Efficient and optimized port operations are required to keep up with the enormous pressure on the maritime supply chain caused by the rising demand for global goods. To achieve optimized and efficient port call operations, digitalization of the entire process is of the utmost importance. This case study thus analyzes the digitalization of port call operations in the maritime supply chain. We explain the port call operations, the inefficiencies of the traditional way the process is done and how digitalization can help reduce the inefficiencies. We then take the example of a port in Rotterdam, Netherlands and how they developed a platform called PortXchange and helped digitalize the port call operations, thus making the maritime supply chain resilient, efficient and fast. This case attempts to familiarize the readers with the dynamics of port operations, to assess the operational strategy taken by the Rotterdam port for developing the digital platform and to determine the competitive advantage it provides the users.
PurposeFarmers in India are hesitant to adopt organic farming (OF) despite high demand for organic products and favorable policy measures to encourage the practice. Therefore, this study aims to assess the OF adoption barriers faced by Indian farmers using a systematic method of multi-criteria decision making (MCDM).Design/methodology/approachThe authors explored eighteen barriers to OF adoption by conducting a literature survey and discussion with experts on OF. Then the authors used a combined method of Grey Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) and Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) methodology to rank the barriers and analyze their interactions.FindingsThe analysis reveals that “Lack of knowledge and information,” “lack of financial capacity of farmers’ and “lack of institutional support” are the cause (independent) barriers that significantly impact other barriers. The top three effect (dependent) barriers are “lack of availability of organic inputs,” “personal characteristics such as age, attitudes and beliefs” and “lack of premium pricing,” which are affected by the other barriers.Research limitations/implicationsThis research work will help the decision makers understand the barriers to OF adoption in India and their interrelationships. The proposed framework enables them to focus on the high-priority independent barriers, which will subsequently impact the other dependent barriers.Originality/valuePrevious research on OF adoption barriers lacked a multifaceted scientific approach, which is necessary because OF is a complex system and needs a thorough investigation to assess the interaction between the barriers. The research attempts to fill this gap and addresses the complex nature of adoption barriers.
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