Operating a Warehouse at Maximum Efficiency
This resource supports the teaching of specific education and training content that can be implemented by classroom instructors in the context of a particular career cluster.
This scenario-based lesson, created by the STEM Transitions project team, is free and requires a one-time registration to access all site materials. The lesson is designed to provide students an exercise in determining the costs of warehouse operations at minimum and maximum capacity. This exercise will also require students to search for more efficient ways to operate the warehouse, generate additional income, and develop new priorities in customer service. The real-world scenario for the lesson involves the Marshmallows Unlimited Candy (MUC) Company. Students will assess and analyze the situation presented in the lesson and make recommendations for the company.
Students will be able to: (1) Demonstrate proficiency in introductory mathematics by converting total costs to costs per square foot per month and the fixed cost of labor to in and out costs per pound or per pallet; (2) Organize data from multiple sources in an understandable format and explain it in a formal presentation; and (3) Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in writing and in an oral presentation. The activity is aligned with Transportation, Distribution and Logistics career cluster standards.
This resource was reviewed and vetted through the Designing Instruction for Career Pathways initiative of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Vocational and Adult Education under Contract No. ED-CFO-10-A-0072/0001.
