Title: A system dynamics approach to operational and strategic planning of a container terminal

Authors: Jack Kie Cheng; Razman Mat Tahar; Chooi-Leng Ang

Addresses: Division of Physical Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010 Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia. ' Department of Technology Management, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Lebuhraya Tun Razak, 26300 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. ' Division of Physical Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010 Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia

Abstract: Modern container terminal faces the pressure of providing both efficient services and adequate facilities parallel with the demanding needs from the customers. This paper presents the application of system dynamics simulation in addressing both the issues at the operational and strategic level. The operational level model is used to aid terminal operators on daily planning by understanding the relationship and interdependency between the berth and yard. The strategic level model on the other hand is used for capacity planning. This study bridged the gap between the literatures by integrating both operational and strategic level issues in a system dynamics model.

Keywords: container terminals; system dynamics; operational planning; strategic planning; customer needs; terminal operators; daily planning; relationships; interdependency; berths; container yards; capacity planning; operational levels; strategic levels; microworlds; management flight simulators; business simulators; learning environments; simulation; moorings; ports; harbours; ships; shipping; Malaysia; logistics systems; logistics management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2011.043103

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2011 Vol.10 No.4, pp.420 - 436

Published online: 09 May 2015 *

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