Transportation Management

LGMT 636
Online Course Syllabus
Credit Hours: 3
Delivery Method Online (Internet / Blackboard)
Required Course Materials
Coyle, J. J., Bardi, E. J., Gibson, B., & Novak, R. A. (2011). Transportation (7th
ed.). Mason, Ohio: Cengage.
ISBN: 9780324789195

Supplementary Materials
Articles listed on the Critical Article Review list at the end of the syllabus, which are available
through the Hunt Library on-line databases.
Course Description
Transportation plays a key role in todays global economy. The focus of this course is on
understanding the technical, operational, and economic characteristics of the different freight
and package transportation modes and their application in integrated physical distribution
systems. The course addresses regional, national, and international passenger transportation
and explores the impact of the different transportation modes, transportation intermediaries, and
intermodality on small package, freight, and passenger systems. The course also addresses
national and international regulatory constraints and their impact on passenger transportation
and global supply chain management. Additional topics include carrier and shipper strategies;
alliance management and the use of third parties; transportation metrics; transportation security;
and the role of information technology in modern transportation management.
Course Goals
This course was developed for both users and managers of transportation resources in
corporate and governmental organizations. Knowledge of the various modes of transportation
is crucial to the development and operation of physical distribution systems and passenger
networks. As a result, the course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive
understanding of the challenges associated with developing polices and managing
transportation in a changing environment including an understanding of transportation

This Syllabus was developed for online learning by Dr. Constantine M. Koursaris

economics, managerial responsibilities, and the significant role played by transportation users,
carriers, and governmental bodies in regional, national, and international transportation
systems. Case studies, internet exercises, projects, a research paper, and a critical article
review are used to provide students with the opportunity to apply concepts learned in the
classroom to solve real transportation problems facing public and private entities in todays
complex and interdependent world.
Learning Outcomes
Upon course completion, students will be able to:
1.

Describe the importance of transportation in the global economy and its role as a
source of competitive advantage for firms and governments operating nationally
and internationally. (PO 2)

2.

Explain the essential role that transportation plays in supply chain management.
(PO 1)

3.

Discuss the historical development and effects of regulatory laws and public
policy on the various modes of transportation and summarize the security issues
facing the transportation industry and describe what the government and private
enterprise are doing to deal with these issues. (PO 1, 2, and 4)

4.

Describe the unique and common characteristics of the individual transportation

modes. (PO 1)

5.

Explain the forces driving intermodal cooperation and operations. (PO 4)

6.

Use various metrics to analyze the effectiveness and efficiency of in-house or

outsourced transportation operations. (PO 1, 3, 4)

7.

Analyze macro and micro economic influences on transportation costing and

pricing. (PO 3)

8.

Describe the unique challenges associated with international or global

transportation management. (PO 2)

9.

Explain different shipper strategies for improving performance and describe the
role of third parties in domestic and international transportation management.
(PO 4)

10.

Explain the role of technology in managing transportation networks and

processes. (PO 4)

This Syllabus was developed for online learning by Dr. Constantine M. Koursaris

Library
The Embry-Riddle Hunt Library has one of the most complete collections of aviation-related
material. The link to the Hunt library is http://library.erau.edu/. The Worldwide Hunt Library
provides information resources, library services, and help links at
http://library.erau.edu/worldwide/index.html. The library also provides Web links to aviation,
aerospace and business resources.
The link to the library basic training is http://library.erau.edu/worldwide/help/library-basictraining/. The tutorial provides a brief introduction to the library, its holdings, and the process of
locating data.
ERAU - Worldwide Library Services
Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Eastern Time (voice mail after hours)
1-800-678-9428 (ext. 6947) or 386-226-6947 outside the U.S.
Hunt.Library@erau.edu
Library Reference Services
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Eastern Time (voice mail after hours)
1-800-678-9428 / 386-226-7656 outside the US
Hunt.Library@erau.edu
Grading
Your final grade will be based on the following evaluation items:

Grade Scale
90 100% A
80 89%
B
70 79%
C
0 69%
F

Evaluation Items & Weights

Discussions
15%
Homework (Study Questions)
15%
Critical Article Review
10%
Individual Research Report
20%
Midterm Exam
20%
Final Exam
20%
Total
100%

Participation
Students are expected to participate routinely in the class Discussion Board and other online
activities. Superior participation grades will be given to active students who exchange ideas in a
thoughtful manner while respecting the courtesies due others. Your participation, which is worth
15% of your grade, will be based on the following criteria:

Relevance
Scholarship
Communication

More information on the grading rubric for online discussions will be on the class site.

This Syllabus was developed for online learning by Dr. Constantine M. Koursaris

Homework (Study Questions and Case Studies)

All homework assignments must be completed on time, unless prior arrangements have been
made with your instructor.
Individual Research Report
Each student must prepare a formal 10-page paper on a topic of your choice related to global
logistics or supply chain management. Your instructor must approve specific topics in advance.
Your paper, which is worth 100 points and 20% of your grade, will be evaluated based on the
following criteria:

Quality and depth of content (60 points)

Organization of the report (10 points)
Overall format, i.e., typed, use of page numbers, title page, table of contents,
appropriate labels on figures and tables, etc. (10 points)
Correct grammar and evidence of proofing, i.e., no spelling errors (10 points)
Variety and documentation of references used. Format for citations and references
must follow APA guidelines (10 points)

Additionally, the instructor reserves the right to use SafeAssign at his/her or her discretion.
Also, submission due dates are published alongside modules. Failure to meet submission
dates will result in points deducted unless coordinated in advance with your instructor!
Critical Article Review
An important part of this course involves reviewing and analyzing scholarly articles from leading
journals on topics related to transportation management. To fulfill this requirement, each
student must review at least three articles from the list contained at the end of this syllabus
and summarize your findings in a three to five page paper. This paper, which is worth 100
points and 10% of your grade, will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Correct citation of the article (10 points)

Correct grammar and evidence of proofing, i.e., no spelling errors (10 points)
Why the article is important to the field of transportation management (40 points)
Findings, lesson learned, or best practices that can be applied to improve the
management of the transportation function (40 points)

Each student will also be expected to post a short summary of one article on the class
Discussion Board along with your comments on why you think the article was important, and
comment on the findings of at least two of your classmates.
Midterm and Final Examinations
The Midterm and Final examinations will be timed, open-book, open-note exams that will be
administered online and posted to Blackboard at the appropriate time. The exams will consist of
a comprehensive set of multiple choice and short answer questions that address the material
and learning objectives covered throughout the course. The exam must be completed on time,
unless prior arrangements have been made with your instructor. Points will be deducted for
exams that are turned in late.

This Syllabus was developed for online learning by Dr. Constantine M. Koursaris

Additional Information
Online Sources
APA Format
American Psychological Association style guide information is available at
http://www.apastyle.org/pubmanual.html

Course Policies
Academic Integrity
Embry-Riddle is committed to maintaining and upholding intellectual integrity. All
students, faculty, and staff have obligations to prevent violations of academic integrity
and take corrective action when they occur. The adjudication process may result in
sanctions being imposed on students who commit the following academic violations,
which may include a failing grade for the course, suspension, or dismissal from the
University.
1. Plagiarism: Presenting, as ones own the ideas, words, or products of another.
Plagiarism includes use of any source to complete academic assignments without
proper acknowledgement of the source.
2. Cheating is a broad term that includes the following:
a. Giving or receiving help from unauthorized persons or materials during
examinations.
b. The unauthorized communication of examination questions prior to, during, or
following administration of the examination.
c. Collaboration on examinations or assignments expected to be individual work.
d. Fraud and deceit, that include knowingly furnishing false or misleading
information or failing to furnish appropriate information when requested, such as
when applying for admission to the University.
Online Learning
This course is offered over the Internet, at ERAU Worldwide Online (Blackboard) and
runs nine (9) weeks. The first week begins the first day of the term and ends at midnight
EDT/EST (as applicable) seven days later. During this first week, students may drop the
course and receive a refund if applicable. Success in this course requires in-depth study
of each module as assigned, timely completion of assignments, and regular participation
in forum discussions. It is highly recommended that students keep electronic copies of
all assignments submitted until completion of the course and receipt of a grade.
Late work should be the exception and not the rule and may be downgraded at the
discretion of the instructor, if accepted at all. Unless all work is submitted, the student
could receive a failing grade for the course. Extensions may be granted for extenuating
circumstances at the discretion of the instructor and only for the length of time the
instructor deems appropriate. The most important element of success in an online
course is to communicate with your instructor throughout the term.

This Syllabus was developed for online learning by Dr. Constantine M. Koursaris

Conventions of online etiquette, which include courtesy to all users, will be observed.
Students should use the Private Mail function in Blackboard for private messages to the
instructor and other students. The class Discussion Board forums are for public
messages.
NOTE: It is highly recommended that students keep electronic copies of all materials
submitted in the Discussion Forum, via email, or postal mail, until after the end of the
term. When posting responses in the Discussion Forum, please confirm that the
responses have actually been posted after you submit them.

Course Schedule

Module

Topics

Transportation, the Supply

Chain, the Economy,
Regulation and Public Policy

Motor Carriers
Railroads

Air Carriers, Water Carriers,

and Pipelines

Intermodal and Special

Carriers and Midterm Exam

Global Transportation and

Costing and Pricing in
Transportation

Activities
Discussion: Class introductions
Assignment Preview: Research Paper requirements
Discussion: Week 1 Discussion
Read: Chapters 1 - 4 in the text
View: PowerPoint Presentations for Module 1
Assignment Preview: Critical Article Review
requirements
Assignment: Study Questions
Assignment: Research Paper topic submission
Assignment: Articles for critical review submission
Read: Chapters 5 and 6 in the text
View: PowerPoint Presentations for Module 2
Assignment: Study Questions and Case Study
Discussion: Week 2 Discussion
Continue work on Research Paper and Critical Article
Review
Read: Chapters 7 and 8 in the text
View: PowerPoint Presentations for Module 3
Assignment: Study Questions and Case Study
Discussion: Week 3 Discussion
Discussion: Research Paper Outline
Continue work on Research Paper and Critical Article
Review
View: PowerPoint Presentation for Module 4
Discussion: Week 4 Discussion
Discussion: Article Summary
Midterm Review
Complete Midterm Exam as directed
Continue work on Research Paper and Critical Article
Review
Read: Chapter 11 in the text
View: PowerPoint Presentation for Module 5
Assignment: Study Questions and Case Study
Discussion: Week 5 Discussion
Continue work on Research Paper and Critical Article
Review

This Syllabus was developed for online learning by Dr. Constantine M. Koursaris

Carrier Strategies,
Information Management
and Technology

Shipper Strategies

Shipper Process

Final Examination

Read: Chapters 9 and 10 in the text

View: PowerPoint Presentations for Module 6
Assignment: Study Questions
Discussion: Week 6 Discussion
Assignment: Critical Article Review
Continue work on Research Paper
Read: Chapter 12 in the text
View: PowerPoint Presentation for Module 7
Assignment: Study Questions
Discussion: Week 7 Discussion
Complete the draft of your Research Paper
Read: Chapters 13 and 14 in the text
View: PowerPoint Presentation for Module 8
Assignment: Study Questions and Case Study
Discussion: Week 8 Discussion
Assignment: Research Paper Submission
Final Exam Review:
Complete Final Exam as directed

This Syllabus was developed for online learning by Dr. Constantine M. Koursaris

LGMT 636
TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT
CRITICAL ARTICLE REVIEW LIST
The following is a list of potential articles that can be used for your critical article reviews.
Scholarly or professional articles from other sources can be substituted as long as your
instructor approves them in advance. Please note that all of the articles listed below can be
accessed electronically through the appropriate Hunt Library Database.

Aktas, E., Agaran, B., Ulengin, F. & Onsel, S. (2011, August). The use of outsourcing
logistics activities: The case of Turkey. Transportation Research Part C:
Emerging Technologies, 19(5), 833-852.
Ashenbaum, B., Salzarulo, P. A., & Newman, W. R. (2012). Organizational structure,
Entrepreneurial orientation and trait preference in transportation brokerage firms.
Journal of Supply Chain Management, 48(1), 3-23.
Barker, T.J. &. Zabinsky, Z. B. (2011, October). A multicriteria decision making model for
reverse logistics using analytical hierarchy process, Omega 39(5), 558-573

Burnson, P. (2011). 22nd annual state of logistics report: A bumpy ride. Logistics
Management 50(7), 26-28.
Chen, J.C., Cheng, C.H. & Huang, P.B. (2013, July). Supply chain management with
lean production and RFID application: A case study. Expert Systems with
Applications, 40(9), 3389-3397.
Different way to sea food. (2011). Refrigerated & Frozen Foods, 22(4), 8.
Hennig, F., Nygreen, B., Christiansen, M., Fagerholt, K., Furman, K.C., Song, J., Kocis,
G.R. & Warrick, P.H. (2012, May). Maritime crude oil transportation A split
pickup and split delivery problem. European Journal of Operational Research,
218(3), 764-774.
Hildebrandt, E. (2011). A good time to outsource transportation. ICIS Chemical
Business, 279(13), 34-35.
Lee, J.B., Jaeckel, K., Choi, K. & Chow, G. (2013, May). Commercial vehicle preclearance programs: Current issues and recommendations for potential
implementation, Transport Policy, 27, 92-101
Liu, C. & Lyons A. C. (2011, July) An analysis of third-party logistics performance and
service provision, Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation
Review, 47(4), 547-570.

This Syllabus was developed for online learning by Dr. Constantine M. Koursaris

McGuigan, F. (2011). Navigating the complexities of chemical & hazmat shipments.

World Trade, WT 100, 24(8), 42-43.
Mirzabeiki, V., Holmstrm, J., & Sjholm, P. (2012). Aligning organizational interests in
designing rail-wagon tracking. Operations Management Research, 5(3-4), 101115.
NDTA: The association for global logistics and transportation. (2012). Defense
Transportation Journal, 68(2), 31-58.
NDTA: The association for global logistics and transportation. (2013). Defense
Transportation Journal, 69(2), 25-51,53-128,131-139.
Perego, A., Perotti, S. & Mangiaracina, R. (2011). ICT for logistics and freight
transportation: A literature review and research agenda. International Journal of
Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 41(5), 457 483.
Psaraftis, H. N. & Kontovas, C. A. (2013, January). Speed models for energy-efficient
maritime transportation: A taxonomy and survey, Transportation Research Part
C: Emerging Technologies, 26, 331-351.
Roads, D. R. (2012). You got to move it, move it: Adding logistics and distribution to a
transportation curriculum. Tech Directions, 71(10), 24-26.

ahin, M., avular, G., ncan, T., ahin, G. &, Aksu, D.T. (2013, February) An
efficient heuristic for the multi-vehicle one-to-one pickup and delivery problem
with split loads. Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, 27,
169-188
Shen, Q., Chu, F., & Chen, H. (2011, October). A Lagrangian relaxation approach for a multimode inventory routing problem with transshipment in crude oil transportation,
Computers & Chemical Engineering, 35(10), 2113-2123
Shen, Q., Chen, H., Chu, F., & Zhou, M. (2011). Multi-mode transportation planning of crude oil
via greedy randomized adaptive search and path relinking. Transactions of the Institute
of Measurement and Control, 33(3-4), 456-475.
Soinio, J., Tanskanen, K., & Finne, M. (2012). How logistics-service providers can develop
value-added services for SMEs: A dyadic perspective. International Journal of Logistics
Management, 23(1), 31-49.
Starosta, G. (2012). USAF senior officials studying improved worldwide logistics procedures.
Inside the Pentagon's Inside the Air Force, 23(20).
Tavan, D. (2013). Cover story: The internet of things - internet takes control. The Banker.

Toh, R. S., DeKay, F., & Raven, P. (2012). Travel planning: searching for and booking
airline seats on the Internet. Transportation Journal, 51(1), 80.

This Syllabus was developed for online learning by Dr. Constantine M. Koursaris