Ruth Banomyong | Thammasat University (original) (raw)

Papers by Ruth Banomyong

International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 2022

Performance measurement has been an integral component of decision-making concerning the efficien... more Performance measurement has been an integral component of decision-making concerning the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of disaster relief operations. Recently, there has been an increasing amount of research in humanitarian relief supply chain performance measurement, which necessitates a thorough analysis of recent developments. To this end, this paper provides a systematic review of humanitarian supply chain performance measurement studies, through a categorical analysis of research articles. The authors identified and categorized research articles according to seven structural dimensions: disaster type, context of operation, disaster management phase, data analysis technique, level of analysis, performance measurement system development process, and performance measurement theme. This review intends to link the trends and theories in the broader body of performance measurement to the specific issues encountered in humanitarian supply chain performance measurement. A systematic literature review was developed by employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis methodology. The authors identified and reviewed 83 peer-reviewed journal articles that have appeared since 2007, the year in which the first journal article on humanitarian supply chain performance measurement was published. The review reveals that while there is a growing literature on humanitarian supply chain performance measurement, there is limited empirical evidence about performance measurement system implementation. This paper identifies two key research streams: contextual-based performance measurement and simulation and predictive performance measurement. This review contributes to theory by developing detailed categories of performance measurement studies and future research directions. The results are limited to peer-reviewed journals focusing on supply chain and operations management literature, and hence do not cover the literature from humanitarian organizations technical reports, independent evaluations and other academic fields such as organizational studies or accounting literature.

The Lao-China railway (also known as the Boten-Vientiane railway) is part of six international ec... more The Lao-China railway (also known as the Boten-Vientiane railway) is part of six international economic corridors under China’s belt and road initiative (BRI). As part of the BRI, the Vientiane-Boten railway connects Lao Peoples Democratic Republic (PDR) with not only China (and eventually Singapore) but also the entire BRI network. The railway section that connects Kunming in China with Vientiane in Lao PDR is under construction, with plans to build a railway terminal close to export processing zones (EPZs) and the logistics park in Vientiane. The Thai railway section is designed to carry passenger trains on a new high-speed network while moving cargo traffic to the old meter-gauge network, creating potential challenges for transloading goods and passengers. The Lao-China railway aims to create closer trade linkages between not only Lao PDR and China but also between all economies in the BRI, which is expected to lower trade costs and accelerate economic growth and poverty reductio...

The developing economies of the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) have shown that they have become ... more The developing economies of the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) have shown that they have become increasingly linked into the global economy through trade, investment credit, and technology. Adequate transport and communication facilities play a vital role in their economic recovery and development. In recognition of the benefits of this regional integration, the countries of the GMS are co-operating to implement a number of initiatives to reduce physical and non-physical barriers to trade and transport. This study seeks to obtain the perspective and perception of key stakeholders on critical logistics issues as well as their views on the ways and means to address the issues. This study also intends to link the formal institutional environment with the individual stakeholder perspective and perception of critical issues and by that identify critical points related to logistic solutions in a cross-border environment. This study utilizes a participatory approach, developed by UNESCAP,...

International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications, 2021

The purpose of this paper is to investigate strength of supply chain integration based on social ... more The purpose of this paper is to investigate strength of supply chain integration based on social exchange theory and its resultant impact on supply chain cost and responsiveness. The study surveyed Korean export firms and obtained 182 usable responses. Data were analysed using cluster analysis and analysis of variance. Findings confirm that the strength of supply chain integration provides a mechanism for measuring the width of integration for both suppliers and customers. Further, identifiable gaps in cost performance and responsiveness were found based on strength of supply chain integration. This paper contributes through the development and testing of a conceptual model based on social exchange theory and also offers managerial suggestions in the understanding of customer needs and the importance of sharing information with suppliers in achieving improved cost performance and responsiveness in the supply chain.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 2021

Abstract Performance based measurement models and systems in humanitarian supply chains require i... more Abstract Performance based measurement models and systems in humanitarian supply chains require inputs derived from decision-makers’ and practitioners’ experience. Past knowledge related to performance indicator are generally qualitative and imprecise. Existing humanitarian performance measurement systems are largely theoretical and do not consider qualitative and imprecise information in their assessment of humanitarian relief operations. This paper aims to address a practical approach to the performance measurement of humanitarian operations by recognizing the need for multi-dimensional performance evaluation while dealing with imprecision and uncertainty in evaluation processes. A hierarchical multi-stage Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) was developed to address imprecise and uncertain performance indicators. Performance indicators were clustered into four Balanced Scorecard (BSC) type categories. A prototype was developed using MATLAB toolbox. The FIS scheme was tested and validated by practitioners from leading international humanitarian organizations in Malaysia. The scheme facilitated performance analysis and provided insights into operational areas that need further improvements. The proposed FIS scheme enable decision-makers to address imprecise and fuzzy information more objectively.

This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, ... more This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Nothing herein shall constitute or be considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of the privileges and immunities of The World Bank, all of which are specifically reserved.

Annals of Operations Research, 2017

The purpose of this manuscript is to explore methodologies for conducting comprehensive literatur... more The purpose of this manuscript is to explore methodologies for conducting comprehensive literature review. The manuscript objectives are twofold: one is to identify a suitable methodology for conducting comprehensive literature review and two is to enable the identification of main research themes and clusters obtained from the literature. The domain of humanitarian operations, logistics and supply chain performance is selected as the review context. The main strength of a systematic literature review from other styles of literature review is that it provides a much higher level of methodology to the process. It further provides a rapid comprehensive identification of main research themes and clusters as illustrated from the humanitarian operations and logistics performance domain.

Emerging markets are expected to provide much of the future growth for established multinational ... more Emerging markets are expected to provide much of the future growth for established multinational companies, yet strategies for entering these markets are often risky and uncertain. Transportation and distribution infrastructure in emerging markets may be limited due to a lack of reliable service providers and credible channel intermediaries. The combination of these factors may lead to a situation where companies find themselves competing with their own products that have entered the emerging market through parallel channels. However, while part of the literature suggests that informal parallel channels form because of impediments to free flowing distribution, the informal sector may also provide the solution to the challenges of entering emerging markets for multinational companies. This study describes the case of an informal network of border traders that has formed to supply consumer products to Vientiane the largest market in Lao PDR. It examines how this network effectively co...

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 2001

This paper explores the various alternative routes and methods available to garment exporters in ... more This paper explores the various alternative routes and methods available to garment exporters in Lao PDR, a landlocked country in South East Asia, when exporting to the European Union. Lao exporters are dependent on the transport systems in place in neighbouring countries (i.e. Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore) for transit purposes. A multimodal transport cost-model is used to illustrate and clarify multimodal transport routeing alternatives. A confidence index is also introduced for each route, transport modes and nodal links. Five routeing alternatives are presented in this paper and it is shown that the most frequently utilised route via Bangkok (Thailand) is not necessarily the most competitive in terms of time and cost, while the route via Port Klang (Malaysia) potentially offers a better alternative for Lao garment exporters.

Proceedings of the Winter Simulation Conference 2014, 2014

Geographical Simulation Model (GSM) is an alternative decision support system to assess transport... more Geographical Simulation Model (GSM) is an alternative decision support system to assess transportation, agglomeration, as well as economic growth behaviour according to logistics infrastructure improvement and development. This simulation model is based on spatial economics and includes seven economic sectors, including manufacturing and non-manufacturing. Traditional impact assessment methods like Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model are often subject to limitations when providing analyses at the sub-national level. The available routes of highways, railways, and sea and air shipment are incorporated in the GSM model. The transaction cost within regions is modelled as determined by firms'choice to choose the course with the lowest trade costs. It also includes the estimates of some border cost measures such as tariff rates, non-tariff barriers, other border costs, etc. Enhancing ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Economic Community by improving its infrastructure is used to demonstrate the GSM framework as a decision support system.

The Asian Journal of Shipping and Logistics, 2015

The purpose of this research is to present and analyse the current situation regarding the capabi... more The purpose of this research is to present and analyse the current situation regarding the capability of the national logistics system in Vietnam. A national assessment framework for macro-logistics is utilised in combination with semi-structured interviews of key Vietnamese stakeholders to reflect on the current situation in the country. There are still numerous shortcomings in the Vietnamese logistics system. These shortcomings are not purely infrastructure based but also from a regulatory and commercial perspective. The presented national logistics system assessment framework can be replicated in other countries or regions when assessing national logistics capability. The findings can help foreign investors, international logistics providers wanting to provide their services in Vietnam to understand the logistics context within the country. These findings are also helpful for policy makers in Vietnam on how to improve their national logistics system. This study proposes a template to assess national logistics systems and provides an in-depth understanding of logistics in Vietnam, a country that has not been much studied in the literature.

Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a framework for the development of relief supply chain ... more The purpose of this chapter is to provide a framework for the development of relief supply chain systems. An illustrative case study is presented in order to help relief supply chain decision makers in their relief supply chain planning process. Developing simulation models to test proposed relief supply chain response plans is much less risky than actually waiting for another disaster to happen and test the proposed relief supply chain model in a real life situation. The simulated outcome can then be used to refine the developed relief supply chain response model.

The purpose of this paper is to appraise the determinants of supply chain responsiveness with reg... more The purpose of this paper is to appraise the determinants of supply chain responsiveness with regards to demand uncertainties in the Thai textile industry. The Thai textile industry is the second largest industry contributing to the GDP of the country. In this study, the authors will test five important factors (e.g., buyer behavior, operational accuracy, lead time, organizational culture, and

The purpose of this paper is to present a cost model of multimodal transport, which was originall... more The purpose of this paper is to present a cost model of multimodal transport, which was originally proposed by Beresford and Dubey (1990) and developed by Beresford (1999). The model is stand-alone and flexible enough to be applied to any operational circumstances and to a supply chain of any length. The validity of this model is tested against a real case in international freight logistics, namely the export of goods from Vientiane in Lao PDR to Singapore. Lao PDR, as the sole land-locked country in South East Asia, is dependent on infrastructure available in neighbouring countries for fast and efficient international distribution channels. The main elements of the model are as follows: cost, time, distance, transport mode and intermodal transfer. The model is tested using real data over a series of alternative routes between Vientiane and Singapore. The selection of the transport mode or combination of modes will have a direct impact on the performance of Lao PDR logistics channel...

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to present a supply chain performance assessment tool that measures the pe... more PurposeThis paper aims to present a supply chain performance assessment tool that measures the performance of key supply chain activities of a firm under different performance dimensions.Design/methodology/approachThe tool was developed based on an extensive literature review. The nine key internal supply chain activities, as proposed by Grant et al. in 2006, constituted the backbone of the assessment framework, while performance was measured based on three dimensions: cost, time, and reliability. The tool was pilot‐tested on 44 local SMEs. The results were then compared with existing performance benchmark as well as within the benchmarked group itself and a high performing Thai multinational in order to see whether the developed tool could identify performance gaps in the trial group.FindingsThe results obtained from the tool provide a description of a firm's internal supply chain activity. The utilised supply chain performance framework can isolate each individual supply chain...

Maritime Policy & Management, 2005

The fundamental objective of the Container Security Initiative (CSI) is to engage both so-called ... more The fundamental objective of the Container Security Initiative (CSI) is to engage both so-called 'mega-ports' (ports sending the highest volume of ocean going container traffic into the US) and the national governments where these ports are located in a way that will facilitate the pre-screening of outbound containers destined to the US. The emerging issue of security as a key factor in global supply chains can be perceived as inconsistent with the objective of facilitating international trade (Dulbecco and Laporte, 2003). However, this perception does not stand up to analysis. Security is an evident part of the mainstream supplychain paradigm while security can also become a driver for trade facilitation. The purpose of this paper is therefore to discuss the impact of the US CSI on maritime supply chains. The first section will mostly be related to the issue of security and supply chains while the second section will investigate CSI and its impact while exploring some of the financing implications of the security initiative.

Journal of Service Science and Management, 2011

Seaport operational efficiency is critical factor for handling of goods in the international supp... more Seaport operational efficiency is critical factor for handling of goods in the international supply chains, and is viewed to impact transportation and logistics which play an important role in trade exchange with other countries. It is important to evaluate operational efficiency of seaports to reflect their status and reveal their position in this competitive environment. Moreover, knowing impacts of efficiency of seaports on the supply chain is vital for business survival. This study uses stochastic frontier and inefficiency models to analyze seaport operational efficiency and Delphi technique to seek expert respondents' opinion on its characteristics. The research also uses structural equation modeling to build a model of seaport operational efficiency as a further step to examine the significance of the characteristics. The results of this study emphasize the need to improve seaport operational efficiency, and indicate which characteristics should be given more attention.

International Journal of Services Technology and Management, 2009

International Journal of Production Economics, 2010

This study analyses the development of the Lao freight logistics sector with a special focus on f... more This study analyses the development of the Lao freight logistics sector with a special focus on factors influencing freight logistics services efficiency after the processes of liberalization and deregulation of the economy. Based on empirical data, the study focuses on two main dimensions of the Lao freight logistics sector: (i) the development of a private freight logistics sector since the formulation of the New Economic Mechanism (NEM) that progressively opened the Lao economy to the world; (ii) the Lao freight logistics sector's awareness of opportunities and challenges arising from Lao PDR's participation in ASEAN, GMS and hopefully the WTO in the near future.