A Comparative Analysis for Selecting Possible Logistics Base Locations in Turkey


Yazır D., Şahin B.

DOKUZ EYLÜL ÜNİVERSİTESİ MÜHENDİSLİK FAKÜLTESİ FEN ve MÜHENDİSLİK DERGİSİ / DOKUZ EYLUL UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF ENGINEERING JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, vol.22, no.66, pp.929-940, 2020 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)

Abstract

Turkey has a great geopolitical position located between Asia and Europe, its location plays a significant role in logistics operations. In this study, we consider a comparative analysis to evaluate the predefined locations for possible logistics bases in Turkey. In order to fulfill the requirements of global trade to obtain a competitive advantage, decisions on a logistics base development are influenced by several factors such as infrastructure, demand, external environment, supply, economy and topographical location. This study determines decision criteria and possible alternative locations after conducting several expert consultations. Since Turkey is a peninsula, six possible cities that have access to the sea are determined by prioritizing the maritime transportation. An analytical hierarchy process method is implemented to select the best option for the logistics base decisions under the given criteria. As a result, it is determined that Istanbul is the best option for logistics base. While Bursa is expected to be a top priority after Istanbul, Samsun is preferred by the experts as the second option because it is the intersection point of the Black Sea and the transportation routes.