Perceptions of small to medium ports in norther Europe on the impact of security initiatives

In the aftermath of the terror attacks on New York in September 2001 several iniativies are set up to protect global supply chains from larger disruptions by antagonistic threats such as terrorism or piracy. Many security initiatives such as the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) code, the Container Security Initiative (CSI) or the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) are targeting the maritime infrastructure and especially sea ports to prevent future disruptions to this vital part of the global economy. In logistics, the quality of the service is much more important than in goods dominated industries due to the absence of physical clues. Therefore, the effect of security on service quality is much discussed. One the one hand, studies found that security initiatives can increase transparency, decrease variability and improve customs clearance. On the other hand, negative effects such as financial burdens and increased administration are found as well. Moreover, much of the previous research into the effects of supply chain security on ports assumed quantitative and static measures while being mostly focused on larger ports. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the perspectives of small to medium ports in northern Europe about the impact of security initiatives on their service quality and thereby aims to enrich the understanding of how supply chain security impacts service quality. Hence, this study conducts three expert interviews to create understanding of the problem in the real world and then applies the gained insights into the composition of an online questionnaire which is answered by small to medium ports in northern Europe. The results show that the respondent ports today hold slightly positive perceptions on the impact of security initiatives on the service quality aspects of efficiency. Further, the ports display a relaxed attitude towards the impact on the service quality aspect of customer satisfaction with a light tendency to positive perceptions

THE PERSPECTIVES OF MARITIME TRANSPORT IN EU AND ITS INTEGRATION IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

In a globalised economy transport is one of the most important factors linking the national economies and maritime transport is the main way to deliver goods in international trade. For any international company, choosing the appropriate transportation as part of the logistic solution is vital for its competitiveness. In the context of the economic crisis, CEE strategic location factors play an important role for regional companies which adapt and change their logistic services by developing new scenarios for the shipping industry in order to obtain a better position on the global market. In addition to a favourable geographical location CEE has several other important arguments, like sufficient harbours for developing container terminals to launch extensive container transport transit. The most important recent trends in logistics are shown, as well as the framework of the EU maritime transport.maritime transport, EU transport strategy, supply chain strategy

Corporate sustainability reporting index and baseline data for the cruise industry

Sustainability policies and corporate reports demonstrate the impacts cruise companies acknowledge as their responsibility, and the actions put in place to address them. This paper develops a corporate social responsibility index based on the Global Reporting Initiative, with industry specific additions including labor and human rights, health and safety, and environmental and economic aspects. Companies disclose more management than performance data, which is typical of early stages of development. Companies disclosing less information focus on soft indicators which are easy to mimic and demonstrate posturing. Items disclosed tend to be marginal to the core of the business, have a positive economic impact or pre-empt sector regulation. Reports echo the voice of the corporations and not the demands of stakeholders. Institutional isomorphism has not influenced a homogenization in reporting, with only the largest firms reporting at this stage

Towards the adoption of technological innovations: decision processes in transport policy definition

The widespread of technological innovations is rapidly changing the way modern societies are organized. Such phenomenon highly affects the economy of most developed countries (and, more recently, of developing countries, too), influencing work organization and habits. Besides, technological innovations modify the way in which transport systems are organized, by introducing new transport solutions as well as by upgrading the performances of the existing transport systems, in accordance to a more efficient organization. Several tools have been designed to predict the effects of the adoption of technological innovations in transport. The aim of this paper is to deal with the decision processes involved in the definition of the transport policies for the introduction of such technological solutions. To do this the way in which the new transport solutions affect the local context is analysed. In particular, this work aim to identify the most relevant attributes which influence the decision processes on the adoption of such technological solutions, with reference to their impact on the territory and on the economic activities. To do this, the analysis focuses on the effects involved by the use of wireless technologies and radio frequency identification into seaport infrastructures. Such technologies enable an easier identification of goods in transport terminals; this implies advantages in the organization of the terminal activities, allowing lower time and costs for handling, and at the same time it ensures a greater compliance to security requirements, thus upgrading the level of the performances in these transport systems. On the other hand, the effects of the improvements in transport systems affect the economic context in which transport infrastructures are set. Thus, the adoption of such a technological innovation can represent the chance for local development of the region, due to the better performances of the transport system and to the consequent increased territorial accessibility.

From centrality to intermediacy in the global transport network? Ukraine’s trials and tribulations as a potential transit country

Ukraine currently is in a very complex economic and political situation, which in itself represents a pivotal point for its further recovery and evolution. Nevertheless, the rise of economic centres in Eastern and Central Europe creates opportunities for Ukraine to develop short sea shipping services (via the Black Sea) and water and land-based hub-feeder networks to and from these areas. This paper provides an academic study of the potential of Ukraine in taking up a role in emerging distribution systems in East and Central Europe facilitating the cargo transportation from regions such as Central Asia, Caucasus and even more distant overseas areas. Based on the concepts of intermediacy and centrality as introduced by Fleming and Hayuth (1994) the role of Ukraine in the global and regional transport networks will be analysed in order to assess to what extent particular regions in Ukraine can serve as important gateways to Europe. An extensive review and synthesis of the published studies during the last 20 years on Ukraine’s transit flows and transit function will be presented. The obtained results will be contraposed to the results obtained from about 20 interviews conducted with transport business representatives in Ukraine and abroad. Based on the outcome of bottlenecks and deficiencies in Ukraine’s transport system, the optimal road map for Ukraine’s integration into the European transport network will be defined