GOAL: Generating Learning Opportunities in Logistics

Abstract

“Generating learning opportunities in logistics” (GOAL Project, for its acronym in Spanish), represents the effort of a group of professors in the logistics area of Tecnologico de Monterrey (Mexico) to disseminate and make more fun the learning of logistical concepts. To do this, the group created an online consulting platform for students to find help in topics, exercises to practice and receive immediate feedback about their level of learning. Based on a business simulator called “LOST” (Logistic Simulator), students have been able to create strategies, manage interfaces and understand the constraints of different logistical systems. In the semester from August to December 2017, the Optimization Models course utilized this online platform. It was created with four main objectives: 1) explore new communication and information technologies that promote flexible, adaptable learning; 2) help students detect opportunities for improvement in their learning and skills; 3) motivate the students to commit themselves to their self-learning; and, 4) explore different support tools that help the students reflect on their learning process. After three semesters of using this online platform, the results are quite favorable: 1) a vast majority of students are satisfied with the various supports in the platform (98%); 2) a large percentage of students would like all logistics courses to include similar supportive material (92%); 3) the degree of student motivation increased when measured against traditional courses; 4) the average grades improved; 5) the percentage of students failing the subject decreased, and 6) students (mostly) felt more committed to their learning.