Research

The Alliance has identified five research themes. The lists of research topics under each theme are indicative only of the typical research questions under each theme and should are not definitive. Research activity under each theme will be determined by available expertise, requirements from industry, government, and related considerations, to be finalised by Research Steering Committee of the Alliance. All Research/Academic Participants will have representation on the Research Steering Committee 

Research Classification

Research within the Alliance is classified into three categories as follows:

Industry/Applied/Contract Research

• Industry/applied/contract research with industry and/or government on particular projects of interest

• Typically funded by external organisations, which may include government grants for applied research

• Facilitated through the Alliance

Academic/Foundation Research

• Academic research including postgraduate research projects culminating in:

• Higher Degree Qualifications i.e. Master by Research or Doctoral (PhD) Degree

• High quality academic journal and conference proceedings

• Funding for this category of research are from grants such as ARC Linkage Grants, Discovery Grants and similar funding sources, including internal University (Faculty) research grants

• Larger scale projects and projects requiring expertise beyond that of an individual research institution, are facilitated through the Alliance

Profile Research

• Recurrent research projects with a clear industry impact and profile

• Resulting in an ongoing longitudinal release of research results and output i.e. Annual Surveys

• Profile Research are undertaken on behalf of Alliance Participants to inform the above two areas

Globalisation and Competitive Advantage

The global economy has redefined the dynamics of competition for modern organisations. With product lifecycles shortening and worldwide competiveness increasing, success depends on effective global supply chain leadership, innovation, and strategies to deliver the right product to the right market at the right time.

Regional & Economic Development and Sustainability

Many Australian Supply Chains consist of a multitude of small businesses, which operate in and around the regions relying heavily on infrastructure, systems, and economic initiatives to support these businesses. Regional and Economic Strategies need to significantly address these supply chain challenges in this regard particularly as it relates to employment and business generated across these regions.

Environment, Energy and Emissions

Global Organisations continues to plan massive cuts in greenhouse gas emissions from their global supply chains by having suppliers reduce emissions involved in the sourcing, manufacturing, transportation, and disposal of the thousands of products are sold in stores.

Business Systems, Processes and Technology

The systemic, strategic coordination of the traditional business functions and the tactics across these business functions within particular companies and across businesses within the supply chain are constantly challenged in terms of improving the long-term performance of the individual companies and the supply chain as a whole.

Logistics Operations and Infrastructure

Infrastructure Investment, Policies & Utilisation are essential towards Sustainable Economic Development.