Linking theory with practice in port performance and benchmarking Online publication date: Tue, 28-Oct-2014
by Khalid Bichou
International Journal of Ocean Systems Management (IJOSM), Vol. 1, No. 3/4, 2012
Abstract: This paper reviews the main approaches and techniques for port performance and efficiency, highlights several shortcomings of the contemporary literature on the subject, and emphasises the need to bridge the gap between theory and port practice. By laying the emphasis on the technology variations in port equipment and handling systems, the procedural differences in terminal operations, the network structure of port and terminal systems, and the interplay between controllable and uncontrollable factors, we demonstrate why such aspects must be taken into account when conducting empirical studies on port benchmarking and efficiency. In this paper, we review the literature on port performance and point out its shortcomings with a view to link theory with port practice. The focus of the discussion is on the potential distortions stemming from both the limitations of the selected methodology and the difficulty to incorporate port practice into performance benchmarking models.
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Ocean Systems Management (IJOSM):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:
Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.
If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com
Our Blog 
Follow us on Twitter 
Visit us on Facebook