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2026/2027  DIP-DHDVV7009U  Operations & Logistics Planning

English Title
Operations & Logistics Planning

Course information

Language English
Course ECTS 5 ECTS
Type Elective
Level Graduate Diploma
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Autumn, Autumn
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Max. participants 70
Study board
Study Board for Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (part 2)
Programme Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (Supply Chain Management)
Course coordinator
  • Marin Jovanovic - Department of Operations Management (OM)
Study administration for HD SCM: HDSCM@cbs.dk
Main academic disciplines
  • Managerial economics
  • Statistics and quantitative methods
  • Supply chain management and logistics
Teaching methods
  • Blended learning
Last updated on 23-03-2026

Relevant links

Learning objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will have acquired a comprehensive understanding of the principles, frameworks, and analytical tools that underpin operations and logistics management. Through systematic examination of these concepts, students will develop the ability to apply them to organisational problems and understand the theoretical and practical implications of their application across diverse operational contexts. Specifically, students will be able to:

Analyse operations and logistics management problems using the input–transformation–output model, the five performance objectives, and their associated trade-offs.

Select and critically evaluate relevant frameworks for capacity management, inventory management, lean operations, quality management, and process design.

Apply data analytics and quantitative methods to support operational decision-making, including forecasting, process control, and performance measurement.

Synthesise and justify solutions to operational problems through a logical, evidence-based approach, drawing on both theoretical foundations and case-based reasoning.

Assess the strategic implications of operational decisions across internal and external supply chains, including sourcing, sustainability, circular economy, and digital transformation.

Communicate and collaborate effectively in team-based problem-solving, including process mapping exercises and case analysis.
Examination
Operations and Logistics Planning:
Exam ECTS 5
Examination form Oral exam
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Duration 20 min. per student, including examiners' discussion of grade, and informing plus explaining the grade
Preparation time No preparation
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) Internal examiner and second internal examiner
Exam period Autumn, The ordinary examination is conducted as an online oral exam during week 41, 2026, specifically on 6–8 October 2026.
For practical information regarding registration, scheduling, and examination administration, students are directed to the Digital Exam portal: https://eksamen.cbs.dk
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
The retake examination is conducted as an online oral exam on 8 December 2026. For practical information regarding registration and examination administration, students are directed to the Digital Exam portal: https://eksamen.cbs.dk
Description of the exam procedure

The oral examination is based on a question drawn randomly by the student from the pool of exam questions associated with the course. This question constitutes the point of departure for the entire examination.
 

The examination assesses the student's ability to engage analytically with the principles, theories, and concepts central to operations and logistics management — both within real-world organizational contexts and in response to hypothetical scenarios. Students are expected to demonstrate not only familiarity with the course material, but also the capacity to apply it critically and coherently under examination conditions.

Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

The Operations & Logistics Planning course is a comprehensive examination of decision-making within operations management. The primary objective is to equip students with a thorough understanding of the principles, theories, and analytical tools of operations management and how they can be applied to enhance operational effectiveness across diverse organisations.

 

The course is built around the input–transformation–output model and the five key performance objectives — quality, speed, dependability, flexibility, and cost — exploring the inherent trade-offs between these objectives and how they shape operational strategy. Students will examine how operations contributes to the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit.

 

Central topics include capacity management and demand reconciliation, sourcing and outsourcing decisions, inventory management, and lean operations as both a philosophy and a practical toolset for balancing efficiency with customisation. The course further addresses quality management and statistical process control, continuous improvement methods, and the application of process mapping and business process reengineering.

 

A significant emphasis is placed on data and analytics throughout the course, including the operational relevance of big data and hands-on experience with analytical tools for forecasting, classification, and machine learning.

 

The course concludes with an examination of circular economy principles, reverse supply chains, digital transformation, and business model design. Case-based integration sessions provide opportunities to synthesise course concepts and connect operational decisions to strategic outcomes.

 

Overall, the course aims to provide students with an integrated understanding of operations and logistics planning — from foundational frameworks and quantitative analysis to emerging paradigms in sustainability and digital transformation.

Research-based teaching
CBS’ programmes and teaching are research-based. The following types of research-based knowledge and research-like activities are included in this course:
Research-based knowledge
  • Classic and basic theory
  • Teacher’s own research
  • Models
Research-like activities
  • Analysis
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
Description of the teaching methods
The course is delivered through a blended distance learning format, with all sessions conducted online and one dedicated case-based session that is also available via livestream. Students are expected to engage with course materials prior to each session, including readings, case studies, videos, and analytical exercises.

Online sessions are built around interactive activities designed to develop both conceptual understanding and practical competence. These include lectures, case discussions, process mapping workshops, and group exercises. The case-based session — featuring analysis of real-world operations such as Zara and LEGO — connects theoretical frameworks to strategic and operational decision-making.

Active participation and preparation are expected throughout the course. Students' professional experiences are integrated into discussions to enrich the learning environment and ground theoretical concepts in practice.
Feedback during the teaching period
Feedback is provided continuously throughout the course through multiple channels. Regular online assessments and exercises give students ongoing insight into their understanding of course concepts and analytical techniques. During sessions, interactive activities such as process mapping workshops and case discussions provide immediate, formative feedback through peer exchange and instructor guidance.

Students seeking personalised feedback on their progress, coursework, or application of course material to their own professional contexts can request a consultation via email, which will be arranged at a mutually convenient time.
Student workload
Hours of teaching 27 hours
Preparation outside class 110 hours
Further Information

The course consists of a total of 27 lessons (5 ECTS).

For information relating to the course, please go to: canvas.cbs.dk

Materials will be available closer to course start. 

 

Teaching
Online: Tuesday in week 34-38 (17.10-19.45)
Online: Thursday in week 34 (17.10-19.45)

On campus: Saturday in week 37 (09.50-16.05)

 

There is no teaching in week 42 

 

For further information, please contact the Department of Operations Management.


Contact 
Course Coordinator: Marin Jovanovic - Department of Operations Management 
 

Teachers: Marin Jovanovic, mjo.om@cbs.dk

Programme Administrator: Gitte Østergaard goe.om@cbs.dk
 

Expected literature

Textbook: Essentials of Operations Management. Af Nigel Slack; Alistair Brandon-Jones; Robert Johnston
 

Case 1:  Zara: The World's Largest Fashion Retailer (provided by the HD SCM specialisation via Canvas).


Case 2:  LEGO (provided by the HD SCM specialisation via Canvas).

 

Supplementary materials — including mini case studies, articles, and analytical resources relevant to the course content — will be made available on Canvas to support student preparation and deepen understanding of the topics covered in each session.

 

Last updated on 23-03-2026