KPIs for Shipping

Course review:

In a world where ever-increasing amounts of information are available, it is necessary to focus upon those key processes that are truly critical to success, and to then introduce metrics that measure the outcomes of those processes in a qualitative and transparent manner. Such metrics are called Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and they allow a process outcome to be measured objectively.

Shipping companies are under increasing pressure to re-think strategies and seek efficiencies as a result of both global trading conditions and the need for environmental monitoring and compliance. In order to survive in the present and build for the future, ship operators and managers must first understand the many factors that control a company’s performance, including revenue sources, production levels, costs, customer service levels, employee training and succession management. There is an increasing need for information in the form of valid, accurate data, so that planners can understand where the company is now, where possible inefficiencies and blockages may exist and the steps that they can take to move the company forward.

By being able to compare actual outcomes with targets, shipping operators can identify company strengths and weaknesses, allowing process improvements to be introduced in a measured, logical and effective manner. KPIs also encourage employees to become involved with the performance of the whole company, a project or even a single process.

This distance learning course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of understanding what a KPI is in the shipping context. It will show how to use business analysis to map business processes at a high level, how to identify those key processes that are critical to a company’s performance and how to use scorecards or operational dashboards to display process outcomes.

The course combines proven performance management theory with concrete examples from the shipping industry, and shows how these can be implemented in a practical and effective way.

With the flexibility of learning where you want, when you want, you can be part of a broad range of people who will benefit from studying this course. If you are new to information management, business analysis or strategic planning in the maritime sector, this will give an excellent grounding in the key principles relating to the definition of KPIs and the ways in which they can be used to drive improved performance. The course will assist you in gaining a thorough understanding of your organisation, performance issues and management systems.

Whatever your motivation, the unique blend of self-directed learning, expert tutorial support and peer interaction via a dedicated online forum will enable you to define and implement KPIs to drive performance improvements within your operation, wherever you are in the world.