Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Amelia Abernathy is an instructor in the Division of Marketing and Supply Chain Management. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management and international business. After graduation, she moved to Greenville, South Carolina, to work for Michelin North America in the company’s Supply Chain/Logistics Department. During her time with Michelin, she had multiple roles in Logistics Engineering, Supply Chain Project Management, and Operational Steering. While in South Carolina, she completed an MBA at the University of South Carolina.
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Prerequisites
Students will need to complete SCM 5502: Supply Chain Management before enrolling in this course.
Course Materials
- Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom
- Bullwhip Effect in Supply Chains, MIT Sloan Management Review Article, $8.95
- Delays at Logan Airport, Harvard Business Review Case, $8.95
- Bollore Logistics Canada and the Use of Incoterms in International Maritime Shipping, Harvard Business Review Case, $8.95
- What business is Rivian in?, Harvard Business Review Case, $8.95
- ProGlove Smart Gloves: Let's Save Four Million Dollars A Day!, Harvard Business Review Case, $8.95
- The Wall Street Journal's Logistics Report
- Price College students can access the Logistics Report using Price College's Wall Street Journal (WSJ) Online subscription.
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Points/Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Live Session Participation | Participation and/or make-up responses for Live Sessions. | (7 @ 10 points each)/8% |
| Current Events Summary | Post summaries of logistics relevant to current events to the discussion board, then read and reply to others' posts. The Logistics Report of the Wall Street Journal is recommended as a news source. | (6 @ 50 points each)/34% |
| Case Briefs & Presentation | Individuals will submit a three-page case study write-up using the case study briefing template. On a case of their choosing, groups will present during the Live Session. | (6 @ 70 points each)/46% |
| Final Presentation | A 10-15 mins presentation of a self-selected logistics topic. | (1 @ 50 points) 12% |
| Total | 840 points/100% |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Live Session Participation
You can participate in our course by actively engaging with the course materials (readings, videos, activities) and participating in the weekly Live Sessions. Attending the Live Sessions should be your preferred choice. When possible, you should attend and participate in the Live Sessions in real-time. Live Session participation includes the following:
- Discussion of most popular current events and questions submitted on Canvas
- A student-led, in-depth discussion of the case study.
- A teacher-led discussion of a new theme. This could take the form of a lecture (slide presentation), teacher led discussion of mini-cases, or facilitating whole class discussions.
- You are allowed to submit a one-page, single-spaced summary as your make-up document if you miss a class. The document should be prepared after you watch the class recording and should include key points and your responses to questions discussed in the Live Session. The make-up document is due on the day of the next live session before 7 pm.
Current Events Summary
As part of logistics management, skillful managers always stay abreast with current events to identify trends and changes that may impact their inventory, transportation, or warehousing plans. This current event summary is an exercise that prepares the learners with a habit of keeping up with current events and discussing them with others. Throughout the semester, you will post and participate in one current events discussion in each module (weeks 2-7).
Case Briefs & Presentation
A critical element in our learning is the interaction provided by discussing business decision-making. This sharpens our communication skills and analytical skills, and we learn a lot at the same time. Case analysis provides an excellent forum for us to learn. The objective of writing up a case brief is to give you practice writing concise and high-quality summaries: something that would make the reader believe that you have done a thorough analysis supporting your recommendations. This is the type of brief that must typically be prepared for upper management before they provide the resources for a more detailed investigation (weeks 2-7).
Groups will sign up to present on a specific case during the Live Session the week the case is assigned. These presentations will include a slide deck that addresses the questions from the Case Brief assignment in presentation format.
Final Presentation
The last week (week 8) will be group presentations. Group members are self-selected and should choose a logistics-relevant topic and prepare a 10-15 minute presentation. All presentations must include at least four sources which must be listed in a source slide at the end of the presentation. One source must be an article from Inbound Logistics magazine One source must be from either Business Week magazine or The Wall Street Journal. Each of these sources must have been printed in the last 5 years. The other sources must be articles printed in the last 5 years or web pages that are current and up to date. Promotional articles may not be used.
Course Policies
Communication
Email is the best/fastest way to reach me. To help me answer any questions as quickly as possible, please include your class session number and time in your email subject.
Emails are typically replied to within 24 hours.
Late Policy
Professional behavior is expected in this class. Please behave in a way that is respectful and not disruptive. I expect you to arrive on time in the Zoom class with your camera turned on at all times. Your (future) employers, or you as the employer, will not tolerate tardiness, so practice successful behaviors now. If you have to leave the live session early, please let me know ahead of time.
Class attendance is expected and participation will be part of your overall evaluation. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to get notes/information from a classmate. You should NEVER ask me or any other professor – “did I miss anything important?” You are allowed to submit a one-page, single-spaced summary as your make-up document if you miss a class. The document should be prepared after you watch the class recording and should include key points and your responses to questions discussed in the Live Session. The make-up document is due on the day of the next Live Session before 7:00 PM Central.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Student Support Services
OU offers a variety of services to support students. For more information, please refer to the Student Support Module in your Orientation course.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement and Privacy Information
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
Academic honesty is incredibly important within this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma, because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report academic misconduct.
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
Religious Observance
It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events. Please review OU's Accessibility Policy.
If you are experiencing a disability, a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
Anyone who has been impacted by gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault, deserves access to resources so that they are supported personally and academically.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to offering resources to those impacted, including: speaking with someone confidentially about your options, medical attention, counseling, reporting, academic support, and safety plans. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013) or another confidential resource (see "Can I make an anonymous report?").
You may also choose to report gender-based violence and discrimination through other means, including by contacting the Institutional Equity Office (ieo@ou.edu, 405-325-3546) or the police (911).
Because the University of Oklahoma is committed to the safety of you and other students, I, as well as other faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Assistants, are mandatory reporters. This means that we are obligated to report gender-based violence that has been disclosed to us to the Institutional Equity Office. This includes disclosures that occur in class discussions, writing assignments, discussion boards, emails, and during Student/Office Hours.
For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity Office.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Additional Weather Safety Information is available through the Department of Campus Safety.
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits
- Assist those that may need help
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone that may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|