Research topics

Research topics are classified in five main areas:

• supply chain strategy
• supply chain operations research
• supply chain intelligence
• supply chain interaction
• supply chain technology

Supply chain strategy

Supply chain strategy defines how the supply chain should operate in order to compete. It is an iterative process that evaluates the cost-benefit trade-offs of operational components. It includes the analytic and decision-making process surrounding what to offer (products and services), when to offer (timing, business cycles), and where to offer (markets and segments) as a competitive plan.

At strategy level, we focus on research work in:

• supply chain integration
• supply chain collaboration
• supply chain risk management
• supply network design
• supply chain sustainability

Supply chain operations research

Supply chain operations research can be classified into the broader operations research area, which includes many topics. Specifically, we look into research work in terms of:

• transportation and scheduling
• warehousing and inventory control
• mathematical modelling and programming
• queuing theory
• network optimisation
• forecasting and simulation
• demand management
• port operations
• logistics outsourcing
• food supply chain / cold supply chain
• logistics performance measurement

Supply chain intelligence

Supply chain intelligence provides the capability to extract, sense, and analyse information about a supply chain. It enhances the ability to reason through business outcomes and prescribes the best course of action for focusing an organisation on the highest impact activities.

Supply chain interaction

Supply chain interaction aims to manage the interactions among members of a supply chain so that smooth coordination and communication can happen across the supply chain. Maintaining a good working relationship across the supply chain provides business opportunities, while helping to be aware of and manage risks that might exist.

Ways in which members in a supply chain interact is important for maintaining the competitiveness of individual members as well as the whole supply chain.

Supply chain technology

Supply chain technology includes any technology development that is for supply chain management, can improve the performance of supply chains, or has the potential to be applied to supply chains.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) applications have been the backbone for the information flow control of supply chains, enabling application for supply chain management and greatly improved supply chain performance.

Typical applications include:

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system
• E-commerce
• online shopping

Subsequent hardware for these developments include:

• transport equipment
• warehouse equipment
• unmanned container handling equipment

To align with our research potential, the supply chain technologies and their applications will be investigated: radio frequency identification (RFID) and global positioning system (GPS).

PhD program

We welcome applications from prospective research students wanting to undertake a PhD or Masters by Research in the area of Supply Chain, Logistics and Transportation, including projects in the following areas:

• information technology and information systems
• mathematical modelling
• distribution systems
• international trade, and the economics of transport and distribution
• logistics and supply chain management

Applicants should have a master or first class honour's degree in the areas of mathematics, operations research, computer science, management science, or systems engineering. Alternatively s/he can demonstrate equivalent research experience in a relevant discipline (e.g. environmental sustainability, urban sustainability, logistics and supply chain management).

Victoria University also has an Office for Postgraduate Research which provides research training to support research students and supervisors.

Fellowships and visiting scholars

Fellowships and visiting scholars help us interact with local, regional, national and international research and educational universities and institutions. They also assist in communication our research results.

Contact us about our research