Port Operations Management

port operations and management

main aims of the unit

The main aim of this unit is to introduce learners to the operations, facilities, functions, personnel and strategic alliances associated with ports worldwide. Learners will also be introduced to the type of investment required and also to the regulations governing the operations of ports.

 

learning outcomes for the unit

Upon successful completion of the course students will be able to:

• Identify and describe the work, types and functions of different type of ports.
• Comment on the key factors affecting port effectiveness and performance
• Explain the operational equipment and services required by an effective port.
• Advise on the various strategic alliances involving port operators
• Understand the importance of ports within the overall maritime and transport industry
• Explain key regulations and statutes affecting the operations of ports.
• Appreciate the way ports need to develop in order to respond to the evolving needs and requirements of maritime and transport organisations

Learning and teaching methods/strategies used to enable the achievement of learning outcomes:

Learning takes place on a number of levels through lectures, class discussion including problem review and analysis. Formal lectures provide a foundation of information on which the student builds through directed learning and self managed learning outside of the class. The students are actively encouraged to form study groups to discuss course material which fosters a greater depth learning experience.

 

entry requirements

• Three GCSE’s / GCE`O’ levels and one `A’ level or equivalent qualification, or,
• An approved Foundation Certificate

Relevant experience is taken into consideration for students 21 years of age and over who have not completed any formal qualifications.

 

main topics of study

history and structure of ports

• Forms of port ownership, structure and organisation
• Port governance
• Port privatisation
• Port workforce
• Measuring productivity
• Port growth options
• Ports planning and development
  
  

Hub Port Gateways to the Inland Infrastructure

• Stages of integration for the maritime industry
• Strategic location of seaports
• Port’s success factors
• Supply chain opportunities
  
  

Port Management and Operations

• Establishing a port’s competitive edge
• Economic growth
• Risk assessment
• Port management services
• Terminal operators
• Vessels’ planning
• Charter party types
• Shipyards
• Components of shipbuilding and shipbuilding trends
• Port agents
• Agency selection and practices
• Port agency responsibilities
• Nominating a safe port
• Multimodal transportation
  
  

Port and Terminal investment

• Public versus private investment
• Port subsidies
• Foreign investment
• General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
• World Trade Organisation
• Multiregional partnerships
• Port capacity and competition
• Port technology and innovation
  
  

Strategic Alliances and Port Performance

• Port strategies and strategic alliances
• Port’s Joint Ventures
• Measuring customer loyalty
• Port pricing
• Port cargo handling equipment
• IT, logistics and port equipment
• Human factor in port performance
• Port Authorities and regulatory framework
• Port development strategy
  
  
  

indicative reading for this unit

main text

Port Management and Operations M. Burns (CRC Press)

alternative text and further reading

Port Management H. Haralambides (Palgrave) Maritime Logistics: A guide to Shipping and Port Management Prof. Donk Wook Song, P. Panayides (Kogan Page) Lloyd’s List

 

guideline for teaching and learning time

(10 HOURS PER CREDIT)

50 hours - lectures / seminars / tutorials / workshops:

Tutorial support includes feedback on assignments and may vary by college according to local needs and wishes.

50 hours - directed learning:

Advance reading and preparation / Class preparation / Background reading / Group study / Portfolio / Diary etc

100 hours - self managed learning:

Working through the course text and completing assignments as required will take up the bulk of the learning time. In addition students are expected to engage with the tutor and other students and to undertake further reading using the web and/or libraries.

 

assessment methods

Final Examination: 70%

Coursework: 30%