(a) General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grades 11 and 12. Recommended prerequisite: Principles of Distribution and Logistics. 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) Distribution and Logistics is designed to provide training for entry-level employment in distribution and logistics, This course focuses on the business planning and management aspects of distribution and logistics. To prepare for success, students will learn, reinforce, experience, apply, and transfer their knowledge and skills related to distribution and logistics.
  (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;
    (C) apply competencies related to resources, information, interpersonal skills, problem solving, critical thinking, and systems of operation in distribution and logistics;
    (D) investigate certifications required to meet state requirements for selected fields;
    (E) demonstrate knowledge of personal and occupational safety, health, and first-aid policy in the workplace;
    (F) develop response plans to emergency situations;
    (G) identify employers' expectations, appropriate work habits, ethical conduct, legal responsibilities, and good citizenship skills; and
    (H) develop personal career goals, objectives, and strategies as part of a plan for future career and educational opportunities.
  (2) The student identifies concepts related to cultural diversity. The student is expected to:
    (A) identify similarities and differences in international cultures;
    (B) explain the variety of world markets; and
    (C) describe marketing factors and practices that impact other cultures.
  (3) The student describes 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 of the distribution and logistics industries and the industries' effect on society;
    (C) identify significant historical and current issues in the distribution and logistics industries;
    (D) identify potential future scenarios for the distribution and logistics industries;
    (E) describe how emerging technology and globalization impacts 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.
  (4) The student explains the distribution and logistics industries at 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 the distribution and logistics industries;
    (D) read appropriate written material to stay abreast of current issues;
    (E) use critical-thinking skills to identify and organize alternatives and evaluate public policy issues; and
    (F) evaluate performance and contract compliance of contractors and service providers.
  (5) The student demonstrates appropriate personal and communication skills. The student is expected to:
    (A) describe and apply workplace ethical and legal responsibilities;
    (B) define the uses of proper etiquette and behavior;
    (C) identify appropriate personal appearance and health habits;
    (D) practice written and oral communication skills and employ effective listening skills;
    (E) comprehend technical reading materials common to the distribution and logistics industries;
    (F) employ sound writing and preparation skills for prepared and extemporaneous oral presentations, including presentations of technical information; and
    (G) demonstrate speaking skills.
  (6) The student applies appropriate research methods for distribution and logistics topics. The student is expected to:
    (A) define major fields of research and development;
    (B) demonstrate proficiency in using a variety of resources for both research and development; and
    (C) describe the scientific method of research.
  (7) The student applies problem-solving, mathematical, and organizational skills to maintain financial and logistical records. The student is expected to:
    (A) discuss project proposals;
    (B) develop and maintain records;
    (C) collect and organize data in graphs, tables, charts, and plots;
    (D) analyze and interpret data from graphs, tables, charts, and plots;
    (E) maintain appropriate financial records such as journals, inventories, income and expense logs, and financial statements and balance sheets;
    (F) conduct formative, summative, and financial analyses of project learning objectives and records in order to problem-solve for the future;
    (G) review commercial driver license (CDL) preparation guidelines; and
    (H) explain CDL guidelines in preparation for testing.
  (8) The student uses information technology tools to access, manage, and create information. The student is expected to:
    (A) use personal management software, email applications, and Internet applications;
    (B) use word-processing, database, spreadsheet, and presentation software;
    (C) use collaborative or virtual meeting software;
    (D) use and explain the benefits of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) hardware and applications;
    (E) use computer-based equipment to manage human resources and physical assets;
    (F) use technology applications such as barcode systems to identify and track goods and shipments; and
    (G) use mobile applications such as GPS to track goods and shipments.
  (9) The student uses data to optimize distribution and logistics business operations such as storage, distribution routes, equipment, and human resources. The student is expected to:
    (A) use data to identify areas of operation that need improvement to optimize business operations;
    (B) identify alternative processes and procedures to improve and optimize business operations; and
    (C) make data-based decisions on optimizing storage space and distribution routes.
  (10) The student assesses and implements methods to reduce sources of workplace hazards common in the industry in order to promote a safe and accident-free work environment. The student is expected to:
    (A) identify, assess, and control hazards to maintain safe and healthy working conditions;
    (B) state the role and summarize the benefits of each component in a health, safety, and environmental management system;
    (C) demonstrate emergency procedures to reduce and mitigate workplace accidents;
    (D) perform tool, equipment, facility, and personal protective equipment audits and inspections;
    (E) identify rules and laws designed to promote safety and health in the workplace; and
Cont'd...