No formal pre-requisites are defined. However, a basic knowledge of production management topics is suggested.
During the course, the student acquires the necessary elements and concepts to critically analyze and understand the structure and the dynamics of a logistics system. At the end of the course, the student has an extensive overview of the main topics that compose the typical knowledge of a logistics manager: from demand planning to the configuration of the supply chain, from inventory management to material handling with a specific focus on the healthcare domain.
The course provides both theoretical notions and practical insights allowing the student to understand how real logistics systems operate.
The student learns the specific language used in the logistics field, which enables him/her to communicate appropriately in the workplace.
The course contributes to the educational goals of the curriculum with reference to the analysis and management of logistics.
1.The logistics area in healthcare
Overview of logistics in general
The supply chain concept. The healthcare supply chain.
What are the peculiarities of logistics in the healthcare sector?
2. Forecasting demand for healthcare services
The role of forecasting in healthcare
Forecasting methods and approaches
3. Scheduling resources
What is scheduling and why is it important?
Example of resource scheduling (operating theaters, doctors, nurses.)
Main approaches to scheduling (exact, approximated or heuristics)
4. Handling, AGV design and sizing
What is handling?
Where AGVs are used?
How to design an AGV system to serve an hospital
5. Inventory management in healthcare
Types of inventory in healthcare
Focus on drugs and regulations
Warehousing and policies
6. The location of healthcare facilities
Location factors in healthcare
How to locate hospitals? Models and criteria (covering problems)
How to locate ambulances in a network? Model and criteria (dynamic covering problems)
The course contents are discussed in lectures and case discussions, with particular attention to the interaction with the students who have the opportunity to formulate questions and propose topics for further discussion.
Lectures aim to introduce and discuss the methods and the principles of management outlined in the objectives of the course.
The course material consists mainly of the slides available on the course page on the University website. Such slides are complemented with further readings from the recommended books and journals. The slides serve as a support to the classroom discussion: therefore, during the discussion in the classroom, further details not present on the slides may be provided.
The password to access the material published on the course web page is communicated during the first lecture of the course. If unable to attend the first lesson, please contact the professor by e-mail.
The exam is oral, based on the discussion of group and individual assignments.
The exam rules for non-attending students are the same as for attending students.
Non-attending students are however invited to contact the professor to evaluate any supplementary materials.
The exam rules for non-attending students are the same as for attending students.
Non-attending students are however invited to contact the professor to evaluate any supplementary materials.