Development and Validation of the Hierarchical LOGOCS Framework for Seaport Performance Measurement: An Integrated Approach Combining Structural Equation Modeling and Expert Evaluation

Abstract

Maritime ports play a vital role in international trade and supply chains, creating a need for comprehensive and reliable frameworks to assess their performance. Despite extensive research, an integrated model that combines key performance dimensions within a conceptually and statistically valid framework is still needed. This study aims to develop and validate the hierarchical, multi-level LOGOCS framework for port performance measurement. The name LOGOCS is derived from the initial letters of its six dimensions: logistics efficiency, operational performance, governance, organization, sustainability, and competitiveness.

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify relevant indicators, followed by a dual validation approach. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to data collected from 100 experts and practitioners in Syrian ports, while content validity was assessed by an expert panel using the Item-Level Content Validity Index (I-CVI), Modified Kappa, and Content Validity Ratio (CVR).

The results showed that the operational dimension had the strongest effect on overall port performance (β = 0.351), followed by logistics (β = 0.341), and governance and organization (β = 0.214), with positive and statistically significant effects. Sustainability and competitiveness, however, showed no statistically significant direct effects. Expert assessment confirmed the validity of most indicators, with several qualitative revisions made to improve wording and clarify operational definitions.

The study provides an integrated framework that strengthens the reliability of port performance measurement and supports decision-making and performance improvement across different port environments.