, selection of warehouse equipment and management of systems and procedures applicable to critical logistics operations.
Transportation and Distribution Systems Course Description:
The aim of this course is to present and analyse the ways to incorporate and operate transportation and distribution systems within the wider context of integrated logistics systems. There is a specific emphasis on the organization and management of “physical” transport flows for the planning of the goods’ production and movement processes, as well as the means to adapt to market fluctuations.
Objectives of the course:
Upon completion of the course, students are expected to have familiarized themselves with the methodological tools and quantitative methods to solve problems that deal with the planning, organization and optimization of the logistics systems. Furthermore, students will have acquired knowledge of the market and structure of the sectors involved in the field of transport and logistics as well as the respective strategies and policies.
ELECTIVE COURSES
Financial Management Course Description:
This course offers up-to-date information and compelling insights into the finance of energy. It focuses on a range of topics including corporate finance relevant to energy. This course provides participants with an in-depth understanding of energy finance by addressing three areas of finance in an energy context: financing, investment appraisal and asset valuation. The presentation is focused on developed markets, such as those of US and Europe, but reference is also made to emerging markets and the Greek markets.
Objectives of the course:
The objective of the course is to provide the basis for an understanding of finance and accounting within the context of technical principles that apply specifically to energy projects. On completing the course the participants will:
- Understand the key issues affecting corporate finance decisions.
- Prepare a capital budget
- Identify the suitable sources of finance in order to create the optimal finance mix for their energy/environmental project
- Evaluate capital investment projects using different methodologies
- Appreciate the various perspectives of the various parties involved in complex transactions
- Real-life practice through carefully selected case studies
Zero Waste Management and Circular Economy Zero Waste circular economy. Waste production prevention using zero waste innovative companies. Transition from traditional waste management to zero waste systems. Reuse and remanufacture. Energy recovery via waste incineration. Sustainability. Low carbon technology. Recycled materials use. Chemicals recycling. Combustion of Refuse Derived Fuels (RDF) in cement industry sector. Transparency in governance and funding.
Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship Why some organizations succeed while others fail? Which strategic choices lead to high competitiveness and how do new business ventures develop? The course aims at enhancing the understanding and practical application of the processes that underlie the formulation and implementation of business strategies that allow organizations to achieve competitive advantage and high performance. In this context, current issues of corporate and competitive strategies are examined (e.g., internationalization, innovation and ambidexterity strategies, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions) as well as the best practices regarding entrepreneurial activities of start-ups and incumbents using recent literature, case studies, videos, as well as business models tools.
Advanced ERP Systems for Supply Chain Management - SAP Applications Couse Description:
The course “Advanced ERP Systems For Supply Chain Management – Sap Applications” presents special and advanced topics of design, planning and management of the Supply Chain using the ERP SAP system, and focuses on business process integration, covering its entire spectrum. The business operations that are addressed in the course lectures and the respective ERP modules are tabulated below:
Business Process Module
Sales (SD) – Sales and Distribution
Production (PP) – Production Planning and Control
Procurement (MM) – Materials Management
Project Management (PS) – Project System
Storage (WM) – Warehouse Management
Financial Management (FI/CO) – Financial Management / Controlling
Objectives:
The aim of the course “Advanced Topics on ERP Systems – Applications with SAP” is to provide to the students with an understanding of the mechanisms and the ways an ERP system employs in taking complex and complete decisions related to Supply Chain operations. Discrete objectives are summarized in the students gaining a broad knowledge spectrum corresponding to complex business problems, such as, in particular:
- Planning and execution of complex, realistic business operations of the Supply Chain
- Identification of integration points between supply chain functions and verification of relationships during their planning
- Project modeling and management
- Special supply chain transactions
- Executive reporting
Environmental Standards and Certifications The course will introduce environmental management systems (ISO9004, ISO14001, ISO14040, EMAS, etc.), environmental management system development processes in a company or an organization, and the certification processes. Various environmental management tools will be presented, such as life cycle analysis and policy tools, as well as case studies related to tourist destination certification, urban area management and design, environmental impact studies of mining units, airports, etc.
Upon successful completion of the course, the students will be able to:
- Distinguish materials/procedures/processes in the manufacture/fabrication of products and/or the provision of services with negative environmental impact.
- Understand and manage certification issues (benefits, costs, process, responsibilities, body selection, continuous improvement, etc.)
- Design improvements to products and/or services in order to enhance their environmental friendliness.
- Prepare small-scale life cycle assessment studies for products and/or services.
- Apply environmental management business tools (environmental impact studies, analysis, valuation and monitoring tools, ecological design).
Personal Skills Development The development of “soft skills” is a critical success factor across all domains and markets of the current business environment. In this context, the introductory seminars in Personal Skills Development will help students to improve their communication and presentation skills, as well as build teamwork, creativity, negotiation and leadership skills using experiential activities such as business games, team building exercises, self-assessment tests, role-playing exercises, simulations etc.
CORE COURSES
MSc Thesis ELECTIVE COURSES
Managing Knowledge and Organizational Change How do organizations create new knowledge and change to respond to the rapidly shifting business environment? The main objective of the course is to understand and apply the concepts and management practices needed for the effective acquisition, processing, and use of knowledge resources in a way that allows companies to “learn” and renew their portfolio of products and services. In addition, the processes, the different management models, as well as the challenges that companies often face when introducing and implementing organizational changes will be analyzed using related literature, case studies, videos, as well as resource and process mapping tools.
Human Resource Management Human resource management is a critical factor in the success of individual employees, organizational departments, units, and work groups, as well as the entire organization. In this context, the course aims at enhancing the understanding and practical application of management concepts related to the selection, evaluation, training and development of employees in contemporary organizations. Furthermore, best practices in motivation, job performance, conflict management, leadership behaviors and organizational structures, are examined using recent literature, case studies, videos, as well as scenario analysis and problem solving exercises.
Industry 4.0 Systems The modern world is characterized by the emergence of a new production model that is internationally identified by the term Industry 4.0. The core of this model is based on the increased digitization of production processes, in which physical objects are integrated with the information network, allowing the decentralization of production and its adaptation to the prevailing external conditions in real time. Key feature of this new model is the extensive further automation of production systems in order to increase their speed, flexibility and efficiency, without jeopardizing sustainability and/or safety. The scope of the course is to present in detail this new model that combines both elements of new technologies and forms of organization, such as cyber-physical systems, decentralized production systems, ‘smart’ logistics/manufacturing systems, ‘smart’ energy systems, advanced work support systems, etc.
Upon successful completion of the course, the students will have understood the concept of Industry 4.0 and the associated technologies involved, analyzing and discussing relevant topics such as:
- Industrial Internet of Things – IIoT
- Advanced/’Smart’ Manufacturing
- ‘Smart’ Factory & Products
- Ppreventive diagnostics techniques and facility maintenance
- Digital Twins, Augmented Reality, etc.
Equipment and Facility Maintenance The requirement of applying facility maintenance to a company’s building facilities is well known. Service logistics, the support after sale activities of a fixed asset, device, or installation to operate optimally and continuously during the warranty period and/ or its overall life cycle is a key element in the viability of the corresponding businesses. Also, in manufacturing companies the performance depends directly on the availability of their equipment. Management of maintenance and spare parts are the main activity in all three above functions. In this context, the aim of the course is to analyze key concepts about Management, Organization, Operation and Alternative Maintenance and Spare Parts Policies in a company.
Topics that addressed in the course include:
- Modern trends in corrective, preventive, total productive maintenance (TPM), and reliability centered maintenance as well as the effect of maintenance in energy saving, environmental protection and personnel safety
- Current trends, options, and guidelines for drafting and managing the best maintenance service contract when outsourcing to contractors (OUTSOURCING)
- Application of computerized tools for maintenance and spare parts management
Upon successful completion of the course, the students will:
- understand the alternative ways of maintenance and the way they are designed and organized in a business as well as management activities for the required spare parts
- become familiar with the alternative options in outsourcing maintenance and drafting the corresponding contracts
- understand how to apply computer assisted tools in maintenance activities
- understand the need of adopting modern organizational practices for equipment and facilities management where the concept of availability, reliability, energy saving, and operator safety prevails
- successfully apply the techniques taught in real situations
Humanitarian Logistics Logistics/ supply chains play a central role in all humanitarian operations. The fundamental task of a supply chain is to deliver the appropriate supplies, in quality condition, in the right amounts, to the locations at the time that they are needed. However, humanitarian logistics faces unique challenges: Humanitarian and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) typically operate in hard environments with limited resources. Their supply chains must be on one hand ready to respond and be deployed within a 72 hours’ time-window from the time of a disaster, delivering supplies in order to prevent loss of life and human suffering, under great uncertainty due to disruptions; on the other hand they must be capable to operate longer-term development programs. In both cases, the critical infrastructure, including the transportation and communication systems, may have been severely damaged.
Upon successful completion of the course, the students will become familiar with the environment of humanitarian supply chains, where there are many stakeholders, conflicting incentives, limited resources, complexity and risk. They will become familiar with the challenges in humanitarian supply chains and their connection to commercial supply chains. Finally, they will gain an insight into logistics support in humanitarian emergencies and will be able to identify benefits, good practices and key challenges in organizing logistics before (mitigation and preparedness), during (response) and after (recovery and development) a humanitarian disaster.
Urban-City Last Mile Logistics Course Description:
The course analyses basic sections of Urban Logistics such as distribution of goods in the city, optimizing the last mile, noise pollution and City Logistics, alternatives modes of transport, intelligent transport systems, and the future of City Logistics.
Objectives of the Course:
The aim of the course is to acquire knowledge in the main thematic sections of City Logistics, and the practices applied at an international level, as well as the evolutions that will exist in the near future. Upon successful completion of the course, the students will be able to be familiar with basic concepts of city logistics and to understand the impact of City Logistics on the operation and sustainability of today’s urban centers and megacities, as well as on the prospects of modern businesses.
Digital Transformation and Operations Management Course description:
Enterprises and organizations are experiencing an unprecedented transformation in their business operations due to the convergence of multiple technologies, including the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, big data, and distributed ledger technologies. This course aims to present the digital transformation of business operations, exploring the impact of the above-mentioned cutting-edge technologies.
Course Objectives:
The primary objective of this course is to equip graduates of the MSc program with the knowledge and skills necessary to become future executives in Logistics and Supply Chain Management departments. Students will learn to use and apply cutting-edge technologies for efficient organization and management of business operations within complex production/distribution systems.
Sustainable and Globalized Supply Chains Subject of the Course:
The aim of the course is to describe the phenomenon of global supply chains and the factors that influence their evolution. Teaching focuses on analyzing the environmental impact of supply chain decisions, with particular emphasis on the impact of green transport and new trends in logistics sustainability in the context of increasing urbanization and e-commerce. Particular emphasis is placed on the challenges associated with suppliers from other parts of the world and the responsibility companies have to ensure that their suppliers act in accordance with national and international regulations and corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices. It studies practical alternatives to optimize CO2 emissions using data analysis. It examines “fast” and “green” delivery in the new digital age, the relationship of consumers to sustainable products and services, and the environmental costs of express e-commerce. Finally, it presents CSR principles based on global sustainable governance, international standards, international agreements and initiatives (UN, OECD, EU, ISO 26000, etc.).
Course Objectives:
- Finding the carbon and water footprint of the supply chain
- Routing of green vehicles
- Study of closed loop supply chains
- Management of green stocks
- Study of green consumer behavior
- CSR and global standards, tools and metrics