Proceedings of ICLT 2024
SUSTAINABILITY ACTIVITIES AFFECTING COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE. OFCONTAINER PORTS
Sehwa Lim; Stephen Pettit; Wessam Abouarghoub; Anthony Beresford
Logistics and Operations Management, Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University, UK; Logistics and Operations Management, Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University, UK; Logistics and Operations Management, Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University, UK; Logistics and Operations Management, Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University, UK
International Conference on Logistics & Transport 2024, Seoul, South Korea, pp. 135-142
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Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to strategically analyse the sustainability activities that drive competitive advantage in container ports. It focuses on addressing the strategic management of sustainability in the port sector by identifying and prioritising sustainability activities that influence the competitive advantage of container ports. Design/methodology/approach: Adopting a strategy-as-practice view, the study employs the Relative Importance Index methodology to assess and rank the perceived significance of sustainability activities in achieving competitive advantage. Data were collected from port managers across 35 countries, and the analysis considered differences in regional contexts, port sizes, and managerial perspectives to provide a nuanced understanding of sustainability priorities for strategic decisionmaking. Findings: The study found that social sustainability practices are the most critical for enhancing container ports’ competitive advantage, making a shift from the traditional focus on economic factors. The findings suggest potential opportunities for strategic collaboration, particularly between Asian and European ports. Additionally, the significant role of port managers at different levels is emphasised in decision-making processes for effective sustainability strategies and superior competitive performance. Originality/value: This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of port sustainability by integrating a strategy-as-practice perspective, which has been underexplored in port studies. Methodologically, it advances the application of the RII in evaluating the strategic importance of sustainability activities in ports. The research also provides practical insights for port managers and policymakers by identifying best practices in sustainability that align with competitive strategies, thus expanding the scope of port studies for strategic sustainability management.
Keywords
Port sustainability; Port competitive advantage; Port competitiveness; Relative Importance Index; Strategy-as-practice
Citation
Sehwa Lim; Stephen Pettit; Wessam Abouarghoub; Anthony Beresford (2024). SUSTAINABILITY ACTIVITIES AFFECTING COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE. OFCONTAINER PORTS. Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics & Transport (ICLT 2024), Seoul, South Korea, pp. 135-142.