The primary focus of the module is to introduce students to the main features of a sustainable global transport system. The limitations of Ireland’s infrastructure, and the pressures this places on international supply chains will be highlighted.
The function of transport; Transport a derived demand. Transport in the framework of production and the supply chain; bridging the producer-consumer gap; the economic, social and political role of transport; Irelands peripherality and infrastructure and reduced international competitiveness.
The physical components and characteristics of transport systems; The way; the unit of carriage; the terminal; motive power; individual mode characteristics; advantages and disadvantages of each mode; characteristics of various traffic types; innovations in handling techniques.
The structure of transport systems; Regulation and competition; the government’s role in infrastructure provision, funding, licensing, enforcement and service provision. The role of the private sector, and public private partnerships. Transport in the enlarged European Union.
Carrier selection determinants; Cost, transit time, reliability, inventory and stock out, product differentiation, capability, number of carriers, market structure, distance volume relationship, accessibility, safety, intermodal need.
Transport and trade; Ireland trade patterns; volume, values, export destinations and import origins. Main nodes and channels. Required documentation, east west trade.
Optimal and sustainable use of resources; Co-modality, energy conservation, sustainability, externalities, bottle necks, integrating transport in sustainable development, managing the effects of transport globalization.
Transport and the supply chain; Role of transport in the supply chain, value added, costs, global impact, sub-optimality.
The module combines formal lectures, interactive presentations, case studies, participant activities and exercises to maximise the impact of the learning experience. Students will have ample time to consider the ideas and apply the skills discussed and it is expected that these interactive exercises will serve to reinforce some of the learning on the module. In addition video presentations will be presented to illustrate key themes in the module.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |