MBA in Supply Chain Management

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.248.9.226/handle/123/14052

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item: Thesis-Abstract
Influential factors for location decisions of international business ventures for logistics hub operations : the case study of Sri Lanka
(2021) De Alwis D; Bandara YM
ABSTRACT Sri Lanka is strategically located in the middle of the East-West main shipping lane has the right location to operate as a Regional Logistics Hub. Due to the location advantage, ever since in the history, country was an attractive destination for the sailors and international traders as a transit point. After the independence in 1948, various governments appointed took many initiatives to develop Sri Lanka as regional commercial, manufacturing, and logistics hub. The thirty years of civil war hindered the progress of developing the country and discourage the foreign investment. Government attention was diverted towards protecting the nation from terrorist activities. During this period, internationally, manufacturing bases started moving from West to East looking for low cost of factors of production. International shipping was boomed with sourcing raw materials and supplying the finished goods all over the world. Countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai capitalized on the geographical location advantage to support the growing international trade by developing as regional logistics hubs. Thereby achieved the commercial and financial objectives. After the independence in Sri Lanka, many initiatives were taken to develop the country as a regional logistics and commercial Hub. Expansion of Colombo Port, establishment of Free Trades Zones, construction of Hambantota port and Matthala International Airport, introduction of Commercial Hub Regulations to facilitate the regulatory reforms are the initiatives taken by the government. In reviewing the statistics of Sri Lanka comparing to the other well performing logistics hubs for the post war ten years period, Sri Lanka is still the lowest performing county as a regional logistics hub even though Colombo port was leading in the region in the past. Regardless of the location advantage and the improvements done in varies sectors to attract international trade, Sri Lanka is still not given the first preference by the international business ventures to operate their regional logistics activities. Therefore, the focus of this research is to identify the factors prioritized by the international business ventures to locate their regional logistics hubs and benchmark Sri Lanka against the well performing Logistics Hubs to identify the areas for the improvements. Based on the literature review conducted; the influencing factors identified as decision-making criteria for deciding the location for the regional logistics hub is categorized under five main areas as follows. a) Location related factors, b) Port facilities, Air / Sea connectivity related factors, c) Business friendly legislation related factors, d) Operating cost related factors, e) Quality of the infrastructure related factors. According to these factors, survey is conducted to capture the primary data from a sample of the selected population to identify the influential factors for location decision and benchmark Sri Lanka against the successful regional logistics hubs in Asia. The target population for capturing the primary data for the research is identified as the senior management experienced in the international supply chain management and regional hub operation. To assess the psychological aspects, they consider while making the decision of the regional hub location in terms of numbers, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique is used. AHP is basically used for identifying and prioritizing the most influencing factors for certain complex decision making. Therefore, AHP technique is identified as the most suitable technique to identify the priorities given by the industry experts in deciding the regional hub location. Based on the response to the questionnaire and the feedback received in the personal interviews, the most important factor for deciding the regional logistics hub was identified as the geographical location. At the same time, feedback reveals that industry experts have given similar high importance to the other main factors identified in the literature review. In reviewing the responses received for benchmarking Sri Lanka with the other successful regional logistics hubs, reveals the areas to be improved to bring up Sri Lanka as a preferred regional logistics hub. In conclusion, as per the facts gathered in the literature review, questionnaire feedback and the personal interview responses, recommendations are provided for the improvements to be done to make Sri Lanka the most preferred regional logistics hub in the Asia.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Realistic business continuity plan (BCP) for procurement in the food & beverage (F&B) sector
(2021) Kularatna MADIC; Sugathadasa R
A documented Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is a necessity in the competitive business environment today as everyone is running on a race to achieve their goals and targets. Considering the risk mitigation, some are already having BCPs but the effectiveness of the existing BCP is a question. Therefore, this research was conducted to understand the condition of existing business continuity plans in the Food and Beverage industry and provide necessary recommendations for fine tuning the same if needed. The research was conducted using a mixed methodology including both qualitative & quantitative data. Also, a thematic analysis was done to reach the best conclusions for identified research problems. A sample of respondents covering the Food & Beverage sector was selected and they involved for the data gathering providing valuable insights. During the research, it was observed that there are several areas which were not focused when developing the business continuity plan and it was recommended to fine tune the BCP including these findings. Especially, it is required to keep a plan for various possible scenarios which the business can think of rather having some theoretical scenarios. Also, everyone needs to be fully aware on their priorities when managing a crisis but as it can vary with the prevailing situation, it is better to document and keep everyone aware about the same.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Reducing the process time of customs clearance of full container load (FCL) at the Colombo harbour using a multi-modal transportation system
(2021) Wijesinghe KS; Sugathadasa R; Sigera I
The container traffic in Colombo Sea port and suburbs is a major issue for Sri Lanka Customs in their process of releasing cargo with a minimum time frame. The research is mainly focused on how to reduce the container traffic and lead time of customs clearance process using a multimodal transportation system. The chapter 01 gives a brief introduction about Sri Lanka Customs, Colombo Sea port and further focus regarding the objectives of the research including the justification and limitations. The chapter 02 will discuss regarding the background of the research topic as how the role of Sri Lanka Customs has been changed from the collector to a facilitator. It also briefs about the facilitation provided by Sri Lanka Customs to its customers at the momentand still why it takes a significant number of hours to release a container based on the time release studies conducted by Sri Lanka Customs itself. How the research is going to be carried out, is discussed in the chapter 03. The secondary data from the ASYCUDA system will give the basic statistics for research and several theoretical concepts will be used to analyze the data and design the models. The methodology of the research is simply elaborated in this chapter using several statistical parameters such as probability distributions. Chapter 04 is allocated for the literature review. Though it is difficult to find literatures related to customs clearance process and multimodal transportation, the literature review is basically focused on the customs lead time of different countries in the world and rail-road hybrid transportation models. Chapter 05 is consisted with analyzed data with interpretations. The secondary data collected from the ASYCUDA system are analyzed using several statistical methods and gives a basic idea regarding the issues of the current clearance process, especially in transportation. It also gives a general idea about the existing capacities of Sri Lanka Customs and a real time picture of the customs clearance process. The expected solutions for the issues identified by the analysis are given as an expert idea in the chapter 06. It will discuss about the possible ways to overcome the current issues and what are feasibilities. Research design is introduced in the chapter 07 as where the railway terminal should be established, how many train movements required, what is the capacity of the cargo trains, what is the ideal speed of the train should be etc. And also it will show the graphical representation of the central railway terminal and road network design inside the port. The processing times for each level are calculated and gives a summarized information regarding the reduced lead time of the customs clearance process. The final two chapters are allocated for the conclusion and the recommendations of the research. The lead time of the customs clearance process can be reduced by 25% by this multimodal system and it is suggested to implement the system after a feasible study with few other recommendations.
item: Thesis-Abstract
The study of determining the factors affecting the truck turnaround time in a container terminal
(2021) Jayasekara MPACD; Segera LCI
Maritime transportation has become the most popular cargo transportation mode over a long period of time. It has evolved, today, up to container transportation where it has geared up the platform to container terminal operation. Port of Colombo is one of the major transshipment hub ports in the world, which consists of three major container terminals including the Jaya Container Terminal which is the largest government owned container terminal. The East Container Terminal was added to the above terminals at the end of the year 2020 which is also operates under the Sri Lanka Port Authority. Around 80 per cent of the containers handled inside the Port of Colombo are transshipment. To maintain the highest connectivity rates the shipping lines have to move the transshipment containers among the vessels calling across these container terminals. Therefore, the truck movements are on the increase inside the port area as well as in the respective terminals. Hence, this research is focused on one of the critical parameters for the terminals; Truck Turnaround Time. This research is carried out as a case study analysis, to find out the most important factors that affect the truck turnaround time inside a container terminal and thereby improve the terminal’s efficiency and productivity levels in minimizing the effects of the factors identified. The factors were identified using a pilot survey and literatures on the related studies. A questionnaire is adopted to collect the data using Likert scale values and the data analysis is performed using statistical techniques such as Hypothesis Testing, Karl Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient, Regression Analysis and the question by question analysis. As per the research findings, the relationships against all the four independent variables; Vessel Operations, Yard Utilization, Handling Equipment and the Human factor, were found with the Truck Turnaround Time (TTT). Pearson correlation coefficients for the above factors were found as 0.636, 0.816, -0.091 and 0.656 respectively. Therefore, we may summarize the relationships as follows.  TTT vs Factors relating to Vessel Operations - Strong Positive Relationship  TTT vs Factors relating to Yard Utilization - Strong Positive Relationship  TTT vs Factors relating to Handling Equipment - Negative Relationship  TTT vs Human factors - Strong Positive Relationship However, the analysis data has an R-squared value of 0.721. Therefore, it further hints that there can be many other factors that could affect the dependent variable. Apart from the data gathered through interviews and the questionnaire, the relationships found are tested with the real data to get a better understanding of the numerical values. The measurable figures give an idea of the threshold values of each of the major factors on the acceptable Truck Turnaround Time values. However, it is to be noted that the container terminal operation is highly dynamic in nature. So that the threshold values identified in the study require continuous assessments with time. From the outcome of the analysis, suitable recommendations are made for the Jaya Container Terminal to reduce the truck turnaround time within the terminal and finally to improve its overall productivity
item: Thesis-Abstract
Barriers to the business functioning of the domestic courier industry in Sri Lanka
(2021) Ismadeen MZ; Bandara MY
A supply chain interconnects the global and local partners, suppliers, organizations in strategic level. Knowledge of supply chain management is becoming wisdom in future trends, forecasting, and providing the competitive edge in an organization’s success. Logistics plays the vital part in moving tangible movements, information, and cash on upward and backward in the entire supply chain. Logistics is accountable for all sorts of movements of goods in all modes of transportation and sizes. As one of the main players in the logistics industry, domestic courier services are connecting the rural economies to urban and the urban businesses to rural. Domestic courier services directly and indirectly help and assure the safe, reliable speed movements of business and personal goods. It helps its customers to focus on their core business activities and take the responsibility of connecting the last mile deliveries. Due to the development of e-commerce, domestic courier services adding value to collecting the cash sales and the reverse logistics part as well. This research identified the barriers to business functioning of the domestic courier industry in Sri Lanka. Further it describes the importance of the domestic courier industry in Sri Lanka. Additionally, the need for standardized, united and the competitiveness of the domestic courier industry in Sri Lanka. This study was initially conducted by interviewing the domestic courier industry experts, getting the relevant information from the management level staff in the domestic courier industry through questionnaire. Collected information was transformed into a data set. Then data has been analyzed by using Principle Component Analysis in Exploratory Factor Analysis Method.
item: Thesis-Abstract
A Study on cash supply chain management in banking sector, Sri Lanka
(2021) Manjula JLP; Sugathadasa PTRS
In contrast to the global situation, Sri Lankan cash supply chain does not use SCM applications significantly. In general, currency moves through the supply chain in a very similar way as of the retail product flow. Being service providers, banks seek optimum service delivery in regard to cash supply chain to achieve customer satisfaction. Globally, researchers have studied the cash supply chain using both manufacturing and service supply chain concepts. Globally, IT systems and scientific models are being used for cash order management, automatic cash order processing for ATM replenishments, cash inventory management, forecasting cash demand, cash monitoring tools and for optimal CIT route planning. In global practices, it is evident that ecological factor has been embedded in the decision-making process to minimize environmental impact as a part of the sustainable cash supply chain. Currently most of the banks in Sri Lanka may have not achieved the maximum operational effectiveness of cash supply chain as satisfied percentage in overall satisfaction shown by the branch managers of banks in Sri Lanka varies between 47% and 72%. Further, no statistically significant evidence to claim that more than 50% bank managers are satisfied on prevailing cash supply chain under 95% level of confidence highlighting that there are gaps that need to be addressed strategically as a country in optimizing the money supply chain using globally improved supply chain management strategies. The study found that high satisfaction of private bank on Information Technology systems to communicate with upstream, information systems related to Asset and Liability Management function, information security, and business continuity compared to the state bank is statistically significant at a level of 95% confidence. Banks which have outsourced services or have a central cash processing unit show more satisfactory level compared to the banks that handle cash distribution administration in a decentralized manner. However, there was no significant difference with regard to the overall satisfactory of cash supply chain between government banks and private banks under 95% level of confidence. The cost involved through the supply chain might not be optimal as there are gaps related to cash distribution administration, security, transportation, information systems and cash inventory management which are basic functions of cash supply chain. The Covid 19 pandemic has led many banks to rethink about the business continuity arrangements based on the strategies that have been currently implemented. In view of the strategic development of the cash supply chain in Sri Lanka, AHP mathematical model revealed that Physical Security, Service Point Capacity, Insurance, Information Systems, Distribution and Cash Inventory are the key functional areas that need to be focused.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Assessing enterprise resource plan (ERP) requirements at a small and medium scale construction organization: a case study
(2021) Chathuranga MKNR; Perera HN
The manufacturing industry gave birth to enterprise resource planning. It offers a typical in work environment for a company to take part its main corporate administration operations with a unique central database, allowing for the sharing of information and effective communication across management departments. Enterprise Resource Plan has traditionally been restricted to major businesses in the construction industry. Small to mid-size construction businesses make up a large fraction of construction firms that have either failed to deploy or are unfamiliar with this technology. The objective of this article is to give a decision-making mechanism for place in order enterprise resource planning module deployment. This study lays out a step-by-step plan for implementing an Enterprise Resource Plan system in the construction sector. This research created a four-step procedure for deploying Enterprise Resource Plan system in the correct order. The first step identifies the most widely utilized Enterprise Resource Plan system modules in the construction sector. In the second stage, the projected advantages of ERP adoption are specified. In the third stage, the significance index (I) will be defined. The primary findings of the study include a complete list of thirteen ERP modules graded by their use in the Sri Lankan construction sector. Out of thirteen modules, inventory control and logistics, procurement, and project finance and accounting were in top three places.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Factors affecting the efficiency of warehouse picking operation in retail industry
(2021) Peiris KWC; Gamage AIT
Covid-19 pandemic has changed people’s buying behavior and most of retail supermarkets are in a great challenge of fulfilling customer requirements due to “Panic buying” behavior. Since the current trend has become an e-commerce market, the necessity of well-working warehouse operation has increased. Therefore, to move with the customer changes and to increase customer satisfaction, improvements should be added for warehouse activities. Order-picking has the highest priority in warehouse operation in terms of improving the warehouse efficiency. This research was conducted to determine the factors that affect efficiency of warehouse picking operation in retail industry with a comprehensive literature study. Following factors were identified as the influential factors for the efficiency of warehouse picking operation such as training on warehouse workers, technology, incentive payments for labor, picking methodology, safety of the operation etc. Further analysis was conducted for factors identified from literature review using a self-administered questionnaire which was developed and distributed among warehouse people to get their opinions. 207 responses were collected, and consistency analysis test confirmed that the collected data set is consistent and in an acceptable level. Using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) it was concluded that “Training on warehouse workers”, “Technology” and “Machine maintenance plan” were the top 3 factors that affect the efficiency of warehouse picking operation. Therefore, rather than focusing on one area, management should give a priority for all three areas simultaneously. Such as, there should be a mechanism to train the workers which should not be only a one-time training, management should invest on technology based on the volume and complexity of the operation they have and finally rather than waiting for a machine breakdown, people should have a proper machine maintenance plan. Because of the pandemic situation, it was difficult to have many participants for the survey and total number of respondents was limited. Future studies can be conducted with another level of AHP by considering sub factors under each prominent factor and it can also be suggested to analyze the challenges going to face when implementing these factors within a warehouse. Same study can be done for other operations within the warehouse such as put-away, repacking, loading etc.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Developing online sales channels for emerging small and medium enterprises
(2021) Nawaratne NDCS; Perera HN
The worldwide total retail sales hit $23.4 trillion in 2020 of which 18.5 trillion are in traditional physical store sales and four trillion are in E-commerce related sales. With the twentieth century closing we have seen a great shift in the market from small retailers (mom and pop shops) to big box retailers. In the current century, these large shops are replaced by a digitized replication of the big box retailers at a more virtual complex than the physical kind. This paper would discuss the evolution of traditional retailing especially within the last 3- 5 years, specifically due to current world events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to achieve the objectives of the research the author used both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The results demonstrated by the research provide a guided outlook on, how to upgrade an existing retailing business to an E-tailing hybrid business, as well as an understanding on what metrics will be enabled in terms of data and Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) that can be achieved within this implementation. The thesis would have a detailed look at some of the benefits drawn by an implementation of the online sales channel as well as some barriers faced by the new adopters when trying to implement the technology in their respective organizations. The research focuses on understanding the development of ecommerce within Sri Lanka, by using a triangulation method which the author builds by creating a solid knowledge foundation on retail markets, e-commerce development, different types of e-commerce and finally ties the whole loop with literature that helps the reader understand the overall impact to the supply chain and the different data points gathered that enable a data analytics process, helping business gain new insights, and make much more informed decisions within a business. Using this knowledge, the thesis conducts a survey to understand the overall position of the online customer population using a sample and reverifies these findings with six expert interviews with top officials representing corporates that have been performing outstandingly well when it comes to the e-commerce sector. Finally, the research thesis depicts these learning on to a newly designed four stage ecommerce adoption model that will help any traditional business that is currently generating a significant amount of sale to identify which stage would best fit their business model and best strategy in implementing a digital strategy within their organization
item: Thesis-Abstract
An exploratory analysis on identifying the influential factors of using digitalization techniques to achieve a higher supply chain efficiency by Sri Lankan apparel industry
(2021) Perera BDP; Gamage AIT
The use of digitalization techniques has revolutionized the way of operating for many businesses today. It has become quite crucial for modern-day apparel manufacturers to use these techniques to cater to the highly customized needs of their customers with a minimum lead time to survive in the increased competition in the global market. Therefore, the apparel manufacturing firms constantly seek ways and means to improve their supply chain efficiency in terms of quality, cost, delivery, safety, and morale. As most of the apparel businesses in Sri Lanka operate as a B2B business model with contract manufacturing agreements with renowned brands in the global market, many compliance requirements are being set by those giant companies just to improve their overall supply chain efficiency. Thus, the manufacturing firms are compelled to adopt various digitalization tools to cater to their customer’s expectations. However, the implementation of aforesaid tools carries numerous benefits for all the supply chain partners. The fashion and apparel (F & A) industry are one of the sectors which have largely implemented many of the digital applications into their operations during recent times. Whilst relishing numerous benefits, contemporary businesses also had experienced various negative implications after employing the aforesaid tools. The purpose of this thesis is to explore the various types of digital technologies which could be used by the F & A businesses, the potential benefits of those applications, and the possible challenges/risks to which they are exposed. In addition, this study would evaluate how those digital technologies could assist the B2B apparel manufacturing firms in improving their supply chain efficiency and enable them in data-driven decision-making.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Determinants of outsourcing warehouse operations in Sri Lankan ceramic industry :
(2021) De Silva S; Liyanage H
The company selected for the case study King Ceramics is the dominant market leader in Sri Lankan tile industry with the expanding their business to 16 various countries worldwide. Having an efficient distribution network comprised of 60 showrooms and 11 warehouses are the attractive capabilities of King Ceramics. Currently, more than 50% of the total group revenue is generated by tiles and associate products. Warehouse operations are playing a pivotal role in the supply chain management process since they allow purchasers to obtain the most appropriate products at a reasonable price and at the place where the purchasers can accommodate easily. Existing conditions in King Ceramics, the purpose of this study is to cater the problem of “What are the factors influencing manufacturing companies to outsource warehousing facilities in Sri Lanka?”. Identifying the factors influencing the manufacturing companies to outsource warehousing facilities in Sri Lanka is designed as the primary objective of the research. Here, data collection is primarily based on a questionnaire. Based on the analysis conducted referring to the gathered responses, cost associated with in-house warehousing operations, customer satisfaction and capability to focus on company corecompetencies variables are identified as factors with a positive relationship with effective outsourcing of warehouse operations in Sri Lanka. However, the risk associated with outsourcing of warehouse operations has a negative relationship with the effective outsourcing of warehouse operations in Sri Lanka. Impact on customer satisfaction has the highest impact compared to the other three independent variables. The cost associated with in-house warehouse operations shown the second priority and the company’s capability of focusing on its core competencies is the third prioritized factor towards the effective implementation of outsourcing of warehouse operations. According to the research findings, risk related to in-house warehouse operations on the effective implementation of outsourced warehouse operations has shown the lowest level of impact. Therefore, as a manufacturing company, King Ceramics should focus on improving and streamlining its processes to develop a seamless flow in-between outsourced operations and inhouse operations to deliver maximum satisfaction to customers and to have the maximum cost saving.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Investigation of causes for increased greenhouse gas emissions from the logistics vehicle fleet of Sri Lanka army
(2021) Thilakarathna NGJP; Perera HN
Being the largest service organization in the country, the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) is not only responsible to ensure the internal or external threats to the national security of Sri Lanka, but also to ensure the environmental security. In line with that the researcher carefully undertaken this research titled ‘measuring the carbon footprint of the logistics vehicle fleet of the SLA. Since this subject covers a several technical terms, the researcher conducted a comprehensive literature review; referring to various books, journals and paper articles, internet sources, and scholarly articles to discover the research gap which was considered essential element to explore research. Based on that, the researcher defined research objectives, research questions, and research hypotheses. The methodology was illustrated comprehensively with the adopted research methods and designs. Later a conceptual framework was formulated and the same was operationalized to formulate the questionnaire which was circulated amongst 10 selected senior officers in the SLAOC since it is of strategic importance. Moreover, the researcher consulted professionals in the ministry of environment to discover the impact of carbon footprints that emit from substandard vehicles to pollute the environment. Since this is qualitative research, the researcher used Microsoft Excel and SPSS software in coding and analysing the data. All the opinions, views, and comments were summarised to excerpt the essence of their ideas. The selected questions of this research were then tested and managed to identify the means of getting rid of the old fleet of vehicles to create a healthy vehicle fleet that emits no or reduced greenhouse gasses. Having concluded the data presentation and analysis, the researcher described the significant findings through an effective discussion. Questions testing in detail, testing of hypotheses, and the achievement of research objectives were more clearly described to make the reader clearer about the significance of this research. Recommendations were carefully filtered facilitating the authorities of SLA to initiate the creation of an environmentally friendly GHG-free vehicle fleet. Future researchable areas were also documented for interested parties to conduct further studies.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Optimizing finished goods warehouse : a case study
(2020) Kumara BGS; Liyanage H
Topic of the work was the improvement of the current space utilization and efficiency in the company finish good warehouse. As per LEAN concept storage is the one of non-value add activity in the company's supply chain but it is necessary for continue business process. The purpose of the research is deciding changes to increase the overall performance of the bearing by identifying performance factors. One of main goal is to analyze the current state of optimization. A comprehensive literature review is present for the optimization of the finished goods warehouse. The problems classified according to the basic warehouse functions and areas. The literature in each category have described with emphasis on the features of different decision support models. It also reviews inventory optimization issues and operational issues as a conceptual optimization model. First, the overall structure of the warehouse described and Secondly, the floor plan and the use of space in the warehouse characterized with special consideration in this research. Thirdly, the warehouse information systems for warehouse operations briefly mentioned and Forth, the optimization of warehouse operations depending on the technical and operational structure described. Fifth, this paper shows the management principles discussed with stock optimization, and finally the contribution of equipment and machine utilization to inventory optimization. Finally, layout strategies simulated and improved to manage warehouse utilization and truck turnaround time. And this implementation effect on waste reduction, improvement of speed and efficiency, flexibility and reliability management also discussed and finally effected as a cost saving for the company.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Improving efficiency of a warehouse :
(2020) Wimalarathna BCT; Sivakumar T
Warehouse operation and management is a critical part in manufacturing and service industry. This research anlysis the strategies for improving the warehouse efficiency in leading tile manufacturing organization (RPL) in Sri Lanka and how to implementing the proper inventory management system in the warehouse. The Cummulative Net Flow Analysis (Inflow-Outflow) was used for check whether warehouse capacicty was enough or not to cater the customer demand as well as Inflow quantity from the factory. And also it used 4M analysis(Man, Machine, Material, Method) with the internal warehouse processes to find that are there any errors with reference to 4Ms. In addition to that a questionnaire was given to empolyees in RPL to find the strategies which will be most significant and implementable.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Minimization of total transportation costs in a delivery network with a single origin and single trip distribution system
Gunawardhana, RMSL; Bandara, M
Invention of contemporary solutions in transport and logistics sector is significantly important with the growth in the volume of freight transportation in any local and international context. Most transport problems are related to the cost incurred through congestion, shortage of labour and the fuel price hike. Each vehicle fleet of individual organizations should be improved and managed to its optimum level to eliminate waste and costing transportation. Transportation management systems (TMS) are used to minimize aggregate operational costs in many companies worldwide. TMS is a subset of supply chain management concerning transportation operations and may be part of an enterprise resource planning system. A TMS usually "sits" between an ERP or legacy order processing and warehouse/distribution module. A typical scenario would include both inbound (procurement) and outbound (shipping) orders to be evaluated by the TMS Planning Module offering the user various suggested routing solutions. These solutions are evaluated by the user for reasonableness and are passed along to the transportation provider analysis module to select the best mode and least cost provider. Once the best provider is selected, the solution typically generates a schedule of loading the vehicles in order to dispatch shipments with the selected carrier, and later to support freight audit and payment (settlement process). Links back to ERP systems (after orders turned into optimal shipments), and sometimes secondarily to warehouse management system (WMS) programs also linked to ERP are also common. Estimating the total cost of an ERP software solution requires a careful assessment of an array of variables which can vary wildly from one company to the next. The size of a business, its unique requirements and the scope of use all play a critical role in determining the cost of system. Understanding the factors that influence the cost of ERP will help give you a better idea of how much a business can expect to pay. Moreover, it gives the enterprise the knowledge to carefully evaluate estimates that fall significantly below or above industry standards. Most ERP systems are priced on a per-user basis. Specifically, the number of users that will be using the system at the same time and the level of access they require. The number of users and the 7 functions which are included are factors that affect the price and the price in most cases is exorbitant. The main objective of the research is to introduce a simplified and low-cost method of minimizing the transport costs by minimizing the number of truck movements or vehicles in the fleet, maximizing the quantity volume per kilometre, minimizing the mileage of each vehicle in the fleet and finally generate a rational but easy to use dispatching schedule for start-ups, small and medium scale companies who are yet to implement a sophisticated and integrated transport scheduling system. This research was carried out considering, outbound logistics of companies which are having the spoke-hub distribution system. Analysis will be carried using randomly generated data which include vehicle fleet data (trucks) and customer (Agent) demands. To minimize the total transportation cost, the optimum number of truck movements with different capacities was selected for each agent by applying the Simplex Method in Linear Programming. The results will give a proper insight to prepare a vehicle schedule to dispatch each shipment by considering the agent’s available safety stocks. This study assists the company to reduce its carbon footprint by eliminating unnecessary truck movements. Human errors were also reduced by using this systematic way of scheduling vehicles. Outcome of the research demonstrates that the application of the proposed model for truck scheduling system in transport operation to increases the efficiency of outbound logistics thereby maximising the profit of the company. This paper therefore brings a solution to the vehicle scheduling problem and overcomes the bottlenecks in transportation at such companies
item: Thesis-Full-text
The Feasibility of an MCC model for far East-Europe/USA trade lanes of global retailers by taking Sri Lanka as the hub country
Wanshanatha, DKSS; Bandara, YMMS
Sri Lanka is a country which is uniquely and strategically located in the maritime silk route, and known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean. However, no any government or private entity in the recorded history from 1948 has understood the real value of this natural heritage and act upon it to utilize the resources and to bring out the true benefit to the nation. When considered the size of geography, population, and the technological advancements in Sri Lanka one can clearly identify and accept that the country can hardly compete with the developed and industrialized nations who have achieved superiority in production capacities and export generation. Production and export generation are the only means of economic development and wellbeing for a country. Countries like Singapore has already shown the answers for this question by utilizing the limited resources of their country in to a fortune by establishing manufacturing units, managing millions of TEU’s of transshipments by means of bonding, value addition and Multi Country Consolidation (MCC). The Far East – Europe/USA trade lane passes Sri Lanka in close proximity to the port of Hambanthota carrying 2/3 of containerized cargo volume destined to the giant retail stores in Europe and USA. But unfortunately around 90% of such cargo bypasses our country as non-value added merchandize directly exported from Far East and South East Asia to Europe and Americas. The value addition processes of these imports are carried out at the destinations with high expenditure of service charges and unnecessary lead time. In this thesis proposes a Multi Country Consolidation model for this trade lane by taking Sri Lanka as the hub country to implement consolidations, relevant value additions and finally the transshipment of merchandize. And also, the further research is conducted to validate this model by proving the feasibility of improving the overall cost efficiency and reducing the total average lead time. A thorough comparison is presented between the existing direct trade lane process and the proposed MCC hub model to prove the advantages of the proposed process.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Assessing and minimizing the wastages in perishable cargo : case of vegetables supply chain in Sri Lanka
Dahanayake, AP; Bandara, YMMS
Agriculture is the most common livelihood of Sri Lankans, and almost eighty (80) different varieties of fruits and vegetables are grown in Sri Lanka’s in varied agro‐climatic areas.Sri Lanka produces around 710,000 metric tons of vegetables and around 540,000 metric tons of fruits annually. Most of the population involved in agriculture is small producers or home garden growers whose individual extent of land does not exceed a hectare. Fruits and vegetables are damaged due to inappropriate methods of picking, packing, storage and transportation. A considerable portion of products are perished during this process. Insufficient information flow is another major handicap. Therefore, it is very important to study the whole supply chain and find out the necessary remedies to develop Sri Lankan fruit and vegetable industry. Agricultural wastage is a country wide issue in Sri Lanka. According to the past researches done, there are over 40% in fruits and over 30% in vegetables been wasted while passing through the supply chain from farm-gate to the final consumer. Common supply chain for fruits and vegetables can be identified in several stages in the traditional supply chain namely farm-gate to collector, collector to whole-seller and whole-seller to the retailer. The collection and distribution of vegetable in the country is largely based on several economic centers situated across the country which were established with intuitive judgments about the locations suitability interns of transport and distribution optimization attributes. Nevertheless, the mode of transport is mainly by trucks and fruits and vegetable are packed in to plastic sacks by the supplier or intermediaries. As a result of handling, transportation, and distribution, it is reported that there is a considerable portion of fruits and vegetables are wasted. The present research focuses on assessing the wastage levels, due to transport, handling, and identify a strategy that will minimize the wastages in perishable cargo supply chain in Sri Lanka. Objectives of this research are, to identify the factors that lead to high wastage of vegetables, to assess the level of vegetable wastage in the perishable supply chain, and to identify strategies to minimize wastage during transport of vegetables in Sri Lanka. This study identified sample of 100 retailers to examine the supply chain of fruits and vegetables in identical numbers. Samples were drawn from the Manning Market in Colombo, Welisara Economic Center, Meegoda Economic Center, Dabulla Economic Center, Narahenpita Economic center and other vegetables Markets in Colombo and suburbs. The sample consisted the farmers, collectors, traders. Primary data were collected by a questionnaire consisted of fifty questions and pocket discussions and interviews. Face to face interactions and other communicative channels were used to collect information on the vegetable supply chain. According to the survey results, 65% of the supply is directly transported from farm gate to Colombo or city whole sale vendor. The average waste per Kilo of fruits and vegetables is higher in which comes through shops. Leafy vegetables total productions come from the farm gate. Higher proportion of the vegetable samples, were packed into net bags and poly sack bags. Loading method of the poly sack bags in the vehicle were identified as one poly bag on top of the other thus the ventilation to the cargo in the bags were minimal. Lowest wastage for fruits and vegetables were identified as packing into cardboard boxes. The study revealed that lowest wastage exits when vegetables come directly from farm gate. Further it was identified that the wastage levels will depend on the nature of vegetables. More wastage can occur for soft vegetables when transported in large Lorries. Distance is not a significant factor to the wastage in Sri Lankan vegetable supply chain. Direct transportation from farm gate to the Colombo vendors is another advantage to reduce the wastage. When vegetables are transported through intermediate vendors, the wastage will increase. Number of additional handling will impact such wastage in this chain. Therefore, this research identifies the importance of introducing advanced handling methods and usage of new equipments main recommendations. Further the study discusses the importance of the effective use of the equipment, structural changes should be carried out inside the shops, store areas and loading & unloading bays to facilitate direct cargo loading process into the vehicles to minimize wastages.
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Identification of factors affecting lubricant demand and developing models for sales forecasting
Jayathissa, HPITB; Sivakumar, T
With a bigger uncertainty and a lot of speedy modification in today's business setting, a heavier role to play lies inside prediction of future sales additionally referred to as sales forecasting. Though prediction becomes a lot of vital so as to not lose market shares, not all corporations regard the sales forecasting method as a key perform inside their organization. An overview of lubricants demand forecasting through identified factors, based on a developed regression models has been presented in this research. Annual data has been taken since 2012 to indicate close relations among the factors while considering quarter wise data. Firstly eight factors have been identified and then the following factors, Vehicle population, GDP growth and export values have been selected for the model developments after correlation analysis. After that regression analysis has been done for selected factors and based on the results forecasting methods have been developed. Then using actual data for the year 2016 the research convey the sales forecasting and evaluated model result. Furthermore if not accessible one in every of these factors, like if have only sales and vehicle population Company will do the sales forecasting with the 95.9% accuracy. Company have sales knowledge and GDP growth they can forecast the sales with the 69.10% accuracy. If the sales and export data accessible company will do the forecast 95.42% accuracy.
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Supply chain management issues in the apparel sector :
Ranasinhge, ANL; Amarasena, SM; Sivakumar, T
chain of manufacturing functioning fashionable the Earth. In that respect is broad lay out by measures to constitute considered to deal upwards about the important objects from the business enterprise such equally understating add up provide concatenation direction toll piece maximizing the income. Inwards the actual position from the manufacture, since them follows ordered, it costs the measure of sentence expected to dispatch a serving, a product band or a grade. Lead time represents related on the product direction confirm instruments. The award explore behave on costs centered on the educating a lead time direction framework low the driving site by grade modifying on heed to the fashion manufacture, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. The cause because deciding fashion industry equally the explore manufacture constitutes at that place is a competitive advantage base inside the manufacture. And besides with the energetic surround, it's essential to decide about suited client & provider on the situational alteration. A more formal definition by lead time in the supply chain direction domain costs the time from the moment the client directs arrange to the import them constitutes experienced away the client. Lead time is enforced on the supply chain by the aggressive surround from business organization which comprises forced by customer anticipations, supply chain initiations and capitalist coerce. Competitions that cannot deliver products and services inside the constituted lead time leave expected to expire. These costs the time of dictate beginning to arrange culmination indoor the manufacturing plant. Additional matter constitutes client lead time which costs the sentence of client grade arrangement to reception from commodity. They are interconnected on the manufacturing lead time for to come down client conduct time fired conduct time beginning. The transporting time costs admitted for the constructing fellowship motives to experience once the breaks up leave equal usable because real necessaries designing. Them comprises besides imaginable since lead time to acknowledge the time it adopts because an caller to cognitive operation and bear the character body of work fabricating formerly it is cost incurred. The time them carries accompany to offload a production of a lorry, scrutinize them, and actuate it into warehousing are nontrivial. Along loaded cooking up restraints or once a fellowship embodies employing exactly finally manufacturing it's significant since supply chain to process foresighted their have inner formulas take. Lead time is so made of: • Preprocessing Lead Time (also known as "planning time" or "paperwork"): It represents the time required to release a purchase order (if you buy an item) or create a job (if you manufacture an item) from the time you learn of the requirement. • Processing Lead Time: It is the time required to procure or manufacture an item. • Post processing Lead Time: It represents the time to make a purchased item available in inventory from the time you receive it (including quarantine, inspection, etc.)
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Critical analysis of the cashew export value chain in Sri Lanka
Liyanage, LADS; Mirchandani, J; Bandara, M
The Sri Lanka economy composition consists of three main economic sectors of Services, Industrial and Agricultural. Despite the agricultural contribution is comparatively less to the Gross Domestic Production (GDP) worldwide appreciation is very high due to the natural quality of Sri Lankan agrarian products. Records show that cashew cultivation was introduced to Sri Lanka in the sixteenth century from Brazil. Currently, cashew farming plays an important role in the agrarian sector in the Sri Lankan economy mainly generating high price value of finished products.