Students doing their Master’s degree in Logistics Management or Transport Management at the University of Sydney are using sophisticated, industry-strength supply chain software on their laptops or home PCs. This supply chain software has been offered by Mid Comp International .
The university’s Institute of Transport & Logistics Studies (ITLS) is using Mid Comp International’s Odyssey intelligent supply chain software solution for hands-on teaching. Mid-Comp International allow the use of their systems away from university-based computers.
ITLS is the latest in an expanding group of educational institutions to take advantage of Mid-Comp International’s Education Initiatives programme.
Dr John Rose, who heads the study courses, says that if the university had chosen more widely used systems, these would have required an expensive licence agreement in order to allow students to use the software off campus.
He has said that their agreement with Mid-Comp International allows them to give access to students’ own computers to use throughout the semester. The students find this easy access invaluable, since it is far more convenient for assignments and hands-on experience.
The decision to use Mid-Comp International’s software recognises that many ITLS graduates need to be exposed to integrated commercial planning packages such as Odyssey.
Odyssey is enabling students to develop an understanding of how all the elements of the value chain fit together. They can monitor and audit the performance of an enterprise with a focus on the logistics task. As a teaching tool, Odyssey brings together all the various roles performed in an organisation and enables students to establish and analyse key performance indicators relating to finance, customer service and operations.
ITLS has set up a dummy company called ITLS Automotive, with a number of products including various car parts. Students investigate the procedures for processes such as sales and purchase orders and generally run the company.
Rose has said that the feedback from students is very positive. Essentially Odyssey takes the theoretical aspects of what they teach, and shows students how these tie together in any environment, combining theory and practical experience. The software also allows students to take the data out of the system and perform inventory and management forecasts. It shows them how the industry works.
Ultimately, by using Odyssey, students will learn to appreciate the way all the parts fit together for running a good business.
There are 45 students in the current semester for TPMT 6190 Logistics Systems and 40 in the previous semester. As part of a Master’s programme students either use Odyssey for their diploma course, or in the current situation, for a Master’s of Logistics Management or Transport Management degree.
Odyssey is an advanced technology ERP suite with a distribution focus. Its fully integrated, real-time distribution and accounting system functionality is focused on supply chain efficiency. Built to run via standard web browsers, the solution provides true integration between all elements of the supply chain. Basic and advanced business functions can be performed by internal or external staff, customers and auditors (based upon pre-assigned user authority).
The take-up by ITLS means that Odyssey will form an integral element of courses at the post-graduate level, offered to local and international students for either academic or commercial industry-based learning. The courses encompass the full gambit of supply chain, business administration, and financial applications.