The University of Toledo University Transportation Center : UTUTC-SC-8: Global Supply Chain Management/Transportation Building a Global Network of Scholars and Educators -II

Focus Area: Supply Chains

Principle Investigator:

Paul Hong
Professor
Information Operations and Technology Management Department
The College of Business Administration
The University of Toledo, MS # 103
Toledo, OH 43606
Phone: 419-530-2054
Fax: 419-530-2365
Paul.hong@utoledo.edu

Project Dates: 08/01/2008 – 06/30/2010

UT-UTC Designation: UTUTC-SC-8

Abstract:

Research on Global Supply Chain Management/Transportation Efficiency Systems is critical to US competitiveness. Global Supply chain management integrates global information, material and, cash flow processes across all functions including sourcing, operations, return and recycling, and logistics and planning – for all partners. Supply chain system professionals are the agents of change for e-business, manufacturing, high-tech, service and consulting companies. Transportation system analysis and planning stress the conceptual and quantitative approaches to the analysis of transportation and related systems. The objectives are (1) to engage an international network of research collaboration to identify, analyze, and solve complex transportation and supply chain problems and to communicate those solutions to achieve successful implementation and (2) to develop education and training programs that meet the needs of transportation, logistics, and supply chain professionals around the world.

The planned activities are with researchers and educators from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. The development of these programs depends on leveraging the diverse collaborative work that has been established with the International Manufacturing Strategic Survey (IMSS), Supply Chain Symposium, the MIOH UTC, the International Cargo Handling and Coordination Association (ICHCA) International Ltd, Great Lakes Maritime Research Institute (GLMRI) , the International Business Institute at The University of Toledo and The University of Toledo Manufacturing Management Alumni network.

During the stage I of the project, we successfully completed two international symposia and workshops on global supply chains, logistics and transportation. The work for building an international network of scholars and educators has been initiated in these two meetings. There has been great interest and enthusiasm shown for building such a network in these two conferences.

This proposal is seeking funding to continue the work by 1) holding the third symposium in Coimbatore, India (January 2009) and a fourth one in Spain (October 2009), and 2) plan for a fifth symposium in 2010 (possible candidates: Taiwan or Toledo) and 3) establish a research center by 2010.