Specialization project in logistics

The course gives students the opportunity to explore a logistics-related topic in depth through a project, in collaboration with a company or organization. Students are expected to apply knowledge and methods from logistics to a practical challenge and document their work in a written report. The topic and scope of the project must be approved by the assigned supervisor.

After approximately four weeks (normally in mid-September), students are required to submit a pre-study report describing the problem, background, objectives, and plan for further work. Approval of this report is a prerequisite for continuing the project.

Lectures in the course cover the following topics:

• Introduction
• Pre-project
• How to conduct a literature review
• Report writing

Upon completion of the course, the candidate shall have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge:The candidate has in-depth knowledge of a selected topic within the field of industrial logistics. The candidate understands how theoretical concepts and methods can be applied to practical problems and has experience with data collection, data analysis, literature search, and review, as well as integrating this knowledge with previous coursework in the study program.

Skills:The candidate is able to plan and carry out a project, including preparing a project plan, collecting and organizing relevant information, and performing systematic analyses. Furthermore, the candidate can produce a project report in accordance with the program’s project manual. For guided self-study, the candidate is able to structure and communicate knowledge through an academic essay.

General competence:The candidate can collaborate effectively with a client and fellow students, demonstrating independence, responsibility, and reflection in professional assessments and written communication.

The work is carried out as a project with 2-3 students per group, under supervision. Students are encouraged to propose their own topics and develop project ideas, but lecturers may also offer projects through their industry contacts. This approach ensures both student involvement and relevant, high-quality project topics. The proposed topic and partner company must be approved by the course coordinator, and each group will be assigned a supervisor.

Students must first prepare a pre-study report (project proposal) describing the project, objectives, progress plan, and methodological approach. The report shall be presented after submission, with the deadline announced at the start of the course. Further work on the project is contingent upon approval of the pre-study report by the course coordinator.

The project concludes with the submission of a final report, documenting the implementation, analyses, results, and conclusions.