Trucking & Freight Logistics and Supply Chain Management

- Headed and Managed by Mr. Niranjan Krishnan

This area of research is headed by Mr. Niranjan Krishnan. Research here involves the application of analytical techniques including statistical, econometric and optimization modeling, for analyzing and solving real-life problems that arise in the planning and management of logistics systems and supply chains. Instances of such applications include the following:

• Demand Modeling and Forecasting
• Supply Chain Modeling and Optimization
• Network Design
• Vehicle Routing and Scheduling
• Pricing and Revenue Management
• Third-party Logistics Operations

Current Research Topics

Development of a simulation and rule-based model for optimizing truck operations

Principal Investigators: Dr. Leong Choon Heng, Mr. Niranjan Krishnan, Dr. Ada S.F. Ng, Dr. Moazzem Hossain, Dr. Nor Adnan Yahaya, Dr. Woon Wei Lee and Dr. Saravanan Solaimalai


Rice supply chain management for Malaysia

Principal Investigators: Mr. Niranjan Krishnan and Gan Li Fern


Rice is the staple diet for the peoples of Malaysia. Malaysia is not self-sufficient in the supply of rice with the domestic cultivation sufficient to meet only 60-70% of the national demand. The Malaysian rice industry is facing many challenges from different quarters. In this research we evaluate the operations of the industry using a supply chain management approach. We develop models for quantifying inefficiency in the supply chain and identify avenues for efficiency improvement.

Status: Completed Phase 1


Supply chain management for fresh flowers

Principal Investigators: Mr Niranjan Krishnan and Wong Sai Fong


In this research we extend and apply the framework developed for the rice supply chain for analyzing the distribution process of fresh flowers in Malaysia. We identify critical issues affecting fresh flowers supply chain and explore different options for improving the efficiency.


Implementation of RFID technology in Malaysia

Principal Investigators: Mr Niranjan Krishnan and Ng Poh King


Forecasting and inventory planning for make-to-order retail products

Principal Investigators: Mr Niranjan Krishnan and Yap Shook Teng


Comparison of business practices and operations between trucking companies of different sizes

Principal Investigators: Dr. Leong Choon Heng and Sit Wai Ming


This research investigates and documents the differences in operations and business practices between different types of trucking companies in Malaysia. Ultimately, the research will analyzed the degree of modernization and incorporation of advanced techniques by these companies. The difficulty in introducing sophisticated techniques in truck operations will also be studied.


Trends in logistics development in Malaysia

Principal Investigators: Dr. Leong Choon Heng and Tan Khee Kwong


This research will look at specific logistics companies to evaluate the trends in logistics development in Malaysia. This is a continuation of an earlier study which assessed the stage of development of third party logistics in Malaysia.


Development of a GIS-based multi-modal freight transport network tool for the Klang Valley region

Principal Investigators: Dr. Moazzem Hossain


Planners and decision makers often need to analyze and design for the freight transport network of today and sometime in the future. Logistics managers and third party logistics provider also need to analyze and understand the freight network in a multi-modal perspective for efficient operation. But in absence of a proper decision support system (DSS) tool this task cannot be carried out comprehensively. The essential component of the network tool would be: a geographic information system (GIS) database for freight transport network, freight demand modeling using land use-development pattern and operational characteristics of the different components of the freight network. Such a model can be a useful decision support system for regional transport authorities and logistics provider to monitor, analyze and plan the freight transport network in a multi-modal perspective as well as to make the land use plan for industry and trade by the former.

Publications and Reports for Funded Projects in This Area

Wong, Larry, Leong, Choon Heng and Niranjan Krishnan "Rice Supply Chain Management,". Report submitted as chapter 13 in The Review of Paddy and Rice Industry in Malaysia. Study conducted for Marditech Corporation Sdn Bhd and report submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture Malaysia, November 2003.

Niranjan Krishnan and Wong, S. Y., "Modeling the Malaysian Rice Supply Chain", Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Transportation Logistics (TLOG 2005), Singapore, July 2005.

Niranjan Krishnan and Wong, S. Y., "Improving the Efficiency of Malaysian Rice Industry through Supply Chain Management", Proceedings of the UM Asian Business Conference - Business Practices in the Digital Era, Kuala Lumpur, pp. 311-325, April 2005.

Completed Student Theses in This Research Area

Salina Umar, 2004. "The Development of Third Party Logistics in Malaysia: An Overview." - supervised by Dr. Leong Choon Heng

Wong, Sook Yeen, 2004. "Modeling the Rice Supply Chain in Malaysia." - supervised by Mr. Niranjan Krishnan and Dr. Leong Choon Heng

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