Urban Logistics

Recommended Prerequisites

There are no specific requirements beyond the general conditions for admission to the study cycle.

Teaching Methods

Lectures to present the topics covered in the course, using slides, videos, and other multimedia tools to illustrate the subjects covered.
Practical classes to solve problems related to the subjects included in the syllabus of the course. Analysis of case studies and group work to be discussed in class. Teaching is complemented by lectures given by guests.

Learning Outcomes

This unit aims to familiarize students with the major challenges of urban logistics. Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:
1. Identify the main logistics activities related to urban logistics;
2. Identify the main challenges of integrating passenger and freight transportation in urban environments;
3. Identify the main challenges in implementing e-commerce solutions;
4. Understand the specificities of urban logistics in different sectors of activity;
5. Apply decision support tools to urban logistics problems;
6. Evaluate the impact of sustainability and climate change on urban logistics;
7. Understand the importance of developing urban logistics plans.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Contextualization and definition of urban logistics
a. Characterisation of the sector of activity
b. Identification of the main logistics activities
2. Modes of transport
a. Identification of the main modes
b. Road transport and urban logistics
c. Challenges of integrating passenger and freight transport
3. E-commerce and Urban Logistics
a. E-commerce trends and implications for urban logistics
b. Parcel delivery logistics and e-commerce challenges
4. Challenges for urban logistics in different sectors of activity
a. Food, healthcare and construction sector
5. Modelling and tools for the operation of urban logistics
a. Demand models
b. Infrastructure location models
c. Routing and planning models for distribution networks
d. The implications of sustainability and climate change for urban logistics
e. Planning parcel delivery and e-commerce operations
6. The role of urban logistics in city economies
7. Analysing and discussing urban logistics master plans

Head Lecturer(s)

Professor A Definir - Departamento de Engenharia Mecânica

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Research work: 30.0%
Exam: 70.0%

Bibliography

Browne, M., Behrends, S., Woxenius, J., Giuliano, G., & Holguin-Veras, J. (Eds.). (2018). Urban logistics: management, policy and innovation in a rapidly changing environment. Kogan Page Publishers.
Büyüközkan, G. and Il?cak, O. (2022), “Smart urban logistics: Literature review and future directions”, Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Vol. 81.
Fossheim, K. and Andersen, J. (2017), “Plan for sustainable urban logistics – comparing between Scandinavian and UK practices”, Eur.
Transp. Res. Rev., Vol. 9, 52.
Lagorio, A., Pinto, R. and Golini, R. (2016), "Research in urban logistics: a systematic literature review", International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 46 No. 10.
Monios, J., Budd, L., & Ison, S. (Eds.). (2023). The Routledge Handbook of Urban Logistics (1st ed.). Routledge.
Strale, M. (2019), “Sustainable urban logistics: What are we talking about?”, Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Vol. 130.