Page 21 - Linkline Autumn 2015

The WorLd Bank’s LogIsTICs PerforManCe Index
The globalization of total production systems from extraction of raw materials though to the recycling of waste has been made possible in recent decades by innovations in three main areas - transportation technology, information and communications technology, and nancial deregulation
It is now commonplace for international businesses
to carry on R&D, manufacturing and distribution in many different geographical locations around the world depending on which locations are most advantageous from a competitive point of view.
This has introduced exponentially higher complexity and risk into the supply chains of these international businesses in comparison to what is encountered when operating solely within the borders of one single country.
In response to the challenge, Global Supply Chain Management theory and practice has been developed to enable businesses to cope with the added complexity and risk. Supply chain reliability it has been found is closely associated with the logistics performance of the countries in which operations are located and therefore logistics performance should be a key consideration in the location decisions of international businesses.
Since 2007, the World Bank has been producing the Logistics Performance Index which provides valuable insights into the logistics performance of countries around the world. The 2014 edition compares the logistics
performance of 160 countries on the basis of infrastructure, services and border procedures. The full report can be downloaded free of charge on the World Bank website http://lpi.worldbank.org.
The Logistics Performance Index (LPI) measures the ef ciency of trade supply chains and highlights the strong correlation between logistics performance and a vibrant growing economy. Germany tops the 2014 classi cation with a score of 4.21 on a scale of 5 while Somalia is bottom with a score of 1.77.
Not surprisingly the top performers include many countries in western and central Europe, North America, Australasia and Japan. Additionally among the top performers with scores higher than 3.34 are countries such as Turkey, China, South Korea and South Africa. The worst performers with scores lower than 2.47 include large parts of sub-Saharan Africa and a number of Central Asian republics.
The top 10 countries and their 2014 LPI scores were as follows: Germany (4.12), Netherlands (4.05), Belgium (4.04), UK (4.01), Singapore (4.00), Sweden (3.96), Norway (3.96), Luxembourg (3.95), USA (3.92) and Japan (3.91).
Ireland came in 11th position with an LPI score of 3.87.
Patrick Daly CMILT
MInIsTer donohoe unveILs 90 neW hIgh-TeCh Buses for duBLIn aT vIsIT To CenTraL ConTroL
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, today (Tuesday) of cially unveiled 90 new state of the art double decker buses which will operate on routes across Dublin. His visit to the Dublin Bus Broadstone facility also
Smarked the announcement that Dublin Bus passenger numbers are up by 700,000 in the rst half of 2015
peaking at the unveiling Minister Donohoe said: • bilingual passenger information signs in the upper and lower saloons ‘The investment in these new double decker announcing the next bus stop
buses demonstrates the Government’s on-going • improved safety features with 12 colour cameras (4 external views and
commitment to providing enhanced public transport services and infrastructure. Bus is fast becoming a more attractive public transport option for many users. The delivery of 90 new vehicles, equipped with a range of enhanced features, will provide greater comfort and convenience for Dublin Bus customers and will contribute to providing a more sustainable mode of transport, particularly for commuting purposes.
I also welcome the announcement by Dublin Bus that passenger numbers have increased by 700,000 (2%) in the rst half of 2015.’
The 90 new buses are being funded by the Government’s capital programme through the National Transport Authority. The new buses represent an investment of ∑ 34.7 million in the Dublin Bus eet replacement programme. The buses will replace older vehicles in the eet and will result
in a more ef cient, reliable eet, with an average age of 7 years. Equipped with a number of features that will improve the journey experience for drivers and customers alike the new fully accessible vehicles have:
6 The CharTered InsTITuTe of LogIsTICs & TransporT
8 internal views) and a staircase CCTV monitor
• wheelchair space with separate dedicated space for a child’s buggy • free Wi-Fi
At the unveiling, Dublin Bus Chief Executive, Ray Coyne said: ‘We are
delighted to welcome the Minister to Dublin Bus Central Control today for the unveiling of the addition of 90 new buses to the Dublin Bus eet. With the announcement today that passenger numbers were up by 2% the importance of continually improving the Dublin Bus eet and experience is clear. We are committed to maintaining and improving our delivery of a quality bus service to the Greater Dublin region. The addition of these new buses to the eet along with a number of other recent improvements including Real Time Passenger Information and free Wi-Fi has ensured the customer experience is always improving.’
These environmentally friendly additions to the eet meet “Euro 6” emission standards, consume less fuel and are quieter ∑ meaning the whole community will bene t from their arrival on Dublin roads not just customers and drivers. The SG model buses are manufactured by Volvo Bus Corporation, Sweden, and The Wrights Group, Ballymena, Co. Antrim. The vehicles began entering service in January and are operating on routes 13, 15, 27 and 40. These
new buses are another signi cant development in the provision of convenient, comfortable and sustainable public transport for the people of Dublin.
NEWS