Sustainable logistics network of Hokkaido by the strategic choice approach | |
| Author | Shimizu, Subaru |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.TE-17-08 |
| Subject(s) | Business logistics--Japan Sustainable development--Japan Transportation networks--Japan |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in Transportation Engineering |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Currently, Hokkaido logistics is facing a critical situation. There have been many problems with Hokkaido logistics since long time ago. In addition to them, in recent years, a railway abolishment problem, the Seikan tunnel sharing problem, and a shortage of truck drivers are affecting to Hokkaido logistics. Considering the problems above, it is unavoidable that Hokkaido’s economy and the food supply in Japan will be greatly influenced if the situation becomes worse. Thus, it is urgently needed to reveal the ideal logistics network in terms of sustainability considering Hokkaido Shinkansen’s extension to Sapporo at the end of FY 2030. The objective of this study is to make a proposal for converting Hokkaido logistics to be sustainable from a long-term perspective. To design a sustainable logistics network, we sorted out the problems and feasible alternatives following the Strategic Choice Approach method. Based on results of an assignment analysis which reproduces the actual logistics transportation, 36 alternatives are evaluated. In this study, sustainability is evaluated with “Transportation Efficiency”, “Labor Efficiency”, and “Economic Efficiency” which are necessary for sustaining Hokkaido as a region regardless of Hokkaido logistics problems. From the results of the analysis, we revealed the best network in terms of transportation efficiency and labor efficiency respectively. Major findings in this study are shown below. (1) Introducing freight Shinkansen has a strong effect for increasing transportation efficiency. (2) Enhancing sea routes of Kushiro port contributes to improving labor efficiency. (3) Enhancing sea routes and sustaining conventional freight trains cost less than other options. (4) It costs 1,803 billion JPY to realize the best network in terms of transportation efficiency. (5) It costs 3,536 billion JPY to realize the best network in terms of labor efficiency. The evaluation result of this study enables a decision-maker to reveal the best logistics network in terms of sustainability. However, it is necessary for a decision-maker to understand the present situation and identify which evaluation item is the most significant of the three items for conducting a comprehensive evaluation. Converting Hokkaido logistics network to be sustainable will bring a lot of benefits to shippers in Hokkaido. Furthermore, it will contribute to improving the sustainability of Hokkaido economy and the food supply of Japan as well. |
| Year | 2018 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology |
| Department | Department of Civil and Infrastucture Engineering (DCIE) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Transportation Engineering (TE) |
| Chairperson(s) | Kunnawee Kanitpong |
| Examination Committee(s) | Surachet Pravinvongvuth;Kishi, Kunihiro |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Hokkaido University, Japan;Asian Institute of Technology Fellowship |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2018 |