Title: Land productivity of seaport terminals: the role of exogenous factors

Authors: Dries Verbraeken; Theo E. Notteboom

Addresses: Institute of Transport and Maritime Management Antwerp (ITMMA), Kipdorp 59, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium. ' Institute of Transport and Maritime Management Antwerp (ITMMA), Kipdorp 59, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium

Abstract: When considering terminal performance attention is mostly directed toward production factors such as labour, capital and technology within the confines of the physical terrain. Operations on seaport terminals can be further enhanced by optimising processes and technical upgrades. The role of the general environment, however, often remains neglected. This paper aims to reintroduce exogenous factors to the contemporary land productivity analysis. We develop a conceptual framework for the identification of relevant exogenous factors and the potential impacts these factors have on the possibilities for the terminal operator to achieve a high land productivity. The framework to address exogenous drivers serves as the basis for a guided survey. Terminal operation experts were asked to assess exogenous factors in relation to land productivity. The results indicate that exogenous factors are considered a valuable contribution.

Keywords: terminal productivity; land utilisation; exogenous factors; container terminals; terminal performance; seaport terminals; land productivity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJDSRM.2011.046161

International Journal of Decision Sciences, Risk and Management, 2011 Vol.3 No.3/4, pp.219 - 237

Published online: 30 Dec 2014 *

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