Significant Value-added attributes in Port Supply Chain Systems

Paper in proceeding, 2009

Purpose – The theme of this study is to identify relevant value-added attributes in port supply chain systems, specifying significant value-added attributes disclosed from different domain perspectives. Design/methodology/approach – To prepare this paper, literature sourcing to identify relevant value-added attributes formed the foundation of this research work. On this basis, the Delphi technique 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 make available use of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). This was followed by pair-wise comparison to determine the significant value-added attributes from the port key manager perspective. The data collected for pair-wise comparison is conducted through semi-structure interviews in order to explain the presumed methodology and to eliminate potential bias. Finding – The result from the cross-domain synthesis shows that "information communication value" is the most valuable attribute revealed by both Delphi experts and the port decision maker, among other main constructs of attributes. Other important agreements among experts and port key management indicate that "access to distribution network," "logistics and transport integral facility" and "reliable custom clearance services" are the most rewarding value-added attributes among others in the same category. The study presents a framework for categorization of the identified value-added attributes and proposes a model for ranking and prioritization purposes. Practical implications – The study identifies and categorizes the value-added attributes related to the port supply chain systems. The applied methodology might enhance port key management to discover the most rewarding value-added attributes and value relevance as a source of competitive advantage. Originality/value – This paper combines both literature analysis and interviews of both experts and decision makers, which offers an integrated model for ranking and prioritization purposes. It is assumed to add value to the port logistics and supply chain literature by identifying and categorizing an important set of value-added attributes. The study attempts to compromise different methods in order to reveal various respondents‘ perspectives. Keywords – Competitive advantages; Decision making; Logistics; Port; Supply chain systems Paper Type – Research paper