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The concept and theory of material flow

Author

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  • Shoubo Xu

    (Beijing Jiaotong University
    Beijing Jiaotong University)

Abstract

This paper, for the first time, presents seven main theories under the Material Flow (MF) Theory, namely “Material flow theory”, “Comprehensive MF theory”, “MF element theory”, “MF nature theory”, “MF science and technology theory”, “MF engineering theory” and “MF industry theory”. The paper points out that the MF is the collective term for the flow of macroscopic goods and that of microcosmic substances. The material flow is not only an economic phenomenon, but also social and natural ones. There is not only economic MF, but also social and natural ones. The economic MF is the core for the MF, and the social and natural MF is the basis for the MF; no matter whether in nature, society or economic circles, the MF comprises of five basic elements: Material, Flow, Owner, Region and Time, among which Material is the core one; the MF is divided into intrinsic and extrinsic ones by nature. Its intrinsic natures include Material, Flow, Owner, Region and Time; its extrinsic natures include Party, Service, Management, Technology and Economy. The MF science and technology is a scientific and technological field with very strong comprehensibility, dealing with subjects including natural science, engineering technology and science, and human and social studies; the MF engineering is a syntheses comprising of six MF elements or six MF forces. The MF’s hard science and technology and its soft science and technology can be applied to national economy in the most efficient way, with the fundamental purpose to benefit the mankind; the MF is not only an industry, but also a backbone industry, and even a backbone industry group. The paper provides some insights into future enterprise integration in a global supply chain environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Shoubo Xu, 2008. "The concept and theory of material flow," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 10(5), pages 601-609, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:infosf:v:10:y:2008:i:5:d:10.1007_s10796-008-9113-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s10796-008-9113-4
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    Cited by:

    1. Hanping Hou & Sohail Chaudhry & Yong Chen & Mingyao Hu, 0. "Physical distribution, logistics, supply chain management, and the material flow theory: a historical perspective," Information Technology and Management, Springer, vol. 0, pages 1-11.
    2. Chulhwan Chris Bang, 2015. "Information systems frontiers: Keyword analysis and classification," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 217-237, February.
    3. Hanping Hou & Sohail Chaudhry & Yong Chen & Mingyao Hu, 2017. "Physical distribution, logistics, supply chain management, and the material flow theory: a historical perspective," Information Technology and Management, Springer, vol. 18(2), pages 107-117, June.

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