FreshLink Logistics: Strategic Site Selection for a Sustainable Cold Chain Network

FreshLink Logistics is a fictional yet realistic European cold-chain logistics company facing a strategic decision to establish a new distribution hub in Southern Europe. Driven by growing customer demand, sustainability commitments, and increasing logistics complexity, the company must identify the location that best balances operational efficiency, financial performance, customer responsiveness, and environmental responsibility. Through a realistic business scenario, students evaluate four alternative locations by applying the Factor Rating Method, the Center of Gravity Method, and the Locational Break-Even Analysis. The case encourages learners to compare different analytical approaches, interpret quantitative results, and formulate a well-supported managerial recommendation. Designed for undergraduate courses in Operations Management and Supply Chain Management, the case bridges facility location theory with real-world strategic decision-making.

After completing this case study, students should be able to:
o      Explain the strategic importance of facility location decisions in operations and supply chain management.
o      Apply the Factor Rating Method to evaluate alternative facility locations using qualitative and strategic criteria.
o      Apply the Center of Gravity Method to identify geographically efficient facility locations based on customer demand and supply sources.
o      Perform a Locational Break-Even Analysis to compare the financial performance of alternative locations under different demand scenarios.
o      Interpret and compare the results obtained from different facility location models.
o      Evaluate the trade-offs among operational efficiency, customer responsiveness, financial performance, and sustainability.
o      Analyze the impact of fixed costs, variable costs, and operating volume on facility location decisions.
o      Develop well-supported managerial recommendations by integrating quantitative analysis with strategic judgment.
o      Strengthen analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in realistic operations and supply chain contexts.
More broadly, the case aims to help students understand that facility location decisions are multi-criteria strategic decisions requiring the integration of operational, geographical, financial, and sustainability considerations. By combining analytical models with managerial interpretation, students develop a deeper appreciation of how quantitative tools support real-world supply chain and logistics decision-making.

Facility Location; Operations Management; Sustainable Supply Chain Management; Cold Chain Logistics; Distribution Center Location; Supply Chain Network Design.

L1

Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Fictional case study based on realistic business situations

Année de la problématique : 2026

Livraison : Livraison par lien de téléchargement

Nombre de pages : 11

Temps d'utilisation : 3h00