LOG820 Vehicle Routing (Spring 2024)

About the course

The course covers the following subject areas in distribution as:

• arc routing problems
• traveling salesman problem and its variants
• vehicle routing problems
• variants of vehicle routing problem

For these topics, emphasis will be placed on solving problems with the classical construction heuristics and using optimization models

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Master of Science in Logistics
• Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Logistics
• Exchange programme - Master's level

Recommended requirements

Equivalent to requirements for the MSc program in Logistics and MSc program in Sustainable Energy Logistics, quantitative background is recommended.

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

Knowledge

After completing the course, the students will have knowledge of

• Routing and scheduling problems in logistics

• Main groups of vehicle routing problems and their applications in distribution planning

• Types of arc routing problems and algorithms to solve them

• Classical Travelling Salesman Problem, its variants, formulations and solution techniques

• Vehicle Routing problems, its variants, formulations and solution techniques

• Classical heuristic algorithms for solving by hand small size vehicle routing problems

• Principles how to formulate vehicle routing problems as optimization models to find solutions using standard software

Skills

After completing the course, the students will be able to apply the knowledge achieved (skills)

• to identify based on a verbal description the class and the type of routing problem at hand

• to solve routing problems of small size using classical construction heuristics

• to give formulations of routing problems as optimization models

• to enter problems formulation (in form of optimization model) and numerical data for parameters as inputs to standard software and use the software to obtain solutions

General competence

After completing the course, the students will be able

• to identify types of routing planning problems arising in logistics networks, in study and work contexts

• to perceive logical relationships assumptions and limitations to formulate real routing problems arising in distribution as optimization models

• to use knowledge which algorithms and models are appropriate for solution of different routing planning problems in logistics

• to use skills to solve routing planning problems with heuristics and standard software

• to apply in-depth knowledge of methods and techniques for routing vehicles serving customers in various logistics settings

Forms of teaching and learning

Three or six hours of lectures per week.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

• Mandatory coursework: Assignment(s)
• Courseworks given: 4
• Courseworks required: 4
• Presence: Not required
• Comment: Individual submissions.All assignments should be submitted to be admitted to final exam

Examination

• Form of assessment: School assessment

• Proportion: 100%

• Duration: 4 hours

• Grouping: Individual

• Grading scale: Letter (A - F)

• Support material: Kalkulator + A4 page with notes.

Syllabus

The current reading list for 2024 Spring can be found in Leganto