Instructionsthe Research Paper Should Be A Minimum Of Six Typed Pages ✓ Solved

Instructions: The research paper should be a minimum of six typed pages and formatted in accordance with APA. Topics should be relavent to intermodal transportation. The nature of a research paper is to prove or disprove a thesis or hypothesis, not simply produce a report or provide information on topic. For example; a topic may be the impact of security on intermodal transportation. The associated thesis could be; actions taken to improve the security at ports has negatively impacted throughput, increasing costs and reducing the quality of operations.

The research and body of the paper argues to prove the thesis statement. A draft topic and thesis statement were due to the professor during week 2 (see Week 2 Announcement). Topic: The Effects of Increasing Port Capabilities during Intermodal Transportation Large ships are used to deal with the demand for increased containerized transport and to utilize economics of scale. Seaports face many challenges to include terminal capacity, fairway drafts and inland access. One of the concepts with the possibility to reduce environmental impacts related to the seaport transport system is the dry port.

A dry port is an inland intermodal terminal directly connected to seaports with high-capacity transport where customers can leave or pick up their standardized units as if directly to a seaport. Evaluation Plan Assignment: 20 points 2021 Now that you are well on your way to completing your Business Plan, it is time to script out how you aim to measure if your venture is doing what you proposed. For this assignment, you will develop an Evaluation Plan that identifies how you will assess the strategy outlined in your Theory of Change/Logic Model. You will not actually conduct an evaluation for this assignment, because (for most of you) your ventures are still incubating. However, having a plan in place that outlines how you intend to measure your success or flag areas for improvement is important information for investors.

Your Evaluation Plan will include: 1. The overall purpose, rationale and focus of the evaluation - The WHY of the Evaluation Plan. This section should be answered in a page or less. You can answer these three parts in any order that suits you, as long as you address all three. – 7 points a) The purpose Articulate what insight(s) you seek to gain on the: state of affairs? the value, merit, worth, significance of initiatives, processes, strategies, plan, and/or systems? the quality of a program, product, person, policy, proposal, and/or new knowledge? What type(s) of evaluation(s) will you conduct as provided by Russ-Eft & Preskill (2007)?

In other words, is your aim developmental? Formative? Summative? For monitoring and audit? Outcome?

Impact? Performance measurement? A combination of any of these? Other? Chances are you will be conducting at least two types, with the common two being formative and summative.

Will the data you intend to collect tell the full story of the implementation of your Theory of Change, and what change occurred as a result? Or are intending to capture a partial story? Have you included metrics for the target population, program implementation, and program outcomes? (learningforaction.com) b) The rationale Ask yourself these questions when developing this area and answer the one(s) that are pertinent to your venture. · What decisions, if any, are the evaluation findings expected to influence? For example, will the data you intend to collect be useful for making decisions that can improve performance or outcomes? · What data and findings are needed to support decision making? · When will decisions be made?

When must the evaluation findings be presented to be timely and influential? · What is at stake in the decisions? · How much influence do you expect the evaluation to have, realistically? · To what extent has the outcome of the decision already been determined? c) The focus Describe the specific social part(s) of your venture’s logic model that you believe would be most pertinent in gaining the insight you desire, and which form the basis of this evaluation plan. Hint: identify at least one outcome and its component parts (and, if possible, select an impact indicator), ie. the threading you did in your Logic Model. 2. The components of the Plan : the WHAT and HOW specifics of your Evaluation Plan, followed by the WHERE and WHEN.

This section will likely take a couple pages to answer; you might want to answer this in the form of a table or grid. For this section, we will be following the Learning in Action framework. – 9 points . * a. Define the areas of inquiry in the form of learning questions. Create 3-5 priority questions that will describe the information you need to collect and are withing the scope of your Theory of Change. (In other words, don’t introduce something brand new that isn’t in your Logic Model.) b. Identify your metrics (measures for process / indicators for outcomes) – the data elements you seek to collect.

As previously described, there are two types of metrics: process and outcome. Process metrics often focus on the target population and often center on inputs and outputs. Outcome metrics center on the changes you aim to accomplish in individuals, systems or institutions as a result of your program. An extension of outcome metrics is capturing indicators of impact. c. Choose the data collection methods.

How will you collect the data? Will you use one format? Several to triangulate the data? Different methods for different purposes? Be specific with the format and methodology, e.g. your approach(es) as well as choice(s) between qualitative or quantitative or mixed methods.

Will the data collection methods get you the information you need. For example, surveys tell you about the magnitude of change, but are less useful for understanding how and why the change came about. (learningforaction) d. Specify data sources, e.g. primary or secondary details e. Specify the timing and frequency of data collection. 3.

Communicating the results : the WHO (and for whom) you will provide results of your findings. First, you would need to analyze and interpret the data. – 2 points a. Identify the key stakeholders / audience interested in your data b. Articulate when and where you would expect to provide information, e.g. in what format(s) 4. Additional considerations. – 2 point Address at least one of the issues below. a.

Give an example of how you will ensure validity / reliability of your tools and results b. Give an example of how you will ensure cultural humility and ethics c. Give an example of how will you ensure equity - specifically mitigating inherent bias - in the design of the specific assessments and tools You may choose to write out this assignment in narrative form or present it in power point format. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ * Please use the Measurement Plan Worksheet format and resources from Learning for Action . * You can also see the Evaluation Plan in the ACLAC Strategic Plan as an example. * You can also use as a reference Social Return on Investments Comprehensive Guide.

Paper for above instructions

The Effects of Increasing Port Capabilities during Intermodal Transportation
Introduction
The modern global economy relies significantly on intermodal transportation, involving various modes of transport such as maritime, rail, and trucking. A fundamental aspect of this transportation system is the capability of seaports to efficiently manage containerized cargo. With increasing demand for containerized transport, port capabilities and capacities are being continuously adjusted. The thesis guiding this research paper posits: Increasing port capabilities to facilitate larger ships and improved intermodal connections can lead to better economic outcomes, but also poses challenges related to environmental concerns and operational efficiency.
Background
As global trade evolves, shipping companies are investing in larger vessels to leverage economies of scale. According to Notteboom and Rodrigue (2012), these mega-ships can deliver significant shipping cost reductions due to their capacity to transport more containers compared to smaller vessels. However, the increased size of ships demands ports to enhance their operational capabilities, increasing complexities concerning terminal capacity, fairway drafts, and inland access (Bromley, 2020).
The development of a dry port, an inland intermodal terminal connected to a seaport, stands out as a viable alternative to alleviate some urban congestion problems caused by larger vessels. By distributing cargo away from traditional port-centric facilities, the advantages of improved shipping lines and distribution networks can be realized (Maqsood et al., 2018).
Advantages of Increased Port Capabilities
1. Economic Growth and Efficiency
Enhanced port capabilities lead to increased throughput, reducing shipping and logistics costs. As highlighted by Wang et al. (2019), more efficient port operations facilitate quicker turnaround times for vessels, translating into positive economic growth. The ability to handle larger volumes of containers enhances economies of scale, allowing shipping firms to lower transport costs and gain a competitive edge.
2. Advancements in Environmental Management
While larger vessels can potentially lead to lower emissions per container transported, the increased volumes pose environmental risks (López & Lazo, 2019). Ports and dry ports have begun adopting sustainable practices, promoting cleaner terminal practices and prioritizing multimodal transportation options.
3. Investments in Technological Innovations
Upgraded port facilities often reflect advancements in technology, hence improving operational efficiency. Port automation, for example, speeds up cargo handling (Hesse & Rodrigue, 2004). Furthermore, increased collaboration between stakeholders (shipping companies, logistics firms, and terminals) leads to improved logistic networks benefiting the entire supply chain.
Challenges Arising from Increased Port Capabilities
1. Infrastructural Limitations
Even with enhanced port capabilities, infrastructural insufficiencies can hinder operational flow. For example, the ability of surrounding roads and railways to accommodate increased traffic from larger ships and terminals is crucial (Santos & D'Angelo, 2020).
2. Environmental Concerns
The expansion of port capabilities risks incurring environmental degradation, contributing to pollution and ecosystem disruption. The increased port traffic leads to intensified emissions from shipping and ground transportation. A study by McCulloch (2021) highlights that despite improvements in operational efficiency, overall regional emissions can rise if sustainable practices are not emphasized.
3. Workforce Implications
Increasing automation at ports can lead to workforce displacement. While automation creates efficiencies, it poses a risk to employment levels, necessitating the reassessment of workforce training and development programs (Wilmsmeier et al., 2012).
4. Security and Regulation
Heightened port activities raise security concerns. As noted by Wiegmans et al. (2018), expanded capacity must align with stringent security measures to mitigate risks associated with increased shipping volumes, potentially adding layers of complexity and cost to operations.
Evaluation Plan for Enhanced Port Capabilities
Purpose
The purpose of this evaluation plan is to assess the impact of increased port capabilities on the operational effectiveness of intermodal transport systems. This includes examining the economic viability of port expansion, environmental impacts, and the efficiency of logistics networks. The evaluation will take a combination of formative and summative approaches. Whenever possible, it will collect data on utilization rates and operational costs pertaining to enhanced port capabilities.
Rationale
The evaluation is intended to influence decisions regarding future investments in port infrastructure and operational practices. Key findings will inform stakeholders about whether the enhancements align with the economic and environmental goals of intermodal transportation systems. Evaluations will be timely to ensure policy and operational objectives are continuously being met or reassessed.
Focus
The evaluation will focus on specific areas of inquiry related to the provided logic model of port operations, such as:
- How has the increase in port capacity impacted transportation costs?
- What are the measurable environmental impacts (bathe) of expanded port operations?
- To what extent has operational efficiency (turnaround times, delayed shipments) improved post-enhancements?
Components of the Evaluation Plan
1. Learning Questions
- What are the throughput and productivity levels before and after capacity enhancements?
- How do container delay times change with added capability?
- What are the environmental emissions attributed to increased port activities?
2. Metrics
- Process Metrics: Terminal throughput, shipping costs, congestion levels, container handling times.
- Outcome Metrics: Rate of emissions, cost-benefit analysis of operational changes, satisfaction levels of logistics stakeholders.
3. Data Collection Methods
A mixed-methods approach will be utilized, incorporating quantitative data from records and qualitative insights from stakeholder interviews. Surveys will capture stakeholder perceptions regarding operational efficiency and economic impacts.
4. Data Sources
Primary data will be sourced from port authorities and logistics companies, complemented by secondary data from governmental and industry reports.
5. Timing and Frequency of Data Collection
Data will be collected semi-annually to assess longitudinal trends in performance and environmental impact.
Communicating Results
Results will be analyzed and presented to stakeholders, including government bodies, shipping firms, and community representatives, in quarterly reports and meetings. Reports will be formatted to be accessible, visually representing data trends and supporting operational decisions.
Additional Considerations
To ensure reliability and validity, pre-tests will be conducted on surveys to minimize bias. A strategy for cultural humility will entail engaging diverse community representatives to ensure all voices are considered in evaluation outcomes, addressing concerns regarding equity and informed decision-making within the logistics framework (Rajendran & Jones, 2021).
Conclusion
Increasing port capabilities presents opportunities and challenges that require comprehensive evaluation plans to optimize intermodal transportation systems. By closely monitoring the impacts of these enhancements, stakeholders can align operational objectives with economic and environmental outcomes to foster sustainable global trade.
References
Bromley, R. D. F. (2020). Transportation and the City: Design and Management. American Planning Association.
Hesse, M., & Rodrigue, J. P. (2004). The transport geography of logistics and freight distribution. Journal of Transport Geography, 12(3), 171-184.
López, M. R., & Lazo, T. (2019). Ports and sustainability: Towards a better understanding of port environmental impacts. Maritime Policy & Management, 46(4), 1-16.
Maqsood, A., et al. (2018). Dry Ports: An Innovative Approach to Enhance the Efficiency of the Supply Chain. Journal of Transport Logistics, 6(3), 101-114.
McCulloch, A. (2021). The Global Shipping Crisis: Environmental Impact and Recovery Strategies. Marine Policy, 123, 104587.
Notteboom, T., & Rodrigue, J. P. (2012). The future of shipping and the role of ports. Transport Reviews, 32(1), 1-12.
Rajendran, S., & Jones, D. (2021). Empirical Analysis of Cultural Equity in Logistics Decisions. International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications.
Santos, A. I., & D'Angelo, E. (2020). Infrastructure challenges and opportunities in the port logistics ecosystem. Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management, 14(1), 1-11.
Wang, J., et al. (2019). Port efficiency and growth: A global perspective. The Journal of Transport Economics and Policy, 53(2), 238-264.
Wilmsmeier, G., et al. (2012). The interplay of the transport and logistics sectors: Evidence from freight modal choice. Transport Reviews, 32(5), 609-635.
Wiegmans, B. W., et al. (2018). Securing the supply chain: The impacts of port security on supply logistics systems. Journal of Commercial Policy, 44(6), 563-576.