A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM-BASED DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM (GISDSS) FOR FACILITY LOCATION
by
Mr.Thanatphong Pratheepthaweephon

Degree :

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer and Engineering Management

Examination Committee :

Prof. Dr. Srisakdi Charmonmam

Assoc. Prof.Somchai Thayanyong

Assist. Prof. Dr.Boonmark Sirinaovakul

Dr.Vichit Avatchanakorm

Assoc. Prof. Dr.Prapon Phasukyud

Dr. Chamnong Jungthirapanich

Dr. Winai Putakul

Assist Prof. Dr. Woranat Sangmanee

Name:

Mr.Thanatphong Pratheepthaweephon

Nationality :

Thai

Previous Degree :

M.B.A.(Marketing), Oklahoma City

University, U.S.A.

B.Eng. (Chemical Engineering),

Prince of Songkla University, Thailand

Approval Page

RESEARCH TITLE	:	A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM-
			            BASED DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM 
				(GISDSS) FOR FACILITY LOCATION
CANDIDATE NAME	:	Thanatphong Pratheepthaweephon
ADVISOR NAME	:	Dr.Chamnong Jungthirapanich
ACADEMIC YEAR	:	1998

The Graduate School of Assumption University had approved this dissertation as a partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Computer and Engineering Management.

Abstract

Due to the strategic impact of a facility location decision, a location search requires thorough analysis of numerous location factors. The difficulties in multi-factor analysis of locations decisions have been challenged by many location researchers. This dissertation investigates the design and implementation of a geographic information system-based decision support system (GISDSS) in the facility location domain. The GISDSS for locating a manufacturing facility is intended to assist facilities planners in improving the quality of strategic decision-making in facility location.

A review of past location studies was conducted to identify the major considerations for locating a facility and to develop a taxonomy of location factors for Thailand. The GISDSS incorporates a chromatic representation location model and vastly accepted location factors. A geograhic information system (GIS) is used with the location model to manipulate data, and identify suitable sites. The recommendation on the best location is furnished to a user through a Visual Basic-based interactive graphical user interface. The GISDSS for facility location provides users with location recommendations in both a graphical format, illustrated by the color displays; and a numerical format, quantitatively stated by the color equation, The system also makes transparent its recommendations via explanation reports.

Acknowledgment

I wish to express my deep appreciation to my advisor, Dr. Chamnong Jungthirapanich, for his continuous assistance, guidance, encouragement, and support throughout the doctoral program. I am highly grateful to Prof.Dr.Srisakdi Charmonman for his support and guidance.

I am indebted to the qualifying examination committee: Prof.Dr.Srisakdi Charmonman, Assoc. Prof. Somchai Thayarnyong, Dr. Boonmark Sirinaowakul, Dr. Vichit Avatchanakorn, Dr. Prapon Phasukyud, Dr. Winai Puttakul, Assist. Prof.Dr. Waranat Sangmanee, and Dr. Chamnong Jungthirapanich for their valuable time in providing me with constructive comments and advice throughout the research.

Special thanks are due to A. Dhapanita Sanguanbhokhai for her time in second language tutorial. I appreciate the kind support by ESRI (Thailand) Co.,Ltd. on a GIS software package.

I wish to extend my gratitude to Rev.Dr. Prathip M. Komolmas, the President of Assumption University, for his encouragement and courteous provision of necessary resources.

Last but not least, my parents, Thongkoy and Kanika, deserve a special appreciation for their endless encouragement and support. Without them, I would not have been able to complete all the requirements for the Ph.D. degree.

Table of Contents

List of Figures
List of Tables

SECTION

• INTRODUCTION
  • RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE
  • THE LOCATION PROBLEM
  • RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
• LITERATURE REVIEW
  • OVERVIEW
    • Location Research
    • Facility Location Procedures
  • SURVEYS OF LOCATION RESEARCH
    • Location Models
      • Manual Models, Requiring Objective Location Factors
      • Manual Models, Requiring Objective or Subjective Location Factors
      • Computer Models, Requiring Objective Location Factors
      • Computer Models, Requiring Object or Subjective Location Factors
    • Location Factors
      • Market
      • Transportation
      • Utilities
      • Raw Material
      • Investment Promotion Zones
      • Availability of Industrial Parks
      • Land Cost
      • Environmental Concerns
      • Governmental Considerations
      • Labor
  • A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS)
    • Overview
    • General Applications
  • A DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM (DSS)
• RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
  • OVERVIEW
  • ANALYZING SYSTME'S REQUIREMENTS
    • User's Requirements
    • System Developer's Requirements
  • THE SYSTEM'S ARCHITECTURE
  • THE LOCATION DATABASE
• SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT
  • OVERVIEW
  • THE SYSTEM'S CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
  • A DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (DBMS)
  • A MODEL BASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (MBMS)
  • A DIALOG GENERATION AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (DGMS)
• CONCLUSION
  • RESEARCH SUMMARY
  • ACHIEVEMENTS
    • Ranking of Location Factors
    • A Chromatic Representation Location Model
    • Development of a GISDSS for Facility Location
  • FUTURE RESEARCH

APPENDICES

• REPRESENTATIVE SOURCES OF LOCATION INFORMATION
• TAXONOMY OF LOCATION FACTORS
• RANKINGS OF PROVINCES ON EACH LOCATION FACTOR
• A LIST OF ACTIVITIES ELIGIBLE FOR BOI PROMOTION
• LOCATION DATABASE FOR ALL PROVINCES
• AN ADDITIONAL PORTION OF A SYSTEM'S CONSULTATION SESSION

BIBLIOGRAPHY
ABOUT THE AUTHOR