Information Flow Management in Port Agency for Final Disbursement Accounts (FDA) : Case Study: Supermaritime Company Limited, Ghana

Abstract

Information flow management in the shipping industry can be very challenging since the operations in the industry deals with dozens of chartering operations, heavy volume of data, documentations and several paperwork which cuts across various functional departments and also within the internal and external network chain in the industry. The process of a Final Disbursement Account is one such area of operation in the industry that though little attention has been given to it, is a daunting task that requires professionalism and integrity in the performance of duties. However, the process can be time consuming, paper intensive and involve various stakeholders in the industry, which promotes the need for effective management of information.

The main aim of this paper is to analyse the information process and work flow of a third-party ship management agency ‘Supermaritime Ghana’ in the making of FDA and develop a suitable and functional information flow and work process system aiming at improving quality of work and value in customer service. Theories discussed will point out the activities of ship management agencies, information flow and its role in supporting the functions and operations within an organization.