System Dynamics Modeling of Logistics Hub Capacity: The Dubai Logistics Corridor Case Study

This paper proposes a System Dynamics (SD) modeling and simulation-based approach to support decision making and policy actions to make appropriate and effective investment decisions about the planning of an intermodal air, sea and land logistics hub capacity. The Dubai Logistics Corridor (DLC) is used as a concrete case study. The model offers the necessary decision support that captures the complexity of managing the logistics hub along with overcoming the implicit policy resistance. The paper illustrates the case study model, application, and various case scenario simulations. The model can be used as a predictive tool to encourage decision making and detecting capacity bottlenecks to help in planning and scheduling the capacity investment of a logistics hub.