Using an IT strategy to improve company interaction with
their supply chain in a Fire Truck Bodybuilding Business
in Thailand
A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for
the degree of Doctor of Philosophy
PAKPOOM DEJSAKULRIT
BA (University Thai Chamber of Commerce), Bangkok Thailand
MIBA (Bournemouth University), Bournemouth, UK
School of Business Information Technology and Logistics
Business Portfolio
RMIT University
2013
[ii]
Declaration
I certify that this thesis contains no material which has been submitted previously, in whole or
in part, to qualify for any other academic award of any other degree in any university; the
content of the thesis is the result of work which has been carried out since the official
commencement date of the approved research program; any editorial work, paid or unpaid,
carried out by a third party is acknowledged; and ethics procedures and guidelines have been
followed.
Pakpoom Dejsakulrit
(Date 03/04/2013)
[iii]
Acknowledgements
There are many people who supported and encouraged me throughout the completion of my
thesis during this long period of my study in a PhD program. They have to be acknowledged.
I would like to thank all of them and express my deepest gratitude for all of their support
towards the completion of my study.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my supervisors for their assistance, guidance,
time, constructive criticism, and discussion at every stage throughout my PhD study;
Professor Brian Corbitt, Dr Konrad Peszynski and Dr Theerasak Thanasankit. Professor Brian
Corbitt has been a great supervisor providing his wisdom, guidance, and great supervision
over the past five years. He has worked with me days and nights; especially during in the final
stages to complete this thesis. He was not only a supervisor, but he also has been a great
supporter through the completion of my final thesis.
I would also like to deeply thank Dr Konrad Peszynski and Dr Theerasak Thanasankit for
their supervision that guided my research background. They offered invaluable comments
throughout my full thesis as well as providing full support and feedback. Their supervision
encouraged me to conduct research in the right direction. Konrad also worked very hard with
me days and nights during my final stage, something I will never forget. Our good
relationship will remain the same forever.
To my parents (Mr Jessada and Mrs Siriwan Dejsakulrit) who always supported, encouraged
and blessed me to graduate and to be successful, I would like to thank them for their
understanding, and comfort when I was in many difficult situations during my study. They
always have good words of support. Also, the moment that I could not forget, Mrs Siriwan
Dejsakulrit always cheered me up when I worked on my thesis late at night.
I would like to thank Dr Phoommhiphat Mingmalairaks who had brought me to RMIT
University, introduced me to all his good friends at RMIT, and provided comments on my
writing before submission to supervisors, especially in the final year of my PhD. His feedback
on my writing made me feel more comfortable and helped me shape my writing in the right
direction. Special thanks are due to Dr Sriprai Sakrungpongsakul for her comments on the
context of my thesis. Dr Phoommhiphat Mingmalairaks and Dr Sriprai Sakrungpongsakul
have been a great resource for me to improve my academic writing skills. To my dear friends,
[iv]
I would like to thank Mr Chin Eang Ong and David Teh who shared discussions with me
about research and were supportive during the final stage of my PhD. They have been good
friends through all my time here in Melbourne. It was a great memory here in Melbourne and
I also enjoyed lunches and dinners with them. Another person I could not forget is Ms
Paweena Khongchan and I thank her sincerely for her support. Ms Paweena always helped me
with all administrative process support at RMIT University. She was another lovely friend at
RMIT University. I also thank Graeme Kemlo for his copyediting of this thesis. Without him,
I could not have passed through this final stage. He has been another great resource during my
study. He also taught me how to correct my writing in academic writing style. Any spelling or
grammatical errors identified are my mistake.
Lastly, I would like to thank everyone from the School of Business IT and Logistics, RMIT
University for all academic and administrative support, who made me feel as warm and
comfortable as at home with their kindness.
Pakpoom Dejsakulrit
April 2013
[v]
Dedication
This thesis is sincerely dedicated to my parents for their love, encouragement,
and kind support.