Ott Koppel

Rail Transit Policy of the European Union and Estonia: Objectives and Outcome

Abstract Currently the only privatised public railway infrastructure in the European Union member states is located in Estonia. The aim of the current article is to determine whether there is a link between the rail transport policies of the EU and Estonia, how it works, and whether the objectives of such policies can be implemented in case of privatised public railways. The findings of the analysis were the following: 1) Estonias unique opportunity ‐ to manage rail infrastructure on a fully commercial basis through the privatisation of the rail infrastructure ‐ has not been taken advantage of; 2) a relatively wide range of disputable economic decisions of the government can be substantiated by referring to the EU rail transport acquis; 3) it is possible that the implementation of the respective regulations does not automatically ensure the achievement of their objectives, if the regional features of the countries remain unconsidered.

Cluster approach in organization of transportation in the Baltic Sea Region

AbstractThe urgency of the issues discussed in this paper stems from the fact that cross-border collaboration is an essential part of commercial transportation today. With the extension of multimodal transportation concept, the efficiency and performance of not only national but also of regional transport systems depend on a synergy which occurs as a result of cooperation between transport enterprises and different modes of transport. The present study analyses the situation of transportation field in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) in the period 2004–2011. The methodology used is based on Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), correlation analysis, Bayesian analysis and affinity analysis, which help to identify countries with similar trends in the field of transportation and the common reasons and factors which have led to the emergence of these clusters.

The Baltic Sea Macro-Regional Transport Cluster as an Element of the Silk Road Economic Bel

Abstract This article analyzes the opportunities of the Chinese initiative “One Belt, One Road”, for the development of the Baltic Sea macro-region (BSR), as a single transport cluster. One of the objectives of the initiative is to strengthen transport linkages from the Pacific Ocean to the Baltic Sea Region. Thus, the contemporary macro-regional approach to the development of EU macro-regions can provide an additional impulse to the creation of formal macro-regional inter-cooperation, via in this case, the project that will advance the transport infrastructure of the region. This study examines the situation of the railway sector in the BSR in the period 2004–2015, through hierarchical cluster analysis, to identify countries with similar trends in cargo flow turnover. Taking into account the favorable geographical position of Poland, its transport performance and advanced (in comparison to other Baltic Sea region countries) relations with China, it is concluded that Poland’s conditions are more suitable to promote economic integration with its closest neighbors – the Baltic countries-through the creation of formal macro-regional railway transport within the Rail Baltic project.

Formal And Informal Macro-Regional Transport Clusters As A Primary Step In The Design And Implementation Of Cluster-Based Strategies

Abstract The aim of the study is the identification of a formal macro-regional transport and logistics cluster and its development trends on a macro-regional level in 2007-2011 by means of the hierarchical cluster analysis. The central approach of the study is based on two concepts: 1) the concept of formal and informal macro-regions, and 2) the concept of clustering which is based on the similarities shared by the countries of a macro-region and tightly related to the concept of macro-region. The authors seek to answer the question whether the formation of a formal transport cluster could provide the BSR a stable competitive position in the global transportation and logistics market.

CLASSIFICATION AND CODING: APPROACH OF DIFFERENT INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Abstract Transportation plays a significant role in the world. This paper deals with harmonization of classification and coding systems, which is of fundamental importance in everyday freight handling practice.

Interactive Teaching Methods as Human Factors Management Tool in Dangerous Goods Transport on Roads

This paper studies the methodological essence of ADR regulations training courses for drivers and safety advisers. The aim of research is to advance existing teacher-centred course model in Estonia with learner-centred methods that best suit specific objectives and meet expected learning outcomes. In Estonia, ADR regulations training courses are formed based on teacher-centred course design mainly. This methodological approach is outdated as the concept of learner is changing rapidly. The aim of this research is to make study based proposals, what kind of interactive methodological approach training course model meets the best trainees’ expectations in Estonia.

Calculating power distribution system reliability indexes from Smart Meter data

Electricity is an integral utility in modern society. Electricity networks carry power to various end users, and disruptions cause high socioeconomic cost. Electricity distribution network operators are ranked predominantly on system performance, economic performance and customer satisfaction. System reliability has an impact on all of the above mentioned indicators. High and medium voltage networks are covered with sensors allowing to calculate accurate reliability indexes. Low voltage (LV) grid sensor coverage is yet insufficient, but modern Smart Meters add functionality to gather necessary grid characteristics. Data from various meters can be combined to continuously generate indexes that depict state of the LV network. Calculated indexes enable to prioritize system faults and proactively correct shortcomings of the grid. This paper presents a method to calculate temporospatially disaggregated reliability indexes on all major levels of the LV network which on demand depicts detailed performance assessment of the grid.

Findings from cluster analysis of logistics undergraduate curricula in Europe

The field of logistics education is rather colorful. The range of possible topics is huge and so each curriculum has unique approach towards which topic areas to emphasize and which to treat briefly or even omit. There is only little effective standardization in logistics education. This study examines the content of 42 undergraduate logistics curricula in Europe via cluster analysis, with a goal to propose a typology of logistics curricula. The findings define the spectrum of logistics education in four clusters, ranging from “business administration” with little focus on most specific logistics topics, through “interdisciplinary logistics management” and “modem transport management” to “logistics engineering” with a strong quantitative and technology approach. However, a problem remains that curriculum title does not always reflect actual profile. A typical title “logistics management” might in one case contain various engineering elements, but in another none at all. Such findings point out the need for curricula boards to decide, if trying to cover the entire scope by “one-size-fits-all” program is the best option or if more distinct focus is needed. In both cases this decision needs to be intentional, agreed and clearly communicated to avoid confusing students and society. Furthermore, the study points out the need to refine standards of competences in logistics, especially for logistics engineering.

Developing intelligent logistics - Building a competence model for logistics systems engineer

Logistics is an interdisciplinary field. Modern logisticians need to integrate business management skills with technology design, IT systems know-how and other engineering fields. However, based on research of university curricula and competence standards in logistics, the engineering aspect is not represented in full potential. There are a few treatments of logistician competences relating to engineering, but not a modernized one with wide-spread recognition. This paper aims to explain the problem from conceptual history viewpoint and suggests a competence profile for “logistics system engineer” that has been created via analyzing various topical competence models and integrating introductory competences of systems engineering into logistics. In current approach, logistics systems engineering integrates networks, technologies and ICT, process and service design and offers broader interdisciplinary approach. Another suitable term for this would be intelligent logistics. The practical implication of such competence profile is to utilize it in curriculum development and also suggest it as an occupational standard. The academic relevance of the promoted concept is to offer a specific way to differentiate education in logistics.

Some Implications of the EU Rail Transport Policy on Rail Business Environment in CEE Countries

The development of rail transport is the key to the integral development of the entire European transport system. In 2010, consultations were started to discuss the proposal of the European Commission for merging various EU directives relating to railway transport. In 2011, the European Transport White Paper was published; the paper lays down the transport policy for the current decade with a perspective up until the years 2030/2050. The principles of the White Paper are compliant with the general ideas of the Commission. Both of these documents see the strengthening of supervision at the national level as the key issue for improving the competitiveness of the rail sector; require the separation of ownership and using the first best infrastructure pricing solutions. The authors find that the following questions must be answered in order to implement these ideas: 1) how to allocate supervisory functions between the state and infrastructure manager; 2) which would be the best way for realising the unbundling of rail activities; 3) how can the sustainability of railways be ensured while using marginal cost pricing in the situation where formal transport policy does not allow state support for rail transport. The authors seek answers to these questions by comparing the situation in the Nordic and Baltic countries, as these two groups of countries illustrate two diametrically different approaches to the possible solutions. doi: 10.11590/bjes.2012.2.02 Baltic Journal of European Studies 22 Olga Nežerenko, Ott Koppel Baltic Journal of European Studies Tallinn University of Technology (ISSN 2228-0588), Vol. 2, No. 2 (12)