DRL001 The history of logistics (Spring 2019)

Introduction to the history of logistics in general, starting from the middle of 18th century until today; changes in supply chains over the centuries due to changes in technologies, needs of the societies, and market situations.

The history of purchasing; an overview over the development of theoretical frameworks within industrial purchasing and business-to business marketing, including industrial marketing and buying behavior, inter-organizational issues in buyer-seller relationships and the network approach of inter-firm business.

The history of inventory theory starting from early last century and the research during the last 100 years; when and how did it start, when was stochastic problems introduced, when was discount introduced, etc.

The history of transportation economics with relations to logistical issues; the peak load problem, classical localization theory, development of the spatial dimension in logistical models, technological development within the transport sector.

The history of production; the history and development of optimization techniques and how these techniques are used in combination with better developed computers and software to solve practical problems in production, logistics and workforce planning.

History of distribution and vehicle routing starting with early results in routing going back to 18th century, and the development of the travelling salespersons problem, vehicle routing and arc routing problems from the middle of the last century until today.

Required reading is given in Canvas at course start-up.

Selection of book chapters and scientific articles