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Distribution Network Design and Transport Optimization

Dream of making the world more efficient? Join the Distribution Network Design and Transport Optimization exchange programme! Dive into smart, sustainable distribution and optimize transport in an innovative community.

About the exchange programme

This programme is a full semester course from the general Bachelor curriculum. The logistics playing field is explained together with a number of basic concepts as well as strategies while focusing on the distribution and transport management. Finally, attention is paid to tactical and operational aspects within the distribution environment. After the introduction it will be focussed on all topics of transport modalities, distribution support and the associated tools. Working on a central project in groups students gain strategic and practical knowledge in the field of Warehousing and Materials Handling.

Why this programme?

  • Master cutting-edge techniques in optimizing global distribution networks for efficiency and sustainability.
  • Gain practical insights with real-world projects in collaboration with leading logistics companies.
  • Benefit from Fontys' expert faculty and state-of-the-art learning facilities dedicated to transport innovation.
 

What to expect from us?

After having finished this semester you are expert on designing and implementing distribution networks. Furthermore, you will be able to deal with issues within transportation processes. Therefore, intensive coaching on the project is done. Not only does the development of knowledge play a huge role but also the development of your personal soft skills.

What do we expect from you?

Being a student in the field of Logistics we expect you to be a team worker and open for feedback. We want you to be committed to your group and we highly recommend to attend the lessons scheduled. For us appreciation and equality have a high priority and so it should be for you.

 
 

 

 

Content of the programme

During your semester you will experience:

  • Practical oriented lessons
  • Intensive coaching on personal competences within the project environment
  • Field trips to (local) companies as f.eg. UPS, DSV, KLG etc.
  • Guest lectures from f.eg. Alpega, TANS, Timocom, 24plus Network, SMS Group*

*Please note there might be changes each year.


This exchange programme is worth 30EC which equals 840hours study load. The semester includes one central semester project and four building blocks referred to as CAS:

  • Central project - 10 EC
  • CAS 2.1: Distribution, general and strategic - 5 EC
  • CAS 2.2: Transport, tactical and operational - 5 EC
  • CAS 2.3: Distribution, tactical and operational - 5 EC
  • CAS 2.4, Tools - 5 EC



Every CAS is assessed by an examination. Click the button to get a detailed programme description.

Programme description CAS-es



During this semester you will work on a (fictional) project where you take the role of a consultant. A logistics service provider does the distribution for Europe’s largest retailer of self-assembly lifestyle furniture with stores in 34 countries. However your customer thinks that the logistics costs are way too high.


Can you optimize the distribution network structure and decrease costs? Additionally the improvement of the carbon footprint is desirable.

Project

Assessment: written report, presentation

Group/individual: group, group

Weighting: 100%

Assessment scale: 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 and Passed (V), Failed (O)


CAS 2.1

Assessment: written exam, presentation

Group/individual: individual, group

Weighting: 85%, 15%

Assessment scale: 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

CAS 2.2

Assessment: written exam

Group/individual: individual

Weighting: 100%

Assessment scale: 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10


CAS 2.23
Assessment: written exam
Group/individual: individual
Weighting: 100%
Assessment scale: 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10


CAS 2.4
Assessment: written exam
Group/individual: individual
Weighting: 100%
Assessment scale: 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

 

Admission requirements

For this exchange programme we have the following admission requirements:

  • English level: equivalent to IELTS 6.0;
  • The foundation year should be successfully rounded off;
  • Students must have affinity with mathematics and statistics.

 

How will your course programme be recognised by your home university?

Fontys will provide you with a so-called ‘Transcript of Records’, which will clarify the results that you have achieved. Depending on your results, you will receive a maximum of 30 ECTS credits. ECTS credits are recognised throughout Europe. The agreement between your home university and Fontys University of Applied Sciences will usually include a condition whereby the credits that you obtain will be recognised and transferred into the records kept by your home university.

 

Practical information

Start moment(s)
February
Location
Venlo
ECTs
30
Language
English
Duration
1 semester

Applications should always be submitted via the International Exchange (or Erasmus) Officer at the home university. This officer will send your application request (nomination) to Fontys. Once Fontys has received the nomination, your Fontys study department will send you a link to a web application called Mobility Online. Please take a look here to see how it works.

If you want to come as a freemover, we also need your university to send us a nomination e-mail. Once we have received this we will send you our application information.
As a freemover the fees are €75 per ECTS. If you are not sure if your university is a partner of Fontys Venlo University of Applied Sciences, the international office of your home university can tell you more about this.

Deadlines

Spring semester:

Nomination deadline November 1st

Application deadline November 15th


Fall semester:

Nomination deadline May 1st

Application deadline May 15th


For more information concerning the start date, please get in touch with the contact person of the study department of the concerned exchange programme.

English language requirements

For most English taught exchange programmes a minimum level of English language proficiency of CEFR* B2 or an equivalent of IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80 is required. However there might be programmes where a higher level is required and submitting evidence might be necessary.

Ambience photo Fontys

For more detailed information about practical matters, such as financial matters, residence permit, health insurance and accommodation, please click on the button below.

More information on practical matters

Doing a study abroad most certainly means a lot of excitement and perhaps also a bit of anxiety. Getting used to everything may be a challenge at times. You may have language difficulties or be unfamiliar with certain aspects of life in the Netherlands and at the university.

We receive around 100 international exchange students each semester. To give them a warm welcome into Dutch culture and at our campus, the International Office has set up a buddy programme. A buddy is a Fontys bachelor student who is familiar with the campus and who can give practical help with administrative systems, timetables etc. They know their way around the city of Venlo and can also help students to better understand Dutch traditions and habits and feel at home real soon!

What else can students expect from a buddy? A buddy will:

- meet you at the Venlo train station and accompany you to your room.

- help you get settled during the first weeks by answering practical questions related to living in Venlo and by showing you around town.

- help you with questions about campus life, teaching styles, campus set-up, how to prepare for exams, etc.

- help you with practical questions such as how to print documents, how to get connected to Wi-Fi, get acquainted with the Fontys portal, etc.

- introduce you to Dutch culture.

- be able to join you during social activities.

The programme seeks to give students the best possible start to their study abroad in Venlo and at our campus!

 

Location and contact