METHODS
1. Participants:
The study involved six participants, who played various roles in the study of the role of transport
in logistics and supply chain management. These participants provided a diverse and relevant
perspective based on the criteria of having studied the subject for two years. This approach was
intended to create a comprehensive perspective, representing different aspects of the transport
industry.
All participants are second-year students majoring in logistics and supply chain management.
They have a fresh and creative perspective on the field and are diligent in their research.
We participate in this non-profit activity based on voluntary contributions to create opportunities
to learn more knowledge.
Some relevant demographic information: Their overall age was 19 years, there were equal
numbers of males and females, and education levels were equal, and geographical representation:
Included urban, suburban, and rural areas to ensure diverse perspectives
To replicate this study, a researcher would need to recruit a balanced sample of logistics
professionals, transportation operators, and end-users, ensuring diversity in terms of
demographics and professional backgrounds.
2. Design:
A. Independent Variables (IV)
I. Operational Definition:
The independent variable is the method of transportation, which is defined as:
Road transportation: Trucks, vans, and other vehicles used for land transportation.
Rail transportation: Freight trains and other rail systems.
Air transportation: Cargo planes are used for fast delivery.
Sea transportation: Ships and cargo ships used for large-scale international transportation.
II. Manipulation:
The independent variable was manipulated between subjects, with each participant assigned a
transportation method according to their level of expertise or occupational role.
III. Levels:
The study consisted of four levels, corresponding to the abovementioned transportation methods.
B. Dependent Variable (DV):
I. Operational Definition
The dependent variable is transportation efficiency, which is measured by:
Delivery time: Measured in hours or days from dispatch to delivery.
Cost efficiency: Cost per unit of goods shipped.
Reliability: On-time delivery rate.
C. Moderator Variables
Moderator variables could be:
Categorical variables: ethnicity, race, religion, favorite color, health status, etc.
Quantitative variables: age, weight, height, income, etc.
I. Moderator variables: In a study of work experience and wages, you hypothesize that:
years of work experience predicts wages, controlling for other relevant variables,
gender identity moderates the relationship between work experience and wages.
This means that the relationship between years of experience and wages will be different for
men, women, and people who do not identify as men or women.
3. Materials:
A. Participant Interactions
I. Reading materials: research papers, reports on trends in supply chain transportation...
Multimedia: explanatory videos on youtube, news on social networks...
Interaction with people: interviews, group discussions…
Participants may have interacted with both people and objects: In terms of people, they may have
interacted through interviews, discussing a variety of transportation-related issues. In terms of
objects, they may have used a variety of transportation management software, data information,
or real-world observations
B. Answer
I. The number of participants and the objects they interact with will depend on many
factors: actual observation or research,... but overall can range from several dozen people
and they will interact with many experts, systems, and logistics tools.
II. Participants: related to the research focus. According to each field, select people with
direct professional experience to participate in different roles in the research.
Materials: select valuable materials related to supply chain transportation (references on
online platforms)
Ensuring that the selection process was logical for both participants and materials for the
study to be effective
III. Control of participants (with specific criteria).
Materials and analysis tools, data collection are also strictly controlled (select relevant
materials, limit errors in software).
Control of actual observations (specific with pre-determined criteria).
IV. Reading and multimedia materials: they may have reviewed, taken notes and then
participated in answering questions and discussing issues they had previously learned
about.
Software tools: they can plan routes, choose transport modes and can analyze transport
operations
V. One at a time: tasks such as reading documents, collecting data to answer interview
questions, simulations testing…
All at once: field observations
VI. Time is always important in everything, in the transportation work in logistics and supply
chain management, it needs to be paid more attention. Because time is a sensitive factor
that affects the way transportation is managed and its role in logistics strategy. Including
every small detail to the large, from just-in-time production (understanding the needs of
users), waiting time and transporting goods, to market fluctuations or seasonal
fluctuations in the year, disruptions (in unexpected risks and having to have a backup
plan for those issues) and operating costs...
C. The stages
Simulation phase: Participants use tools to manage logistics tasks using their assigned
transportation method.
Evaluation Phase: Participants complete surveys reflecting on their experiences and
perceptions.=
4. Procedure:
A. Participant Experience
Participants followed the following steps:
Detailed instructions: Participants should first set their own goals, then plan what they need to do
next, and finally set expectations for themselves through the study.
Initial survey: Collect participant information.
Participate in the study: Assign and complete assigned transportation method tasks.
Record results: Record information about the study results as well as any questions that arise.
B. Research conditions
I. Environment
Context: activities are conducted online and discussed in person.
Time: 1 week.
Grouping: Each person is assigned a separate task.
II. Instructions
Participants were informed that this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the transportation
method. The instructions emphasize:
Participate honestly in the simulation tasks.
Report any technical problems encountered.
III. Sequence
Orientation and consent process.
Participate in the simulation tasks.
Complete post-simulation surveys.
Debriefing and compensation.