1.7 Thesis outline

and managerial implications is presented. This third step contributes to the achievement of the thesis objectives 1.3.

1.6 Problem identification

Literature review, which is the basis of every research, for which it shows how connected research is to previous studies and sets criteria for readers to assess the quality of research. Thus, it helps to identify research focuses and stimulate new research directions. A thorough review of the literature leads to a better choice of theories, which helps the research to be carried out properly (Bell et al., 2018). In this thesis, to identify the research gaps, we conduct a preliminary literature review of related studies in decision making in construction logistics and SCM, issues in construction logistics and SCM, CSC optimization. Material collection of this study aims at the academic papers and books published by the journals that are highly reliable across the globe, book publishers and some highly worthy conferences. For this literature review, for searching the reliability of the thesis, Emerald and Science Direct kind of trustful databases are chosen. In the same way, Springer Link, Wiley along with other scientific and international conferences are taken into consideration such as IGLC and IEEE-explore.

Figure 0.4 Process of step 1

As presented in Figure 0.4, after the preliminary literature review, we address three kinds of research gaps in (1) gaps in decision making for construction logistics and SCM (chapter 1 and 2),gaps in construction logistics and SC optimization (chapter 2).Based on these gaps, the research problems are identified for this thesis. The problems are stated as the research questions: problems in decision making for construction logistics and SCM (Research question 1), problems in construction logistics and SC optimization (Research question 2). Based on these research questions, we set the