Growth strategies for liner companies in the time of economic recession

• Main Author: Ng, Bernice Si Jia.
• Other Authors: School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Maritime studies::Maritime management and business
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/39472
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

There is plethora of literatures and studies on growth strategies during a recession. Yet this is clearly not evident for topics concerning growth strategies in the Liner container industry, either by virtue of its unique attributes or just a lack in interest by researchers. Otherwise, this basic research paper aims fill this literature gap and intimately examines growth strategies applicable during the recession and explain any trends, if applicable. Literatures from other industries with similar characteristics allowed this research to juxtapose some of the relevant strategies and concepts. Coupled with qualitative interviews with experienced strategy users facilitated the creation of a framework which was subsequently tested via an industrial survey. The final findings of this research were that, there exists an array of strategies that are well practiced in the industry. These can be segmented into survival and growth strategies. The effects of demography were found to have direct influence on the choice of strategies. Recommendations that the market should consider actions taken in the boom periods carefully as they have direct effect on recessionary periods. Also, acting as a whole individually can help to prevent worsening freight disequilibrium and companies should not be afraid to take up calculated risks even at times of recession.