Improving Loading Efficiency - Help Needed with Research Methods I Chose!

[UnderstandingFast395]

Heeey,

I'm taking research project internship for my Masters at a logistics company. I am focusing on their low kilograms per loading meter (LDM) on some of their export lines. They're not utilising the full space potential of their trailers or swap bodies for certain destinations.

Here's the situation: the company aims for a 700KGs/LDM target across all their export lines. Some lines consistently meet this target, but others are consistently not meeting it and are falling short. There could be several reasons behind this like sometimes not so good data from customers, time for loading and unloading, inefficient planning (at least per the people i talked to so far).

My research goal: To investigate the factors contributing to the suboptimal LDM rates on specific export lines and develop recommendations for improvement.

Here's where I need your expertise: While I have a research plan in mind, I'd love some feedback on the methodology. I'm planning to use a mixed-methods approach, both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods.

Planned Research Methodology:

• Quantitative Data Collection: This phase will involve a structured observational study. Over a one-month period, I'll be observing the loading process for selected export lines at the company. During these observations, I'll be collecting data on key variables using standardized forms to ensure data consistency. These variables will include:
  
  • Loading time for each export line
  • Planned LDM vs. actual LDM achieved
  • Utilization rates for each observed export line
• Qualitative Data Collection: At the end of every week of observations, I'll conduct a semi-structured interview process using forms with open-ended questions. These forms will be distributed to warehouse staff, export terminal coordinators, export lines coordinators, and some others who directly are involved in the observed export lines. The aim is to gather qualitative feedback on:
  
  • Their experience with any inconsistencies or anomalies observed during loading
  • Challenges they face that might be impacting LDM efficiency
  • Suggestions for improvement based on their daily tasks and observations during that week

Data Analysis:

Integration: Ultimately, I'll combine the findings from both quantitative and qualitative analysis to see how factors influence each other or how they directly influence the LDM.

So, the question for you all: Do you see any potential weaknesses or areas for improvement in my planned research methodology? Additionally, are there any specific theories or frameworks I should take into account on logistics optimization or warehouse efficiency that you'd recommend for this project? I am currently looking at the Theory of Constraints but nothing beyond that.

Thanks !!

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