Professor Robert Mason

: Available for postgraduate supervision

Teams and roles for Robert Mason

Professor in Logistics
Cardiff Business School

I am a Professor of Logistics in the Logistics and Operations Manegement section. In an academic career spanning 25 years I have developed a strong reputation for my research and teaching as well as my leadership ability.

My research focusses on the de-carbonisation of logistics, how developments in technology are impacting on the provision of logistics, the optimisation of supply chain system processes, the management of inter-organisational relationships (vertical and horizontal) and the organisation of enterprise to deliver customer value. I have a particular focus on the retail logistics sector. I have published over 100 papers and co-authored three books, one of which, The Lean Supply Chain (First Edition), being awarded the prestigious Les Plumes des Achats - Prix des Associations (Paris - 2016) prize.

My teaching focuses on logistics and supply chain management modules at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and I supervise a number of PhD and dissertation students. My students have won the Chartered Institue of Logistics (Wales) best logistics based assignment on numerous occasions and a former PhD student, Dong-Wook Kwak, won The James Cooper Cup from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport for best PhD in 2015.

I regularly act as an Internal and External PhD Examiner, and have considerable experience in External Examining for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Logistics and Management Programmes and Course Validation and Assessment for Universities in the UK and internationally.

I have held numerous leadership positions. I was a member of the School's Management Board and Head of the Logistics and Operations Management (LOM) section (around 35 academics) from 2019-2023 and Chair of the School's Shadow Management Board (2018-19). Previously I have been Programme Director of the MSc Logistics and Operations Management and MSc Sustainable Supply Chain Management programmes as well as being the Deputy Head of LOM.

Date
Type

2014

Hu, Q. et al. 2014. The role of consultants in organizational learning. Journal of Management Policy and Practice 15 (4), pp.29-39.
Kwak, D. et al. 2014. Risk management strategies in international logistics. Presented at: 19th Logistics Research Network Conference Huddersfield 5 - 7 September 2015.
Purvis, L. et al. 2014. Logistics innovation solutions for re-distributed manufacturing. Presented at: 18th Cambridge International Manufacturing Symposium Cambridge, UK September,2014.
Sanchez Rodrigues, V. A. et al. 2014. A horizontal logistics collaboration framework from a holistic supply chain perspective. Presented at: 19th International Working Seminar on Production Economics Innsbruck, Austria 24-28 February 2014.
Tacken, J. , Sanchez Rodrigues, V. A. and Mason, R. 2014. Examining CO2e reduction within the German logistics sector. International Journal of Logistics Management 25 (1), pp.54-84. (10.1108/IJLM-09-2011-0073)

2013

Hu, Q. et al. 2013. The role of consultants in organisational learning. Presented at: Production and Operations Society Annual Conference Denver, CO, USA 3-6 May 2013.
Ma, W. et al. 2013. Power research in supply chains: a review. Presented at: 18th International Symposium on Logistics (ISL 2013) Vienna, Austria 7-10 July 2013.
Mason, R. J. and Nair, R. V. 2013. Strategic flexibility capabilities in the container liner shipping sector. Production Planning & Control 24 (7), pp.640-651. (10.1080/09537287.2012.659873)
Mason, R. J. et al. 2013. Evaluating the feasibility of horizontal coordination in horizontal collaboration in international logistics networks: a grocery retail perspective. Presented at: International Symposium on Logistics Vienna, Austria 7-10 July 2013.
Xu, J. et al., 2013. Supply-side strategic flexibility capabilities in container liner shipping. International Journal of Logistics Management 24 (1), pp.22-48.

2012

Evans, B. K. P. et al. 2012. The future of supermarkets. Lean Management Journal 21 (8)
Hu, Q. et al. 2012. The connection between organizational learning and Lean production. Presented at: POMS 23rd Annual Conference Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. 20-23 April 2012.
Hu, Q. et al. 2012. Learning and continuous improvement: Is there a link?. Presented at: British Academy of Management Conference Cardiff, Wales 11-13 September 2012.
Kwak, D. et al. 2012. Risks in International Multimodal Logistics: Focus Group Research. Presented at: 2012 International Association of Maritime Economists Conference (IAME 2012 Taipei) Taipei, Taiwan 6-8 September 2012.
Lynch, J. et al. 2012. An examination of the role for Business Orientation in an uncertain business environment. International Journal of Production Economics 137 (1), pp.145-156. (10.1016/j.ijpe.2011.11.004)
Nair, R. V. , Xu, J. and Mason, R. J. 2012. Delivery schedule integrity in international container liner shipping services. Presented at: International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME) Conference 2012 Taipei, Taiwan 5-8 September 2012.
Nair, R. V. , Xu, J. and Mason, R. J. 2012. Delivery schedule reliability in the international container liner shipping service: implications for research. Presented at: The International Forum on Shipping, Ports and Airports - IFSPA 2012 Hong Kong, China 27-30 May 2012.

2011

Evans, B. K. P. and Mason, R. J. 2011. Exploring how to sustain business process improvement gains in complex operations. Presented at: 16th International Symposium on Logistics (ISL 2011) Berlin, Germany 10-13 July 2011.
Hu, Q. et al. 2011. Lean implementation within SMEs. Presented at: EurOMA 18th Annual Conference Cambridge, England 3-6 July 2011.
Hu, Q. et al. 2011. Lean implementation within SMEs: A literature review. Presented at: EurOMA Cambridge, UK 1st-6th July 2011.
Sanchez Rodrigues, V. A. et al. 2011. Logistics triad collaboration as an enabler of uncertainty reduction: a FMCG longitudinal study. Presented at: 16th International Symposium on Logistics (ISL 2011) Berlin, Germany 10-13 July 2011.
Tacken, J. , Sanchez Rodrigues, V. A. and Mason, R. J. 2011. Decarbonisation initiatives applied within the German logistics sector. Presented at: 16th International Symposium on Logistics (ISL 2011) Berlin, Germany 10-13 July 2011.
Tacken, J. , Sanchez Rodrigues, V. A. and Mason, R. J. 2011. Environmental measurement and standards applied by German logistics providers. Presented at: Logistics Research Network 2011: Smarter logistics: innovation for efficiency, performance and austerity Southampton, UK September 2011.

2010

Lynch, J. et al. 2010. Problems and challenges facing a market orientated supply chain approach. Presented at: 15th International Symposium on Logistics (ISL 2010) Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia 4-7 July 2010. Proceedings of the 15th International Symposium on Logistics (ISL 2010). Nottingham: Nottingham Business School. , pp.67-74.
Lynch, J. et al., 2010. Rethinking strategic orientations to manage contemporary supply chains, as applied to the UK touring caravan industry. Presented at: 21st Annual Conference of the Production and Operations Management Society (POMS 2010) Vancouver 7-10 May 2010. Proceeding of the 21st Annual Conference of the Production and Operations Management Society POMS Vancouver 7-10 May 2010.
Mason, R. J. , Bernon, M. and Sanchez Rodrigues, V. A. 2010. Exploring disconnects between carbon mitigation initiatives and strategies. Presented at: Logistics Research Network Annual Conference 2010 Harrogate, UK 8-10 September 2010.
Mason, R. J. and Nair, R. V. 2010. Strategic flexibility capabilities in the container liner shipping sector. Presented at: 15th International Symposium on Logistics (ISL 2010) Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia 4-7 July 2010.
Mason, R. J. et al. 2010. Can modularity enhance horizontal coordination of logistics service providers within modular production network?. Presented at: 15th Annual Logistics Research Network Conference Harrogate, UK 8-10 September 2010.

2009

Lynch, J. et al. 2009. An exploration of the supply chain design and organisation of the UK caravan manufacturing industry. Presented at: 14th International Symposium on Logistics : Global supply chains and inter-firm networks Istanbul, Turkey 5-8 July 2009. Proceedings of the 14th International Symposium on Logistics (ISL 2009) Global supply chains and inter-firm networks Istanbul, Turkey 5-8 July 2009. Nottingham: Nottingham University Business School. , pp.538-546.
Mason, R. J. 2009. Collaborative logistics triads in supply chain management.. PhD Thesis , Cardiff University.
Mason, R. J. 2009. The evolving domain and definition of business logistics. Presented at: Nordic Logistics Research Network (NOFOMA) Conference 2009 Jönköping, Sweden 11-12 June 2009.
Mason, R. J. , Evans, B. K. P. and Zokaei, K. 2009. Developing a new method for measuring cycle time in grocery supply chains. Presented at: Proceedings of 14th Annual Logistics Research Network Conference Cardiff, UK 9-11th September 2009. , pp.929-933.
Mason, R. J. , Evans, B. K. P. and Zokaei, K. 2009. Developing a new method for measuring cycle time in grocery supply chains. Presented at: Logistics Research Network Annual Conference 2009 Cardiff, UK 9-11 September 2009.
Mason, R. J. and Purvis, L. 2009. Exploring the challenges surrounding the management of triadic inter-organisational relationships in supply networks. Presented at: Logistics Research Network Annual Conference 2009 Cardiff, UK 9-11 September 2009.

2008

Mason, R. J. and Lalwani, C. 2008. Mass customised distribution. International Journal of Production Economics 114 (1), pp.71-83. (10.1016/j.ijpe.2007.09.013)
Mason, R. J. et al. 2008. Transport in supply chain networks. Cardiff: Cardiff Business School.
Mason, R. J. , Nieuwenhuis, P. A. H. F. and Simons, D. W. 2008. Lean and green supply chain mapping: adapting a lean management tool to the needs of industrial ecology. Journal of Industrial Ecology 5 (4), pp.302-324. (10.1504/PIE.2008.021921)
Wang, Y. et al. 2008. Aligning transport performance measures with customised retail logistics: a structured method and its application. International Journal of Logistics: Research and Applications 11 (6), pp.457-473. (10.1080/13675560802141721)

2007

Davies, I. , Mason, R. J. and Lawlani, C. S. 2007. Assessing the Impact of ICT on UK General Haulage Companies.. International Journal of Production Economics 106 (1), pp.12-27. (10.1016/j.ijpe.2006.04.007)
Evans, B. K. P. et al. 2007. Supply chain management: a convenience factory. Presented at: Global Supply Chains: Developing Skills, Capabilities and Networks Kingston Upon Hull 5-7 September 2007. Global Supply Chains: Developing Skills, Capabilities and Networks. Proceedings of the Logistics Research Network Annual Conference 2007. The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. , pp.233-239.
Mason, R. J. and Lalwani, C. 2007. Fourth party logistics: what, why, how. Presented at: 12th International Symposium on Logistics (ISL 2007) Budapest, Hungary 8-10 July 2007. Published in: Pawar, K. , Lalwani, C. and Muffatto, M. eds. Proceedings of the 12th International Symposium on Logistics (ISL 2007). Nottingham: Centre for Concurrent Enterprise, University of Nottingham Business School. , pp.565-572.
Mason, R. J. , Lalwani, C. S. and Boughton, R. 2007. Combining Vertical and Horizontal Collaboration for Transport Optimisation.. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal 12 (3), pp.187-199. (10.1108/13598540710742509)
Mason, R. J. et al. 2007. Aligning relationship goals and measures within a logistics triad. Presented at: 12th International Symposium on Logistics (ISL 2007) Budapest, Hungary 8-10 July 2007. Published in: Pawar, K. , Lalwani, C. and Muffatto, M. eds. Proceedings of the 12th International Symposium on Logistics (ISL 2007). Nottingham: Centre for Concurrent Enterprise, University of Nottingham Business School. , pp.17-24.
Potter, A. T. , Mason, R. J. and Lalwani, C. 2007. Analysis of factory gate pricing in the UK grocery supply chain. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management 35 (10), pp.821-834. (10.1108/09590550710820694)

2006

Aryee, G. , Mason, R. J. and Sarana, M. 2006. Exploring the cultural and trust aspects of business relationships for supply chain performance. Presented at: 13th International Annual EurOMA Conference Glasgow, UK 18-21 June 2006.
Mason, R. J. and Lalwani, C. 2006. Mass customised distribution. Presented at: 11th International Symposium on Logistics (ISL 2006) Beijing, China 9-11 July 2006.
Mason, R. J. and Lalwani, C. 2006. Transport integration tools for supply chain management. International Journal of Logistics: Research and Applications 9 (1), pp.57-74. (10.1080/13675560500534599)
Naim, M. M. et al. 2006. The flexibility of transport operations. Presented at: 13th International Annual EurOMA Conference Glasgow, UK 18-21 June 2006.
Naim, M. M. et al. 2006. The role of transport flexibility in logistics provision. The International Journal of Logistics Management 17 (3), pp.297-311. (10.1108/09574090610717491)
Sarana, M. and Mason, R. J. 2006. The alignment of collaboration and the importance of integrated performance measurement. Presented at: 2nd I*PROMS Virtual International Conference online 3-14 July 2006. Published in: Pham, D. T. , Eldukhri, E. E. and Soroka, A. eds. Intelligent Production Machines and Systems: 2nd I*PROMS Virtual International Conference, 3-14 July 2006. Oxford: Elsevier. , pp.45-51.
Wang, Y. , Potter, A. T. and Mason, R. J. 2006. Aligning transport performance measures for customised logistics. Presented at: 14th International Working Seminar on Production Economics Innsbruck, Austria 20-26 February 2006.

2005

Beresford, A. K. C. et al. 2005. The potential for developing a London Gateway logistics and business park. Technical Report.
Mason, R. J. and Lalwani, C. 2005. Alternative models for collaboration in transport optimisation management. Presented at: 10th International Symposium on Logistics (ISL 2005) Lisbon, Portugal 3-5 July 2005.
Pettit, S. J. et al. 2005. Evaluating the impact of the road transport directive on UK supply chains. Presented at: Logistics Research Network Annual Conference Plymouth, UK 7-9 September 2005.

2004

Lalwani, C. et al., 2004. Transport in supply chains. Cardiff: Logistics and Operations Management Section, Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University.
Bateman, N. and Mason, R. J. 2004. Carton damage in the supply chain – a spring board for co-operation. Presented at: 14th IAPRI World Conference on Packaging Stockholm, Sweden 13–16 June 2004.
Davies, I. , Mason, R. J. and Lalwani, C. 2004. An evaluation of the use of freight exchanges in general haulage. Presented at: 9th International Symposium on Logistics (ISL 2004) Bangalore, India 11-14 July 2004. Published in: Pawar, K. ed. Logistics and Global Outsourcing: Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium on Logistics, Bangalore, India, 11th - 14th July 2004. Nottingham: Centre for Concurrent Enterprise. , pp.385-391.
Mason, R. J. , Bateman, N. and Wood, G. 2004. Damaged goods, damaged reputations. ECR Journal 4 (2), pp.36-40.
Mason, R. J. and Lalwani, C. 2004. Integrating transportation into the supply chain to improve supply chain performance. Presented at: Logistics Research Network Annual Conference 2004 Dublin, Ireland 9-10 September 2004.
Potter, A. T. et al. 2004. The evolution towards an integrated steel supply chain: A case study from the UK.. International Journal of Production Economics 89 (2), pp.207-216. (10.1016/S0925-5273(02)00449-8)
Simons, D. W. , Mason, R. J. and Gardner, B. M. 2004. Overall Vehicle Effectiveness. International Journal of Logistics: Research and Applications 7 (2), pp.119-135. (10.1080/13675560410001670233)

2003

Guan, T. S. , Mason, R. J. and Disney, S. M. 2003. MOVE: Modified Overall Vehicle Effectiveness. Presented at: 8th International Symposium of Logistics Seville, Spain 6-8 July 2003.
Mason, R. J. and Lalwani, C. 2003. Assessing the impact of business to business e-commerce on freight transport. Presented at: 8th Logistics Research Network Conference London, UK 10-12 September 2003. Published in: Menachof, D. A. ed. Logistics Research Network 2003 Conference Proceedings: Enhancing Global Trade through Supply Chain Solutions, London, UK, 10-12 September 2003. Corby: Institute of Logistics and Transport. , pp.331-338.
Simons, D. W. and Mason, R. J. 2003. Lean and Green Thinking - Doing More with Less. ECR Journal 3 (1), pp.84-91.

2002

Mason, R. J. , Potter, A. T. and Lalwani, C. 2002. Trends in ICT and their impact on grocery supply chains. Presented at: 7th International Symposium on Logistics Melbourne, Australia 14 - 17 July 2002.
Potter, A. T. et al. 2002. The evolution towards an integrated steel supply chain. Presented at: 12th International Working Seminar on Production Economics Igls, Austria 18-22 Feb 2002.
Potter, A. T. , Mason, R. J. and Lalwani, C. 2002. Overall vehicle effectiveness. Presented at: Logistics Research Network Annual Conference 2002 Birmingham, UK 5-6 September 2002.
Potter, A. T. , Mason, R. J. and Lalwani, C. 2002. Performance measurement in the supply chain for sustainable distribution. Presented at: Logistics Research Network Annual Conference 2002 Birmingham, UK 5-6 September 2002. Published in: Ireland, P. ed. Proceedings of the Logistics Research Network Conference. Logistics Research Network Conference Proceedings Birmingham, UK: Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. , pp.343-350.
Simons, D. W. and Mason, R. J. 2002. Environmental and transport supply chain evaluation with sustainable value stream mapping. Presented at: Logistics Research Network Annual Conference 2002 Birmingham, UK 5-6 September 2002.

2001

Mason, R. J. , Simons, D. W. and Gardner, B. M. 2001. Translating the overall equipment effectiveness from the lean manufacturing paradigm to the road freight transport industry. Presented at: Logistics Research Network Annual Conference 2001 Edinburgh, UK 13-14 September 2001.

Research interests

the optimisation of supply chain system processes including:
- the de-carbonisation of logistics;
- the integration of transport/logistics into national and international supply networks;
- the management of inter-organisational relationships (vertical and horizontal);
- the organisation of enterprise to deliver customer value.
I cover many industries but has a particular focus on the retail logistics sector.

PhD supervision research interests

Applications of lean principles
De-carbonisation of logistics
E-commerce and logistics
Freight transport
Lean logistics
Logistics and transport management
Logistics business relationships
Supply chain collaboration
Supply chain management

Teaching commitments

Undergarduate - Year 2 Logistics Networks
Postgraduate - Logistics and it's Provision
Supervising MSc dissertation students and MBA Business project students
Supervising several doctoral students

Qualifications

2009 PhD (Cardiff University) Title: 'Collaborative Logistics Triads in Supply Chain Management'
2000 MBA (Distinction), Cardiff Business School. Dissertation title: 'The Impact of E-commerce on the UK Grocery Industry'
2000 Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing, Chartered Institute of Marketing

Editorial work

International Journal of Production Economics - special issue editor

Honours and awards

Best Cardiff Business School Dissertation Supervisor (2012)
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK) Wales - National Transport Award Winner (2008, 2009, 2011, 2013)

Professional memberships

British Academy of Management (BAM)
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)

Current supervision

Yingkai Wang

Seungmin Lee

Zhuowu Zhang

Contact Details

[email protected]
+44 29208 75511
Aberconway Building, Floor Second Floor, Room C46, Colum Road, Cathays, Cardiff, CF10 3EU

Working at the forefront of procurement practice

02 December 2021

Leaders in research, innovation and engagement

30 April 2021

Professor Robert Mason

Teams and roles for Robert Mason

Professor in Logistics

Overview

Publication

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2015