Modelling security in the maritime supply chain using knowledge constructs

The purpose of this research is to develop a decision process and modelling framework for port and ocean carrier selection that incorporates and quantifies knowledge elements and knowledge practices concerning global supply chain security. Ocean carrier selection is considered in concert with port selection to augment the integrated supply chain process and its synergistic benefits to performance. Knowledge is quantified in this approach with a scoring mechanism that compares security‐related features of a particular operation to best practice in that area. These scores are then combined with other performance attributes in a second step that employs the analytic hierarchy process. This research demonstrates that knowledge elements and practices that are essentially qualitative in nature may be utilised in concert with traditional measures in a quantitative modelling process that improves supply chain design. Managers responsible for choosing security‐aware seaports and ocean carriers may find this model useful for addressing multiple criteria of both a quantitative and qualitative nature.