Pre-Impressions
I was expecting that we would learn about how the port of Liege works and how it is connected to other ports throughout Europe. I also expected that we would learn about what types of goods are shipped along the river and how the system of shipping via a river works. I expected that we would tour some of the facilities at the port as well. I knew that the Port of Liege presentation would tie in with IBS because the port has greatly contributed to Liege's economy.
Post-Impressions
The Port of Liege presentation was very informative and helped me understand how the port in Liege is connected with other ports throughout Europe. It was cool to see the port's covered loading area and view the facilities surrounding the port, such as warehouses and yards full of coal. My favorite part of the tour was riding in the bus and looking at different parts of the port. We learned some interesting facts about the port as well. It was the 1st Belgian inland port and reaches 56 million consumers within a radius of 250 km (155 miles). The port is connected to the more well-known ports in Antwerp and Rotterdam. The port has generated 3.2% of the GDP in Wallonia and in 2013 was responsible for transporting 13 million tons of goods along its waterways. I was surprised by many of these facts because I did not realize how important the port of Liege was and how it greatly contributes to Liege's economy.
The Port of Liege ties in to the economic imperative. The port has contributed to Liege's economy and GDP. The port is also connected to the global economy because goods that are shipped from the port can be delivered to other countries in Europe, and may eventually be delivered to other countries throughout the world. The people who are in charge of the port are responsible for communicating with those who work in other ports throughout Europe in order to coordinate shipments and keep on schedule. They will need to interact with people of different cultures to make sure that everything is shipped on time and that no accidents occur at the ports or in the waterways.
This tour also tied in with the concept of physical distribution, which is one aspect of the international distribution mix. "Physical distribution refers to a company's storage and transportation operations used in moving its products to their foreign markets." Waterways have become important for international shipments, because they are the cheapest form of transportation for large and lower-value goods to far-away destinations. Since "physical distribution is a key component in a company's international operations," the Port of Liege has become an important part of the international distribution strategies of local companies. Logistics plays an important role in today's global economy. Companies must coordinate all aspects of their businesses in order to reach international consumers and get products to market quickly. Regional integration affects logistics because it makes it easier for companies to coordinate their activities if they are able to easily work with other companies or distribution routes in other countries in their region.
I was expecting that we would learn about how the port of Liege works and how it is connected to other ports throughout Europe. I also expected that we would learn about what types of goods are shipped along the river and how the system of shipping via a river works. I expected that we would tour some of the facilities at the port as well. I knew that the Port of Liege presentation would tie in with IBS because the port has greatly contributed to Liege's economy.
Post-Impressions
The Port of Liege presentation was very informative and helped me understand how the port in Liege is connected with other ports throughout Europe. It was cool to see the port's covered loading area and view the facilities surrounding the port, such as warehouses and yards full of coal. My favorite part of the tour was riding in the bus and looking at different parts of the port. We learned some interesting facts about the port as well. It was the 1st Belgian inland port and reaches 56 million consumers within a radius of 250 km (155 miles). The port is connected to the more well-known ports in Antwerp and Rotterdam. The port has generated 3.2% of the GDP in Wallonia and in 2013 was responsible for transporting 13 million tons of goods along its waterways. I was surprised by many of these facts because I did not realize how important the port of Liege was and how it greatly contributes to Liege's economy.
The Port of Liege ties in to the economic imperative. The port has contributed to Liege's economy and GDP. The port is also connected to the global economy because goods that are shipped from the port can be delivered to other countries in Europe, and may eventually be delivered to other countries throughout the world. The people who are in charge of the port are responsible for communicating with those who work in other ports throughout Europe in order to coordinate shipments and keep on schedule. They will need to interact with people of different cultures to make sure that everything is shipped on time and that no accidents occur at the ports or in the waterways.
This tour also tied in with the concept of physical distribution, which is one aspect of the international distribution mix. "Physical distribution refers to a company's storage and transportation operations used in moving its products to their foreign markets." Waterways have become important for international shipments, because they are the cheapest form of transportation for large and lower-value goods to far-away destinations. Since "physical distribution is a key component in a company's international operations," the Port of Liege has become an important part of the international distribution strategies of local companies. Logistics plays an important role in today's global economy. Companies must coordinate all aspects of their businesses in order to reach international consumers and get products to market quickly. Regional integration affects logistics because it makes it easier for companies to coordinate their activities if they are able to easily work with other companies or distribution routes in other countries in their region.