Assessing the objectives of dry ports: main issues, challenges and opportunities in Brazil
The International Journal of Logistics Management
ISSN: 0957-4093
Article publication date: 19 November 2020
Issue publication date: 30 January 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose is to identify the main characteristics of dry ports (DPs) in Brazil, discussing the role of this logistic player, challenges and opportunities. Furthermore, this study provides a structured framework to drive DP decision-makers, identifying and assessing a network of means–end objectives, which could be replicable to other contexts.
Design/methodology/approach
This article approached initially a literature review and exploratory research to discuss the main characteristics of DPs in Brazil. The second step was to conduct a qualitative analysis following the value-focused thinking (VFT) approach in two case studies in Pernambuco state to assess the achievement of the main objectives.
Findings
This article identified that the main characteristics of DPs in Brazil are offering additional services with a cheaper storage cost, handling mainly import cargo and being connected to seaports through highways. Moreover, this study resulted in a framework to assess the objectives of DPs, which could be replicable in other contexts, improving the current operations of DPs.
Practical implications
The framework to assess DPs' objectives bridged the gap between the literature and the practice working as a tool to drive decision-makers to improve the current performance of DPs in Brazil. Additionally, the main issues, challenges and opportunities discussed provide managers, policymakers and DPs operators with valuable insights into this theme.
Originality/value
This paper is the first study to present a framework to assess the objectives of DPs as a valuable tool to drive decision-makers to improve DPs operations. From this study, lessons could be learned and the process described could be replicable in other countries.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the financial support from FACEPE (Fundação de Amparo a Ciência e Tecnologia do Estado de Pernambuco) and CAPES (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior). They would also like to thank the two anonymous reviewers of the International Journal of Logistics Management for their comments on earlier versions of this paper.
Citation
Rodrigues, T.d.A., Mota, C.M.d.M., Ojiako, U. and Dweiri, F. (2021), "Assessing the objectives of dry ports: main issues, challenges and opportunities in Brazil", The International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. 32 No. 1, pp. 237-261. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-10-2020-0386
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited