Significant Value-added attributes in Port Supply Chain Systems

• Purpose – The theme of this study is to identify relevant value-added attributes in port supplychain systems, specifying significant value-added attributes disclosed from different domainperspectives.Design/methodology/approach – To prepare this paper, literature sourcing to identify relevantvalue-added attributes formed the foundation of this research work. On this basis, the Delphitechnique was implemented to rank the identified value-added attributes from experts‘ opinions,and more importantly, to categorize the large number of these attributes in order to makeavailable use of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). This was followed by pair-wisecomparison to determine the significant value-added attributes from the port key managerperspective. The data collected for pair-wise comparison is conducted through semi-structureinterviews in order to explain the presumed methodology and to eliminate potential bias.Finding – The result from the cross-domain synthesis shows that "information communicationvalue" is the most valuable attribute revealed by both Delphi experts and the port decisionmaker, among other main constructs of attributes. Other important agreements among expertsand port key management indicate that "access to distribution network," "logistics andtransport integral facility" and "reliable custom clearance services" are the most rewardingvalue-added attributes among others in the same category. The study presents a framework forcategorization of the identified value-added attributes and proposes a model for ranking andprioritization purposes.Practical implications – The study identifies and categorizes the value-added attributes relatedto the port supply chain systems. The applied methodology might enhance port key managementto discover the most rewarding value-added attributes and value relevance as a source ofcompetitive advantage.Originality/value – This paper combines both literature analysis and interviews of both expertsand decision makers, which offers an integrated model for ranking and prioritization purposes. Itis assumed to add value to the port logistics and supply chain literature by identifying andcategorizing an important set of value-added attributes. The study attempts to compromisedifferent methods in order to reveal various respondents‘ perspectives.Keywords – Competitive advantages; Decision making; Logistics; Port; Supply chain systemsPaper Type – Research paper

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Annan maskinteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Other Mechanical Engineering (hsv//eng)

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Ekonomi och näringsliv -- Företagsekonomi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Economics and Business -- Business Administration (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Competitive advantages

Logistics

Port

Decision making

Supply chain systems

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