Fundamentals of Logistics (online course)

The course is done online by the Faculty of Logistics and Crisis Management.

Lecturer

Mgr. Kamil Peterek, Ph.D.

Credits

4 ECTS

Level of study:

Bachelor´s and Master´s

Annotation

This intensive two‑week summer school offers a compact and practice‑oriented introduction to the main pillars of logistics. Designed for university students and professionals, the course provides clear foundations in planning, production logistics, inventory management, warehousing, distribution, process optimization, controlling, and simulation modelling. The program focuses on essential concepts and hands‑on analytical skills that participants can immediately apply in real logistics environments.

Objectives

  • Provide a solid understanding of logistics systems and key processes.
  • Teach methods for planning, forecasting, inventory control, and production flow.
  • Develop process‑improvement skills through Lean and optimization tools.
  • Introduce participants to modelling and simulation of logistics systems.
  • Strengthen analytical thinking, problem solving, and teamwork through practical tasks and a final project.

Outcomes

Explain fundamental logistics concepts and process structures.

  • Analyse and design material and information flows.
  • Apply forecasting, planning, and inventory management methods.
  • Understand manufacturing, warehouse, and distribution operations.
  • Use optimization approaches to improve logistics processes.
  • Create a simple simulation model of a logistics process and interpret results.
  • Present a structured solution to a logistics case study.

Structure

The course is organized as a two‑hour lecture followed by a two‑hour practical session. The lectures provide the theoretical foundations and conceptual framework using the 6W model (What, Why, Who, When, Where, and Which method), which supports systematic understanding of the topics discussed. The practical sessions serve to consolidate theoretical knowledge through applied exercises and case studies, enabling students to translate conceptual insights into real‑world analytical tasks. After each practical session, students are assigned an individual task to complete, aimed at verifying their comprehension and ability to apply the material independently. After the first meeting, each participant selects a topic for their final project, which they develop throughout the course. At the end of the program, students present and defend their project in accordance with predefined academic criteria focusing on methodological rigor, clarity, and relevance. The course concludes with an online test assessing theoretical knowledge. Evaluation is based on three components: completion of individual assignments, presentation and defense of the final project and the online test.

Content

  1. Introduction to Logistics & Systems Thinking
    1. Definitions, goals, flow types
    2. Logistics as an integrative business function
  2. Planning & Forecasting
    1. Basic forecasting methods
    2. Demand planning workflow
    3. Practical exercises
  3. Inventory Management
    1. Types of inventory and their functions
    2. EOQ, safety stock, service level
    3. Practical calculations
  4. Production Logistics
    1. Production systems, layouts
    2. Capacity planning and line balancing
  5. Warehousing
    1. Storage strategies, warehouse technologies
    2. Basics of warehouse layout design
  6. Distribution & Transportation
    1. Designing distribution networks
    2. Routing basics (VRP introduction)
  7. Logistics Optimization & Lean
    1. Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
    2. Waste identification
    3. Improvement techniques
  8. Controlling & KPIs in Logistics
    1. Key performance indicators
    2. Cost structures and performance interpretation
  9. Modelling & Simulation of Logistics Systems
    1. Conceptual modelling
    2. Basics of simulation tools (e.g., Witness Horizon)
  10. Workshop & Project Development
    1. Project work and preparation for presentations

Assessment

Assessment focuses on both conceptual knowledge and practical skills:

  • 50% – Project Presentation (team‑based or individual, includes a small simulation or analytical model).
  • 30% – Practical Assignments (short tasks based on calculations, process analysis, or modelling).
  • 20% – Final Online Test (concepts, terminology, and key methods).

Fee  covers

online course participation (via MS Teams)

Fees and deadlines

  • Early Bird: EUR 299; Deadline: 15 May 2025
  • Regular: EUR 349; Deadline: 31 JULY 2025