Assessment
Questions
1. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of the use of different port performance indicators in evaluating ports’ operational efficiency. Provide examples for illustration.
2. Use Port of Rotterdam available information to complete the following tasks:
- Evaluate Port of Rotterdam’s competitiveness.
- Explain how the port’s major development projects or plan may contribute to improve the port’s competitiveness.
3. Explain how the Port of Singapore may capitalise on digitalisation and the adoption of AI to boost productivity. Use relevant information about the port and references to illustrate and support your explanation.
Brief Summary of Assessment Requirements
This assessment requires students to demonstrate their understanding of port performance evaluation, port competitiveness analysis, and the role of digitalisation and AI in enhancing port operations. The tasks are divided into three main questions:
Key Requirements
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using different port performance indicators.
- Provide examples to illustrate operational efficiency measurement.
- Evaluate the competitiveness of the Port of Rotterdam using publicly available information.
- Explain how major development projects or future plans can enhance its competitiveness.
- Explain how digital technologies and AI adoption can help the Port of Singapore boost productivity.
- Support claims with relevant examples, data, and references.
Discuss the Port of Singapore’s digitalisation strategy
Analyse the Port of Rotterdam
Explain port performance indicators
Students must present well-structured, evidence-based responses supported by credible sources.
How the Academic Mentor Guided the Student: Step-by-Step Approach
The academic mentor guided the student through a systematic process to ensure each section met academic expectations and aligned with the assessment criteria.
Step 1: Understanding the Questions and Scope
The mentor first helped the student break down each question to understand exactly what was required:
- Identify analytical vs. descriptive components.
- Clarify that examples and real-world evidence were essential.
- Ensure answers would reflect understanding of port operations, efficiency, and digital transformation.
This step prepared the student to address each part with precision.
Step 2: Structuring the Response
The mentor suggested a clear structure:
- Introduction (optional but helpful for flow)
- Body aligned with the three questions
- Conclusion summarizing insights
This ensured clarity, coherence, and logical progression.
Step 3: Guiding the Student Through Question 1
For the question on port performance indicators, the mentor helped the student:
- Identify common indicators (e.g., TEU throughput, ship turnaround time, berth productivity, crane moves/hour, dwell time, etc.).
- Evaluate advantages (such as measurable efficiency, benchmarking capability, and resource allocation insights).
- Evaluate disadvantages (such as variations in port size, inconsistent data reporting, and indicators not reflecting qualitative factors).
- Use examples from real ports to demonstrate concepts (e.g., Singapore’s crane productivity or Rotterdam’s throughput).
The mentor emphasized analytical depth rather than simple listing.
Step 4: Guiding the Student Through Question 2 Port of Rotterdam
The mentor guided the student to:
- Research the Port of Rotterdam’s strategic strengths (location, automation, connectivity, hinterland links).
- Evaluate competitiveness using factors such as:
- Market share
- Innovation
- Sustainability goals
- Digitalisation initiatives
- Cargo handling efficiencies
Next, the mentor helped identify development projects, such as:
- Maasvlakte 2 expansion
- Automation and digitised logistics systems
- Clean energy projects (hydrogen, shore power)
The mentor guided the student to explain how these initiatives strengthen Rotterdam’s position as a leading European and global port.