Journal of Industrial Management Perspective

Journal of Industrial Management Perspective

Evaluation of the Sustainability of Iranian Ports Based on The Parsimonious Best-Worst Method (PBWM): Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Development

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Sara Valipour Parkouhi 1
Hamidreza Fallah Lajimi 2
Alireza Arab 3
1 Ph.D. Student, Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.
10.48308/jimp.16.1.248
Abstract
Introduction. Ports, as key points in global logistics networks, are constantly evolving and adapting due to developments in global trade and changes in related sectors such as shipping. In recent years, challenges such as growing environmental awareness, social responsibility pressures, and the necessity of sustainable economic practices have challenged ports. Iranian ports, due to their strategic geopolitical position and vital role in international transportation, are of particular significance. They play a key role in the country's economic growth and development. The development of port infrastructure, the application of modern technologies in operations management, improvements in energy efficiency, and the enhancement of trade interactions with neighboring countries create significant opportunities for sustainable economic development. Furthermore, the development of industries related to ports, such as logistics, transportation, and free trade zones, can lead to increased employment, foreign investment, and economic growth. This study aims to examine the sustainability of 14 major Iranian ports in all three dimensions of sustainability—economic, environmental, and social—and to propose strategies for optimal utilization of available capacities in order to achieve sustainable economic development.
Methods. In this study, the Parsimonious Best-Worst Method (PBWM) is used to assess the sustainability of ports. Similar to the classical BWM, this approach prevents the occurrence of equalization bias and anchoring bias by identifying the best and worst attributes through pairwise comparisons. However, its superiority over the classical version lies in the fact that, unlike the traditional BWM—which can only be applied to a maximum of nine criteria or alternatives—this method allows for cases involving more than nine criteria or alternatives. In such situations, reference alternatives can be selected, and pairwise comparisons are then conducted based on these references.
Results and discussion. The results of this study indicate that, among the 14 ports examined, four Iranian ports performed favorably across all three dimensions of sustainability. This demonstrates the capacity of these ports to effectively manage resources while striking a balance between economic development and environmental preservation. Furthermore, positive engagement with local communities and attention to social responsibilities have played a significant role in enhancing their performance. Besides, three Iranian ports were ranked at the lower end as a result of shortcomings such as insufficient investment, ineffective management, or inadequate attention to environmental and social issues. Consequently, these ports require a reassessment of their policies and the adoption of innovative strategies to improve their current situation and enhance their competitiveness.
Conclusions. This study, by evaluating the sustainability of 14 major ports in Iran, emphasizes the importance of revisiting infrastructure, enhancing management processes, and adopting innovative strategies to improve sustainable competitiveness. These efforts could strengthen the role of Iranian ports in the global trade network and contribute to national and regional economic development, leading to greater productivity. Furthermore, considering the environmental and social dimensions in port development can help strike a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation, thereby contributing to the long-term sustainability of ports. Therefore, it is recommended that policymakers and port managers adopt comprehensive and sustainable strategies to enhance port performance. By doing so, they can secure a competitive position in the global arena and contribute to the sustainable development of the country.
Keywords
Port
Sustainability
Parsimonious Best-Worst Method (PBWM)
Economical
Environmental
Social
Subjects
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