Online Master of Arts in Transportation and Logistics Management (MA)

This course will survey the critical importance of ports to trade, their vulnerability to disruption and attack, and defensive measures to mitigate risk focusing on international cooperation and legislation. Special emphasis will be placed on defensive measures to protect ports from disruption or asymmetric attack, international cooperation, and national legislation.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art in airport security. Air terminal security is covered from the aspect of physical security considerations, baggage screening, training requirements for security personnel, employee screening and awareness programs, aircraft security, ground and air security technologies, integrating security systems for maximum coverage and protection, effective local, state, and federal liaison, counter and anti-terrorism measures, narcotics and contraband - the use of working dog teams, and apron access and security considerations.

This course demonstrates the 21st century importance of strategic transportation and logistics planning in contributing to corporate profits, customer service enhancements leading to higher sales and a marketing weapon to gain sustainable competitive advantage. The importance of moving information becomes equal to the movement of goods. Managerial perspectives are offered on aligning corporate planning, technology, financial controls and logistics performance measurement. We will also gain an overview on the interaction among stakeholders in the public and private sectors in aligning public policy with global uncertainties.

This course is designed to provide students with a solid knowledge of multi-modal transportation systems, the characteristics of individual transportation modes, international differences in transportation management, and transportation economics as they apply to multi-modal transportation management. Topics include comparative analysis of the various modes (motor carriers, railroads, water carriers, air carriers and pipelines), international differences in transportation management, economics of transportation systems, and the role of transportation systems in the modern organization.

This course aligns transportation management with a comprehensive overview of intermodal transportation and logistics management. We will look at recent trends in the field and its important stakeholders. Business logistics/supply chain will be viewed from managerial perspectives impacting physical distribution, materials management, transportation management, and logistics and supply chain management. The course covers the planning, organizing, and controlling of these activities including sub-activities such as transportation basics, inventory and location strategies.

The course will teach students how to analyze and advise decision makers in the use of RFID technology compared to the use of bar code tracking systems in logistics and transportation applications. Students will be able to describe the history, rationale and management impacts of why this technology was mandated by the Department of Defense and Walmart in January 2005 to be used on all shipping pallets and containers. Students will classify and explain how different active and passive RFID technology can be used to increase product movement and storage visibility along supply chains. Students will examine and compare how a real-world application of this technology is improving logistics visibility in a military or retail environment. Students will design an implementation plan to incorporate RFID technology as part of a real-world business model. Students will work in a team environment as well as individuals in creating a series of written papers on the current state of the art in using RFID technology to meet the retail or military transportation and logistics needs. Students will conduct an informal survey of military or retail decision makers to learn how to appraise qualitative as well as quantitative data and reports of the use of this technology

This course is designed to address the multi-billion dollar annual loss globally due to cargo theft. Topics include: asset protection in the transportation industry, analysis of freight system vulnerability, development of an effective cargo security plan, review of industry standards, and best practices in the industry.

An in-depth look at the workings of maritime port operations and intermodal transportation systems. Course topics include the governance and administration of ports and marine terminals, the role of regulatory agencies, navigation and safety, port operations and development including the process to fund and carry out dredging projects. Cargo handling for containers and dry and liquid bulk operations will be discussed along with a look at productivity of terminal operations. Comparisons will be made with other regions of the world. A review of major steamship lines, their trading patterns and future trends among the industry will be covered along with technological advances in vessels and terminal operating equipment. A strong emphasis will be placed on current issues in port policy.

This course is a comprehensive review of the major applications of reverse logistics principles, problems and best practices in manufacturing, retail and the military. The student will study applications from apparel, aviation, automotive, electronics, food and beverage, retailers, and sporting goods. It includes an analysis of Green applications and Carbon Footprint credits for companies.

Students in this course analyze the resources needed to establish and implement a reverse logistics operations in manufacturing and in retail stores. Emphasis is placed on analysis and way to measure the return on investment and other performance measures to ensure a successful reverse logistics operation.

This course is a focused and comprehensive examination of the recalls programs of major manufacturing companies around the world, as a thorough study of how a returns program can enhance the revenue stream of a retail store.

This course examines the organization, planning, and controlling of recycling, reclaimed materials, and reclaim centers projects that are designated as Green. The student is provided practical knowledge on Green project planning, managing Green project scope, and sustainment and environmental risk management.

This course is a focused and comprehensive examination of how different retail industries implement reverse logistics programs. The focus is on food and beverage, apparel, automotive, sports, hotel operations, and consumer electronics. Attention is focused on data synchronization inventory management comparing the forward and reverse logistics chains.

This course will survey the critical importance of ports to trade, their vulnerability to disruption and attack, and defensive measures to mitigate risk focusing on international cooperation and legislation. Special emphasis will be placed on defensive measures to protect ports from disruption or asymmetric attack, international cooperation, and national legislation.

This course addresses information systems, to include their nature and role as key management resources. This course covers the information systems infrastructure, to include databases, knowledge management systems, enterprise information portals, telecommunications, the Internet, and wireless technology. It examines the topics of e-commerce, information systems in the global economy, managing global systems, securing information systems, and ethical and social issues in information systems.

This course consists of a collection of classic and contemporary readings in Organizational Development covering a broad range of topics including change management, organizational culture, team development, and organizational development diagnostic models. Included are experiential exercises that give students an opportunity to practice their skills and cases that allow students to draw on their experiences to apply the concepts and theories in managerial situations.

This course covers the elements of contemporary leadership and delineates the principles that are important in the development of a leader for the 21st century. Discussion of the role and function of leadership will include an in-depth analysis and study of needs impacting individuals, organizations and society. The course provides students with a set of leadership skills and competencies on which to build a unique model for effective leadership that can be tested over time.

An in-depth look at the workings of maritime port operations and intermodal transportation systems. Course topics include the governance and administration of ports and marine terminals, the role of regulatory agencies, navigation and safety, port operations and development including the process to fund and carry out dredging projects. Cargo handling for containers and dry and liquid bulk operations will be discussed along with a look at productivity of terminal operations. Comparisons will be made with other regions of the world. A review of major steamship lines, their trading patterns and future trends among the industry will be covered along with technological advances in vessels and terminal operating equipment. A strong emphasis will be placed on current issues in port policy.