Reverse logistic operations in Asia-Pacific : an emprical study

• Main Author: Ho, Alex Chew Kin.
• Other Authors: Kam, Booi Chung
• Format: Theses and Dissertations
• Published: 2008
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Industrial engineering::Engineering logistics
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/5244
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The study of Reverse Logistics is relatively a new arena not many has explored. There are very few literatures around about Reverse Logistics. There is even lesser studies done on how Reverse Logistics are operated within the Asia-Pacific region. This research project aims to provide an empirical study of companies in Singapore with Reverse Logistics operations within the Asia-Pacific region. A 12-page survey is launched covering three main sections — Part 1: Company Profile; Part 2: Reverse Logistics Process; and Part 3: Reverse Logistics Information System. 145 companies were surveyed with a 15.7% response rate. Companies selected spanned across different industrial sectors: electronic/semi-conductor, consumer electronics, telecommunications, computer, data storage/disk drive, machinery/heavy metal, chemical and medical equipment supplies. Through this research project, we deduce that there is room for progress in the way returns is disposed There is great potential for more works on Reverse Logistics optimization modeling — in terms of both distribution channel modeling and operational flow modeling. The increasing use of internet as preferred business communication mode will also shape the way Reverse Logistics will be handled both virtually (as information exchange) and physically (as shipment flow).