R4TLI - 2019

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.248.9.226/handle/123/17487

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Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Research for Transport and Logistics Industry [Pre Text]
(Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics, 2019-09) Gunaruwan, TL
item: Conference-Abstract
Conceptualization of logistics management knowledge in healthcare context
(Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics, 2019-09) Layangani, LDCS; Gunaruwan, TL
The World Health Organization defines health as the state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Hence, healthcare is an essential service which is usually provided through various channels, and involves a number of processes, stakeholders and resources. Delivery of healthcare service consists of core activities and supportive activities, where logistics is considered as a supportive activity, when creating the right value for patients. However, healthcare institutes often face the challenge of utilizing limited resources; supplies, funds, staff, facilities and information under complex logistics conditions. This has directed researchers to investigate healthcare logistics from different perspectives and, by means of various interventions, to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the flow of resources to the point of care giving. Various logistics theories, concepts, strategies, and techniques have been employed in this regard to overcome the above challenge. These logistics theories, concepts, strategies, and techniques which exist in literature are considered as logistics knowledge in this research paper. When studying logistics knowledge applied in the healthcare industry to understand the existing research gap, it is found that there are aspects of logistics knowledge which are less applied in healthcare industry when compared to the manufacturing industry. Therefore, this paper intends to find the least-used logistics knowledge in healthcare industry - which is specifically employed in manufacturing industry, and to conceptualize selected logistics knowledge to understand its operationalization in the Sri Lankan public healthcare context. The study develops a conceptual framework based on key themes identified, and further generates a hypothesis based on relationships between improved healthcare logistics conditions and value expected by patients as indicated in the conceptual framework. Though there are many factors which affect the value created for patients according to the value chain concept, this research only considers logistics. A comprehensive review of the related literature in logistics in manufacturing and healthcare industries is adopted as the main research approach: first, key words of the study were listed to search for related literature; after comparing logistics knowledge applied in manufacturing industry with that in healthcare industry, the least used logistics knowledge was identified; then selected logistics knowledge was conceptualized for the Sri Lankan context, to further explain the application of this knowledge in Outer Patient Department of state hospitals in Sri Lanka. Finally, the conceptual framework was developed based on key themes identified, while generating the hypothesis. It is found that logistics systems approach is the least used logistics knowledge in healthcare logistics research, though this has been widely applied in the manufacturing industry. There is limited research available in literature for integrated logistics planning, where flow of supplies, staff, finance and information through its facilities are being considered as a logistics system when generating the expected value for patients. Hence the conceptual framework describes the application of integrated logistics planning as a system to enhance value for patients. Overall, the paper offers a useful conceptual framework for healthcare decision makers around the world to improve an essential service which has a direct impact on economy of the country. Further, conceptual framework indicates a methodology to study the contribution of logistics knowledge in healthcare service from a broader perspective, to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of different logistics flows associated with patient flow as an integrated system. The review of literature suggests that applications of logistics knowledge in service industry remains comparatively limited, whereas more literature can be found on the manufacturing industry. Therefore, the paper proposes the adoption of a broader approach to study healthcare logistics.
item: Conference-Abstract
Applicability of military logistics practices to small scale apparel industry of Sri Lanka having agile supply chains
(Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics, 2019-09) Gamage, CJK; Samarasekare, N; Gunaruwan, TL
Supply chain agility is achieved by enhancing the responsiveness and flexibility of a supply chain through fast and adaptive logistics and supply chain strategies. Supply chain agility is one of the vital aspects of the supply chain through which a firm can achieve competitive advantage, if the cost and risk involved is carefully managed. Because military operations are carried out in an extremely risky and uncertain environment, supply chains found in military operations are designed with fast and adaptive logistics strategies, so that maximum agility can be achieved. The objective of the research was to experiment the applicability of military agile logistics practices to the modern manufacturing supply chain (specifically for the small-scale apparel supply chain) and to identify potential differences between military supply chains and commercial supply chains. The Sri Lankan small scale apparel industry is used as proxy to ascertain the level of applicability of these military practices because of the high level of risk and uncertainty in the industry. This risk is a result of the pressure exerted by both up and downstream members (suppliers and customers) of the supply chain. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify potential military logistics strategies which could be applied in modern business environment, and six types of strategies were identified namely, Focus Logistics, Sense & Respond strategies, Performance Based Logistics (PBL), “Aufstragtaktik” strategy, “Blitzkrieg” strategy and Guerrilla warfare strategies. A sample consisting a number of small-scale apparel firms were surveyed. Military logistics strategies were absorbed to the questionnaire through MCQs (with a Likert scale). The managements of small-scale apparel firms were entrusted with entering responses, followed by a detailed interactive interview session. Each firm was assessed by giving marks based on their level of compliance with military logistics practices. A separate statistical approach was conducted to measure the agility of the firms in the sample, by measuring the coefficient of agility which was determined by the weekly market demand values experienced by each over the last seven weeks. The marks obtained from the survey were cross-matched with agility coefficients of each firm. It was observed that firms which had already been following the selected military logistics practices involuntarily recorded higher coefficients of agility, whereas firms which were much deviated from the selected military logistics strategies recorded lower coefficients of agility. Therefore, it was concluded that the selected military logistics practices could be applied to the modern small-scale apparel business environments to increase supply chain agility and minimize supply chain risks and uncertainty.
item: Conference-Abstract
Impact of railway existence on poverty in Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics, 2019-09) Sharic, AHS; Bulathsinghala, BSDR; Bemindu, KPJ; Perera, JASK; Gunaruwan, TL
Poverty is an issue of major concern in Sri Lanka, from both the economic and social perspectives. Focusing on the transportation sector in Sri Lanka, this study focuses on exploring the relationship between poverty and the existence of a railway transportation system as a possible nexus that can affect the level of poverty in the country. In order to measure railway existence, the district-wise number of passenger trips and number of railway stops have been considered. The poverty headcount index as of 2016 has been used to measure poverty in all districts of Sri Lanka as a standard, and the number of rail passenger trips and number of railway-stops for year 2016 have been received from Sri Lanka Railways headquarters. The dependent variable was the poverty head count index and the independent variables were number of rail passenger trips and number of railways stops. Simple and multiple linear regressions were run. It was found that there was a statistically significant negative relationship between the district-wise number of railways stops and the poverty headcount index in Sri Lanka. It was also found that the district-wise number of passenger trips did not have a statistically significant relationship with the district-wise poverty headcount index.
item: Conference-Abstract
Review of “Sisu Saeriya” school bus service
(Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics, 2019-09) Kumarage, AS; Kandanaarachchi, T; Karunarathne, A; Gunaruwan, TL
Transport, although it is considered to have derived demand, plays a crucial role in the economic, social, and cultural development of a country. The development of a country is directly attributable to efficient and effective transport systems. School transportation is an area to which a society should pay particular attention as it concerns an especially important cohort of future society. This abstract presents a case study on the Sri Lankan school bus service “Sisu Saeriya” initiated in 2005 with the intention of providing State assistance for school transport through a sustainable, reliable, and safe mechanism. It was introduced in response to mounting social pressure pertaining to the drawbacks of the pre-existing system in terms of reliability, quality and safety. “Sisu Saeriya” provides bus services at a concessionary rate through a State subsidy to school children across the country and contracts with both public and private bus operators to engage in regular scheduled services through a separate set of regulatory and safety conditions. Inaugurated by the National Transport Commission on 12th September 2005 with 180 buses at Temple Trees in Colombo, Sisu Saeriya currently engages over 1,400 buses serving more than 100,000 school children daily. International practices have been reviewed to understand global best practices to benchmark the features of the “Sisu Saeriya” program. Reliability, security, affordability, ownership, continuity, quality, and monitoring are key features in the system. Reliability is ensured by imposing penalties for non-operations of buses and delays; thereby compelling regular operations. Security is ensured by stipulating that two teachers are carried free of charge and the issuance of safety guidelines to operators. Charging passengers only 50% while allowing the use of existing concessionary monthly payment schemes has resulted in a more affordable service. School Transport Committees (STCs) made up of teachers and students have been set up and delegated ownership of the system. Reimbursing estimated operator losses through a dedicated budget allocation for “Sisu Saeriya” and incorporation of both State and private operators has assured continuity of operations. Quality is maintained by specifying standards required for safe and convenient carriage of children including minimum age for bus crews, uniforms, EPF/ETF etc. in the contract and its termination clauses. The STCs and the regulatory agencies (Provincial Transport Authorities (PTAs), National Transport Commission (NTC)) monitor compliance and certification is mandatory before payments are made. “Sisu Saeriya” has many notable features - especially for a developing middle-income country like Sri Lanka - which enable it to be compared to other leading global school transport systems. The design that integrates the SLTB and private providers in routine schedule services to deliver this service without conflict or loss of existing operations is a key attribute. The demand driven process and setting up STCs and empowering them has ensured several key success parameters: namely, (a) ownership, (b) certification of services, and (c) continuity. The distinctive features of the system have formulated a fruitful and sustainable solution despite Sri Lanka’s financial and resource constraints.
item: Conference-Abstract
Characterization of potential demand for etc usage along E03 highway in terms of socio-demographic parameters of non-etc users - a case study from Sri Lanka.
(Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics, 2019-09) Jayalath, GR; Chethani, YDS; Gunaruwan, TL
During the planning stage of the Colombo – Katunayake Expressway (E03) it was presumed that gradual replacement of Manual Toll Collection (MTC) gates with Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) gates will be an effective strategy to maintain design throughputs via all tollbooths during the E03’s design life. Accordingly, one MTC gate per plaza was converted to an ETC gate to start with, and toll collection using the ETC system commenced in July 2015. Since then an unexpected phenomenon occurred: i.e., despite four years having passed, only 4,355 users had so far taken ETC tags - just 17.8% of the total daily E03 throughput of 24,360 users. Poor throughputs via ETC gates resulted in long queues at manually operated gates (MTC). Despite many attempts during the last four years, authority has so far been unable to have the expected throughputs via ETC gates. Today it has become common for MTC users to queue for toll payment - with wait time during rush hours exceeding travel time on the E03. These circumstances warranted authorities to explore alternative means of addressing this issue. Accordingly, it was decided to carry out a socio-demographic survey of MTC users with the objective of identifying variables that would have influenced MTC users’ decisions on the purchase of ETC tags. This study revealed that this decision is related to both socio-demographic variables and socio-economic variables as well as to the regulatory framework on issuance. Findings of this study will inform the formulation of an evidence-based toll policy in Sri Lanka.
item: Conference-Abstract
Study of mode selection behaviour of passengers across the Western and Southern Provinces at coastal transport corridor
(Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics, 2019-09) Liyanage, TU; Samarakoon, GS; Perera, KR; Gunaruwan, TL
The Coastal Transport Corridor consists of the Coastal Railway Line, Colombo - Galle (A002) Highway, and the Southern Expressway (E01). Between 2013 and 2017 both the Southern Expressway and the Coastal Railway Line were extended up to Matara in order to increase their reach. This research paper attempts to investigate how mode choices of passengers have switched between the Coastal Railway, Galle Road (A002), and Southern Expressway (E01) in the years since 2013 – 2017 by analysing modal splits in 2013 and 2017. The modal splits are determined using empirical data collected from classified vehicle counts, railway passenger counts, and bus volume counts carried out on the Western and Southern Province border for all three routes in 2013 and 2017. The research also attempts to analyse possible reasons for any shifts in modes between the three transport routes. A significant reduction in passenger volumes has been observed over time in rail transport towards Western Province during the morning peak. The number of luxury buses on Galle Road (A002) has reduced, together with the demand for the passenger volumes. However, the bus service on E01 has managed to entice rail and bus passengers away from A002. This suggests that, despite all three routes having the same reach, buses on E01 have managed to capture more commuters travelling from Southern Province to Western Province. A noticeable modal shift has taken place between modes of public transportation (rail and bus) rather than the desired shift from private to public transportation. This shift has also been facilitated by the increasing interconnectivity of Expressways in Sri Lanka (E01 and E02), resulting in a wide range of bus routes originating from Kadawatha, Colombo Fort, Kaduwela, etc. to transport passengers between the Western and Southern provinces. While a majority of passengers use public modes, the popular mode of choice among private modes is car. However, out of all the vehicles that used E01, cars made up 56.81% in 2017. Compared to the percentage of cars in E01 in 2013, this is an increase of 7.39% in just four years. In order to avoid car demand exceeding the capacity of the E01, solutions that entice car users to choose public transportation are recommended. Therefore, more investment is required to promote buses on E01 as an alternative mode of transport that can provide the comfort, reliability, and other attributes of travelling by car. Furthermore, Sri Lanka Railways needs to pay attention to different market segments and fulfil needs of passengers belonging to each sector, in order to entice a modal shift.
item: Conference-Abstract
A study on developing a multimodal transport hub for Kilinochchi
(Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics, 2019-09) Hareindirasarma, S; Priyanthana, P; Priyantha, W; Thushantha, G; Kajenthiran, T; Pirakasha, C; Anburuvel, A; Gunaruwan, TL
With the establishment of a university, large-scale garment and food processing industries, and many small to medium enterprises, Kilinochchi is at the peak of its development. Extensive land availability and resources make Kilinochchi Northern Sri Lanka’s next potential tourist attraction after Jaffna. Being at the centre of the Northern Province makes Kilinochchi accessible from national and regional urban centres of the country. The present transport set-up in Kilinochchi comprises two major modes of public transport - bus and train, and private transport which is less comfortable, disintegrated, and which burdens passengers, especially the elderly and differently-abled. A fully-fledged railway station is in operation where seven services are available in both directions between Jaffna and Colombo. Ninety percent of transport is by bus transit services operated by Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and private operators; providing connectivity with all other regions. SLTB and private bus terminals are located approximately 1 km from the railway station, connected by privately owned para-transit services. The Central Business District (CBD) located near these bus terminals is approximately 0.8 km from the railway station. Thus, developing Kilinochchi as a multimodal transport hub will provide a comfortable travel experience for users, attract more visitors, promote public transport, and boost the economy. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of establishing a multimodal transport hub in Kilinochchi by integrating the existing transport, commercial, and other facilities. The study includes an examination of the existing master plan of Kilinochchi, comprehending present transport infrastructure, and conducting questionnaire surveys and classified vehicle count surveys at stipulated locations. Examination of the master plan indicated that the area around the present railway station is ideal for establishing a multimodal transport hub. The public opinion survey on the location of the multimodal transport hub was conducted on 200 stakeholders. Its results further reinforced that 56% of the surveyed population wanted the transport hub near the present railway station. Of these respondents, 54% are between 18 and 40 years of age and are frequent travellers who realize the importance of multimodal transport terminals. In total 1,250 questionnaire surveys were conducted at popular schools such as Kilinochchi Central College and Kilinochchi Maha Vithyalayam, banks, markets, restaurants and some selected spots near the bus, railway terminals and CBD to explore present modes of transport, required improvements in existing transport facilities and required additional transport infrastructure. The questionnaire survey revealed that 53% are motorcycle users and users of public transport account for only 17%, indicating the inadequate attractiveness of currently available bus transit. Also, the classified vehicle count survey at depot intersection which is the major intersection through which almost 90% of the vehicles travel indicated that the average vehicle passing through depot intersection is 1,211 PCU (Passenger Car Unit) during morning peak hours. The study revealed that a multimodal transport hub for Kilinochchi located near the present railway station is an immediate need. It further recommends that medical facilities, food stalls, shopping malls, entertainment and cultural exhibits are established in the transport hub to make it more attractive.
item: Conference-Abstract
Case study on application of satellite system based vehicle tracking technology in logistics industry in Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics, 2019-09) Thennakoon, U; Samarasekera, N; Gunaruwan, TL
Logistics operations are becoming more advanced with demand for responsive and reliable integration of complex dispersed suppliers, manufacturers and distribution centres. Freight transport facilitates material flow among these supply chain strata in logistics operations. In order to have successful freight transport, there should be greater visibility for freight movements, cross-organizational connectivity with real time synchronization and seamless information sharing. Absence of these requirements may cause issues such as lack of security of cargo, difficulty to optimize and schedule routes, shipment delays and lack of proper communication. If it is possible to reduce the communication gap between vehicles and operational personnel, these issues would be reduced considerably. Remote vehicle tracking is one of the solutions that can reduce this gap. With the improvements and cost reductions in GPS (Global Positioning System) technology and wireless communication, telematic systems which connects wireless communication with sensor-based monitoring and location tracking software based on GPS have been widely initiated in current freight operations globally. GPS is the most popular version of the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) used by the global logistics industry. As a country which plays a pivotal role in the global logistics industry, it is timely that Sri Lanka adopts this advanced technology. Several local companies have already initiated GPS based vehicle tracking with the primary objective of fraud detection. Apart from fraud detection, there are many other applications of GPS vehicle tracking technology which are used globally to increase operational efficiency while reducing unnecessary costs. It will be a significant value addition, if these applications can be adopted locally. This research is an in-depth study, of how GNSS technology is applied in the logistics industry of Sri Lanka to overcome the complexities and issues in freight logistics, using a case study research approach. Further, this study elaborates how GPS technology can be integrated with other technologies, thus generating valuable information for better decision making in freight transport operations. As a key finding of the study a framework on utilizing GPS technology in the logistics industry in Sri Lanka is proposed so that future GPS users in the logistics industry can use this to gain better return on investment.
item: Conference-Abstract
Selection of an algorithm to operationalize virtual container yards
(Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics, 2019-09) Edirisinghe, H; Edirisinghe, L; Mudunkotuwa, R; Gunaruwan, TL
This paper evaluates the factors that should be considered when introducing an algorithm to optimise virtual container yards. A virtual container yard is a modern container inventory management system which minimises empty container reposition costs incurred by container shipping lines. A combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches has been applied, and dimension reduction factor analysis was used to analyse data. This survey was conducted in Sri Lanka. Sixteen out of the “Top 20” container shipping lines (CSL) that carry approximately 75 percent of global container capacity (alphaliner.com, 2014) are represented in Sri Lanka. Therefore, the sample is expected to be reflective of the general view of the global shipping industry. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data. The opinion survey was conducted through a questionnaire distributed to one hundred and twenty shipping companies registered under the Ceylon Association of Ships’ Agents (CASA), an association comprising 135 members, and the 14-member Sri Lanka Association of Vessel Operators. According to industry experts, major decisions with respect to containers are usually taken in consultation with chief executive, operation manager, and container controller (three strata). Usually every agent has at least one employee from each stratum. This study reveals that, in developing an algorithm for VCY, factors relevant to software requirements as well as the availability of specific hardware or operating systems required to run the software, underlying databases, and hardware platforms play important role. There is a risk in software due to problems arising from failure to consider some important aspects of the architecture necessary for successful system construction. This remains a real concern in this software as well - especially given the complex nature of the shipping business. The consistency and coherence of the overall design, the ability of the system to undergo changes with a degree of ease, and the ability for components and subsystems to be put to suitable use in other applications and other scenarios play a major role in selection. Given trends in the container market the user needs to consider whether this product will have future utility. It is a concern whether this product will provide the flexibility to make changes the company foresees or meet different needs and working practices because the container inventory management practices vary substantially from CSL to CSL. Functionality is another key issue. The service provider needs time to outline the end user’s needs and ensure all requirements are met in terms of functionality. The investment in this software or even subscription should follow thereafter. A pilot program would be ideal. User friendliness was considered a key factor in the process, and authors suggest that further research be conducted based on the identified components: namely Qualifiers, Access, Utility, and Quality using structural equation modelling with SMARTPLS; thereafter analysing the formative and reflective nature of these variables.

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