Eleni Bougioukou
Port operation, efficiency and technical advancements: Analysis of local costs and benefits.
Email: e.bougioukou1@ncl.ac.uk
Project supervisors
Project description
Technological advancements bring new opportunities and competitive advantage to port operations. These include technologies such as automation, digitalisation, blockchain, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and robotics.
There is a lack of research on the impact of implementing new technologies in port operations. Such research must consider both the terminal efficiency and the local community.
My research will provide an insight into the application of new technologies in port operation. I will analyse net benefits for both the terminal operator and for the local community.
Methodology and objectives
I am adopting a mixed methods research design. I am using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies as part of the analysis.
I am using a Systematic Literature Review, interviews with key port stakeholders and Website Content Analysis. I will explore how scholars and industry perceive the link between technological advancements, port efficiency and local economic development. I am also investigating the strategies adopted by ports and terminal companies in the use of new technologies. I am exploring how they use these technologies to become “smarter”, “greener”, “technologically advanced” and more efficient.
I am using Data Envelopment Analysis and statistical tools. I will find patterns arising from the efficiency scores of the world’s leading container ports. In this area of research, I will also explore the link between port efficiency and technological advancements.
I will carry out an in-depth case study. This will investigate the net benefits for port efficiency and the local community from applying new technologies to port operations.
Result
My research will provide guidelines, policy prescriptions and deeper insight. It will strengthen the collaboration among port operators, governments, local communities, technology providers, shipping companies and cargo related stakeholders.
Publications
- Bougioukou E, Mangan J, Tei A. Port Efficiency and Economic Development: A Systematic Review. In: 27th Annual Conference of the International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME). 2019, Athens, Greece.
Qualifications
- BSc in Business Management and Administration from University of Patras
- MSc in Marine Transport with Management from Newcastle University