Port Competitiveness Evaluation by Factor Analysis

Competitiveness measurement of ports should consider all internal and external factors. In this paper, we use a number of quantitative measurement indicators to evaluate the actual situation of Shenzhen port. By using factor analysis model, a small number of common factors are extracted to represent the large number of measurement indicators. Furthermore, this paper computes the evaluation scores of Shenzhen port´s comprehensive competitiveness from the year of 2003 to 2008 and provides the explanation by restoring the common factors. Finally, this paper ranks five ports on different factors of competitiveness. The conclusion can provide valuable suggestion for mangers of Shenzhen port to make the strategy of development.