Robert A. Novack
Emeritus Associate Professor of Supply Chain & Information Systems
Office Address 473 Business Building
Phone Number
814-863-1231
Email Address
osv@psu.edu
Robert A. Novack
Emeritus Associate Professor of Supply Chain & Information Systems
Office Address 473 Business Building
Phone Number
814-863-1231
Email Address
osv@psu.edu
Dr. Novack is currently an Associate Professor of Business Logistics in the Department of Business Logistics at Penn State. From 1979 to 1981, Dr. Novack worked in Operations and planning for the Yellow Freight Corporation in Overland park, KS. From 1981 to 1984, Dr. Novack worked for the Drackett Company in Cincinnati, OH. He is the co-author of two textbooks: Transportation (with John Coyle and Ed Bardi), and Creating Logistics Value: Themes for the Future (with Lloyd Rinehart and John Langley). He has published numerous articles in the Journal of Business Logistics and the Transportation Journal, among others. Dr. Novack is a member of AST&L, CLM, and WERC.
Expertise
Dr. Novacks' current research interests focus on the quantification of logistics value and supply chain performance measurement
Education
Ph D, Logistics, The University of Tennessee, 1987
MBA, Business Logistics, The Pennsylvania State University, 1979
BS, Logistics, The Pennsylvania State University, 1977
Courses Taught
MIS 494H – Research Project (Variable)
Supervised student activities on research projects identified on an individual or small-group basis.
SCM 301H – SUP CHN MGT HONORS (3)
SCM 301H focuses on supply chain management concepts, principles, and methodologies for effective and efficient management of product and service operations across supply chain networks. The course explores the framework for supply chain management, the key issues and challenges, the key cost and service elements, the basic analytical tools, and the strategic role of information technology. Major themes embedded in this course include: principles and framework of supply chain management such as processes, drivers, and common decisions; the complexities of matching supply and demand in an uncertain business environment; performance metrics in determining a corporation's top and bottom lines; and the globalization of supply chains and the integration of these chains throughout all business disciplines.
SCM 494H – Research Project (Variable)
Supervised student activities on research projects identified on an individual or small-group basis.
SCM 496 – Indep Studies (Variable)
Creative projects, including research and design, that are supervised on an individual basis and that fall outside the scope of formal courses.
SCM 404 – Dem Fulfil (3)
Analysis of demand fulfillment and the role of distribution operations management in the supply chain. SCM 404 Demand Fulfillment (3)This course introduces the student to how customer demand is managed and how subsequent orders are filled in both business-to-business and business-to-consumer markets. Topics focus on the demand fulfillment process, which encompasses flows of goods, information, and funds from the moment a business receives an order from a customer until all requirements for the order are satisfied in full. These topics include: *role of demand management and distribution operations in the supply chain*transportation management*distribution center processes *inventory control and order management elements*facility costing and productivity analysis*strategic demand management and distribution operations issues in the supply chain.Both theoretical and quantitative perspectives will be offered on these topics. Additionally, each topic will be addressed from strategic and financial perspectives. After completing this course, students will have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to: *Explain the role of demand management in the supply chain*Explain the role of distribution operations in demand management*Determine the strategic and financial impacts of demand management and distribution operations management*Articulate the role of information systems in demand management and distribution operations management*Use quantitative techniques to analyze supply chain processes*Describe related system software. This is one of three prescribed foundation courses for the Supply Chain and Information Systems major for which SCM 301 Supply Chain Management is a prerequisite. This course also satisfies the prerequisite for SCM 421 Supply Chain Modeling and Analysis. Student evaluations are based on individual and group homework assignments and computer-lab exercises, as well as on at least three written examinations.
BA 297 – Special Topics (1)
Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a comparatively narrow subject which may be topical or of special interest.
SCM 301 – Sup Chn Mgt (3)
SCM 301 is an introductory course that provides an overview of key logistics and supply chain management processes, concepts, and methodologies. Emphasis is given to the framework for supply chain management, the analysis of logistics cost, and service trade-offs among inventory, transportation, and warehousing activities, the strategic role of information technology in supply chains, the use of third-party logistics providers, and the methods of measuring the value of logistics performance. Instruction is based on problem-based learning pedagogy.
SCM 597 – Special Topics (2)
Formal courses given on a topical or special interest subject which may be offered infrequently; several different topics may be tuaght in one year or semester.
SCM 594 – Research Topics (Variable)
Supervised student activities on research projects identified on an individual or small-group basis.
SCM 540 – Transprt N Sup Chn (2)
SCM 494
B A 297C – Project Risk and Change Management (1)
This last course in the series introduces the student to risk and change management; team responsibilites, conflicts; quality; ethics; and closeout.
SCM 596 – Individual Studies (Variable)
Creative projects, including nonthesis research, that are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.
B A 596 – Individual Studies (variable)
Creative projects, including nonthesis research, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.
SC&IS 596 – Individual Studies (variable)
Creative projects, including nonthesis research, that are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses. A specific title may be used in each instance and will be entered on the student's transcript.
SCM 400 – Transport Planning (3)
Advanced study of transport systems in supply chain networks.
SCM 576 – Logistics and Supply Chain Leadership (2)
Current issues and best practices for selected supply chain leadership topics.
SCM 597A – Supply Chain Immersion (2)
Immersion course intended on giving MBA students hands on experience and a direct outlook into their chosen concentration.
B A 302 – Supply Chains (2)
Introduction to key elements and strategic importance of supply chain networks.
SCM 450 – Strategic Design and Management of Supply Chains (3)
Strategic design and management of supply chains.
B A 574 – Business Research (variable)
A project paper, comparable in quality and scope of work to a graduate thesis, on problems of a company.
SC&IS 450 – Strategic Design and Management of Supply Chains (3)
Strategic design and management of supply chains.
SC&IS 496 – Independent Studies (variable)
Creative projects, including research and design, that are supervised on an individual basis and that fall outside the scope of formal courses.
SC&IS 404 – Demand Fulfillment (3)
Analysis of demand fulfillment and the role of distribution operations management in the supply chain.
B LOG 496 – Independent Studies (variable)
Creative projects, including research and design, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.
M I S 494H – M I S Senior Honors Thesis (variable)
Supervised student activities on research projects identified on an individual or small-group basis.
B LOG 395 – Practicum in Business Logistics (variable)
Professional and guided work experience in transportation and/or logistics with private or public organizations.
B LOG 425W – Management of Logistics Supply Chains (3)
Issues and practices with respect to technology adoption, change management, financial/capability assessment, and relationship management in supply chain networks.
B LOG 596 – Individual Studies (variable)
Creative projects, including nonthesis research, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.
B LOG 405 – Warehousing and Terminal Management (3)
Administration of warehouse and terminal functions in logistics systems, with analysis of customer service, forecasting, inventory, investment, design, and operation.