Seaport research: A structured literature review on methodological issues since the 1980s

• Published in: Transportation research. Part A, Policy and practice Policy and practice, 2011-08, Vol.45 (7), p.667-685
• Main Authors: Woo, Su-Han, Pettit, Stephen J., Kwak, Dong-Wook, Beresford, Anthony K.C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Amplification; Analysis technique; Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; Documentation. Terminology; Evolution; Exact sciences and technology; Hydraulic constructions; Interdisciplinarity; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Port facilities and coastal structures. Lighthouses and beacons; Port research; Ports; Research method; Research paradigm; Seaport research; Seaport research Structured literature review Research paradigm Research method Interdisciplinarity Port research Analysis technique; Strategy; Structured literature review; Transportation
• ISSN: 0965-8564; 1879-2375
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tra.2011.04.014

► Positivistic paradigm has been dominant in seaport research. ► Economics, geography and operations research have dominated seaport research. ► Management studies have substantially increased in the 2000s. ► Multidisciplinarity and interdisciplinarity have become and will be greater. This study aims to investigate how seaport research has been conducted from the methodological perspective. To this end, this study reviews published port literature for the last three decades (1980–2000s). The investigation primarily categorises the literature according to various methodological issues such as research paradigm, research strategy, base-disciplines, research methods and analysis techniques in order to provide meaningful implications on methodological evolution in seaport research for the period. This study suggests methodological bias in port research to a positivistic paradigm, following a quantitative trajectory moving from conceptual to empirical studies. In addition, the increased use of mathematical modelling and advanced statistical analysis methods is clearly observed. The introduction of advanced analytical tools used in other academic disciplines facilitates discussions in particular research area and amplifies the literature in those areas. This paper also suggests research gaps from the methodological perspective and implications for future port research.