Management Control Systems in port waste management: Evidence from Italy

Abstract

This study investigates Management Control Systems (MCS) in supporting Port Authority (PA) decision-making processes to prevent and reduce negative environmental effects from seaports. We focus on information management (data collecting, processing and reporting) in the inter-organisational relationships system established among the stakeholders involved in the arrival, mooring and departure of ships in port destinations, evidencing whether the control function exclusively consists of compliance with the MARPOL 73/78 convention and port regulations. Drawing on a deep review of the regulations and literature on environmental issues in seaports and MCS for environmental sustainability and energy efficiency in the port sector, we conducted semi-structured interviews with port users in one Italian seaport. The results show that more detailed information and reporting are needed to improve performance, especially during the mooring of the ships, as well as, MCS could support information for all players, especially the PA, in making developmental decisions about seaports. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are provided for measuring and controlling the effectiveness and efficiency of the waste management process in the port sector. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.