This multidisciplinary minor brings together students from different study programmes to work on real-life business challenges in international logistics and supply chain management. You will learn how global supply chains are designed, analysed, and improved in an era of sustainability, digitalisation, and rapid change. The programme prepares you to make informed operational and strategic decisions in complex, international environments.

Content of the Programme

The minor covers the full supply chain spectrum. You will explore procurement, operations, and distribution management, with a strong focus on sustainability, analytics and practical decision‑making. Throughout the semester, you work on applied research cases and international project challenges.

The minor offers you an international community of around 50 young professionals from all over the world, who will build their long-lasting friendships through studying, playing and growing within an international business context.

Are you ready to tackle real-world challenges in international logistics and supply chain management? This minor prepares you to design and manage supply chains that can withstand disruptions and meet sustainability goals. You’ll learn how to make fast, informed decisions in a global context—skills that companies need now more than ever.

Courses included:

• Lean Six Sigma
• Operations
• Procurement
• Distribution Management
• Demand Chain Management
• Distribution Strategies

Programme Structure

Students work in international, multidisciplinary teams on applied research and consultancy‑style assignments. The programme combines theoretical concepts with simulations, casework and hands‑on tools used in the field. You will develop a complete set of analytical and professional skills relevant to modern supply chain roles.

Build up your network!

In our Minor programme, we host students from all over the world, because we are working with 80 different partner universities. In international business in particular, the importance of a well-maintained network cannot be over-emphasized. The contacts you will make during the semester, will broaden your network, and will help you with your future career.

Method

Project‑based learning supported by lectures, workshops, case assignments and professional tools. You will apply methods such as Lean Six Sigma, network analysis, transport planning and demand‑driven supply chain modelling.

Next to the minor programme, we will offer each year a different variety of electives. By following the core courses and electives, you will achieve many different competences, very well appreciated in an international business environment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learning Outcomes

After completing this minor, you can:

·       analyse and improve international supply chain processes.

·       apply data‑driven and Lean Six Sigma methods.

·       design sustainable and feasible logistics solutions.

·       collaborate effectively in international, interdisciplinary teams.

·       reflect on your professional performance in real project settings.

Note: Are you an external student?
Then you must first obtain permission from your own study program in order to take this minor.

Want to apply?
Then check the learning agreement for the next steps you need to follow.

The minor is intended for 4th year students of RBS, 3rd or 4th year students of partner universities and other economic/business management programs of applied universities.

The following students can be admitted:

• Students who successfully completed courses of Marketing and/or International Business Management within their applied university program. 
• Level of English must be CEFR level B2. 
• IBC skills (presentation and report writing). 

1. Module: Lean Six Sigma
This is an online training and certification program.

• Title: Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Training & Certification
• Type: On-line training & certification
• Mandatory: Yes
• Website: www.goleansixsigma.com
• Author(s): Karlo Tanjuakio et al.
• Registration: Use your Studentid.@hr.nl e-mail address to make use of the discount.
• Discount rate: $25 via coupon code YBrbs at checkout.
• Remark(s): Additional literature: the book we use in the Module Operations.

2. Module: Operations
This is a physical textbook.

• Title: Operations Management in the Supply Chain
• Subtitle: Decisions and cases
• Type: Book
• Mandatory: Yes
• ISBN / EAN: 978-1-2605-7143-1
• Author(s): Roger G. Schroeder / Susan Meyer Goldstein
• Publisher: McGraw – Hill Education International Edition
• Year / Edition: 8th Edition (2020)
• Remark(s): This is the same book we use in the Module Lean Six Sigma.

3. Module: Distribution Management
This is a physical textbook.

• Title: Contemporary Logistics
• Type: Book
• Mandatory: Yes (in case you do not have a solid background in Logistics)
• ISBN / URL: 978-0-1324-7903-5
• Author(s): Paul R. Murphy, Jr., A. Michael Knemeyer, The Ohio State University
• Publisher: Pearson
• Year / Edition: 12th, Global Edition (2017)
• Remark(s): Other editions may also qualify; check with your teacher!
  

4. Module: Procurement
This is a physical textbook.

• Title: Purchasing & Supply Chain Management
• Type: Book
• Mandatory: Yes
• ISBN / EAN: 978 1473 779 112
• Author(s): Arjan van Weele / Frank Rozemeijer
• Publisher: CENGAGE Learning EMEA
• Year / Edition: 8th Edition (2022)
• Remark(s): Other editions may also qualify; check with your teacher!

Block 1 – Schedule

Distribution Management (5 EC): This course involves an International Business Project.

Contact Time: 24 hours (3 hours per week).
Day: Monday.
Assessment: Project Plan, Project Report, and Client Pitch.

Operations (5 EC):

Contact Time: 24 hours (3 hours per week).
Day: Tuesday.
Assessment: Active Participation, Case Assignments, and Written Exam.

Lean Six Sigma (5 EC):

Contact Time: 24 hours (3 hours per week).
Day: Wednesday.
Assessment: Lean Six Sigma Training, Case Assignments, and Portfolio Report.

Block 2 – Schedule

Demand Chain Management (5 EC): This course involves an International Business Project.

Contact Time: 24 hours (3 hours per week).
Day: Monday.
Assessment: Project Plan, Project Report, and Client Pitch.

Procurement (5 EC):

Contact Time: 24 hours (3 hours per week).
Day: Tuesday.
Assessment: Active Participation, Case Assignments, and Written Exam.

Distribution Strategies (5 EC):

Contact Time: 24 hours (3 hours per week).
Day: Wednesday.
Assessment: Case Assignments, Distribution Plan, and Client Pitch.

Types of Assessments

Assessment types include presentations, reports, project deliverables, written exams and portfolio work. Mandatory contact hours and course‑specific assessments are outlined per block in the study load overview on HINT.

Study Load

30 EC divided across six modules (5 EC each), with a mix of lectures, project work and assessments. Detailed schedules and contact hours are available in the block overview on HINT.

What makes this minor unique?

• Cased based learning: Work on real-life international projects and applied research cases.
• Industry-recognized certification: Earn your Lean Six Sigma Yellow, Green or Black Belt and SAP.
• Global perspective: Explore procurement, operations, and distribution strategies in an international business setting.
• International Business and Career Perspective: Lecturers with a track record and network with leadership firms in international business.
• Expert insights: Guest lectures from leading professionals and an international case competition.

Why choose this minor?

• Gain practical experience with real cases and projects.
• Build analytical and critical thinking skills for complex supply chain networks.
• Prepare for careers in logistics, supply chain management, and international business at industry leaders associated with this minor.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Are you a student from another educational institution and would you like to follow a minor at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences? If so, you must apply in two steps:

Step 1
Register for the minor of your choice via the blue Apply button. You can find this button at the top right of the minor’s page.

Download the learning agreement and complete it.
Submit this learning agreement to the examination board of your study programme.

Once the examination board has granted approval, register for the minor in Step 2 no later than 01-07-2026 at 9:00 a.m. 

Step 2
After approval, register via OSIRIS Application of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences using the link below (first create an account).

Click here: https://osiris.hr.nl/osiris_aanmeld_hrprd/Welkom.do?proces=KOM2609&opleiding=MINOR-RBS-VT 00

Part of the application process is uploading the following documents:

• The learning agreement, signed by you and by your institution;
• A scan or photo of your passport or ID card.

You will be informed by Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences whether your application has been approved.

In OSIRIS Application, you must also upload the Proof of Paid Tuition Fee (BBC) for the academic year in which you wish to follow the minor. This can be done from 01 May 2026 onwards. You can request the BBC from your institution after you have signed or issued an authorization for the payment of the tuition fee for the relevant academic year. You may also choose the option for your institution to send the BBC directly to collegegeld@hr.nl.

You will receive a notification from Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences once your application has been approved.