Faculty Spotlight

William O Hedgepeth
Program Director

William O Hedgepeth
Doctor of Philosophy: Old Dominion University

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Master of Arts in Reverse Logistics Management

 

DEGREE AT A GLANCE:

    • Number of Credits
    • 36
    • Cost Per Credit
    • $ 325
    • Total Tuition*
    • $ 11,700
  • *(Before Transfer Credit)
 

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Reverse Logistics Management provides an industry-based group of courses designed to educate professionals in advanced subjects in reverse logistics as a key component in logistics management. Students will analyze how reverse logistics is being used in their military or civilian logistics organization. It will provide students with advanced knowledge of current applications of reverse logistics use and opportunities to study practical applications in domestic and international transportation and logistics scenarios. In today’s competitive global transportation and logistics business climate, organizations are always under pressure to adapt to new procedural and technological trends to improve the visibility of product and cargo flows through an ever-widening and complex supply chain. Within the next three to five years, there will be an increase in reverse logistics as a separate organizational component reporting directly to the CEO or CFO.

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Program Objectives

In addition to the institutional and general education level learning objectives, this degree also seeks the following specific learning outcomes of its graduates. With reference to each of the respective areas of reverse logistics management, graduates in this degree program will be able to:

  • Analyze and present the best practices of a reverse logistics operation.
  • Classify and explain the differences between forward and reverse logistics.
  • Compare and contrast different historical case studies of when a reverse logistics operation was a success and when it was a failure.
  • Explain the military and commercial industry history of reverse logistics compared to its current uses.
  • Conduct an informal survey of military or manufacturing or retail decision makers and explain how to appraise qualitative as well as quantitative data and reports in the use of reverse logistics processes.
  • Differentiate the financial impact of reverse logistics from financial components within a business environment.
  • Examine and compare how a real-world application of reverse logistics is improving logistics visibility in a military, manufacturing and retail environment.
  • Design and write an implementation plan to use reverse technology processes and technology within a manufacturing, retail or military organization.

Admission Requirements

American Public University is part of American Public University System, a regionally accredited university offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels. All courses are online, so students have the flexibility of taking classes any time or any place that fits their schedule. Our degree programs are designed to be challenging and relevant to working adults in both the public and private sectors and can help enhance their current career or prepare them for a career change.

Students come to our university from across the globe with varying educational backgrounds and diverse educational and career goals. Choose the category below that best describes you:

Our 5-step admissions process will allow you to apply for admission, complete your new student orientation, request a transfer credit evaluation, apply for Federal Student Aid, and register for classes. Get started today!

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Core Requirements
15 Hours
NAME
DESCRIPTION
CREDITS
RLMT500
Reverse Logistics Management
3 hours

This course is a comprehensive review of the major applications of reverse logistics principles, problems and best practices in manufacturing, retail and the military. The student will study applications from apparel, aviation, automotive, electronics, food and beverage, retailers, and sporting goods. It includes an analysis of Green applications and Carbon Footprint credits for companies.

RLMT501
Practical Applications in Economics Analysis
3 hours

This course is a comprehensive study of problem formulation and calculating return on investment (ROI) in project management such as applications for reverse logistics. The student will develop engineering economic analysis solutions to case study problems of returns, recalls, recycling, repackaging, waste management, as part of learning how to design a reverse logistics network or supply chain.

RLMT502
Decision Making Strategies in Reverse Logistics Management
3 hours

This course investigates the advanced analysis methods and techniques used to solve the pricing and packing needs of products entering the reverse logistics supply chain. The course emphasizes the most successful methods from business statistics, production and operations management, management science, and operations research fields of study. Students will be required to synthesize material from several major fields of study in order to apply it in this course. Methods of analysis will be investigated to solve these problems including probability concepts and their applications, statistical quality control, process design, forecasting, inventory control, waiting line models, transportation and assignment methods, decision analysis, and simulation modeling

RLMT503
Reverse Logistics Policies and Regulations
3 hours

This course covers government rules, regulations, policies, etc. that govern reverse logistic operations. These policies and regulations will be analyzed toward their impact on product production, manufacturing, and retail industry. The impact of the overall reverse logistics network designs and distributions will be studied from case studies. The impact on the financial elements of a company engaging in reverse logistics practices will be examined from a return on investment and sound business planning.

RLMT525
Research Methods in Reverse Logistics Management
3 hours

This course in research methods will prepare the reverse logistics management graduate student to understand material and issues associated with, but not limited to, the logic of the scientific method, research design, and qualitative and statistical analysis of data focused on any aspect of reverse logistics issues or problems. Students will be afforded the opportunity to begin to conduct research on topics within the field of reverse logistics management. This course is intended to provide a foundation from which the student may use the knowledge and practices gained in this course throughout the rest of their graduate program


Major Requirements
18 Hours
NAME
DESCRIPTION
CREDITS
Choose 12 Credit Hours from the following:
RLMT600
Global Reverse Logistics Management
3 hours

This course is a comprehensive examination of the global factors affecting reverse logistics drivers from major companies to small businesses. The student will examine and analyze disaster logistics and how it affects the resiliency of a global supply chain.

RLMT610
Technology in Reverse Logistics Operations
3 hours

This course studies the use of GPS, RFID and bar coding technology used to track and trace products through the forward supply chain and the reverse logistics process. The student will study the complex issues of data synchronization facing today’s reverse logistics manager.

RLMT620
Resource Commitment and Performance in Reverse Logistics
3 hours

Students in this course analyze the resources needed to establish and implement a reverse logistics operations in manufacturing and in retail stores. Emphasis is placed on analysis and way to measure the return on investment and other performance measures to ensure a successful reverse logistics operation.

RLMT630
Recalls and Returns Management
3 hours

This course is a focused and comprehensive examination of the recalls programs of major manufacturing companies around the world, as a thorough study of how a returns program can enhance the revenue stream of a retail store.

RLMT640
Network Design in Reverse Logistics
3 hours

A comprehensive study of the central returns centers, its layout, the facilities, and training needed to successfully operate in today’s global market place. Emphasis on project management knowledge, use of diagrams and flowcharts are used to design a network process for a manufacturing firm and for a retail organization.

Choose 6 Credit Hours from the following:
RLMT645
Advanced Green Logistics
3 hours

This course examines the organization, planning, and controlling of recycling, reclaimed materials, and reclaim centers projects that are designated as Green. The student is provided practical knowledge on Green project planning, managing Green project scope, and sustainment and environmental risk management.

RLMT650
Reverse Logistics in the Retail Industry
3 hours

This course is a focused and comprehensive examination of how different retail industries implement reverse logistics programs. The focus is on food and beverage, apparel, automotive, sports, hotel operations, and consumer electronics. Attention is focused on data synchronization inventory management comparing the forward and reverse logistics chains.

RLMT655
Reverse Logistics and Hazardous Materials
3 hours

This course studies the handling of hazardous materials in reverse logistics operations. The study designs a forward and reverse logistics chain to identify and analyze the point where the product become hazardous to workers in recycling, returns, and waste movement. The student will study the regulatory issues that govern the legal and illegal activities of returns through case studies.


Final Program Requirement
3 Hours
NAME
DESCRIPTION
CREDITS
RLMT699
Reverse Logistics Theory Capstone
3 hours

A study of the reverse logistics function, its role in society, and the theory that provides the underpinning manufacturing and retail management business today. The course will provide an understanding of general principles of reverses logistics as compared to forward logistics and the supply chain concept. Topics covered include revenue generation, return on investment, Green technologies and related topics. All core courses must be taken prior to the capstone course.Capstone courses are NOT included in the university retake policy. All grades for any capstone attempts will appear on transcript and will be calculated in GPA


Graduate Electives
0 Hours
Electives are typically courses available at your degree level that are not currently required as a part of your degree program/academic plan. Please visit the catalog to view a complete listing of courses.

Program Completion Rates, Median Debt and More

The following program details are intended to help you make an informed decision about the university that's right for you.

2011-2012 Program Completion Rate
Normal time to completion for full-time student2 years
Graduates who completed in this time1Not available
Tuition & Fees as of January 1, 2013 Median Loan Debt of 2011-2012 Graduates
Tuition
(before any awarded transfer credit)
$11,700 Federal loans6$0
Technology fee2$50Private educational loans$0
Transfer Credit Evaluation fee3
(if applicable)
$50 Institution financing plan$0
Graduation fee$100 
Comprehensive Exam4$250 
Books and supplies5$1,152 
On-campus room and boardNot applicable 

1 Data may be “not available” if the program has no graduates during reporting period or if it has not been in existence the normal time for completion. If 0%, then graduates in the reporting period took longer than the average time, usually because they were part-time students. 91% of our students are working adults and do not take a full-time course load.

2 A $50 Technology Fee will be charged for all future undergraduate and graduate level course registrations, including audited courses. The fee is not applicable for Comprehensive Exam courses. An APUS grant will cover the fee for Active Duty Military, Reservists, National Guard, Vocational Rehabilitation (VOCA), VA and VA Chapter 33 students, and anyone using military tuition assistance (TA).

3 Transfer Credit Evaluation Fee waived for all United States Active Duty Military, Guard, and Reserve personnel.

4 If a comprehensive exam is required to complete your program of study there will be an additional fee of $250. This fee covers the cost of exam supplies and materials.

5 Cost for books and supplies is based on an average for the courses within this degree program. Students must obtain their own software when required for a course or program.

6 This figure does not include PLUS loans or TEACH grants converted to Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans.

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American Public University System (APUS) makes no representation or guarantee that successful completion of an APUS program or coursework will result in employment within a particular field. Many employers take into account various criteria, in addition to education, when determining eligibility for employment. To assist our students in their career search, the APUS Office of Career Services provides students and alumni a variety of tools, resources, information, and guidance to assist them as they pursue their life goals.

 

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