Maritime Logistics As An Emerging Discipline

Introduction

1.1 Background to Study

According to Panayides (2006), maritime logistics is a concept that applies the principles of logistics and supply chain management to maritime transport and this includes ports. Gudehus and Kotzab (2012) state that the operative task of maritime logistics is to convey cargo with ships on rivers, channels and seas at minimal possible costs, fuel consumption and emissions. For this purpose, optimal shipping networks and maritime transport chains have to be designed, implemented and operated. Maritime logistics as a concept has evolved following the developments in multimodal and intermodal transport and, in particular, the physical integration of the transport modes that came about following the advent of containerization intermodalism (D’Este 1996; Hayuth 1987). The physical integration of the transport modes created the need for organizational integration that would provide economic benefits (Panayides 2002).

Logistics is that part of the supply chain process that plans, implements and controls the efficient, effective flow and storage of goods, services and related information from the point of origin to the point of consumption in order to meet customers’ requirements. On the other hand, supply chain management encompasses the planning and management of all activities involved in sourcing and procurement, conversion and all logistics management activities. Importantly it also includes coordination and collaboration with channel partners, which can be suppliers, intermediaries, third-party service providers and customers. Hence, maritime logistics would encompass the management of the physical maritime transport flows, the management of the information flows, as well as the management of the interfaces between the various actors in the maritime supply chain from manufacturer to the end consumer, including ports as well as transport intermediaries like freight forwarders. Furthermore, maritime logistics should aim at improving performance (e.g. increase efficiency and reduce cost), improving quality (e.g. service reliability and responsiveness), improving the spectrum of operations and processes and enhancing environmental performance, growth and corporate responsibility.

Converging the above concepts, Nam and Song (2011) state that maritime logistics is concerned with maritime transport (i.e. shipping and ports), traditional logistics functions (e.g. storage, warehousing and offering distribution centre services) and integrated logistics activities (e.g. value-added services, including labelling, assembly and repairing). On the basis of the above, research would fall under a maritime logistics perspective if (i) it applies logistics and/or supply chain theoretical contexts to maritime transport and/or (ii) it adopts a supply chain perspective that includes the sea leg and/or port operations as a unit of analysis

1.2 Statement of Problem

Maritime logistics entails the integration of logistics concepts in maritime transportation and has recently attracted the increasing attention of practitioners and scholars. More and more companies are adopting maritime logistics strategies and tools as a means of increasing their financial and operational performance. Companies across the entire spectrum of the shipping markets (container, tanker and dry bulk) are realizing the need for in-depth and integrated knowledge across the supply chain in order to build close cooperative and partnering relationships with customers and suppliers. For companies, the adoption of logistics concepts brings new opportunities to significantly change the customer interface and improve service quality whilst controlling costs and improving the potential for profit and competitive advantage.

The evolution of maritime logistics as an emerging discipline has resulted, to a large extent, from the increasing and varied demands of shippers and customers and the rapidly changing role of ports in the context of supply and logistics chains. Ports now operate in a new environment focused on logistics and supply chain management, global sourcing, intermodal operations and logistics outsourcing. To fulfil this role, ports must evolve from the traditional functions of facilitating loading and discharging operations, albeit at greater efficiency, to becoming a link in a larger logistics chain, part of a global distribution channel.

Scholars are also becoming increasingly aware of the need to integrate logistics and supply chain management concepts in the maritime transportation chain and operations.

On this basis they are developing new conceptualizations to analyse and apply such concepts not least in the development of efficient maritime routes and networks, in the control of maritime transport costs, in the integration of the sea–land interface, in the management of carrier–port relationships, in improving performance and quality of maritime services in managing risk and in improving environmental performance and corporate social responsibility (CSR) to name but a few.

1.3 Objective of the Study

The objective of this study is to provide an empirical and foundation for understanding the domain of maritime logistics and to assess its potential as an emerging discipline.

The specific objectives are to:

Investigate the job-tasks which are required by the Maritime Education graduates in Maritime logistics in the Nigeria.

Examine the impact of Information Technology on the performance of Maritime Education graduates.

Examine the competencies required by Maritime Education graduates in performing Maritime logistics sector in the Nigeria.

Investigate the lapses in the current curriculum used in the preparation of Maritime Education graduates for the Maritime logistics sector in the Nigeria.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions were posed for answers with reference to the Nigeria:

What are the job tasks required by the Maritime Education graduates in Maritime logistics?

To what extent does Information Technology have impacts on the performance of Maritime Education graduates?

What are the competencies required by Maritime Education graduates in performing Maritime logistics sector?

To what extent do the lapses in the current curriculum used in the preparation of Maritime Education graduates affect their job performance in Maritime logistics?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

In view of the research questions above, the following null hypotheses were also formulated based on the Nigeria:

There is no significant difference between the Maritime logistics performed by the Maritime Education graduates and the other Maritime task

There is no significant impact of Information Technology on the performance of Maritime Education graduates.

There is no significant relationship between the competencies required by the Maritime Education graduates and the performance of Maritime logistics.

There is no significant relationship between the lapses in the current curriculum and the preparation of Maritime Education graduates for the Maritime logistics.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study will also be significant to the students of Maritime Education because it will open their eyes to see that there are some basic skills they suppose to acquire before going to the labour market and they suppose to be practically-oriented. In the absence of facilities/equipment the students should enroll themselves during holidays to equipment themselves.

The study will also help the Maritime Education teacher to acquaint himself with the studies of computer both theoretically and practically because you cannot give what you don’t have. It will also be of significant to the future researcher who will plan to carry out a research work on this same study to dig more into the problems in Maritime Education.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study scope is limited to assessing the relevance of Maritime logistics as an emerging discipline. The study is further restricted to perspective of Maritime Education graduates on the importance of Maritime logistics as a discipline.