(a) General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grades 9-12. Students shall be awarded one credit for successful completion of this course.     
      (b) Introduction.      
        (1) Career and technical education instruction provides content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills for students to further their education and succeed in current or emerging professions.       
        (2) The Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Career Cluster focuses on planning, management, and movement of people, materials, and goods by road, pipeline, air, rail, and water and related professional support services such as transportation infrastructure planning and management, logistics services, mobile equipment, and facility maintenance.       
        (3) In Principles of Distribution and Logistics, students will gain knowledge and skills in the safe application, design, production, and assessment of products, services, and systems. This knowledge includes the history, laws and regulations, and common practices used in the logistics of warehousing and transportation systems. Students should apply knowledge and skills in the application, design, and production of technology as it relates to distribution and logistics industries. This course allows students to reinforce, apply, and transfer their academic knowledge and skills to a variety of interesting and relevant activities, problems, and settings.       
        (4) Students are encouraged to participate in extended learning experiences such as career and technical student organizations and other leadership or extracurricular organizations.       
        (5) Statements that contain the word "including" reference content that must be mastered, while those containing the phrase "such as" are intended as possible illustrative examples.       
      (c) Knowledge and skills.      
        (1) The student demonstrates professional standards/employability skills as required by business and industry. The student is expected to:                  (A) identify career development and entrepreneurship opportunities in distribution and logistics;                   (B) identify careers in distribution and logistics systems;                   (C) apply competencies related to resources, information, interpersonal skills, problem solving, critical thinking, and systems of operation in distribution and logistics;                   (D) discuss certification opportunities;                   (E) demonstrate knowledge of personal and occupational health and safety;                   (F) discuss response plans to emergency situations;                   (G) identify employers' expectations, appropriate work habits, ethical conduct, legal responsibilities, and good citizenship skills; and                   (H) explore career goals, objectives, and strategies as part of a plan for future career opportunities.         
        (2) The student develops leadership experience as it relates to distribution and logistics systems. The student is expected to:                  (A) plan, propose, conduct, and evaluate industry-based occupational experiences;                   (B) apply proper record-keeping skills as they relate to industry-based occupational experiences;                   (C) use a customized record-keeping system for the individual industry-based occupational experiences;                   (D) discuss youth leadership opportunities to create a well-rounded industry-based occupational experience; and                   (E) develop a work plan and budget.         
        (3) The student explores concepts related to cultural diversity. The student is expected to:                  (A) identify significant similarities and differences in international culture;                   (B) explain the variety of world markets; and                   (C) describe marketing factors and practices that impact other cultures.         
        (4) The student understands the historical, current, and future significance of the distribution and logistics industries. The student is expected to:                  (A) define terms associated with the distribution and logistics industries;                   (B) identify the scope and effect upon society of the distribution and logistics industries;                   (C) identify significant historical and current developments in the distribution and logistics industries;                   (D) identify potential future scenarios for the distribution and logistics industry systems;                   (E) describe how emerging technologies and globalization impact the distribution and logistics industries; and                   (F) compare and contrast issues affecting the distribution and logistics industries such as international trade, employment, safety, and environmental issues.         
        (5) The student analyzes the structure of distribution and logistics organizations. The student is expected to:                  (A) describe common business management principles;                   (B) identify opportunities for leadership development and personal growth;                   (C) demonstrate democratic principles in conducting effective meetings;                   (D) describe team dynamics; and                   (E) describe the development of organizational vision, mission, and goals through the strategic planning process.         
        (6) The student explains the distribution and logistics industries at the local, state, national, and international levels. The student is expected to:                  (A) identify reasons for world trade and globalization;                   (B) identify the political impact of distribution and logistics;                   (C) review regulations and major laws to evaluate their impact on distribution and logistics;                   (D) read appropriate written material to stay abreast of current issues impacting distribution and logistics;                   (E) collect public opinion and data in order to make informed decisions;                   (F) use critical-thinking skills to identify and organize alternatives and evaluate public policy issues related to distribution and logistics; and                   (G) evaluate performance and contract compliance of contractors and service providers.         
        (7) The student demonstrates appropriate personal and communication skills. The student is expected to:                  (A) examine workplace ethical and legal responsibilities;                   (B) define the uses of proper etiquette;                   (C) identify appropriate personal appearance and health habits;                   (D) practice written and oral communication skills in formal and informal situations;                   (E) practice effective listening skills in formal and informal situations;                   (F) employ writing and preparation skills using technical information; and                   (G) demonstrate speaking skills.         
        (8) The student applies appropriate research methods for distribution and logistics systems. The student is expected to:                  (A) define major fields of research and development;                   (B) identify and apply scientific methods of research in distribution and logistics industries;                   (C) use a variety of resources for research and development; and                   (D) describe the scientific methods of research.         
        (9) The student applies problem-solving, mathematical, and organizational skills in order to maintain financial and logistical records. The student is expected to:                  (A) discuss project proposals;                   (B) maintain records appropriate to distribution and logistics system industries;                   (C) collect and organize data in graphs, tables, charts, and plots; and                   (D) analyze and interpret data from graphs, tables, charts, and plots.         
        (10) The student uses information technology tools specific to distribution and logistics industries to access, manage, integrate, and create information. The student is expected to:                  (A) use management software, email applications, and Internet applications;                   (B) use word-processing, database, spreadsheet, and presentation software;                   (C) examine collaborative, groupware, and virtual meeting software;                   (D) discuss Geographic Information Systems and Global Positioning Systems; and                   (E) discuss other computer-based equipment in distribution and logistics systems.         
        (11) The student discusses methods to reduce sources of workplace hazards in order to promote a safe working environment. The student is expected to:                  (A) discuss safe work practices and emergency procedures;                   (B) identify rules and laws designed to promote safety and health in the distribution and logistics environments;                   (C) demonstrate first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures; and                   (D) demonstrate proper use of safety equipment.         
        (12) The student examines material handling in warehouses and distribution centers. The student is expected to:                  (A) discuss handling practices for goods and materials;                   (B) explain size, weight, and shape requirements for packaging;                   (C) discuss material handling, storage, and shipping methods;                   (D) analyze visual design and appearance requirements for packages;                   (E) discuss layout plans for processing packages;                   (F) identify material handling and storage equipment; and                   (G) identify types of warehouses and distribution centers.         
     Source Note:        The provisions of this §130.443 adopted to be effective August 28, 2017, 40 TexReg 9123