Prof. Ashish Agarwal

Dr. Vipan Kumar Chand

Ms. Nishtha Agarwal

Abstract

Purpose: Supply chain management (SCM) in Maritime sector helps shipping companies in integrating their logistics and maritime cargo operation by collaborating with other maritime entities to meet the unpredictable demand of the end user at the importing countries. Use of IT is the fundamental characteristic of a Maritime Supply Chain (MSC) needed for survival in turbulent and volatile Maritime competition, which is a requirement for the transparency in business. Getting the right cargo, at the right time for the consignee is not only the utmost priority for competitive success, but also the key to survival. Maritime fraternity’s satisfaction and understanding of maritime sector are critical in the use of IT in management of supply chain both cargo and passengers. This study is an attempt to develop a structural model of variables for modeling role of IT in Shipping Industry using ISM. Approach: From the maritime literature review and opinion of the experts from maritime fraternity, various variables for role of IT in shipping industry have been identified. After brain storming to the top management expert of Ships (Captains and Chief Engineers), certain variables were identified. Based on the driving power and dependence of variables, classifications of these were achieved. Questionnaires were E-mailed to forty ships to rank these variables and as per responses received. These variables in the management of use of IT in maritime supply chain have been analyzed using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM). Findings: Eleven variables have been identified from the maritime literature and subsequent discussion with onboard maritime experts. Based upon the expert’s opinions, the model so developed is a hypothetical. Clear understanding of interaction among these variables will help maritime sector to prioritize and manage these variables more efficiently and effectively to draw advantage in use of IT in Maritime sector. Originality: Through this, researcher contributes to identify the variables to implement IT in maritime sector and prioritize them. The structural model developed will help to understand interdependence of the variables in maritime sector

Keywords- Maritime sector, Business sensitivity, Interactive, Reachability, Interaction, MICMAC