The lecture "Strategic Decision-Making in Global Production Networks through Optimization and Simulation" offers students a comprehensive insight into the application of quantitative models from operations research in global production networks. The course places special emphasis on practical applications and allows students to deepen their skills through a real-world use case during the semester.

The classroom sessions serve to convey important basics and to introduce and present the practice-relevant cases. In the self-study phase, the topics covered are worked on in greater depth. The curriculum covers various phases. Optimization techniques for network design are covered first, followed by simulation methods for network management. Subsequently, open questions are dealt with, e.g. from the consideration of uncertainty, sustainability aspects or the search for the overall optimum in the production network.

The students are divided into small groups to work together on the questions. The methods taught in the course are implemented in python. In order to strengthen the students' presentation skills, regular presentations of interim results are planned. The progress made is supported by feedback and interaction with an internationally operating consulting firm.

The practical orientation of the course, combined with the application of quantitative models and the use of Python, enables students to prepare holistically for complex challenges in global production.

Learning Outcomes:

The students are able to 

1. put concepts of global production into practice:
   • Understand how global production networks can be implemented in real business scenarios. 
   • Develop and implement strategies for adapting global production networks to specific business requirements.
2. in-depth knowledge and use of optimization in global production: 
   • Develop an in-depth understanding of various optimization techniques in global production processes. 
   • Apply optimization models to complex production networks and continuously improve them.
3. approach to improving network configuration, site selection and transportation routes: 
   • Understand methods to evaluate and optimize production networks. 
   • Effectively plan and improve site selection decisions and transportation routes. 
4. deepen knowledge and use of simulations in global production: 
   • Understand how simulations can be used as a tool to analyze and optimize global production processes. 
   • Gain experience in the application of simulation techniques for modeling and analyzing production processes. 
5. approach to improving delivery reliability: 
   • Develop and implement strategies to improve delivery reliability. 
   • Optimize processes that can affect delivery reliability. 
6. consider uncertainties, aspects of sustainability and multidimensionality: 
   • Recognize and manage uncertainties in global production environments. 
   • Consider sustainability aspects and multidimensional challenges when making decisions in global production. 
7. linking results and models: 
   • Link models and analytical results to create holistic solutions to complex problems in global production. 
   • Strengthen the ability to iteratively improve models based on real-world results. 
8. presentations to management: 
   • Present complex global manufacturing concepts to management in an understandable and persuasive manner. 
   • Build confidence in the use of visual aids and effective communication techniques in front of management levels.

Workload:

regular attendance: ~ 30 hours
self-study: ~ 99 hours

Media:

E-learning plattform Ilias, Powerpoint, photo protocol. 
The Media are provided through Ilias (https://ilias.studium.kit.edu/).

Vorlesungsskript der Lehrveranstaltungen / Lecture notes of the courses:
Abele et al. (2008): Global Production [978-3-540-71652-5]
Domschke et al. (2015): Einführung in das Operations Research [Einführung in Operations Research]
Friedli et al. (2021): Global Manufacturing Management: From Excellent Plants Toward Network Optimization [978-3-030-72739-0]

Aus organisatorischen Gründen ist die Teilnehmerzahl für die Lehrveranstaltung auf 20 Studierende begrenzt. Termine und Fristen zur Veranstaltung werden über die Homepage des wbk (https://www.wbk.kit.edu/studium-und-lehre.php) bekannt gegeben.

For organizational reasons the number of students is limited to 20. Dates and deadlines for the seminar will be announced via the homepage of wbk (https://www.wbk.kit.edu/studium-und-lehre.php).