The construction of knowledge from the scientific literature about the theme seaport performance evaluation

TLDR

The seaport literature has not fully explored the potential of performance evaluation, leaving gaps that could advance the field. This study reviews international literature on seaport performance evaluation to build knowledge and identify research gaps. Using a constructivist research‑action design and the ProKnow‑C structured process knowledge development method, the authors conducted a qualitative analysis. Analysis of 23 articles shows that seaport performance evaluation focuses on operational and tactical efficiency, rarely addresses strategic or global performance, has limited manager interaction, and is seldom used as a management tool. The literature search covered Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, and Wiley.

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to know what scientific literature presents about the theme evaluation of seaport performance, thus enabling the construction of knowledge in the researchers and the identification of gaps in the research that will lead to advances in the area from the identification of the characteristics of a portfolio of relevant international publications. Design/methodology/approach – From the basic philosophical (constructivism), of the kind strategy (research-action) and the method used for the accomplishment of such strategy (structured process knowledge development process – constructivist (ProKnow-C)) the current research has a qualitative approach. Findings – From the analysis of the bibliographic portfolio composed of 23 articles, the main results were: focus of the evaluation of seaport performance is on operational and tactical efficiency rather than on strategic and global performance; the majority of the studies does not relate to the reality experienced by seaport managers due to the limited interaction with these managers, evidencing a distance of the researchers from the object of their research; and performance evaluation was barely used/explored as a tool to support management, only for the sake of evaluation itself. Research limitations/implications – The search occurred in the databases Web of Science, Scopus, Proquest, Ebsco, Sciece Direct and Wiley. Originality/value – The identification of gaps that might promote advances in this field of knowledge, once the seaport segment is not exploring the potential that performance evaluation can offer and is already available in literature.