Title: A knowledge-based system for plant sustainability using multi-criteria analysis: a case study of Thailand

Authors: Napaporn Reeveerakul; Yacine Ouzrout; Nopasit Chakpitak; Abdelaziz Bouras

Addresses: College of Arts Media and Technology, Chiang Mai University, Huaykeaw Rd., T. Suthep, A. Muang, 50200 Chiang Mai, Thailand ' Laboratoired'Informatique pour l'Entrepriseet les Systèmes de Production (LIESP), Université de Lyon (Lumière Lyon 2), 160 Bd de l'Université, 69676 BRON Cedex, France ' College of Arts Media and Technology, Chiang Mai University, Huaykeaw Rd., T. Suthep, A. Muang, 50200 Chiang mai, Thailand ' Laboratoire d'Informatique pour l'Entreprise et les Systèmes de Production (LIESP), Université de Lyon (Lumière Lyon 2), 160 Bd de l'Université, 69676 BRON Cedex, France

Abstract: Many critical challenges of economic growth in Thailand and high competition among neighbouring countries have resulted in the offshore of foreign direct investments (FDIs). These unwelcome circumstance leads to economic problems in northern provinces, affecting people's income and social problems. To address the issues associated with FDIs' potential relocation, divestment or transfer of plant, this paper considers plant as a product of FDIs which needs to be managed to promote sustainability and mitigate the potential impacts of transfer, relocation or divestment on the local economy. Thus the research aims to provide the necessary tools to assist FDIs within Northern Region Industrial Estate (NRIE), Thailand to become sustainable. An integrated framework is proposed as a tool for FDIs to achieve sustainable plant. The framework is based on three main aspects: 1) finance; 2) supply chain and infrastructure; 3) worker performance with two levels of analysis; static and dynamic. To validate the knowledge framework, the application of this study is placed upon manufacturers located in NRIE, Lumphun province, Thailand.

Keywords: plant sustainability; foreign direct investment; FDI; multicriteria analysis; Thailand; knowledge-based systems; KBS; sustainable development; manufacturing industry; plant relocation; plant divestment; plant transfer.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPLM.2012.052658

International Journal of Product Lifecycle Management, 2012 Vol.6 No.2, pp.121 - 137

Received: 16 Nov 2011
Accepted: 25 Jun 2012

Published online: 16 Aug 2014 *

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