Assessing financial impact of maritime ergonomics on company level: a case study

Abstract

The present paper reports a case study examining a conceptual framework for assessing financial impact of occupational maritime ergonomics in a Swedish shipping company. Specifically, the aim was to study the availability and applicability of suggested determinants for operational performance, routines for estimating the effects of ergonomics and the customer's (sea transport buyer's) demands for ergonomics management on the case company. The results show that the determinants and subcategories for operational performance in terms of productivity, efficiency and quality are present and applicable, albeit not measured to any large extent. No routines or specific methods for measuring or estimating cost and effects of ergonomics investments, accidents and operational disturbances were found. Further, the results show that the sea transport buyers increasingly express interest for and place demands related to maritime ergonomics, for instance, through compliance of specific standards and guiding principles linked to maritime ergonomics. It is concluded that in order to support and enable managers' ability to make well-informed decisions and prioritizations, between investments, ergonomic or other, increased knowledge is needed of the financial effects of ergonomics on company core value processes. There is also a need to develop and implement usable tools to simplify these measuring procedures.

Value Creation through Corporate Sustainability in the Port Sector: A Structured Literature Analysis

“…Studies also indicate a positive correlation between CSR efforts and economic advantages. CSR in shipping is claimed to provide an added advantage for firms by differentiating their services, avoiding port state interventions, receiving permissions to operate in environmentally sensitive areas, and improving the image for recruiting new personnel [25,26]. It is furthermore shown by Drobetz et al [27] that "responsible firms, which contribute both economically and ethically to the society and local communities they serve, are better positioned to grow in terms of reputation and revenues".…”

Managing culturally diverse maritime human resources as a shipping company’s core competency

“…pilots). Problematic communication of multicultural crew is blamed to be a crucial factor in the occurrence of maritime accidents, among other relevant factors including the maritime human factor (Schröder-Hinrichs et al 2013) and maritime ergonomics (Österman and Rose 2015). Moreover, the effectiveness of multicultural teams is influenced by the crew members' linguistic ability and their cultural profile.…”

Influence of Strategic Interrelationships and Decision-Making in Chilean Port Networks on Their Degree of Sustainability

“…The implementation of sustainable actions generates competitive advantages for a maritime port, since they improve the quality of the provision of services and differentiates the port from the competition due to the provision of more efficient and effective support to its internal and external clients [14]. Another important benefit to mention for a publicly owned port is that the interventions made by the State, such as audits for environmental problems, are reduced [15]. It must be considered that it is difficult to balance the three aspects of sustainability, since having an ecological port requires a cultural change in all the actors that build the port network and provide large investments, which may not be reflected in short-term profitability [16].…”