Reverse Logistics

2023/2024

Academic Year

ENG

Instruction in English

3

ECTS credits

Delivered at:

Department of Operations Management and Logistics

Course type:

Elective course

When:

4 year, 3 module

Instructor

Alyamovskaya, Nataliya

Course Syllabus

Abstract

The relevance of reverse logistics in recent years is developing due to a large number of factors. Here are some of them: the development of the omni-channel models, increasing interest in sustainability, black swans (e.g. covid-19), tightening legislation, shorter product life cycles and shelf life, etc. For quite some time reverse logistics has been perceived as an operational logistics function; but during the past 5-7 years companies have turned to more global issues in this area: for example, forecasting the volume of returns, designing the logistics network and determining the optimal strategy for managing returns. In addition, companies are trying to implement analytics to track the impact of return management decisions on the supply chain, customer loyalty, etc. In this course we will look at the key issues related to reverse logistics: what can be returned in the supply chain, what best practices companies use in reverse logistics, what are the characteristics for returns from end customers and between the supply chain contractors, how the effectiveness of reverse logistics is assessed, what technologies are implemented, etc.

Learning Objectives

• The course deals with the characteristics of reverse logistics in companies from different business sectors (both returns from the end-consumer and between counterparts in the supply chain are considered). Particular attention is paid to the analysis of current trends and technologies and their impact on reverse logistics, analysis of performance indicators for reverse logistics organisation, management of returnable containers, etc. This course will be interesting to all students who want to gain a deeper knowledge of the reverse logistics features, as well as to develop skills in solving different types of issues in this area

Expected Learning Outcomes

• Describes the main types of return flows and their parameters
• Applies reference models to processes modelling in reverse logistics
• Explains the main ways of managing returns from the end user
• Explains the impact of basic laws on returns management in the supply chain
• Compares different models of reusable containers management in supply chains
• Analyse the effectiveness of reverse logistics in the supply chain
• Develops initiatives to improve the efficiency of reverse logistics

Course Contents

• General questions about reverse logistics
• Returns from the end consumer to supply chain contractors
• Returns in the supply chain between contractors (including "internal" returns)
• Improving the efficiency of reverse logistics

Assessment Elements

• Final project
  The project includes several components: in particular, analysis of the current return management system, identification of problems, analysis of possible solutions and their effects, etc. Submission of a Word + Excel file or other files (if necessary) (deadline for both files - not later than 10 days before the exam), presentation (not later than 5 days before the exam) are needed + project defence and answers to questions
• Tests
• Seminars and lectures activities
  Handing in course assignments according to set criteria
• Homeworks
  Handing in homework according to set conditions

Interim Assessment

• 2023/2024 3rd module
  0.35 * Final project + 0.15 * Homeworks + 0.35 * Seminars and lectures activities + 0.15 * Tests

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• Корпоративная логистика в вопросах и ответах / В.И. Сергеев и др.; Под ред. В.И. Сергеева. - 2-e изд., перераб. и доп. - М.: НИЦ ИНФРА-М, 2014. - XXX, 634 с.: 70x100 1/16. + ( Доп. мат. znanium.com). (п) ISBN 978-5-16-004556-6 - Режим доступа: http://znanium.com/catalog/product/407668

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• Abderahman Rejeb, & Karim Rejeb. (2020). Blockchain and Supply Chain Sustainability. LogForum, 16(3), 363–372. https://doi.org/10.17270/J.LOG.2020.467
• Dmitry Ivanov, Alexander Tsipoulanidis, & Jörn Schönberger. (2019). Global Supply Chain and Operations Management : A Decision-Oriented Introduction to the Creation of Value: Vol. Second edition. Springer.
• Fernie, J., & Sparks, L. (2019). Logistics and Retail Management : Emerging Issues and New Challenges in the Retail Supply Chain (Vol. Fifth edition). London: Kogan Page. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1922108
• Franchetti, M. J. (2009). Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization : A Systems Approach. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=279834
• Jorge Muniz Jr, Julio Cicero Cunha, Reinaldo Almeida, & Fernando Augusto Silva Marins. (2017). The Knowledge Management in Business Strategies and Reverse Logistics. Brazilian Journal of Operations & Production Management, (1). https://doi.org/10.14488/BJOPM.2017.v14.n1.a4
• Karen Delchet-Cochet. (2020). Circular Economy : From Waste Reduction to Value Creation. Wiley-ISTE.
• McKinnon, A. C., Browne, M., Whiteing, A. E., & Piecyk, M. (2015). Green Logistics : Improving the Environmental Sustainability of Logistics: Vol. Third edition. Kogan Page.
• Michael Brusch, & Eva Stüber. (2013). Trends in logistics in the german e-commerce and the particular relevance of managing product returns. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.9B077302
• Performance Evaluation of Reverse Logistics: Opportunities for Future Research. (2019). Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.E6DE902C
• Ribas, I., Lusa, A., & Corominas, A. (2019). A framework for designing a supply chain distribution network. International Journal of Production Research, 57(7), 2104–2116. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2018.1530477