Global Logistics Operations and Risk Management

This unit examines how global logistics functions are organized and operated across foreign distribution chains, with attention to humanitarian & disaster relief (H&DR) support, warehousing, fleet management, and service delivery. Students learn to apply operational tools and metrics, manage legal and security risks (including IP protection and piracy), and integrate sustainability and cultural considerations into scalable logistics plans.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze foreign distribution chains and warehousing strategies to identify operational bottlenecks, capacity requirements, and scalable solutions for international markets.
• Apply global logistics service models and H&DR delivery frameworks to develop operational plans that address staffing (expatriates, local nationals, third-country nationals), cultural and religious accommodations, and product sustainment in foreign communities.
• Demonstrate the use of logistics tools, performance metrics, and green operational practices to monitor supply chain performance, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental impact.
• Evaluate legal, security, and geopolitical risks—including intellectual property exposure, indemnification needs, piracy, and social change—and recommend mitigation strategies (insurance, fleet safeguards, recovery planning) to protect operations.