The identification of factors that contribute to the competitive advantage of the intermodal industry in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan municipality

• Main Author: De Koker, Jacques Michael
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Port Elizabeth Technikon 2003
• Subjects: Freight and freightage > South Africa > Port Elizabeth; Containerization > South Africa > Port Elizabeth; Competition
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/239

The research problem addressed in the study was to identify the factors contributing to a competitive advantage in the intermodal industry in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (NMMM). To achieve this objective, a literature study on competitive advantage and the intermodal industry was undertaken. Porter’s diamond of competitive advantage was used as basis for the study. A structured questionnaire was developed from the literature study on competitive advantage, and interviews were with clients of the intermodal industry in the NMMM. The empirical study showed a strong concurrence with the literature on competitive advantage. This study identified the following factors promoting a competitive advantage: performance factors, demand conditions, related and supporting industries, and the organisation’s strategy, structure and rivalry. In conclusion, recommendations on how the intermodal industry can achieve a competitive advantage included the choice between a focused strategy and a combination of price and differentiation strategy. Further recommendations included the development of a comprehensive land freight information system, promotion of environmental protection, human resource development, and the promotion of an efficient and competitive intermodal industry within the limits of the road transport infrastructure.