This area seeks to focus on providing an overarching analysis of the logistics market, the trade flows, and economic barometers of the various countries in Asia as far as it pertains to effective supply chain management for various industries. Interest in this area is heavily driven by data, empirics and company cases. The Institute conducts annual on-going surveys to test the pulse of the respective markets and industries such as cold chain, 3PL, etc.
 

This, being the traditional and existing strength of the Institute, it seeks to deepen expertise in supply chain global network design and optimisation, involving the respective modes of transportation. Intensive supply network simulation on a regional/ international basis e.g. port and maritime logistics, consolidation of logistics hubs, flexibility of regional distribution centres are a primary feature of this group. Other areas of interest include system productivity at the port, the integration of manufacturing and services within the value network, dynamic pricing and revenue management for high end perishables, and the study of mergers and acquisition and its impact on the respective industries.
 

This is an emerging area for the Institute, which intends to look at the test bedding of RFID and data capture related technologies, within the context of an independent environment. Work done in this area involves both investigative led research and joint development of supply chain technology based innovation with other agencies and companies. Policy and implementation issues pertaining to new supply chain technology and the end-to-end supply chain network are undertaken on a contract research basis.