The European Union has actively promoted the development of intermodal transport as a response to the ecological and safety challenges posed by global transportation flows. Through projects such as Customer-driven Rail-freight services on a European mega-corridor based on Advanced business and operating Models (CREAM) and Reorganization of Transport Networks through Advanced Rail Freight Concepts (RETRAC), substantial improvements in rail freight transport on European mega-corridors have been achieved. These initiatives aim to enhance transportation efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and improve safety. The proximity of Serbia to these key corridors, coupled with its involvement in these projects, presents an opportunity for the country to enhance its infrastructure, expand its business prospects, and increase its global market competitiveness. Furthermore, such developments will contribute significantly to Serbia’s economic growth and its integration into European transportation networks. This study evaluates the CREAM and RETRAC corridors by examining their effects on environmental sustainability, transportation safety, and economic development. The paper also assesses their overall efficiency and sustainability, providing valuable insights for strategic decision-making. Given the complex nature of intermodal freight corridors, the evaluation process incorporates Multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) techniques, considering a variety of performance indicators. Specifically, the hybrid model combining the Fuzzy Aggregated Distance-Based Measurement (FADAM) method and the Fuzzy Best-Worst Method (FBWM) is applied to offer a comprehensive analysis. This approach allows for the systematic assessment of the two corridors, supporting the development of strategies aimed at optimizing their performance and sustainability.
This study explores the application of Value Management (VM) and Value Engineering (VE) within Malta’s public service sector, focusing on environmental projects. Traditional cost-centric procurement approaches are proving insufficient in an era of heightened economic volatility, technological disruption, and increasing demands for public accountability. This research advocates for a structured, value-based decision-making framework that balances cost with quality, efficiency, and long-term sustainability considerations. A mixed-method, quasi-experimental design was employed, using Ambjent Malta as a case study. The methodology involved pre-intervention data collection, stakeholder information sessions, and post-intervention evaluation. Three environmental projects were analysed through stakeholder engagement workshops, incorporating VM tools such as function analysis and value criteria evaluation. The results demonstrate that VM can effectively address cost overruns, promote stakeholder collaboration, and improve project alignment with client and environmental objectives. Significant increases in stakeholder awareness and understanding of VM principles were observed, alongside a reported shift from cost minimisation to value optimisation in project planning. This research contributes to the limited knowledge of VM in the Maltese context. It underscores the potential of value-based methodologies to enhance public sector project outcomes and long-term efficiency.
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