This paper develops a solving model for multi-period deterministic inventory routing problem (MP-DIRP) in supply chain focus on agriculture industries. The issue is how to improve the perishable product delivery process from a distribution centre (DC) to a collection of customers over a planning horizon. This paper proposed a model to achieve optimization in terms of costs respectively. The transportation problem is solved by using a simulation technique and developed using an algebraic modelling language which is known as a mathematical programming language (AMPL) to find an optimal solution within the period. The route for a distribution centre (DC) is set up by a supplier depending on the number of products assigned to each customer, which contributes to determining the best inventory routing problem (IRP) for each period. As a result, by applying the transportation model developed in this study, it is expected that the industries can achieve optimization by minimizing their total inventory and transportation costs.
This paper outlines on the preliminary outcomes of pilot project aimed at exploring the issue related to managing of maintenance activity in the Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). SMEs have been accepted as vital components of domestic industry development in many countries. However, the literature portrays that many of Malaysian SMEs particularly the companies involved in manufacturing, fabrication and machining services are struggling to manage the maintenance of their manufacturing equipment. Dependable manufacturing equipment is important factor towards organizational profitability. Managing the maintenance activity of those manufacturing equipment nowadays, is becoming more challenging due to automation and computerization. Due to such issues, SMEs companies are under stiff pressure to minimize lost time for their survival. Thus, this study seeks to explore the related issues towards further improvements. Qualitative research methodology was adopted in the study. Data were collected at eight (8) SMEs located in three (3) different areas, namely southern, central and eastern region of peninsular Malaysia. Information was gathered from semi-structured interviews with SMEs management and observations focuses on different areas of maintenance management at the respective SMEs. The main concern is to validate the critical success factors (CSFs) in managing the maintenance activity at selected SMEs. This study discovered that nine (9) CSFs are having the most significant impact towards improving the maintenance management practice for SMEs. These include: understanding the MM philosophy; management commitment and leadership; maintenance strategy; maintenance planning; maintenance training; monitoring and assessment; appropriate number of maintenance staff; integration of tools, techniques and technology, and; record of maintenance data. All those CSFs construct are integrated in a simple yet self-explanatory MM Framework to convey the conceptual idea of MM implementation program to the management and technical people within SMEs. It is believed that the MM Framework developed would serve as an indicator of company's MM focus level. Through the identification of the CSFs constructs, the SMEs can utilize the information to improve their approach in systematic MM program. The discovered CSFs are vital for all stakeholders that directly or indirectly involve in managing the maintenance activity in SMEs. Doi: 10.28991/esj-2021-01283 Full Text: PDF
Malaysia had ranked as eighth over the top 20 countries with mismanaged plastic waste. The largest source of this issue was high consumption of single-use plastic by individuals. It is believed that, residents' social behaviour played a significant role in reducing single-use plastic, which contributed to decreased plastic pollution. Therefore, this study investigates the factors that affect residents' single-use plastic behavioural intention in Malaysia using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). A Quantitative study using survey questionnaire was employed and the total samples were 341 residents in Batu Pahat Johor. All of the data were analysed using regression analysis through Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The results show a positive relationship between all variables except for environmental awareness and law and regulation. At the same time, the most influential factor affecting residents' single-use plastic reducing behavioural intention was the attitude of residents against lower plastic consumption. Future studies were recommended to be conducted in urban areas which could obtain more desired outcomes. Thus, the findings from this research could provide useful and specific information for policy makers to implement effective strategies for protecting the environmental ecosystem in Malaysia. Doi: 10.28991/esj-2021-01275 Full Text: PDF
