BARRIERS TO SUPPLY CHAIN INTEGRATION A combined view of different partners in port industry

Paper i proceeding, 2011

Purpose of this paper - The purpose of this paper is to determine barriers to supply chain integration in port industry and to develop a combined view of different partners in port industry concerning viable impediments to an integrated logistics platform. Design/methodology/approach - To prepare this paper, a triangulation method consisting of a literature review, a cross-functional survey, and in-depth case studies have been carried out to accomplish the purpose. To analyze the data, a barrier’s framework was developed using a well-known supply chain management (SCM) framework components’. Findings - The research shows that the most common barriers fall within the proposed barrier’s framework construct: network barriers, process barriers, and management barriers. Under these construct, deficiency in information system (IS) and information technology (IT), inconsistent operating goals, and supply chain power inequalities are major barriers to supply chain integration. Practical implications (if applicable) - The paper provides new insight into understanding the barriers to supply chain integration in port industry. The literature review and case studies analysis provide academics and practitioners with a combined view to enhance supply chain integration. What is original/value of paper - The idea behind the study is to contribute to a better understanding of the barriers within the maritime supply chain. The paper uses triangulation methodology for examining barriers to supply chain integration in port industry at multiple levels.