Responding to Emergency Service Incidents free essay sample

The 999 system was first introduced in London on 30th June 1937 on the occurrence of a fire on the 10th November 1935 in a house on Wimpole Street in which five women were killed. The 999 number is the official emergency contact number for the key services which the public can gain contact with 24 hours a day for urgent assistance. By using this number the caller could call the Police, Fire Rescue, Ambulance, Coast guard, Mountain Rescue and Cave rescue. The process of which the caller will go through when using the 999 system. File:Flowchart for a 999 emergency call. svg http://en. The first response service on the scene will move all pedestrians away from the scene for their own safety and to prevent the scene gaining further contamination. To many cooks spoil the broth The responders to the incident are at risk if there are too many pedestrians obstructing access to the casualties. Also the first crew on the scene must access what has occurred and inform the other services as they arrive at the scene of the incident, also brief them on how the situation is going to be resolved quickly but safely. The services must watch out for their own welfare, so they dont cause injury for themselves, or even cause further injury to casualties or other service personnel. All emergency response drivers who are advanced driver qualified will be tested responding to a situation where there is a large group of people obstructing the access to the scene, these drivers must be aware of situation at the scene before they arrive. For example, the driver can be briefed about the situation via the radio system that will be in their emergency response vehicle. In the first car there is a woman who is in critical condition, in the second car there is a man and a young boy who are both fatal, the HGV driver has managed to get from his vehicle with minor cuts and scrapes. Firstly the ambulance service must stabilise the critical women in the first small car, if the paramedics cant gain access to the car by opening the door, the fire service will have to work quickly but safely to remove the roof of the vehicle so the medics can safely remove the casualty for further treatment. The HGV driver would now be treated for his injuries now the woman has been safely removed from her car, after the HGV driver has been treated, the Fire Service and Police must remove the bodies from the other small car. Now all casualties and fatalities have been removed and are in process of being treated, the police and investigation team will need to photograph the scene for later reference and highlight specific markings on the road surface that could indicate towards any form of prevention by the drivers of the collision. Also when photographing the scene wide angle shots must be taken of where the cars were, to refer back to if the scene was needed to be reconstructed at a later date. After the investigation team have gathered all the evidence, the Police will require assistance from recovery vehicles to remove the damaged cars and HGV lorry from the scene for further investigation in a controlled environment and less chance of contaminating any evidence that could be in any of the three vehicles. Relating to the emergency services, the fire service has had an emergency call, the responding team to an incident must prepare to do so, however in the equipment room Oxygen tanks have been left out and one of the members has fallen and has badly hurt themselves. However, the HSE has been in to the fire station and has addressed that problem of equipment being left out causing a hazard for personnel. PPE at work Act 1992 The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 is a set of rules and regulations that were set under the Health and Safety at work Act 1974. This Act orders employers to supply their personnel with the required protective equipment for the given situation. For example, the crime scene investigation team, their job is to gather every little piece of evidence to convict a suspect. To do this the team will need the necessary protective equipment to prevent the crime scene getting further contamination. Such as, gloves, protective suit, shoe covers or even an oxygen supply. If the search team didnt have the suitable equipment, many criminals would get away with committing crime due to insufficient evidence to convict the criminal. COSHH Act 2002 The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 is in place as a statutory instrument which states requirements of an employer to protect their personnel and other people of hazardous materials and substances that are used or a person may come across when responding to an emergency incident. Relating to the emergency services, if there was a hazardous substance such as fuel is around the area of where the casualty is, the responding team need to remove that person as quickly as possible but safely to not cause any further harm to the casualty. If this problem occurred and the hazard was not identified this will endanger the casualtys lives and those of whom are responding to this incident. RIDDOR Act 1995 The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995, is in place to clarify the lawful obligation of the employer and employees to report deaths, injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences that take place at the work place or in connection with responding to an emergency incident. For example, almost every week we have a report of another soldier fatality out in current operations, or how another dangerousexplosion has destroyed a patrol vehicle. But relating to the three key services if there is major RTC incident on the M1, the injuries and dangers at the scene caused must be reported for later investigations. Also the media will inform the UK of the event that occurred and inform them of the road closures. If the dangers were not reported then the situation could become much worse as the ro ad users will not be aware of the current incident and may become involved into the RTC and cause more injuries even fatalities.

Logistics Damu Center in Kazakhstan free essay sample

And if we mention here all the problems that are usually faced by the companies while cargo storage and shipping, as a matter of fact, it shall be a real chaos. Development of our transport system goes full blast. Plans to build regional highways are already being developed. But what actually is needed to structure or digest all this infinite cargo flows, which will only grow in the years to come? We cannot do only with roads and railway tracks here, and the aircraft is not capable to carry such huge quantity of freight continuously, besides it is very expensive. Here also there is a need for qualitative and modern logistical services meeting the standards absolutely new to Kazakhstan. It is necessary to take steps for the development of the transport logistics sector. And the first step has already been made – this is an industrial and logistics Center â€Å"DAMU†. This is a unique Center for Kazakhstan, which thanks to its innovative technologies shall carry out quality, operative, reliable transportation and storage in addition to other things. We will write a custom essay sample on Logistics Damu Center in Kazakhstan or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Center â€Å"DAMU† shall render the following services: freight bailment, handling, customs clearance, and search for optimal routes for delivery of cargo. And there is more to come. â€Å"DAMU† is a large complex with a total area of 130 hectares. Except for warehouse terminals, the administrative and public services complex shall be built in the territory. It will include business center and athletic field, hotel and conference hall. Among other things, the customs-broker division, as well as branch of tax inspection and customs ouse of Almaty region, working according to one stop principle, shall be housed in it. The industrial and logistics center DAMU shall be completely furnished with all necessary infrastructure. It shall include both gas supply, and own main distribution station (electrical power supply), fiber-optic telecommunication networks (digital communication, allocated Internet channel), and locomotive depot, automobile and railway access roads. As well as: tanks with water for fire extinction, parking lot for cars and lorries, etc. And all this shall be under strict control of modern security system and video observation system. As we see it is a large-scale project, and that takes some doing, actually â€Å"DAMU† is the project of truly global value. One of its functions shall be to ensure relieving pressure on Almaty roads. Besides location of the Center allows it to become a link in a huge network of traffic flow both to the neighboring countries, and the far abroad. So, what is required for the development of the market of logistic services in our country? Creation of strategically important projects such as industrial and logistics Center â€Å"DAMU† shall promote the development of not only transport logistics, but also the development of regional and republican economy. If we compare our country with a human body the roads of our independent republic shall be the veins, and everything that is moving along them shall be the blood, which is so vital for the life of the country. For our young republic growth i. e. conomic development and accordingly healthy blood supply is of great importance too. Together with â€Å"DAMU† we shall move into the future Kazakhstan, strengthening those positions, which we have already been reached for so many years of our independence. â€Å"High Tech Logistic† is combination of the opportunities of the temporary storage warehouse, bonded warehouse, and the customs broker from the point of view of customs clearance is an ideal and the most perspective. â€Å"High Tech Logistic† possesses all this to the full extent. The complex systematic approach to the organization of business, work in strict conformity with requirements of the customs legislation of Republic Kazakhstan and a high level of a technological component enable to provide our clients as much effectively as possible with wide spectrum of quality services in the sector of customs procedures A unique for Kazakhstan project of industrial and logistics Center â€Å"DAMU† developed by the experts of the Amanat Invest Group† together with European design and consulting companies is the example of such mutually beneficial integration. It is unparalleled not only in our country, but all over the Central Asia. The first in Kazakhstan large zone for rendering logistical services is aimed at the development of small and medium business, attracting foreign investments. In the opinion of experts commissioning of â€Å"DAMU† shall ignite the development of transport and logistical cluster in Kazakhstan and among other issues reduce the traffic in Almaty, since â€Å"DAMU† is being constructed in Almaty region and it shall redirect a part of traffic flow. Already today the consumers demand high quality package of services from the logistic market as the companies wish to minimize their problems with shipment of goods and prefer to have the logistic operator undertake responsibility for this. Worth recalling in this regard is that â€Å"DAMU† shall provide not only storage and freight services, but a full package of services: storage of cargo, handling, shipment, customs clearance, as well as search for optimal routes for shipment. The following figures demonstrate the capacity of the Center: planned turnover of goods only per day shall make approximately 600 freight cars and up to 500 wagons of European standard. Up to three thousand people shall be employed to do the job in the Center. Mr. Saken Toylybayev, chief executive officer of the â€Å"Amanat Invest Group† told that their primary target as designers of DAMU† shall completely satisfy the task assigned by the President of Kazakhstan Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev â€Å"to establish innovation and industrial parks near large cities†. This in its turn shall require the development of the transit and transport potential of the country. By the way, total turnover of goods in the direction Europe – Asia going through Kazakhstan exceeds 700 billion USA dollars. Already by 2010 this showing shall reach trillion dollars. These figures made public by the minister of transport and communications of Kazakhstan Serik Akhmetov in his speech at recently held railway business-forum in Almaty. In this connection the concern of the Government is clear about urgent solution of the existing problems in transport industry.

9 Ways to Make Your Goals Happen By The End of 2015

9 Ways to Make Your Goals Happen By The End of 2015 I know what you’re thinking. The holidays are here. Before we know it, the ball will drop and the arrival of 2016 will kill off all our hopes of accomplishing our biggest goals for 2015. But there’s still time! Don’t roll over your resolutions for this year just because it’s almost next year. Take these simple steps to clear your desk- and your conscience- and make 2015 a real success.1. Make a ListWrite down all of your unmet milestones and goals for this year, then choose your top two or three. Focus on reasonable goals that depend almost or entirely on you, rather than outside factors or people. Then make a list of every actionable item you can do to meet those goals and get to work.2. Tell the WorldEnlist your pals and family and social media crew to keep you honest. Tell your mentor what you’re trying to accomplish. Tell your supportive family member, or your best friend, or your Twitter feed. Go public with your goals and the world will help h old you accountable for meeting them.3. Make a PlanLike Macaulay Culkin prepping his turf for the great burglar invasion of 1990, you need a battle strategy. There’s about one month left in the year, which is more than enough time, but it’s going to fly. Divide your actionable tasks among the weeks and make sure you don’t let any weeks slip by.4. Cut out the Excess NoiseThis one is like a pair of noise-cancelling headphones for your schedule! Find 3-5 places in your routine where you are wasting time: on Facebook, or loitering by the coffee machine, or playing Candy Crush on the commute home. For the next eight weeks, put that dawdle time into superdrive and chip away at your goal list instead. You’ll be amazed at how much more you can get done.5. Find Time to ExerciseThe best way to increase your energy, stamina, and focus is to exercise. The endorphins will juice you up, and so will the confidence boost of having hit the gym. You’ll make better p rogress on your goals and get fit in the process.6. Worst Things FirstSave the easiest, simplest tasks for last when you’re in your final sprint. Start every morning by tackling the hardest task first, while you’re freshest and your motivation is at a daily peak. Things will only get easier as you work.7. Clock itSet yourself a timer and don’t get up from what you’re doing until it goes off. You’ll need the breaks, so make sure to make the best of those as well. Check out the free Pomodoro app to help with this.8. Create a â€Å"ta-da list†You’ve heard of a to-do list, but how about a daily ta-da list? Look over everything you’ve done that day and revel in your productivity. It will help you clear the last few hurdles and stay motivated to get those goals met before the new year.9. Designate the Holiday as a RewardI know it feels like one big overstuffed calendar of distractions, parties, tempting buffets, and open bars. But us e all this festivity to your advantage! Build holiday treats and fun into your schedule as a reward for crossing tasks of your list.One month isn’t much, but it’s enough. Now, shouldn’t you be making that goal list instead of reading articles online?Yes, It’s Still Possible to Achieve Your Biggest Goals Before the End of the Year

The Nature and Causes of Obesity Essay Example

The Nature and Causes of Obesity Essay Example The Nature and Causes of Obesity Essay The Nature and Causes of Obesity Essay It is prevalent in our society, especially nowadays, that there are more and more people who become overweight and unhealthy, factors that may contribute to such is due to a person’s cost of living, lifestyle, personality, and attitude towards his or her food intake and everyday activities. This paper will discuss not only the above mentioned factors as a cause for obesity but it will explain the biological and medical cause of it. First, one can only draw conclusions unto what is the cause of obesity if he/she knows the exact definition of this. According to Myers (1), obesity is a state wherein there is excess body fat that has been accumulated and poses serious threat to the person’s health. This arises from too much energy intake and less metabolic rate and exercise. This could only mean that one of the factors that could lead to obesity is the person’s lifestyle. If the person has more calorie intake and less physical activity, he/she may lead to obesity. Aside from lack of exercise or physical activity, the person’s diet is also another factor. The reason why the input of calories is more rather than your physical activity is because of the food that you are eating. As probably already established, â€Å"there is a relative contribution of excess energy intake versus reduced energy expenditure to the obesity epidemic in the United States and in other countries has been the subject of much study and debate† (Caballero 2). Data shows that the US population has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world and it’s leaning cause is improper dietary intake. A large portion of this may be contributed by the increase in consumption of fast food and sweetened beverages (which accounts for almost 25 percent of daily calories in young adults). While other factors that could be causes of such are the following: low cost of energy-dense foods, increased consumption of prepared meals, and ample opportunities to eat throughout the day. Obesity can be a result of an interplay between genetic and environmental factor like many other diseases known to man. Obesity is found to be a major feature in rare genetic conditions like: Prader-Willi syndrome, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, MOMO syndrome, leptin receptor mutationss, congenital leptin deficiency, and melanocortin receptor mutations. A study was found indicating that 80% of the offspring of two obese parents were obese, would result in the same condition in contrast to less than 10% of the offspring of two parents who were of normal weight (Farooqi and ORahilly 710). On the other hand, obesity can be attributed to genetics but this still depends on the population that is examined. (Chakravarthy and Booth 4) The thrifty gene hypothesis states that certain ethnic groups may be more prone to obesity in an equivalent environment. Their ability to take advantage of rare periods of abundance by storing energy as fat would be advantageous during times of varying food availability, and individuals with greater adipose reserves would be more likely survive famine. This tendency to store fat, however, would be maladaptive in societies with stable food supplies. This is the presumed reason that Pima Indians, who evolved in a desert ecosystem, developed some of the highest rates of obesity when exposed to a Western lifestyle. Related to this, Some physical and mental illnesses that are used to treat them and also some pharmaceutical substances can increase the risk of obesity.   Some of the medical illnesses that can increase obesity risk are rare genetic syndromes and congenital or acquired conditions. Some of these are: hypothyroidism, Cushings syndrome, growth hormone deficiency and the eating disorders- binge eating disorder and night eating syndrome. Though these illnesses occur under obesity, obesity is still not considered as a psychiatric disorder. There are also some instances wherein medications may cause weight gain or changes in body composition. These medications include: insulin, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, atypical antipsychotics, antidepressants, steroids, sulfonylureas, certain anticonvulsants (phenytoin and valproate), pizotifen, and some forms of hormonal contraception (Kolata 10). Lastly, while genetic influences are important in understanding obesity, they cannot explain the current dramatic increase seen within specific countries. Though it was already established that there are medical, psychological, and physical reasons for being obese, there are studies that show that there is a correlation between social class and Body Mass Index. There was a study found in 1989 that women under the high social class in the developed countries are less likely to be obese and in the developing countries, women, men and children from high social classes have higher rates of obesity. In the year 2007, an update of these study was made and found same relationships but weaker. It was said that the effects of globalization was the reason why there is a decrease in the strength of correlation. There are some explanations made regarding the association of BMI and social class. It was said that people in the developed countries can afford more nutritious food and are experiencin g a very high social pressure to remain slim. They also have more opportunities to do physical fitness. While in the developing countries, obesity patterns contribute to the high cost of living, high energy expenditure with physical labor and some cultural values. It was also said that a person’s thought about body mass may also play a role in obesity. A correlation in BMI that changes over time was also found between friends, siblings and spouses (Sobal and Stunkard 270).

Concept of hijab and niqab in arab countries Research Paper

Concept of hijab and niqab in arab countries - Research Paper Example The use of the niqab and the hijab in Arab countries may be explainable through delving into the history of their use and the justifications thereof. Of all the types of headscarf won by Muslim girls and women, the hijab is the most common. Its coverage of the body involves the head and neck but excludes the face (Ad-Darsh, and Siddiqi, 2003). The scarf may be of different colors to match the outfit the lady dons. Another headdress in common use among Muslim women is the niqab. The niqab not only covers the head but also covers the whole face, save for the eyes. It covers up to the mid-back and mid-chest. The veil is most common in Arab countries. Of the two, most scholars are in agreement that the hijab is obligatory whereas only a few think that the niqab is obligatory (Ad-Darsh, and Siddiqi, 2003). There are claims that the origin of the niqab may have been the Byzantine Empire where it was a form of dress among women in certain classes. Muslims then adopted it during the Arab conquest in the Middle East (Eltahawy, 2015). Many claim that the rationale of the niqab is within the Quran and Hadith. Hijab refers to the obligation to be modest in dressing. According to many Muslims, the Quran requires modesty by both men and women when in public. Many scholars quote the Quran to draw a justification for the use of both the niqab and hijab as an obligation (Asser, 2006). One such verse is Quran 24:31. In the verse, the faithful women have an obligation to cover their private parts and desist from exposing their beauty unless it is unavoidable. Their scarf should also cover their bosom. However, others claim that the Quran does not make the niqab obligatory. For them, only the hijab is obligatory. Proponents of the niqab as being an obligatory claim that in Quran 33:59, Prophet Muhammad instructs his wives, daughters and believing women that it is necessary for them to cover themselves with outer garments. Scholars, therefore, use the

American Business History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

American Business History - Essay Example Professionalism ensued and caused the struggle to narrow down the social divide in terms of equality that was now prevailing against women. The expansion of this trading by reaching new geographical terrains due to the demand of the end products that was coupled by improved transportation links in the world, saw it advancement to the present global form of business corporations. In this recent stage of business evolution in America, women have started coming out of the lime light and are starting to be appreciated again in the business community. During the early times, before the eighteenth century in America, where the household economy was in effect, women and men worked hand in hand. They shared the same energy and responsibility in maintaining their business. This exhibited a high level of equity and equality in the performance of their tasks as they were not biased in terms of gender. However, women were like a sole property to the women once they entered marriage, and therefore had little command of decisions. The advent of industrialization forced women to accustom themselves with domestic ideals. Their importance became insignificant and thus, resistance became inevitable and many women who could not embrace this idea had a rough time in trying to adjust. In an exemplary situation in Illinois, it is noted that not all white women agreed to the domestic status that was being imposed on them due to the encroachment and establishment of separate spheres. Researchers have since established that quite a number of women who had established themselves in Illinois ignored the idea of civilizing the wilderness via domestic work. Many of these settlers had migrated from the rural South, where they had not seen themselves entangled in the wider economic 'metamorphosis' that provided the grounds for division of labor and the formation of divided spheres. (Wilson, Douglas, 1998) Importance of the Early American Woman in Business Women were very important to the business of the early America. Albeit their major role which was domestic, the early American women were serious business people let alone investors. It is noted for example in Boston that, about five of the eight major seed retailers where women during the early 1770s. married women of the time were describe as "deputy husbands" because they were left with the responsibility of taking care of their husbands' enterprises while they were away which was often some long time. The example Elizabeth Meredith of Philadelphia and her hard work in the financial sector of America reveals the enormous importance that was accorded to women that led to the growth of the present America. She was the wife to Jonathan Meredith, a tanner too by profession. Meredith controlled the tannery company's account books, negotiated for money for the company's running, collected debts, and contracted with workers, suppliers, and customers. (Branson, 1996) The early American women even if not married or widowed were very industrious in the financial field and many of them could be found in the heal care field, authors, tailors, cobblers, brewers among a multitude of other professions. This was because no legalities were imposed on them to restrict them to domestic work. However, certain aspects of their existence with respect to the ideology of the divided sphere caused a reduction in domestic routines to a new form of leisure and hence sought to diminish the economic and

Supply Chain and Logistics in Thailand Essay Example for Free

Supply Chain and Logistics in Thailand Essay Abstract Supply chain and Logistics management has become an emergent strategy for a developing country, like Thailand, in this new economy. Low labour cost – as a competitive advantage factor is no longer sufficient for surviving under this high pressure and competitive economy. However, at the time that the concept plays a key role in Thailand industry and a number of researches have been conducted, all the knowledge in the field are still not effectively managed. The actual needs, trends and directions are still missing. The paper examines research and knowledge management directions as well as needs in supply chain and logistics management in Thailand industry based on recommendation from the TRF (Thailand Research Fund) sponsored workshop, and subsequent by the authors’ effort to synthesize and extract the visions formed in the workshop. A main goal of this paper is to stress on the needs of Thailand industry in supply chain and logistics development and to lie down the directions of research that should be subsequently conducted for serving the country needs. We proposed a framework that, firstly, high potential and key competitive industrial cluster should be selected for in-depth study. Then, exploratory research should be done in order to guide and indicate all the needs for implementing supply chain in each cluster. The critical activities in each industrial group for developing supply chain should be identified. After that, all those needs at particular areas should be subsequently tackled by conducting further applied research. Human Resources issues are also highlighted. It is hoped that the direction model presented in the paper can be a prototype for supply chain nationwide implementation for developing countries in South East Asia. Introduction Today high competitive global market climate sparks Thai industrial demand for supply chain and logistics management. Running the old style management and competing with competitors only sales and marketing side like the old day will not work again for Thailand. Since, edges of having lower labor cost and cheaper raw materials than other exporting countries are fading out. Markets for Thai products in most sectors are gradually losing to other countries. To stay competitiveness, companies in Thailand start cultivating supply chain and logistics management. The corporate crusade to gain competitive advantage using new supply chain and logistics management methods is constantly extending to all Thai industry. Regarding to this emerging need for Thai Industry, a group of Thai researchers, Thai Value Chain Management and Logistics Researcher’s Consortium (ThaiVCML), leaders in private sectors, and government officers from Thai Research Fund joined an effort by organizing a workshop on November 2nd -3rd , 2002. The objective of the workshop was to elaborate a research direction in Supply Chain and Logistics Management for Thailand. Methodology and Outcome In order to have insight and synthetic outcomes, a group of participants was divided into three distinct areas: 1) Inbound Logistics and Supply Chain; 2) Physical Distribution and Transportation; and 3) Strategic Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Each group was assigned to examine all fundamental issues and factors in their area, and then try to lay down all needed and sufficient research that should be subsequently conducted for serving Thailand needs. The following are the research directions in each area, which the authors synthesized and extracted from the outcomes of the workshop. Research Direction of Inbound Logistics and Supply Chain The research of inbound logistics and supply chain should be emphasized on three directions: 1) To study state of the art and characteristics of inbound logistics and supply chain management, categorized by the types of industry such as textile industry and local community textile industry, automobile, electronics, and food industries; 2) To improve the effectiveness and efficiency of inbound logistics activities regarding introducing products to market, which include operations, manufacturing, organization and human-resource development and information technology; 3) To study the result of introducing inbound logistics and supply chain management such as the impact of improvement in logistics and supply chain systems on the industrial competitiveness of textile entrepreneur. The above result suggests that the research direction of inbound logistics and supply chain management can be categorized into three research groups including ground research, basic research, and research regarding the impacts of improvement in logistics and supply chain. Ground Research for Studying the State of the Art of Logistics and Supply Chain The research should be focused on significant components of the logistics and supply chain management and major problems occurring in each industry. The study of critical stages in supply chain pipelines that are bottlenecks and rush problems of Thai industry should be conducted. The research should also study what and where problems are as well as how to encourage an awareness of supply chain and logistics improvement in Thai industry. Examples of those researches are: 1) Food industry requires research on material management in order to solve the major problems involving long lead time, quality and environment; 2) Automotive industry needs research on the structure of inbound logistics and supply chain model including supported industries. Examples include automotive part manufacturers and trading partners; 3) Local community textile industry requires research on process improvement to reduce problems incurred by inconsistency of knitting and dyeing, and lack of skills and knowledge arising from high turnover problems, long lead-time asynchronous production planning and control, quality of raw materials, marketing, product design and development, inventory problems, intellectual property, pricing, competitiveness, and delivery; 4) Local community textile industry requires research on process Logistics Research Network 2003, London 257 improvement to reduce problems incurred by inconsistency of knitting and dyeing, and lack of skills and knowledge arising from high turnover problems, long lead-time asynchronous production planning and control, quality of raw materials, marketing, product design and development, inventory problems, intellectual property, pricing, competitiveness, and delivery; 5) Small- and medium- sized enterprises require research on information technology to increase the value of supply chain pipelines. Applied Research on Effectiveness and Efficiency Improvement for the Inbound Logistics and Supply Chain Applied research should be conducted for each industry by implementing supply chain models for both short-term and long term, accounting for product design, product and process innovation, culture, organizational competency, information management and technology. Research on the Impact of Introducing the Logistics and Supply Chain Concept For Thailand, the research is focused on impact of introducing the supply chain models on improvement of competitiveness components including lead-time, quality, design, bullwhip effects, and labor. Research Direction of Physical Distribution and Transportation The research in this area can be classified into 3 areas: 1) physical distribution and transportation improvement in private businesses; 2) the efficiency improvement of national distribution and transportation, and defining strategy; and 3) directions in order to be a center of transportation in South-east Asia. Physical Distribution and Transportation Improvement in Private Businesses The objectives of this group are to improve the efficiency of shippers and carriers in order to achieve less cost in distribution and transportation, reduce delivery time and increase reliability in delivery performance. Achieving the objectives, the research must be conducted into 4 groups that are information technology development, strategic alliance development, human resources development, and transportation technology development. Examples of research in those 4 groups are: ground survey in information technology should be done to obtain currently situation of distribution and transportation activities and its consequences that affect to each industry sectors; applied research could then be done to define a strategic alliance roadmap for medium and small size businesses; ground research should be conducted to discover currently status of the labors such as wages, education, training, working hours and performance expected; and development of transportation and material handling technology could then be studied to discover appropriate technologies for the product groups. Improving of Domestic Physical Distribution and Transportation The research in this area is to improve performance of physical distribution and transportation’s activities. Firstly, survey based research should be conducted to survey and analyze the activities such as flow of distribution and transportation relating to product groups, flow of transportation according to consumption points, etc. The outcome of the research can be very useful for applied research in order to support in developing the government’s policies and investment related to the activities such as improving road routes or train routes, having distribution centers. Improving of International Physical Distribution and Transportation To improve physical distribution and transportation internationally, defining strategic policies supporting the activities should be done. Survey based research of domestic physical distribution and transportation can usefully support to applied research in the international activities. To improve performance in physical distribution and transportation, 2 types of research should therefore be conducted. Survey based research is to investigate weak and strong points of the 3 main aspects. The roadmap and applied research topic needed can then be addressed. Applied research 258 Logistics Research Network 2003, London could thus bring methods or techniques to bridge betwee n current situation and competitive situation for each business sector. Research Direction of Strategic Supply Chain and Logistics Management In order to leverage this area of supply chain management research, the research are divided into three folds: 1) Focusing on assessing current business practice and strategy in each business sectors or industries, which impact the logistics and supply chain operations (Macro Level); 2) Focusing on assessing current business practice and strategy in each companies (Micro Levels).; and 3) Focusing on developing the best practice in creating and implementing logistics and supply chain strategies. The above result suggests that the research direction of strategic supply chain and logistics management can be categorized into three research areas including collaboration, human resource development, and uses of information technology. Collaboration The objective of this research area is to find out the obstacles, ways, and ultimately possibility of establishing collaboration efforts across the supply chain spectrums, vertical and horizontal, both within enterprise and between organizations. This also includes the collaboration between industries, private and government agencies, and academic parties within the same value chain. Examples of research are: 1) Ground research focuses on assessing the possibility of forming cluster in each industry and evaluating all necessary factors like human resource, product development, economy, and manufacturing capability; 2) Applied research emphasizes on developing collaborative model, implementation plan, and all related deployment issues. Human Resource Development The outcome of the workshop indicated that workforces and decision makers in Thailand have limit understanding about supply chain and logistics management. To properly lay down the strategic supply chain, these people have to be trained and upgraded their understanding of logistics operations. Examples of research in this area are: 1) Ground research focuses on assessing current understanding, needed knowledge and skill of logistics and supply chain operations in each industry; 2) Applies research focuses on developing sufficient tools and educational media like software, internet, or other devices to better train or educate logistics personal. This also include developing case study in particular industry. Information Technology The objective of this research area is to find the obstacle, limitation, suitability, and pros cons of using logistics information system and enterprise information system. The research should focus on finding the need of using these emerging technologies in Thai company, especially in each industry. The research should point out all aspects both tangible and intangible issues of acquiring these systems. The applies research should focus on developing these systems in order to avoid importing from oversea. Discussions The outcomes from the workshop show that supply chain and logistics management is now recognized as a key competitive area for Thailand. Essentially the workshop participants all agree that the study and research conducted should stress on such area for enhancing the country development. Five research domains were recommended as parts of the country focus for creating competitive advantage. Also, in each domain, the current status of supply chain and logistic management in Thailand was demonstrated. Logistics Research Network 2003, London 259 The first research domain stresses on the development of government and industrial sector policy. These policies set from each sector should facilitate the implementation of supply chain and logistics management in the country. Based on the current situation, the evidence shows that although the existed country policies, laws and regulations support the implementation of supply chain and logistics, there is no explicit analysis which indicates the effect of such policies on supply chain and logistics management in the country. Proper research should be conducted in identifying the interrelationship of the existed policies and the implementation of supply chain and logistics, suitable for the current situation and for the future. The second research domain includes the development of information technology (IT) for supply chain and logistics management, and its application with reasonable cost and suitable implementation. Even though it is all known that IT is an important factor for supply chain and logistics management, there is yet no study of the current status of IT application in Thai industry. The readiness for IT implementation has not yet been identified. Hence, the requirement and appropriate level of the use of IT in leading to supply chain and logistics management should be pointed out. The research for this area should state on, firstly, investigating appropriate and required level of IT for supply chain and logistics in Thailand and, secondly, developing a suitable IT applications for supply chain and logistics management for Thai industry. The third research domain identifies the need of strategic alliance research. This includes ways and methods of creating strategic alliance and how to select appropriate partners for building their supply chain. In Thailand, there is a high potential for creating strategic alliance horizontally and vertically. However an appropriate matchmaking has not yet been identified. Research should be conducted for indicating appropriate groups of industry in forming supply chain. The outcomes from research should be able to guide each industrial sector about their potential partners for developing supply chain. The fourth research domain highlights the importance of supply chain best practices. The evidence shows that the success of supply chain implementation can be seen mostly in Multi National Company (MNC) or large scale firm. Hence it is suggested that supply chain best practices from these large firms can be used as a prototype model for local and SMEs in Thailand. Research in this domain should notify factors for implementing these practices. Also all supply chain best practices appropriated for each industrial sector should be collected and documented. Lastly, the fifth research domain states the need of human resource development. The current situation in Thailand shows that we still lacks of supply chain and logistics resource persons in most organization. Supply chain education and training system together with knowledge and resource sharing should be developed for Thai industries. Also a database for collecting research and list of resource persons in supply chain and logistics management areas should be established. Conclusion Generally it can be said that supply chain and logistics development in Thailand is still at an early stage. Most firms tend to focus on technology in leading to supply chain. Nevertheless, based on Thailand current situation, they still lack of understanding in supply chain and logistics management concept. To apply appropriate concept of supply chain and logistics for Thailand, basic or grounded research is preferable. Thailand should initially begin with investigating backgrounds and status of economic and industry before stepping to an advanced supply chain and logistics development. Readiness and requirement should be stated at the first place. Therefore the research direction for Thailand should stress on studying, surveying and investigating the requirement, need and readiness of the country. Some research topics can be summarized as following. Â · A survey of Thailand’s readiness and status for implementing supply chain and logistics. Â · Cluster analysis for each industrial sector or across industry. Â · A collection of supply chain best practices for each industrial sector. Â · Appropriate government policy for facilitating supply chain and logistics. Â · Human Resource Development for supply chain and logistics. Â · Future trend and direction of supply chain and logistics in Thailand. 260 Logistics Research Network 2003, London Despite of the need of these grounded research, some basic applied research are also appropriate. However it is to focus on developing basic tool for implementing supply chain and managing logistics for basic use such as developing a simple scheduling and routing software for delivery system, developing a database or information system for managing and linking information within a department or between departments, developing a basic MRP or CRP, etc, rather than an advanced or in-depth research for supply chain and logistics improvement.