Transportation Issues in Local and Global Firms in Thailand

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to inform the SCM community and firm managers of the varied research by employees concerning practical transportation problems in supply chains. The methodology is an analytical review of ten empirical research project reports by postgraduate MSc students in supply chain management at Assumption University of Thailand, from 2008-13. The reports were chosen at random, based on easy availability of digital and printed copies. Many varied methodologies are involved, quantitative and qualitative, using different models, methods, and software.The value lies in the analysis of so many empirical reports which demonstrates the value of disciplined university-firm research into practical problems, and may help firms with similar problems. Four reports deal with Third Party Logistics Providers (four of which involve sea transportation), four involve vans and trucks, two involve air transportation (ground services). Most of these project reports state limitations, especially the non-generalisability of research findings, either to other companies, other industries, or other countries. Nevertheless, this collection shows the breadth and depth of supply chain issues, methodologies, and findings, applicable in total to almost all firms. However, ‘One size does not fit all’. This paper should encourage firms to use their managers to conduct appropriate disciplined research to find practical solutions to problems and challenges.