• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• v.8 no.7
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• pp.403-411
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• 2021

This study discusses the influence of economic factors on the clothing exports from China and 15 South and Southeast Asian countries to the United States. A basic gravity trade model with three predictors, including the GDP value produced by exporting and importing countries and their geographical distance was established to explain the bilateral trade patterns. The conventional approach of multiple regression and the novel approach of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) were developed based on the value of clothing exports from 2012 to 2018 and applied to the trade pattern prediction of 2019. The results showed that ANNs can achieve a more accurate prediction in bilateral trade patterns than the commonly-used econometric analysis of the basic gravity trade model. Future studies can examine the predictive power of ANNs on an extended gravity model of trade that includes explanatory variables in social and environmental areas, such as policy, initiative, agreement, and infrastructure for trade facilitation, which are crucial for policymaking and managerial consideration. More research should be conducted for the examination of the balance between developing countries' economic growth and their social and environmental sustainability and for the application of more advanced machine-learning algorithms of global trade flow examination.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.20 no.8
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• pp.9-20
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• 2022

Purpose: Distribution competence plays a key role in supply chain management. A successful distribution system will bring high values and profit for company. Omni-channel is a modern type of distribution which is used by many companies to access customers more effectively. This research is about the influence of distribution competence on customer value creation, competitive advantage and business performance of retailers in omni-channel. Research design, data and methodology: Questionnaires were issued to 200 managers who have experiences in using an Omni-channel to provide consumer goods. PLS-SEM is used to check the relationship among these above factors in omni-channel in Vietnam context. Results: Distribution competence has positive direct effect on business performance. At the same time, it has positive indirect effect on business performance through the mediating role of customer value creation and competitive advantage. Moreover, the role of mediating variables make contribution to strengthen the relationship of distribution competence and business performance in omni-channel. Conclusions: Through distribution competence, retailers can get competitive advantage, create more values for customers and increase business performance in omni channel in Vietnam.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.19-29
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• 2022

Purpose: Understanding the distribution channel is a foundational element of successful hotel revenue management. This study aims to assess hotel distribution network partnerships and develops a model that can be utilized to ensure hoteliers are not becoming increasingly reliant on a single channel, optimize their market exposure, and maximize their portion of the overall worth of the network. Research design, data and methodology: This study utilizes a grounded theory approach to form a theoretical model by analyzing and examining the current practice of hotel distribution management through interviews with 15 stakeholders in Indonesia, such as hoteliers, online travel agents, wholesalers, and connectivity managers. Results: Based on data analysis, we describe hotel distribution elements, revenue team, managed channels, and channel prioritization for a different type of hotel. Finally, we propose a distribution channel model that comprises hotel teams, customer types, indirect channels, and direct channels. Conclusions: The model contributes to the literature by exploring the options of distribution channels for various hotel types to support hotel revenue management practice. By utilizing our model, practitioners can have a complete picture regarding the strategic choice of the channel by considering their hotel capacity and market target.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.281-291
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• 2022

Purpose - We study whether the bullwhip effect is prevalent among Korean firms and how the characteristics of it differ from the ones in other countries. Design/methodology/approach - We obtained quarterly financial and operational information on KOSPI-listed firms in manufacturing, wholesale, and retail industries from 2013 to 2019. We explore the variation of the bullwhip effect across firms and validate hypotheses. Findings - First, we find that for the KOSPI-listed firms, the bullwhip effect is more prevalent compared with the production smoothing. We provide additional findings by using sub-samples of manufacturing firms, wholesaling and retailing firms, big-sized firms, small- and medium-sized firms, domestic-sales intensive firms, and export intensive firms. Second, we show that in general, the bullwhip effect of Korean firms increases with the days in inventory or the demand seasonality ratio. However, the persistence of demand shock does not affect the bullwhip effect of Korean firms. Research implications or Originality - We compare our results with those in other studies that use information on the U.S. and Chinese firms. Our findings show that factors explaining the bullwhip effect across Korean firms have similarities and differences compared with firms in the U.S. and Chinese firms.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.35-43
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• 2023

Purpose: As Thailand seeks to become a regional startup hub, Thai startups have been acquiring growth and scalability in the last ten years. Hence, this paper examines influential factors in Thailand's growth of logistics tech startups. The conceptual framework incorporates sensing user needs, sensing technological options, conceptualizing, scaling, and stretching, co-producing, and orchestrating, business strategy, strategic flexibility, and startup growth. Research design, data, and methodology: The quantitative method was applied to distribute the questionnaire to 500 managers and above in logistics tech startups in Thailand. The sampling techniques involve judgmental, convenience, and snowball samplings. Before the data collection, The Item Objective Congruence (IOC) Index and pilot test (n=45) were employed for content validity and reliability. The data were mainly analyzed by Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Model (SEM). Results: The findings revealed that sensing technological options, scaling, and stretching, co-producing, and orchestrating, and business strategy significantly influence the growth of startups in Thailand. Nevertheless, sensing user needs, conceptualizing, and strategic flexibility have no significant relationship with startup growth. Conclusions: For Thailand to accelerate its digital economy driven by tech startups, firms must emphasize influential factors to accelerate growth by providing the right tech solutions for people's lives.

• International Journal of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.91-100
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• 2022

Major developed countries are seriously considering smart factories to increase their manufacturing competitiveness. Smart factory is a customized factory that incorporates ICT in the entire process from product planning to design, distribution and sales. This can reduce production costs and respond flexibly to the consumer market. The smart factory converts physical signals into digital signals, connects machines, parts, factories, manufacturing processes, people, and supply chain partners in the factory to each other, and uses the collected data to enable the smart factory platform to operate intelligently. Enhancing personalized value is the key. Therefore, it can be said that the success or failure of a smart factory depends on whether big data is secured and utilized. Standardized communication and collaboration are required to smoothly acquire big data inside and outside the factory in the smart factory, and the use of big data can be maximized through big data analysis. This study examines big data analysis and standardization in smart factory. Manufacturing innovation by country, smart factory construction framework, smart factory implementation key elements, big data analysis and visualization, etc. will be reviewed first. Through this, we propose services such as big data infrastructure construction process, big data platform components, big data modeling, big data quality management components, big data standardization, and big data implementation consulting that can be suggested when building big data infrastructure in smart factories. It is expected that this proposal can be a guide for building big data infrastructure for companies that want to introduce a smart factory.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.31-41
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• 2023

Purpose: Electric vehicle (EV) technology started in 2015 in Thailand. The Thai Government has indicated that 30% of all cars produced in Thailand by 2025 will be EVs. Using EVs in Thailand will reduce road pollution and increase energy efficiency, especially in major cities. Hence, the adoption of EVs in the country has been promoted. This study pointed out that social influence, facilitating conditions, perceived enjoyment, environmental concern, attitude, and perceived behavioral control are key factors affecting the behavioral intention to adopt EVs among logistic and distribution firms in Thailand. Research design, data, and methodology: 500 top management, middle management and purchasing managers of logistic and distribution firms in Thailand are surveyed. The study employed judgmental, convenience, and snowball sampling. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Model (SEM) are the main statistical tools for data analysis. Results: The results show that all determinants impact customers' willingness to adopt EVs, except perceived enjoyment and environmental control. Conclusions: The study proposes to promote the incentives by decreasing electricity prices and endorsing EVs purchase to accelerate the adoption of EVs in Thailand. Therefore, future policies should focus on behavioral intention toward EVs amongst logistic and distribution firms for enhancing the future of mobility in Thailand.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.439-451
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• 2023

Purpose - Market structure is crucial to identify as it defines the market states for new and existing container ports to perform within a given region. the study aims to compare the major ports in the Bay of Bengal in the context of Chittagong Port. Design/methodology/approach - For this study, the past 9 years of container volume data have been collected and analyzed through the HHI index, BCG matrix and shift effect analysis. Based on the analysis, this study has found that the Chittagong Port is in an oligopoly competitive market structure. Findings - The findings have shown that port in low market share and low growth in very recent years with the moderately concentrated ports HHI index. The shift effect analysis shows that the container volumes shifted from one port to another in the 2019 and 2020 periods. This study is the pioneer study in the Bay of Bengal region to identify the market structure, analyze market share and growth, and analyze the market concentration. Research implications or Originality - Future recommendations for the port authority is to take advantage of geolocation; attract international; tax exemption, faster clearance process, reduced waiting charges; increasing storage and technological machinery; promoting maritime logistics education; promoting Chittagong tourism; collaboration with other countries. Also, this study can be used as basic data for the establishment of a new supply chain between Korea and Southwest Asia for the Korean government and companies.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.25-36
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• 2024

Purpose: The study attempts to explore the operational performance of the existing Malaysian logistics companies and the extent of their adoption of digitalization. The role of digitalization in enhancing the performance of companies in the logistics industry in Malaysia, for value creation, is the topic of study. Research design, data and methodology: A qualitative research method with a semi-structured interview approach was applied and judgmental sampling was used as the sampling technique to collect data. The research has chosen nine companies in the logistics industry in Peninsular Malaysia, with the interviews aimed at eleven members of top and middle-level management. Data analysis was performed using logical system techniques to examine and evaluate data, reorganizing feedback, comparing it with literature, and transforming it into structured, valuable information after interviews. Results: The study revealed mixed opinions on digitalization in logistics, despite its potential benefits such as improved operational efficiency, real-time information, and customer service. However, high costs may hinder financial performance and require revisions due to stakeholder involvement. Conclusions: The Malaysian logistics industry's adoption of digitalization is gaining traction, with most companies satisfied with their status. However, challenges like cost and inefficiency persist, prompting calls for government support to improve efficiency and reduce costs while ensuring sustainable transportation.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.107-114
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• 2024

Purpose: The current research investigates historical and future trends of tourist distribution channels in the tourism services business. The research examines historical patterns, current shifts, and new technologies in electricity distribution to offer insight into the distribution dynamics and advice for companies and regulators. Research design, data and methodology: The research in this case specifically employed the PRISMA approach when it comes to the data collection and research methodology. (PRISMA). The process is specifically made up of four steps, such as (1) Identification of Relevant Studies, (2) Screening and Selection Procedures, (3) Data Synthesis and Analysis, and (4) Reporting of Findings. Results: The fast-changing technology offers all opportunities to innovate the sector of tourism services. These upcoming technologies are not just reconstructing the way customers interact and operate but they are also creating room for development. Besides "the utilization of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality, and blockchain, the current state of tourism distribution channels also implies some other possible consequences. Conclusions: These research results show that we should not be reluctant about adopting new technologies, we should expand direct booking systems, promote eco-friendly tourism, and use data analytics in order to provide personalized experiences.