Programme

The MSc in Maritime Economics and Logistics (MEL) aims at fast-tracking promising young professionals into tomorrow's leaders in business and government. The programme prepares experts with modern economic and management tools for efficient decision-making, providing them at the same time with methods; concepts; and theories to enable them understand, in a holistic and multidisciplinary way, the complexities of global maritime supply chains. In this way, MEL graduates are expected to be able to act and decide, with managerial style and determination, under complex and uncertain conditions, in a global economic and societal environment.

Programme Structure

On the basis of feedback from MEL alumni, academics, and industry experts, MEL Management has designed  a new structure for the 2012-2013 Academic Year. In line with the latest insights, the number of courses taken in parallel is limited to three. Each course has a fixed length of three weeks and accounts for 1.5 ECTS credits (42 study hours). The diagram illustrates the overall structure of the MEL programme. 

With this new structure, the study load is distributed very evenly and students have only to focus on three different topics at a time. Each block of three weeks has a set of three courses that are taken in that period.

The MEL Programme starts with an introduction to MEL, to Erasmus University Rotterdam, to Rotterdam, and the Netherlands. In this week we also spend time on the practical issues of studying at MEL and the resources that are available to MEL students.

Ater the introduction week, the first block of three modules will start. This will be a course on Marine Technology and Innovation ("C1.1"), an introductory course on Statistics ("C1.2"), and a course on the core elements of Economics ("C1.3").

This pattern is then repeated: each block lasts three weeks and features three courses. Some topics in the programme are taught in a number of courses. The topic of Economics for example consists three closely linked courses that are taught in close succession.

Course Setup

A typical course will have three to four hours of lectures per week. The student on average spends an additional ten hours per course to study the material discussed, to work on assignments, and to revise.

Group work is an integral part of the MEL teaching philosophy. All students bring a unique background to the MEL classroom. The MEL programme embraces its highly diverse student body. The variation in nationalities, educational backgrounds and work experience allows students to actively contribute to the overall MEL experience.

The format of the courses of the current curriculum will be translated into the new format in preparation for the 2012-2013 Academic Year. MEL management and lecturers are working hard to retain the core values of the programme and use the new structure to its full benefit.

Electives

In the third block students can choose to take a number of electives (EL). The Class of 2013 will be able to select electives that focus on Port Management and Maritime Logistics.

Assessment

This revised programme structure enables an even better implementation of the MEL policy of continuous assessment. The method of assessment varies from a written exam to assignments and term papers. Relatively short modules provide faster feedback to the students. This facilitates the introduction of students with different backgrounds to the educational system at Erasmus University Rotterdam.

Events

The MEL programme features a high-quality range of special events to combine the perspective of the classroom with the applications in industry: the Distinguished Lecture Series, Company Visits and the Professional Development Courses.

The events range from port and company visits to in-house days at prestigious companies. The Distinguished Lecture Series provides MEL students with an opportunity to interact with leading business executives and learn about their latest insights.

The Professional Development Courses are offered in partnership with external organisations and take the form of intensive seminars of two to three day duration.

Schedule

The programme runs for a full year. The breaks after several weeks of intense study provide students with an opportunity to unwind and reconnect with friends and family. The completion of the programme is celebrated at the Graduation Ceremony, which typically features a leader from the maritime industry as the keynote speaker.

NB: The week numbers indicate the weeks within the programme that are used for lecturing. The start of the programme and the breaks are scheduled to align with the official academic and holiday calendars in The Netherlands. Thus, the exact schedule has slight differences for each academic year.

Week Content
1 Programme Introduction
2 C1.1 C1.2 C1.3

E
v
e
n
t
s
5 C2.1 C2.2 C2.3
8 C3.1 C3.2 C3.3
11 Methodology
  break
12 C4.1 C4.2 C4.3

E
v
e
n
t
s
15 C5.1 C5.2 C5.3
18 C6.1 C6.2 C6.3
21 C7.1 C7.2 C7.3
  break
24 C8.1 C8.2 EL

E
v
e
n
t
s
27 C9.1 C9.2 EL
30 C10.1 C10.2 EL
33 C11.1 C11.2 EL
  break
 

Thesis
  Thesis Defense
50 Graduation

 

Courses

The courses provide the backbone of the MSc programme.

NB: With the introduction of the new programme structure for the 2012-2013 Academic Year, the courses that make up the programme will change. The current courses that are listed here will provide the core of the new programme so all these topics will still be covered. However, the precise module names may change.

Course: Shipping Economics and Policy

Background

Competition and technological advancement in ship construction have lowered transport costs and made ocean transportation an unquestionable facilitator of world trade, growth and prosperity. Shipping management is an extremely complex function. In bulk shipping, high market volatility and unpredictability require lean organisation and effective decision-making, both in operations and asset management. Multimodal transport, logistics and the complexity of global maritime supply chains in liner shipping require highly sophisticated operational solutions. Capital concentration and intensified global competition in shipping require managerial skills that include a thorough understanding of the institutional framework of international shipping and the way it affects the well-being of the company. For instance, the ever-increasing body of international rules and standards with regard to ship safety and environmental protection makes the adoption of a safety management culture a sine qua non in corporate thinking.

Objectives

The objectives of the course are to enable students understand, analyze and appraise, from a research viewpoint, shipping economics theories and trends and the role shipping plays in global maritime supply chains. In addition, the aim is to afford students a broad and thorough understanding of international shipping and trade policy issues, thus offering them the strong comparative advantage of being able to put their managerial decisions in the proper industrial and trade policy perspective.

Programme Update

NB: The new MEL programme structure will be introduced in the academic year 2012-2013. This means that the names of some of the courses will change and that most courses will be split into a number of smaller modules. MEL Management is currently working on the new programme and will post updates as soon as information becomes available.

Recommended reading

  • Abrahamsson, B.J. "International Ocean Shipping". Westview, 1980

  • Beenstock, M & A. Vergottis "An Econometric Model of World Shipping". Chapman & Hall, 1993

  • Brooks, M.R. "Sea Change in Liner Shipping". Perhamon, 2000

  • Buxton, I.L. "Engineering Economics and Ship Design". British Maritime Technology, 1987

  • Clark, X., Dollar, D., & Micco, A. (2004). Port efficiency, maritime transport costs, and bilateral trade. Journal of Development Economics, 75(2), 417-450.

  • Cullinane, K. & Khanna, M. (2000). Economies of scale in large containerships: Optimal size and geographical implications. Journal of Transport Geography, 8(3), 181-195.

  • Dixit, A.K. & V. Norman "Theory of International Trade". Cambridge University Press, 1980

  • Evangelista, P. & Morvillo, A. (1999). Alliances in liner shipping: An instrument to gain operational efficiency or supply chain integration? International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications, 2(1), 21-38.

  • Evans, J.J. & P.B. Marlow "Quantitative Methods in Maritime Economics". Fairplay Publications, 1990

  • Franck, B. & Bunel, J. C. (1991). Contestability, competition and regulation: The case of liner shipping. International Journal of Industrial Organization, 9(1), 141-159.

  • Haralambides, H.E. "Topics in Applied Maritime Economics". Erasmus University Rotterdam, 2007

  • Hummels, D., Ishii, J., & Yi, K. M. (2001). The nature and growth of vertical specialization in world trade. Journal of International Economics, 54(1), 75-96.

  • Hummels, D., Lugovskyy, V., & Skiba, A. (2009). The trade reducing effects of market power in international shipping. Journal of Development Economics, 89(1), 84-97.

  • Jansson, J.O. & D. Shneerson "Liner Shipping Economics". Chapman & Hall, 1987

  • Koopmans, T. "Tanker Freight Rates and Tankship Building". Haarlem-de Erven F. Bohn N.V., 1939

  • Midoro, R. & Pitto, A. (2000). A critical evaluation of strategic alliances in liner shipping. Maritime Policy & Management, 27(1), 31-40.

  • Stopford, M. "Maritime Economics 3rd edition". Routledge, 2009

  • Sanchez, R.J., Hoffmann, J., Micco, A., Pizzolitto, G.V., Sgut, M. & Wilmsmeier, G. (2003): Port Efficiency and International Trade: Port Efficiency as a Determinant of Maritime Transport Costs. Maritime Economics & Logistics, 2003, 5, (199-218)

  • Sjostrom, W. (1989). Collusion in ocean shipping: A test of monopoly and empty core models. The Journal of Political Economy, 97(5), 1160-1179.

  • Sys, C. (2009). Is the container liner shipping industry an oligopoly? Transport Policy, 16(5), 259-270.

  • Yannopoulos, G.N. (ed.) "Shipping Policies for an Open World Economy". Routledge, 1989

  • Zannetos, Z.S. "The Theory of Oil Tankship Rates". The MIT Press, 1966

Course: Port Economics and Policy

Background

Trade liberalisation and intensified global competition pose new challenges on the port industry. Ports around the world are losing their traditional character as mere interface points between land and sea and assume a more decisive role, as vital nodes in complex global maritime supply chains. Sophisticated shipping networks and easily accessed hinterlands intensify competition among container terminals, requiring efficient management and strategic vision. Governments are becoming aware of the importance of ports in their export-led growth strategies and are increasingly introducing private sector characteristics in port administration.

Objectives

The objective of the course is to equip students with the necessary knowledge and analytical skills required for the efficient management and development of a port, and to enable them develop and evaluate port policies under a holistic understanding of a port's significance to the national economy and international maritime supply chains.

Programme Update

NB: The new MEL programme structure will be introduced in the academic year 2012-2013. This means that the names of some of the courses will change and that most courses will be split into a number of smaller modules. MEL Management is currently working on the new programme and will post updates as soon as information becomes available.

Recommended reading:

  • Haezendonck, E. (2001) "Essays on Strategy Analysis of Seaports", Garant, Leuven.

  • World Bank, World Bank Port Reform Toolkit, Module 3, "Alternative port management structures and ownership models", Downloadable at http://rru.worldbank.org/Documents/Toolkits/ports_fulltoolkit.pdf, Includes glossary.

  • Notteboom, T. & Rodrigue, J.-P. (2005) "Port regionalization: towards a new phase in port development", Maritime Policy and Management, 32:3, 297-313.

  • Dooms, M. and Verbeke, A. (2006) "An integrative framework for long-term strategic seaport planning: an application to the port of Antwerp". In: Notteboom, T. (ed.): Ports are more than piers. Liber Amicorum presented to Prof. Dr. Willy Winkelmans. pp. 173-192.

  • De Langen, P. (2004) "Governance in Seaport Clusters", Maritime Economics and Logistics, 6 (2): 141-156.

  • Moglia, F. and Sanguineri, M., (2003) "Port planning: the need for a new approach?", Maritime Economics and Logistics, 5 (4), pp. 413-425.

  • Haralambides, H.E., Verbeke, A., Musso, E. and Benacchio M. (2001) "Port Financing and Pricing in the European Union: Theory, Politics and Reality", International Journal of Maritime Economics (IJME), Vol. III, No 4 (2001).

  • Haralambides, H.E. (2002)"Competition, Excess Capacity and the Pricing of Port Infrastructure", International Journal of Maritime Economics, 4:323-347.

(References hereunder available on demand Michael.Dooms@vub.ac.be):

  • Dooms, M. and Verbeke, A. (2007) "Stakeholder management in ports: a conceptual framework integrating insights from research in strategy, corporate social responsibility and port management", Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), Athens, Greece, 2007.

  • Dooms, M. and Verbeke, A. (2006) "The financing structures of large-scale, seaport development projects: a comparative analysis of recent and planned projects in the European Union", Proceedings of the annual conference of the International Association of Maritime Economics (IAME), Melbourne, 12-14 July 2006.

  • Dooms, M., Macharis, C., Verbeke, A. (2004) "Proactive master planning in ports: empirical evidence from the port of Brussels", Proceedings of the annual conference of the International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), Izmir, 30 June - 02 July 2004. pp. 1145-1164.

  • Dooms, M., Macharis, C., Verbeke, A. (2003) "A framework for sustainable port planning in inland ports: a multistakeholder approach", The International Association of Maritime Economists Annual Conference 2003 (Busan, 3-5 september 2003) Conference Proceedings. Korea Maritime University. pp.296-313.

Course: Maritime Logistics

Background

Container cariers today are taking an important step forward by transforming themselves from pure carriers -just offering port to port services- into fully integrated logistics providers. In this way they aim at gaining control over the global supply chain, for differentiation and competitive advantage. Examples include Maersk, APL, NYK and Cosco, among others. Such carrier strategies are being developed in competition with third party logistics service providers on the one hand, and global terminal operators on the other. Developments in containership sizes and the ensuing hub-and-spoking pose new challenges on efficient distribution and logistics. This highlights the important role of container terminals; the interest of carriers in dedicated facilities; and the need to optimize liner networks jointly with terminal management.

Objectives

The objective of this course is to provide students with a deep understanding of the interrelations between terminal design and operations on the one hand, and liner shipping networks on the other. The essence of the course is in its holistic approach to shipping and terminals, as the only approach in understanding modern day maritime logistics.

Programme Update

NB: The new MEL programme structure will be introduced in the academic year 2012-2013. This means that the names of some of the courses will change and that most courses will be split into a number of smaller modules. MEL Management is currently working on the new programme and will post updates as soon as information becomes available.

Recommended Reading

 

  • Midoro, R. and Pitto, A. (2000): ‘A critical evaluation of strategic alliances in liner shipping’. Maritime Policy & Management 27(1): 31-40

  • Song, D.W. and Panayides, P.M. (2002): ‘A conceptual application of cooperative game theory to liner shipping strategic alliances’. Maritime Policy & Management 29(3): 285-301

  • Evangelista, P. and Morvillo, A. (1999): ‘Alliances in liner shipping: an instrument to gain operational efficiency or supply chain integration’. International Journal of Logistics 2(1): 21-38

  • Cullinane, K. and Khanna, M. (2000): ‘Economies of scale in large container ships: optimal size and geographical implication’. Journal of Transport Geography 8(3): 181-195

  • Yoshida, S., Yang, J.H., and Kim, K.H. (2005): ‘Network Economies of Global Alliances in Liner Shipping: The case of Japanese Liner Shipping Companies’. In: Lee, T. and Cullinane, K. (Edited): World Shipping and Port Development, Palgrave Macmillan: London, pp. 36-49.Frankel, E.G. (1999): ‘The Economics of Total Trans-Ocean Supply Chain Management’. International Journal of Maritime Economics 1: 61-69

  • Cullinane, K. and Khanna, M. (1999): ‘Economies of Scale of Large Container Ships’. Journal of Transport Economics and Policy 33(2): 185-208

  • Heaver, T.D. (2002): ‘The Evolving Roles of Shipping Lines in International Logistics’. International Journal of Maritime Economics 4(3): 210-230

  • Rijsenbrij, J.C. and Saanen, Y. (2007): Design of Systems and Operations in Container Terminals (Revision 10). Center for Maritime Economics and Logistics, Erasmus University Rotterdam: Rotterdam

  • BCI,  ProgTrans, VBD and via donau (2004): Prospects of Inland Navigation within the Enlarged Europe. BCI (The Netherlands), ProgTrans (Switzerland), VBD Europees Ontwikkelingscentrum voor binnen- en kustvaart (Germany) and via donau (Austria)

  • Inland Navigation Europe (INE): Freight Transport Embarking on a New Course. INE: Brussels

Course: Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Background

Trade liberalisation, globalisation and the new international division of labour pose new challenges on the manufacturing process. Global production and sourcing necessitates the integration of manufacturing with advanced marketing strategies and logistics support. This is facilitated by the advances in communications and information technologies that have been real catalysts in logistics control and inventory management, as well as in the more efficient and effective management of the distribution process. Awareness of the value of time has led to advanced Just-in-Time inventory control, and flexible manufacturing systems. In addition, the widespread dissemination of information to consumers is influencing their price/quality decisions, leading to enhanced emphasis on Total Quality Management. These developments pose significant challenges on transportation systems: decisions on the sourcing of inputs, manufacturing, assembly, packaging and warehousing now assume a global perspective, and transport systems play an important part in linking all this together. This is done in such a way as to optimise total operations, minimise costs and prices and lead to increased consumer welfare and growth.

Objectives

This course offers students a thorough understanding of the complexities of international transport logistics as well as of the Decision Support Systems (DSS) required to optimize it. DSS are introduced and some successful applications of DSS related to planning, vessel routing, warehousing and product distribution are taught. The basic philosophy of this course is rooted in the belief that in an era of intensified competition, global production and outsourcing, managers and policy makers with an in-depth understanding of the complex transport-distribution networks are definitely in possession of a strong competitive advantage. Such an understanding becomes essential for effective management, given that transport is no longer an activity outside the domain and control of the manager, but an integral part of company strategy and a critical factor for export / import performance.

Programme Update

NB: The new MEL programme structure will be introduced in the academic year 2012-2013. This means that the names of some of the courses will change and that most courses will be split into a number of smaller modules. MEL Management is currently working on the new programme and will post updates as soon as information becomes available.

Recommended Reading

  • Sunil Chopra , Peter Meindl (2008), Supply Chain Management

  • Coyle, J.J., E.J. Bardi & C.J. Langley (1996), The Management of Business Logistics, Minneapolis: West, 6th ed

  • Peters, H. (1989), Seatrade, Logistics and Transport, Policy and Research Series nr. 6, Washington: Worldbank

  • ECMT (1997), New trends in Logistics in Europe, ECMT Round Table 104, Paris: OECD

  • Benson, D., R. Bugg & G. Whitehead (1994), Transport & logistics, New York: Woodhead-Faulkner

Course: Maritime Law

Objectives

Understand the major academic and professional issues in Maritime Law and the way law impacts the efficiency of commercial shipping operations; develop an awareness of the problems and risks arising from the operation of the ship; develop an understanding of how the law in general and contracts in particular can be used to deal with such problems and risks. At the end of the course students should be able to explain the fundamentals of Maritime Law as they pertain to authorities, rights, duties and responsibilities in the commercial operation of sea going merchant ships. They will also be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of maritime laws and rules governing merchant shipping and transport activities. The course comprises the fundamentals of public law international system; maritime zones in the modern law of the sea; shipbuilding contracts; cargo claims; marine insurance; cargo insurance and international trade; CIF and FOB contracts; transfer of risk and property; seller's duties regarding goods and documents and buyer's duty to pay; maritime causalities; collision; salvage; general average; tonnage limitation of liability; issues in arbitration and jurisdiction.

Programme Update

NB: The new MEL programme structure will be introduced in the academic year 2012-2013. This means that the names of some of the courses will change and that most courses will be split into a number of smaller modules. MEL Management is currently working on the new programme and will post updates as soon as information becomes available.

Recommended Reading

  • John Wilson (2007) "Carriage of Goods by Sea", 6th Edition, Pearson, 2007

  • Laws and Standard Contracts

Course: Marine Technology and Innovation

Background

Ships are capital intensive, complex assets of advanced technology, capabilities and earning potential. Their values, both of new and secondhand, critically depend on such characteristics. A good understanding therefore of marine technology and innovation is a prerequisite for efficient shipping operations, sound investments, and competitiveness. Such an understanding includes the rich historical development of ships and their innovations; their technical and legal requirements and restrictions; and a general overview of aspects like main dimensions, hull forms, propulsion and powering systems, the anatomy of a ship, its safety (including stability); and an overview of the design, engineering and production processes including an overview of cost drivers. Based on examples, a formal shipping innovation methodology is presented, which structures the complex process of identifying innovation triggers, performance benchmarking, S-curve shifts and design creativity.

Objectives

The objective of the Marine Technology and Innovation module is to provide students with sufficient knowledge of ship design and operations which will assist them operate as better managers and informed investors or financiers. Students should also understand processes that trigger innovation in shipping and its impact on ports and other parts of the supply chain.

Programme Update

NB: The new MEL programme structure will be introduced in the academic year 2012-2013. This means that the names of some of the courses will change and that most courses will be split into a number of smaller modules. MEL Management is currently working on the new programme and will post updates as soon as information becomes available.

Recommended reading

  • Evaluation of Ship Design Alternatives
    A. Aalbers
    Proceedings WEGEMT school on ship propulsion, Delft, 2000
  • Ship Design and Safety
    A. Aalbers
    IMSDC conference key note, The Hague, 1998
  • Management of Marine Designs
    Stian Erichsen
    Butterworths 1989
  • Naval Architecture for non-naval architects
    Harry Benford
    SNAME, 1991.
  • Ship Knowledge: A modern encyclopedia
    K. van Dokkum
    Dokmar, 2003 (www.dokmar.com)
  • DESIGN INNOVATION IN SHIPPING, Delft University Press, 1995.
    N. Wijnolst
  • SHIPPING, Delft University Press, 1996.
    N. Wijnolst, T. Wergeland
  • MALACCA-MAX; THE ULTIMATE CONTAINER CARRIER, Delft University Press, 1999.
    N. Wijnolst, M. Scholtens, F.A.J. Waals
  • MALACCA-MAX [2]: CONTAINER SHIPPING NETWORK  ECONOMY, Delft University Press, 2000.
    N. Wijnolst et al.
  • Ship: The epic story of the maritime adventure (5,000 years of history)
    Brian Lavery
    Smithsonian, 2004
  • The golden age of shipping: The classic merchant ship 1900-1960
    Robert Gardiner (editor)
    Conway Maritime Press, 1994
  • The shipping revolution: The modern merchant ship
    Robert Gardiner
    Conway Maritime Press, 1992
  • A century of tankers
    John Newton
    Intertanko, 2002
  • The evolution of dry bulk shipping 1945-1990
    Birger Nossum
    Oslo, Norway 1996
  • The Box: How the shipping container made the world smaller and the world economy bigger
    Marc Levinson
    Princeton University Press, 2006
  • The box that changed the world: fifty years of container shipping – an illustrated history
    Arthur Donovan, Joseph Bonney
    Commonwealth Business Media, 2006

Course: Transport and Regional Economics

Background

Transport infrastructure, including ports, has been invariably seen by governments and local authorities as a growth-pole for regional and national development. Notable examples of this have been the Maritime Industrial Development Areas, or MIDAs, of Rotterdam and Antwerp. Many countries have thus channeled substantial public resources to the development of their infrastructure. At the same time, commercial pressures; government retrenchment from economic activity; and the availability of substantial amounts of private capital, in search of attractive investment opportunities, have changed the parameters of transport project financing. These developments have also led to a more commercially oriented approach to the management and pricing of infrastructure and to the design of transport policies that are demand-driven and user-oriented. Contributing factors to these changes are globalisation, the advent of global supply chains, and an increasingly stronger voice for sustainable transport systems, able to contain transport externalities such as congestion and environmental pollution. As a result, transport planning, operations and pricing require the use of accurate and scientific models for the objective evaluation of costs, benefits and other impacts of transport infrastructure development. Given the conflicting economic, social and political interests at play, this is not always easy. For example, the European Union stresses the importance of a level playing field in intra-European transport; national governments design policies focussing on national issues; and individual operators seek policies that optimise their own business results. This intricate web of interconnected interests provides the setting for policy-makers who now have to function with more flexibility, knowledge, innovation and open-mindedness in a rapidly changing socio-economic environment.

Objectives

The course aims at enabling students understand, discuss and elaborate on the key aspects of Transport and Regional Economics in a global supply chain context.  At the end of the course, students should be able to carry out economic modelling of transportation problems; appraise transport management and related practices; and critically evaluate transport policies. In essence, students will be able to take decisions with reference to transport policy and transport company management and identify, understand and contextualize the economic concepts underlying such decisions.

Programme Update

NB: The new MEL programme structure will be introduced in the academic year 2012-2013. This means that the names of some of the courses will change and that most courses will be split into a number of smaller modules. MEL Management is currently working on the new programme and will post updates as soon as information becomes available.

Recommended Reading

  • D.A.Hensher and A.M.Brewer (2001). Transport. An economic and management perspective, Oxford University Press.

  • Doganis, R (2002). Flying Off Course – The Economics of International Airlines, 3rd Ed. Routledge: London, [etc.] [Ch, 6, 7 and 10, pp 151-207 and pp 264-299]

  • Keeler, T E (1997). “Competition, Natural Monopoly and scale economies”, in Tae Hoon Oum et al. (Eds.) (1997). Transport Economics – Selected Readings. Harwood Academic Publishers and Korean Research Foundation for the 21st Century; pp 123-143.

  • Rothengatter, W (2000). “External Effects of transport”, in Polak, J B and A Heertje (Eds.) (2000). Analytical Transport Economics: An international Perspective. Edward Elgar: Cheltenham, U.K. and Northampton, Mass, pp 79-116.

  • G.Mallard and S.Glaister (2008), “Transport Economics”, Palgrave Macmillan.

  • G. Blauwens, P. De Baere and E. Van de Voorde (2006), “Transport Economics”, Uitgeverij de Boeck.

  • A set of academic publications on the subject.

Course: Management Science

Background

The complexities of international transport and global maritime supply chains and the formulation of related policies often require analysis and decision making through advanced modeling and related tools. Examples of such complexities include pricing strategies; traffic forecasting; port queuing problems; impact analysis; shipping demand/supply modeling; vessel routing and scheduling; purchasing function and inventory control.

Objectives

The aim of this course is to provide students with the required tools and analytical skills in Operations Research, Statistics and Econometrics, to enable them understand, design and critically evaluate business strategy, policy formulation and research/consultant reports.

Compulsory reading

Course: Research Methodology & Thesis Proposal

Background

MEL is a research-oriented MSc. It is therefore paramount to ensure that students approach the challenges offered by the maritime industry with a scientific attitude and well equipped with the latest tools and concepts available. For this reasons all MEL courses are rigorously built on the scientific expertise of MEL faculty and research methods are widely used and explained in all modules. In addition since 2005 MEL has introduced a course in Research Methodology and Thesis Proposal. Originally meant to equip the students with foundations of the scientific method to write an academically defensible thesis, the course has expanded to provide students with a wide range of concepts that are also helpful for the successful completion of the other modules and will be useful in their careers as maritime professionals.

The methods and approaches discussed in Research Methodology and Thesis Proposal constitute an important addition to the skills of our graduates. In particular the ability of identifying reliable information, elaborate this information with scientific rigour and produce quality analysis has become a requirement for professionals in all sectors. Professionals in all disciplines are faced regularly with the difficulties of finding reliable data sources or collecting meaningful data. The web has become a valuable and essential source of information, provided that this large availability of data is matched by the ability of the researcher or professional to navigate through it, assess its reliability and summarise and archive the data for later use or for the advantage of others.

As part of their Research Methodology classes, students are also required to spend considerable time in the library/internet on their Thesis Proposal project. Through the study/perusal of scientific journals and other literature/materials, students are expected to identify possible research areas for their thesis. They are thus also expected to draw up a Thesis Proposal which they finally present to students and staff. Often, their actual thesis results from such a Thesis Proposal.

Objectives

The course aims at providing the students with the essential tools of research design and thesis preparation. It illustrates the research process dwelling upon the ethical considerations involved in doing research. The course also explains the role and importance of the literature review; primary data collection and sampling; sources of data in the maritime sector and the advantages/difficulties of using secondary data; and questionnaire design. Particular attention is dedicated to practical examples of data collections in the MEL research domains.

Programme Update

NB: The new MEL programme structure will be introduced in the academic year 2012-2013. This means that the names of some of the courses will change and that most courses will be split into a number of smaller modules. MEL Management is currently working on the new programme and will post updates as soon as information becomes available.

Recommended reading

  • J.F.Hair Jr, A.H.Money, P.Samouel and M.Page, "Research Methods for Business", Wiley and Sons, 2007.
  • Paul Olivier "Writing Your Thesis", Sage Publications Ltd, 2004.
  • K.T.Turabian "A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations" (7th Edition), The University of Chicago Press, 2007.
  • J.W.Creswell "Research Design, Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches" (2nd Edition), Sage Publications Ltd, 2003.

Course: Shipping and Transport Finance

Background

Shipping finance has always played an essential role in the development and growth of the maritime industry. As a matter of fact, MEL has introduced ‘finance’ as a ‘fifth’ shipping market, together with chartering; secondhand transactions; ship recycling and shipbuilding. The traditional, equity-based, methods of ship-financing are nowadays a thing of the past. New, highly complex, financial products have been developed, ranging from structured finance and lease-charterback deals to IPOs and private equity finance. A thorough understanding therefore of sources and methods of ship-financing is a sine qua non for the shipowner/investor who needs to optimize his capital structure under conditions of risk and uncertainty. Diversification, sound financing and risk management are the most crucial elements for long term survival and profitability in shipping: the most central and important component of global supply chains of bulk and containerized goods.

Objectives

In cooperation with MEL partners, ABN AMRO Bank and DVB Bank, the Shipping and Transport Finance Course is aiming at providing students with the understanding of the key issues in the financing of ships, ports, transport and other infrastructure projects. At the end of the course students will be able to develop, appraise, negotiate and choose among alternative investment proposals under conditions of risk and uncertainty; they should know how to hedge against risk through such instruments as Forward Freight Agreements and other derivative products; and they should have acquired a thorough all-round understanding of the ship-finance banking business.

Programme Update

NB: The new MEL programme structure will be introduced in the academic year 2012-2013. This means that the names of some of the courses will change and that most courses will be split into a number of smaller modules. MEL Management is currently working on the new programme and will post updates as soon as information becomes available.

Recommended Reading

  • Harwood S (1995). Shipping Finance, 2nd Ed; Euromoney Publications.
  • Stokes P (1997). Ship Finance, Credit expansion and the boom-bust cycle, 2nd Ed, LLP.
  • Brealey R.A, Meyers, S.C. and Franklin Allen, S.C. (2003). Principles of Corporate Finance, McGraw-Hill.
  • A set of academic publications on the subject.

Course: Statistics and Econometrics

Background

The complexities of international transport and global maritime supply chains and the formulation of related policies often require analysis and decision making through advanced modeling and related tools. Applications of statistical methods and tools need to be emphasized in order for the managers to solve real business problems. It is also vital to be able to identify the correct statistical technique by focusing on the problem objective and data type. “Statistics and Econometrics” is one of the courses with which MEL students are trained in necessary quantitative skills to address maritime related problems.

Objectives

The objectives of this course are to enhance the students’ comprehension and practical skills by using data-driven examples, exercises and cases that cover the various functional areas of maritime business. In addition, this course aims to prepare a common platform and refresh the students’ knowledge and tools that are necessary for the Core Courses.

Programme Update

NB: The new MEL programme structure will be introduced in the academic year 2012-2013. This means that the names of some of the courses will change and that most courses will be split into a number of smaller modules. MEL Management is currently working on the new programme and will post updates as soon as information becomes available.

Recommended reading

  • Keller, G. "Managerial Statistics", 9th ed., 2011
  • Keller, G. & Warrack, B "Statistics for Management and Economics", 8th ed., London Prentice-Hall, 2008
  • MacClave, James "Statistics for business and economics", 9th ed., 2007
  • Bradley, Teresa "Essential statistics for economics business and management", 2007
  • Lind, Douglas "Basic statistics for business and economics", 5th ed., 2006

Course: International Economics

Background

The study of international trade and money has always been an especially lively and controversial area in economics. Through international trade in goods and services, as well as  international flows of money, the economies of different countries and regions are more closely linked to one another now than ever before. This trend is known as globalization. At the same time, the world economy is much more turbulent than it has been in many past decades, leading to a more volatile commercial environment. The volume of international trade is also obviously linked very closely to the prosperity and profitability of the maritime industry. An understanding of trade and money flows and their composition is a fundamental prerequisite for the understanding of shipping and global maritime supply chains.

The objective is to equip the student with a profound understanding of the workings of the international economy and its linkages and interdependences with international production, transport and distribution. This includes institutional arrangements (like the European Union, North American Free Trade Agreement, the World Trade Organisation, the International Monetary Fund), and the economics of international trade, international money and finance. Traditional concepts like comparative advantage are explored, as well as the role of industry structure and multinational corporations in international commerce.

Programme Update

NB: The new MEL programme structure will be introduced in the academic year 2012-2013. This means that the names of some of the courses will change and that most courses will be split into a number of smaller modules. MEL Management is currently working on the new programme and will post updates as soon as information becomes available.

Compulsory Reading

  • Van Marrewijk, C. (2006), 'International Economics', Oxford University Press, 2006, Oxford

Recommended Reading

  • Global Economic Prospects (2002), 'Transport costs as barriers to trade', Chapter 44
  • Global Economic Prospects (2004), 'Transport, trade Facilitation & Logistics', Chapter 5 
  • Global Outsourcing Report 20055
  • Intermodal Transportation Institute (2004), 'USA needs new transportation policy', University of Denver, September 2004 
  • Martin, W. and A. Winters (1995), The Uruguay Round and the Developing Countries, Cambridge University Press: New York
  • Romer, P.M. (1994), 'New goods, old theories, and the welfare costs of trade restrictions', Journal of Development Economics, 2004

Thesis and Internship

The thesis is a major part of the curriculum. The objective is to enable students to apply the knowledge acquired in the course, through the methodological analysis of an applied transport problem. Although, as usual, originality or scientific rigour are not prerequisites for a successful MSc thesis, it is the latter theses that would qualify applicants to be considered for a PhD Programme.

Writing, research and presentation skills are taught in the Research Methodology course. The subject of the thesis is decided by the student in consultation with a faculty member, an internship host, or with the student's own affiliation.

The thesis is finalised in the period July- September and is normally 50 to 70 pages in length. It is defended in public prior to Graduation.

To the extent possible MEL has a policy of involving students in current research conducted by members of staff or external partners. Mutual benefits are thus derived and it is common that students identify the subject of their thesis through this engagement. If they wish, foreign students are allowed to spend part or whole of the July- September period in their home country to write their thesis. This is particularly desirable when the subject is related to a country-specific problem, if an internship has been arranged in that country or if the thesis is intended to be written on a subject pertinent to the student`s own organisation. In such cases, supervision requirements are agreed in consultation with an EUR faculty member.

Internships

The MSc in Maritime Economics & Logistics (MEL) has a strong policy of encouraging graduate students to spend part of their thesis-writing period as interns (stagiers) in the environment of an external Organization. Mutual benefits can thus be derived for both host and intern.

Organisations that have hosted MEL interns:

  • ABN AMRO Bank
  • APL Logistics (NL; D; USA)
  • APL, Oakland (USA)
  • APM Terminals (NL; Nigeria)
  • Athens University of Economics and Business (GR)
  • BIMCO (DK)
  • Busan Port Authority (Korea)
  • Cap Gemini Ernst & Young (NL)
  • Capespan International
  • Ceres Paragon Terminals (NL)
  • CMA CGM (FR(
  • Continental Juice (NL)
  • COSCO (NL; CN)
  • Cross Ocean B.V. (NL)
  • Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute
  • Deloitte
  • Delta Logistics Ltd
  • Det Norske Veritas (Norway)
  • DVB Bank
  • DVB Bank (NL)
  • ECORYS (NL)
  • Eemskip
  • EMO - Dry Bulk Terminals (NL)
  • Europe Container Terminals (ECT) (NL)
  • Evergreen
  • FinShip (NL)
  • Fortis Bank
  • Genchart B.V. (NL)
  • Glencore (NL)
  • Golden Cargo (GR)
  • HCI Capital (D)
  • Heerema Marine Contractors (NL)
  • Hewlett Packard (CN)
  • Holland Marine Equipment (NL)
  • Hoyer Global Transport
  • Hoyer- Odfjell B.V. (NL)
  • Hyundai Merchant Marine (Korea)
  • Indonesia Port Corporation
  • ING Bank
  • Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestao (ISEG) (Portugal)
  • International Shipbrokers Co. (GR)
  • Jo Tankers (NL)
  • Keelung Port
  • Koppies & Stevens (NL)
  • Korea Maritime Institute (KMI)
  • Lattakia International Container Terminal (Syria)
  • Maersk Line (NL)
  • Ministry of Transport, Public Works & Water Management (NL)
  • Mitsui OSK (Japan)
  • Napier University (UK)
  • Nathan Associates (USA)
  • National Technical University of Athens (GR)
  • Nedcargo B.V. (NL)
  • Neptune Orient Lines (Singapore)
  • NIBC Bank
  • NYK Line (NL)
  • Ocean Bulk (GR)
  • P&O Nedlloyd (NL)
  • Pacific International Lines (Singapore)
  • Panama Canal Authority
  • Port of Altamira
  • Port of Amsterdam Authority
  • Port of Rotterdam Authority
  • Royal Haskoning (NL)
  • Samskip
  • Samsung Electronics European Distribution
  • Sealift Coordination Center (B)
  • Shell International (NL)
  • Simpson, Spence and Young (SSY) (UK)
  • Smit International (NL)
  • Stadshavens N.V. (NL)
  • Stichting Noordzee (NL)
  • Stolt Nielsen (NL)
  • Swissmarine Inc.
  • TBA (NL)
  • Transammonia (Switzerland)
  • UNCTAD (Switzerland)
  • University of Piraeus (GR)
  • University of St Gallen (Switzerland)
  • University of Washington Seattle (USA)
  • Vopak (NL)
  • W. Wilhelmsen (N)
  • Witteveen + Bos
  • Wuhan University of Technology (CN)

Examinations

The final exams take place in May upon completion of the Program. Students are allowed to fail in a maximum of two Core Courses. In this case, a resit takes place in late June / early July. Students who have fulfilled their academic requirements, including the successful submission and defence of a thesis, are awarded the MSc Degree in Maritime Economics and Logistics (MEL). A student's final assessment takes into account his/her performance in the Distinguished Lecture Series; Professional Development Courses; Company Visits and other MEL activities and events.

A Certificate of Attendance is awarded to students who finish the course without fulfilling all academic requirements.

Professional Development Courses (PDC)

Introduction

PDCs are offered in partnership with external organisations and take the form of intensive seminars of two to three day duration. These courses mainly address the career development needs of active professionals and they are marketed and priced independently. For MEL students, PDCs constitute an integral part of their curriculum (thus at no extra tuition cost). Mingling active and busy professionals with full-time students has proven a worthwhile endeavour, highly evaluated by both groups. Current PDCs consist of the BIMCO DAYS, the Terminal Operations Conference (TOC), and the Hamburg/Bremen Study Tour.

For more information: Professional Development Courses 2009

Professional Development Courses 2010

 

Event   Date
Vopak Day 7 April 2010
BIMCO Days

29-31 March 2010
TOC Europe 8-10 June 2010
PDC Germany   14-17 June 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Professional Development Courses 2009

 

Event   Date
Vopak Day  1 April 2009
BIMCO Days

28-29 April 2009
TOC Europe  16-18 June 2009

Distinguished Lecture Series

DLS

The Distinguished Lecture Series comprises a series of open seminars, by prominent business executives and academics, usually on a MEL subject that makes headlines. Attendance to the EMS is open to guests from the business community of Rotterdam, thus giving students the opportunity to interact in an actual business environment and test their knowledge against that of active professionals. Past MEL students have evaluated DLS very highly, as a most effective ‘curriculum enrichment’ activity. Click on the links to the right for past DLS speakers.

Go to Erasmus Maritime Seminar 2011 for more information about coming seminars.

Erasmus Maritime Seminar

Distinguished Lecture Series

DLS

The Distinguished Lecture Series comprises a series of open seminars, by prominent business executives and academics, usually on a MEL subject that makes headlines. Attendance to the EMS is open to guests from the business community of Rotterdam, thus giving students the opportunity to interact in an actual business environment and test their knowledge against that of active professionals. Past MEL students have evaluated DLS very highly, as a most effective ‘curriculum enrichment’ activity. Click on the links to the right for past DLS speakers.

Go to Erasmus Maritime Seminar 2011 for more information about coming seminars.

»

Company Visits

 

Based on the Netherlands' state-of-the-art transport infrastructure and technology, the Center organises a number of company visits, where students can see how theory is applied in practice. Company Visits include port terminals, shipping companies, banks, warehouses, logistics centers and distriparks. Company visits are part of the curriculum and aim at providing a hands-on approach to concepts that have been studied in class. The Company Visits taking place during the Academic Year include but are not limited to: