Validation of a Key Performance Indicator Framework Demonstrating Economic Benefits Gained through Resolving Nautical Bottlenecks on Selected Sections of the Danube

Bianca Duldner-Borca (), Edwin van Hassel and Lisa-Maria Putz-Egger
Additional contact information
Bianca Duldner-Borca: Department of Logistics, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Wehrgrabengasse 1-3, 4400 Steyr, Austria
Edwin van Hassel: Department of Transport and Regional Economics, University of Antwerp, Prinsstraat 13, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
Lisa-Maria Putz-Egger: Department of Logistics, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Wehrgrabengasse 1-3, 4400 Steyr, Austria

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 24, 1-12

Abstract: Addressing nautical bottlenecks is crucial for optimizing the utilization of inland waterways and maximizing the economic benefits of transports. To maximize economic benefits, a study was conducted to validate a key performance indicator (KPI)-based framework. This framework offers a structured approach to assessing the impact of resolved nautical bottlenecks on the economic benefits of inland waterway transport (IWT). To validate the applicability of the KPI framework, interviews with eleven experts were conducted. The goal was to prioritize each KPI based on their insights. The results of the interviews shed light on the relevance and coherence of both the individual KPIs and the overall KPI framework. The experts confirmed the importance of measures related to transportation efficiency, such as reduced transit times, increased vessel throughput, and enhanced reliability. The validated KPI-based framework serves as a valuable tool for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers. It enables the assessment of the effects of resolving nautical bottlenecks in inland waterway systems. Future research should focus on quantifying the multifaceted impacts, making this framework even more useful for decision-making processes concerning investments in infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.

Keywords: KPI validation; nautical bottlenecks; IW infrastructure; inland waterway transport (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/24/16742/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/24/16742/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:24:p:16742-:d:1298139

Access Statistics for this article

Sustainability is currently edited by Ms. Alexandra Wu

More articles in Sustainability from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().