Inbound Logistics
Master Thesis Developing a Framework for Decision Making in Inbound Logistics Ownership Taking for LCCS – An Empirical Study
Maastricht University School of Business and Economics Academic Year 2008/2009 Zhang, Qin (Student ID: i579246) Master of Science of International Business Track: Supply Chain Management Thesis Supervisor: Dr. Lieven Quintens Maastricht, Nov 12th, 2009
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Acknowledgements My study of the master program at Maastricht University comes to an end with the completion of this thesis. Writing a master thesis is a challenging task, yet a worthwhile one. It provides me a learning opportunity to carry out a research and writing an academic report by myself. However, I am fully aware that I would not have been able to finish my thesis as it is without the help from many people who have supported me during the writing of this thesis. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all of them. First of all, I would like to thank the people at Company D. Those I have interviewed in various business units and my colleagues in the sourcing department openly shared their knowledge and experience with me, provided me with valuable insights in the industrial world and greatly supported me in data collection. I would like to particularly thank my internship supervisor at Company D. She has not only given me constructive inputs, but also helped me in building up connections with the people that are most knowledgeable to support my research. Her efforts are critical for me to have this fruitful and pleasant working experience in the company. I am also deeply indebted to Dr. Lieven Quintens, my thesis supervisor, for his valuable comments and suggestions. He has walked me through all the stages of the writing of this thesis, and encouraged me to overcome the difficulties that I have encountered. Without his patient instructions and insightful criticism, this thesis could not have improved as it is. Also, Lieven always tried his best to
Maastricht University School of Business and Economics Academic Year 2008/2009 Zhang, Qin (Student ID: i579246) Master of Science of International Business Track: Supply Chain Management Thesis Supervisor: Dr. Lieven Quintens Maastricht, Nov 12th, 2009
I
Acknowledgements My study of the master program at Maastricht University comes to an end with the completion of this thesis. Writing a master thesis is a challenging task, yet a worthwhile one. It provides me a learning opportunity to carry out a research and writing an academic report by myself. However, I am fully aware that I would not have been able to finish my thesis as it is without the help from many people who have supported me during the writing of this thesis. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all of them. First of all, I would like to thank the people at Company D. Those I have interviewed in various business units and my colleagues in the sourcing department openly shared their knowledge and experience with me, provided me with valuable insights in the industrial world and greatly supported me in data collection. I would like to particularly thank my internship supervisor at Company D. She has not only given me constructive inputs, but also helped me in building up connections with the people that are most knowledgeable to support my research. Her efforts are critical for me to have this fruitful and pleasant working experience in the company. I am also deeply indebted to Dr. Lieven Quintens, my thesis supervisor, for his valuable comments and suggestions. He has walked me through all the stages of the writing of this thesis, and encouraged me to overcome the difficulties that I have encountered. Without his patient instructions and insightful criticism, this thesis could not have improved as it is. Also, Lieven always tried his best to