forwarders, structural equation modeling. This study empirically identifies customer relationship... more forwarders, structural equation modeling. This study empirically identifies customer relationship man-agement (CRM) and examines its impacts on firm perform-ance in the context of freight forwarder services. Using data collected from a survey of 144 freight forwarding firms in Taiwan, a structural equation modeling exercise was con-ducted to identify crucial CRM dimensions and their influ-ences on the perceived financial performance. Results indi-cated that CRM dimensions such as customer response and profit interaction are found to have significantly positive ef-fects on the perceived financial performance aspects of profit and growth rate. This research not only investigates crucial CRM but also proposes a model for empirical studies to link CRM and firm performance. To the best of our knowledge, this study is one of the first to examine CRM in the freight forwarder services. The model may be used as a stepping stone for empirical research in transportation services on CRM. The un...
International Series in Operations Research & Management Science, 2014
This chapter empirically identifies the crucial criteria for choosing a business model of contain... more This chapter empirically identifies the crucial criteria for choosing a business model of container terminal operations from the viewpoint of the Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC)—the former port authority of Kaohsiung, Keelung, Taichung, and Hualien in Taiwan. An analytic hierarchy process approach is employed to assess the relative importance of these criteria and business models. Results indicate that benefit and operational capability are the two most important criteria for selecting business models of container terminal operations. The optimal business model in the short to medium term for TIPC is “wholly-owned, operate-outsourced”, whereas “wholly-owned, operate-owned” is the optimal business model in the long term. Implications of the research findings for port corporations and global terminal operators are discussed.
Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 2013
ABSTRACT This study empirically examines the relationships between internal green practices, exte... more ABSTRACT This study empirically examines the relationships between internal green practices, external green integration, green performance, and firm competitiveness in the container shipping context. We collect data from a survey of 163 container shipping firms in Taiwan, and apply a structural equation model (SEM) to test the research hypotheses. We confirm that internal green practices and external green collaboration have positive impacts on green performance, which in turn helps to enhance firm competitiveness. The findings show that a firm’s green performance and external green collaboration act as mediator variables between internal green practices and firm competitiveness, and they influence firm competitiveness positively. We also discuss in this paper the managerial implications for container shipping firms to improve their green performance and competitiveness.
This research empirically evaluates international logistics zones in Kaoshiung, Hong Kong, and Sh... more This research empirically evaluates international logistics zones in Kaoshiung, Hong Kong, and Shanghai ports based on the importance of investment criteria from the perspective of investors in Taiwanese manufacturing firms. Results suggest respondents ...
Drawing on the theory of institution, this research investigated the effects of institutional res... more Drawing on the theory of institution, this research investigated the effects of institutional responses, employees’ sustainability behavior, and sustainability transformational leadership on sustai...
International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics
This research examined the effects of green shipping practices on corporate reputation and organi... more This research examined the effects of green shipping practices on corporate reputation and organisational performance amongst container shipping firms. Structural equation modelling was employed in this study using survey data collected from 130 container shipping firms in Taiwan. Results indicated that green shipping practices are positively associated with organisational performance, and corporate reputation positively influences organisational performance. This research also found that corporate reputation mediates the effects of green shipping practices on organisational performance. This study suggests that container shipping companies could enhance their environmental responsibility to improve their corporate reputation and organisational performance. The implications of the findings are discussed.
This study examines the organizational factors, leader-member exchange (LMX), and team-member exc... more This study examines the organizational factors, leader-member exchange (LMX), and team-member exchange (TMX) affecting seafarers’ safety citizenship behavior (SCB) in respect of seafaring lives. Ac...
This study, based on a survey of 246 liner shipping companies in Taiwan, uses structural equation... more This study, based on a survey of 246 liner shipping companies in Taiwan, uses structural equation modelling to examine the relationships among corporate social responsibility (CSR), corporate reputation, and organisational performance. Confirmatory factor analysis is conducted to identify three critical CSR dimensions, namely, environmental responsibility, social responsibility, and economic responsibility. The results indicate that environmental responsibility, social responsibility, and economic responsibility each indirectly and positively influence organisational performance through corporate reputation. Accordingly, this study suggests that liner shipping managers could enhance their CSR to improve their corporate reputation, and organisational performance. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings for liner shipping firms are also discussed.
This study empirically evaluates the crucial logistics capabilities and firm performance in inter... more This study empirically evaluates the crucial logistics capabilities and firm performance in international distribution center operator in Taiwan. Three critical logistics capabilities are identified based on factor analysis: (a) innovation capability, (b) customer response capability, and (c) flexible operation capability. Cluster analysis is subsequently assigned respondents into three groups, namely, customer response and flexible operation capabilities oriented firms, customer response and innovation capabilities oriented firms, and customer response capability oriented firms, based on their mean scores in three logistics capability dimensions. Results indicated that the customer response and innovation capabilities oriented firms have the best firm performance, followed by customer response and flexible operation capabilities oriented firms, and customer response capability oriented firms.
This article describes a study of the logistics service requirements of international distributio... more This article describes a study of the logistics service requirements of international distribution centers from the perspectives of both shippers and freight forwarders. Such centers are becoming more important as the field of international logistics develops rapidly due to globalization. Research in the study focused only on international distribution centers in Taiwan, the Republic of China. Cargo safety is considered the most important service attribute, followed by tracing and tracking, customs clearance, inland transportation, and electronic transmission. The study found that four service factors were significantly different between shippers and freight forwarders: value-added services, consolidation services, distribution services, and support services.
This study identifies logistics institutions and empirically examines their impacts on competitiv... more This study identifies logistics institutions and empirically examines their impacts on competitive advantage using survey data collected from international logistics firms including logistics companies, freight forwarders, shipping companies, agencies, and airlines. Based on a multiple regression analysis, results indicated that logistics institutions such as the regulation institution are found to have significantly positive effects on competitive advantage in terms of competitiveness, efficiency, and reasonable cost, whereas the physical infrastructure has a positive effect on competitive advantage in the aspects of service quality and reasonable cost. Theoretical and policy implications of the research findings on logistics policy evaluation for policymakers are discussed.
The objective of this research is to identify crucial sustainability assessment criteria in the c... more The objective of this research is to identify crucial sustainability assessment criteria in the context of the international port sector. Data collection was based on a questionnaire survey from 135 managers and supervisors at major international ports in Taiwan including Keelung, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. A total of 31 important sustainable assessment criteria were adapted from previous studies in terms of environmental, economic and social issues. Results revealed that social issues with respect to staff job security and safety was ranked as the most important sustainability assessment criterion, followed by environmental protection when handling cargo, facilitation of economic activities, port traffic accidents prevention, and cargo handled safely and effectively. In contrary, respondents revealed their less importance in the criteria, namely, mitigating light influence on neighboring residents, considering the arrangement of vehicles when constructing port transportation system, ...
This paper empirically evaluates web site services from container shipping companies’ perspective... more This paper empirically evaluates web site services from container shipping companies’ perspective. The results suggest that carriers perceive vessel schedules and tracking to be the most important web site service attribute, followed by customs response, service routes, and electronic document service. Furthermore, a cluster analysis were employed to classify carriers into three groups, namely, schedule and tracking services oriented firms, support services oriented firms, and market and company information services oriented firms. Theoretical and practical implications of the research findings are discussed.
The purpose of this study is to examine the linkages between service capabilities, dynamic capabi... more The purpose of this study is to examine the linkages between service capabilities, dynamic capabilities, and competitive advantage in container shipping. Using data provided by 134 respondents in container shipping companies in Taiwan. A structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the research hypotheses. The research findings indicated that service capabilities positively influenced on dynamic capabilities, whereas dynamic capabilities were positively related to competitive advantage. Results also indicated that dynamic capabilities mediates the relationship between service capabilities and competitive advantage. Practical implications from the research findings were discussed for container shipping firms.
This study investigated crucial green supply chain management (GSCM) and firm performance dimensi... more This study investigated crucial green supply chain management (GSCM) and firm performance dimensions based on global container shipping service. On the basis of a factor analysis, six GSCM dimensions: green policy, green shipping practice, green marketing, green collaboration with supplier, green collaboration with partner, green collaboration with customer, and three firm performance dimensions: reduction of pollutant, decrease of cost, improved competitiveness were identified. According to their factor means in the GSCM dimensions, a cluster analysis subsequently assigned responding firms into four groups, namely, the external green oriented group, the internal green oriented group, the high internal and external green oriented group, and the low internal and external green oriented group. Differences in firm performance and GSCM dimensions among groups were examined.
This research seeks to evaluate partnering relationship between ocean carriers and shippers. A st... more This research seeks to evaluate partnering relationship between ocean carriers and shippers. A structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was used to test the effects of commitment, mutual trust, reputation and information exchange on the level of satisfaction of partnering relationship. The results indicated that the degree of mutual trust was positively related to the level of satisfaction from both shippers' and carriers' perspectives. Nevertheless, there were differences in magnitude across perspectives regarding the positive effect of information exchange, commitment and reputation on mutual satisfaction in a partnering relationship. This study aims to provide a general framework for the evaluation of partnering relationship based on important aspects of a firm's strategies. In addition, some implications for theory and practice are briefly discussed.
Drawing on the social exchange theory, the objective of this study is to examine employees’ perce... more Drawing on the social exchange theory, the objective of this study is to examine employees’ perceptions of cultural differences of container shipping companies and its impact on job performance. We...
Purpose This study aims to examine the linkages between port aesthetics, destination image, touri... more Purpose This study aims to examine the linkages between port aesthetics, destination image, tourist satisfaction and tourist loyalty in Hong Kong. Design/methodology/approach To achieve this objective, the authors surveyed 247 tourists in Hong Kong. Using factor analysis and structural equation model (SEM) to identify the constructs of port aesthetics and analyze its relationship with destination image, tourist satisfaction and tourist loyalty. Findings Five-port aesthetics constructs were identified, namely, leisure and culture, design and cognition, atmosphere, recreational facilities and memory. The results of SEM revealed the following: port aesthetics positively influenced destination image; destination image positively influenced tourist satisfaction; and tourist satisfaction had a positive influence on tourist loyalty. This research also found that the indirect effect of port aesthetics on tourist loyalty via destination image and tourist satisfaction. Originality/value While...
forwarders, structural equation modeling. This study empirically identifies customer relationship... more forwarders, structural equation modeling. This study empirically identifies customer relationship man-agement (CRM) and examines its impacts on firm perform-ance in the context of freight forwarder services. Using data collected from a survey of 144 freight forwarding firms in Taiwan, a structural equation modeling exercise was con-ducted to identify crucial CRM dimensions and their influ-ences on the perceived financial performance. Results indi-cated that CRM dimensions such as customer response and profit interaction are found to have significantly positive ef-fects on the perceived financial performance aspects of profit and growth rate. This research not only investigates crucial CRM but also proposes a model for empirical studies to link CRM and firm performance. To the best of our knowledge, this study is one of the first to examine CRM in the freight forwarder services. The model may be used as a stepping stone for empirical research in transportation services on CRM. The un...
International Series in Operations Research & Management Science, 2014
This chapter empirically identifies the crucial criteria for choosing a business model of contain... more This chapter empirically identifies the crucial criteria for choosing a business model of container terminal operations from the viewpoint of the Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC)—the former port authority of Kaohsiung, Keelung, Taichung, and Hualien in Taiwan. An analytic hierarchy process approach is employed to assess the relative importance of these criteria and business models. Results indicate that benefit and operational capability are the two most important criteria for selecting business models of container terminal operations. The optimal business model in the short to medium term for TIPC is “wholly-owned, operate-outsourced”, whereas “wholly-owned, operate-owned” is the optimal business model in the long term. Implications of the research findings for port corporations and global terminal operators are discussed.
Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 2013
ABSTRACT This study empirically examines the relationships between internal green practices, exte... more ABSTRACT This study empirically examines the relationships between internal green practices, external green integration, green performance, and firm competitiveness in the container shipping context. We collect data from a survey of 163 container shipping firms in Taiwan, and apply a structural equation model (SEM) to test the research hypotheses. We confirm that internal green practices and external green collaboration have positive impacts on green performance, which in turn helps to enhance firm competitiveness. The findings show that a firm’s green performance and external green collaboration act as mediator variables between internal green practices and firm competitiveness, and they influence firm competitiveness positively. We also discuss in this paper the managerial implications for container shipping firms to improve their green performance and competitiveness.
This research empirically evaluates international logistics zones in Kaoshiung, Hong Kong, and Sh... more This research empirically evaluates international logistics zones in Kaoshiung, Hong Kong, and Shanghai ports based on the importance of investment criteria from the perspective of investors in Taiwanese manufacturing firms. Results suggest respondents ...
Drawing on the theory of institution, this research investigated the effects of institutional res... more Drawing on the theory of institution, this research investigated the effects of institutional responses, employees’ sustainability behavior, and sustainability transformational leadership on sustai...
International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics
This research examined the effects of green shipping practices on corporate reputation and organi... more This research examined the effects of green shipping practices on corporate reputation and organisational performance amongst container shipping firms. Structural equation modelling was employed in this study using survey data collected from 130 container shipping firms in Taiwan. Results indicated that green shipping practices are positively associated with organisational performance, and corporate reputation positively influences organisational performance. This research also found that corporate reputation mediates the effects of green shipping practices on organisational performance. This study suggests that container shipping companies could enhance their environmental responsibility to improve their corporate reputation and organisational performance. The implications of the findings are discussed.
This study examines the organizational factors, leader-member exchange (LMX), and team-member exc... more This study examines the organizational factors, leader-member exchange (LMX), and team-member exchange (TMX) affecting seafarers’ safety citizenship behavior (SCB) in respect of seafaring lives. Ac...
This study, based on a survey of 246 liner shipping companies in Taiwan, uses structural equation... more This study, based on a survey of 246 liner shipping companies in Taiwan, uses structural equation modelling to examine the relationships among corporate social responsibility (CSR), corporate reputation, and organisational performance. Confirmatory factor analysis is conducted to identify three critical CSR dimensions, namely, environmental responsibility, social responsibility, and economic responsibility. The results indicate that environmental responsibility, social responsibility, and economic responsibility each indirectly and positively influence organisational performance through corporate reputation. Accordingly, this study suggests that liner shipping managers could enhance their CSR to improve their corporate reputation, and organisational performance. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings for liner shipping firms are also discussed.
This study empirically evaluates the crucial logistics capabilities and firm performance in inter... more This study empirically evaluates the crucial logistics capabilities and firm performance in international distribution center operator in Taiwan. Three critical logistics capabilities are identified based on factor analysis: (a) innovation capability, (b) customer response capability, and (c) flexible operation capability. Cluster analysis is subsequently assigned respondents into three groups, namely, customer response and flexible operation capabilities oriented firms, customer response and innovation capabilities oriented firms, and customer response capability oriented firms, based on their mean scores in three logistics capability dimensions. Results indicated that the customer response and innovation capabilities oriented firms have the best firm performance, followed by customer response and flexible operation capabilities oriented firms, and customer response capability oriented firms.
This article describes a study of the logistics service requirements of international distributio... more This article describes a study of the logistics service requirements of international distribution centers from the perspectives of both shippers and freight forwarders. Such centers are becoming more important as the field of international logistics develops rapidly due to globalization. Research in the study focused only on international distribution centers in Taiwan, the Republic of China. Cargo safety is considered the most important service attribute, followed by tracing and tracking, customs clearance, inland transportation, and electronic transmission. The study found that four service factors were significantly different between shippers and freight forwarders: value-added services, consolidation services, distribution services, and support services.
This study identifies logistics institutions and empirically examines their impacts on competitiv... more This study identifies logistics institutions and empirically examines their impacts on competitive advantage using survey data collected from international logistics firms including logistics companies, freight forwarders, shipping companies, agencies, and airlines. Based on a multiple regression analysis, results indicated that logistics institutions such as the regulation institution are found to have significantly positive effects on competitive advantage in terms of competitiveness, efficiency, and reasonable cost, whereas the physical infrastructure has a positive effect on competitive advantage in the aspects of service quality and reasonable cost. Theoretical and policy implications of the research findings on logistics policy evaluation for policymakers are discussed.
The objective of this research is to identify crucial sustainability assessment criteria in the c... more The objective of this research is to identify crucial sustainability assessment criteria in the context of the international port sector. Data collection was based on a questionnaire survey from 135 managers and supervisors at major international ports in Taiwan including Keelung, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. A total of 31 important sustainable assessment criteria were adapted from previous studies in terms of environmental, economic and social issues. Results revealed that social issues with respect to staff job security and safety was ranked as the most important sustainability assessment criterion, followed by environmental protection when handling cargo, facilitation of economic activities, port traffic accidents prevention, and cargo handled safely and effectively. In contrary, respondents revealed their less importance in the criteria, namely, mitigating light influence on neighboring residents, considering the arrangement of vehicles when constructing port transportation system, ...
This paper empirically evaluates web site services from container shipping companies’ perspective... more This paper empirically evaluates web site services from container shipping companies’ perspective. The results suggest that carriers perceive vessel schedules and tracking to be the most important web site service attribute, followed by customs response, service routes, and electronic document service. Furthermore, a cluster analysis were employed to classify carriers into three groups, namely, schedule and tracking services oriented firms, support services oriented firms, and market and company information services oriented firms. Theoretical and practical implications of the research findings are discussed.
The purpose of this study is to examine the linkages between service capabilities, dynamic capabi... more The purpose of this study is to examine the linkages between service capabilities, dynamic capabilities, and competitive advantage in container shipping. Using data provided by 134 respondents in container shipping companies in Taiwan. A structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the research hypotheses. The research findings indicated that service capabilities positively influenced on dynamic capabilities, whereas dynamic capabilities were positively related to competitive advantage. Results also indicated that dynamic capabilities mediates the relationship between service capabilities and competitive advantage. Practical implications from the research findings were discussed for container shipping firms.
This study investigated crucial green supply chain management (GSCM) and firm performance dimensi... more This study investigated crucial green supply chain management (GSCM) and firm performance dimensions based on global container shipping service. On the basis of a factor analysis, six GSCM dimensions: green policy, green shipping practice, green marketing, green collaboration with supplier, green collaboration with partner, green collaboration with customer, and three firm performance dimensions: reduction of pollutant, decrease of cost, improved competitiveness were identified. According to their factor means in the GSCM dimensions, a cluster analysis subsequently assigned responding firms into four groups, namely, the external green oriented group, the internal green oriented group, the high internal and external green oriented group, and the low internal and external green oriented group. Differences in firm performance and GSCM dimensions among groups were examined.
This research seeks to evaluate partnering relationship between ocean carriers and shippers. A st... more This research seeks to evaluate partnering relationship between ocean carriers and shippers. A structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was used to test the effects of commitment, mutual trust, reputation and information exchange on the level of satisfaction of partnering relationship. The results indicated that the degree of mutual trust was positively related to the level of satisfaction from both shippers' and carriers' perspectives. Nevertheless, there were differences in magnitude across perspectives regarding the positive effect of information exchange, commitment and reputation on mutual satisfaction in a partnering relationship. This study aims to provide a general framework for the evaluation of partnering relationship based on important aspects of a firm's strategies. In addition, some implications for theory and practice are briefly discussed.
Drawing on the social exchange theory, the objective of this study is to examine employees’ perce... more Drawing on the social exchange theory, the objective of this study is to examine employees’ perceptions of cultural differences of container shipping companies and its impact on job performance. We...
Purpose This study aims to examine the linkages between port aesthetics, destination image, touri... more Purpose This study aims to examine the linkages between port aesthetics, destination image, tourist satisfaction and tourist loyalty in Hong Kong. Design/methodology/approach To achieve this objective, the authors surveyed 247 tourists in Hong Kong. Using factor analysis and structural equation model (SEM) to identify the constructs of port aesthetics and analyze its relationship with destination image, tourist satisfaction and tourist loyalty. Findings Five-port aesthetics constructs were identified, namely, leisure and culture, design and cognition, atmosphere, recreational facilities and memory. The results of SEM revealed the following: port aesthetics positively influenced destination image; destination image positively influenced tourist satisfaction; and tourist satisfaction had a positive influence on tourist loyalty. This research also found that the indirect effect of port aesthetics on tourist loyalty via destination image and tourist satisfaction. Originality/value While...
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