Spring 2024
1 General Information
• Meeting Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00PM - 2:15PM
• Room Location: Mechanical Engineering Building 3121
• Website: Canvas, Piazza
2 Instructor Information
• Name: Yonatan Mintz ()
• Zoom Link: TBD
• Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:30PM - 3:30PM (or by appointment)
3 Course Description
In this course we will apply concepts from optimization, stochastics, and statistics to
model different problems in the context of logistics decision making. Specifically, we will
focus on applying engineering design principles in combination with mathematical
modeling techniques to solve problems in supply chain design, planning, execution, and
transportation.
4 Prerequisites
Students are strongly encouraged to have familiarity with optimization, probability and
statistics at the level of one undergraduate semester level statistics/probability course
(equivalent to STAT 324 or STAT 311), and one under-graduate semester level
optimization course (equivalent to ISYE 323 or COMP SCI/ECE/ISYE 524)
5 Textbooks and Course Materials
This semester, we will be utilizing the Supply Chain game by Responsive Learning
Technologies—a simulation tool that provides you with hands-on experience in supply
chain management. To participate in this engaging learning experience, there is a cost
associated with the game: $20 for the license and an additional $4 card fee.(Use this
URL op.responsive.net/sc/mintz/start.html for official purchase of a license)
Please note that playing the Supply Chain game is a crucial component of your
overall grade, and we will explore two different versions throughout the semester. If you
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, have any questions or concerns about accessing the game, feel free to reach out, and I’ll
be happy to assist you.
For this course, there isn’t an official textbook. Instead, we’ll be utilizing a set of
course notes that will be posted on Canvas around the same time the corresponding
material is covered in class. If you prefer having a textbook for reference, I recommend
considering ’Production and Operations Analysis’ by Steven Nahamias, as well as
’Supply Chain Management Strategy, Planning, and Operation’ by Sunil Chopra and
Peter Meindl.
It’s important to note that while these textbooks offer supplementary content, I won’t
strictly follow their materials or assign homework questions directly from them. If there
are additional relevant reference materials, I’ll ensure to make them readily available to
the class through Canvas. If you have any questions or require further clarification on
reference materials, feel free to reach out—I’m here to help!
6 Strategies for Excelling in this Course
Having completed the prerequisites for this course, you already possess the essential
knowledge required to excel in the topics we’ll explore. Throughout the class, we’ll delve
into a diverse range of subjects and explore how to apply them in real-world scenarios.
The pace may involve rapid transitions between different topics. My dedication is to
provide you with the resources necessary for success and mastery of the material in this
course. To maximize your learning experience, I recommend adopting the following
strategies:
1. Ensure a solid understanding of the prerequisites as we’ll be applying
various techniques from optimization and stochastics to model real-world
problems. Unfortunately, we won’t have extensive time to teach the fundamentals
of these topics in class. If you feel the need for a refresher, please reach out to me
directly via email, speak to me after class, or attend office hours. I’m here to assist
and can provide you with additional references to reinforce your understanding.
2. Embrace the opportunity to ask questions during our lectures. We’ll be
covering a substantial amount of material, and the pace may be brisk at times.
Please understand that you are encouraged to interrupt and seek clarification, as
we are all here to foster a participatory and inclusive learning environment. I will
make an effort to create pauses during lectures to invite questions, but if you find
something perplexing or in need of clarification, please don’t hesitate to raise your
hand or communicate your concern. I’m committed to providing the best possible
answers. For questions that require more extensive explanations, I may suggest
scheduling time during my office hours. This allows us to delve deeper into the
topic and ensure your full understanding.
3. Maximize the benefits of office hours for receiving feedback and guidance
tailored to your needs. During office hours, you have the opportunity for direct,
real-time interaction with me. Whether you seek feedback on problem set solutions,
require assistance with the course project, or have questions related to the course,
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