Quality management for seaports integrated in supply chains

Over the years, seaports have evolved through various generations to become an integral node in supply chains. Continual reforms have been required for seaports to change their organisational structure and management practice to provide higher quality of service whilst maintaining lower costs to ensure long-term sustainability. To achieve this, a framework of quality management practices for modern day seaports integrated in supply chains is proposed. Based on the framework, the practices and attributes for seaport quality management are conceptually developed and empirically tested through a postal survey of senior seaport managers in Vietnam. The findings show that eight internal and four external quality practices are recognised by senior managers as being important conditions for quality management in seaports, however, further investigation of the external practices is recommended as seaports and supply chains become further integrated and dependent on a global scale.