Developing measurement scales of collaboration in shipping logistics

Abstract

This study aims to identify and develop the practical elements of supply chain collaboration (SCC) within the context of shipping logistics. These elements offer maritime policymakers fundamental principles on which to formulate policies to enhance collaboration between shippers and shipping companies. Constructs and their corresponding items are derived from extant SCM literature reinforced with input by shipping experts, to create scales applicable in shipping. Content validity of the instrument is assured through two rounds of Q-sorting and a pilot test, and procedures which generated the final 24 items are noteworthy. The instrument scales developed invite further studies to measure collaboration in shipping logistics and the procedures used to develop the measurement instrument for collaboration are relevant to other fields and disciplines.