The Influence of the Implementation of Trade Facilitation Systems on the Time Required for Creating Delivery Orders: A Case Study of Tema Port

This study evaluated the impact of Ghana’s Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), implemented within the National Single Window initiative, on the efficiency of issuing Delivery Orders (DO) at Tema Port. Filling a gap in the existing literature, the research employed a quantitative approach to assess a specific time-related aspect of the cargo clearance process. Employing an Independent t-test on a dataset spanning 2026 Delivery Orders (924 pre-ICUMS and 1102 post-ICUMS) from July 2020 to July 2023, the study investigated ICUMS’s effectiveness in reducing DO issuance time. Results indicate a noteworthy decrease in average DO issuance time, from 11 days pre-implementation to approximately 9 days post-implementation, a reduction validated by statistical analysis through the independent t-test. In light of these findings, the study recommends ongoing refinement of the implementation, reinforcement of trade facilitation measures, and the adoption of best practices from successful global ports. Continuous stakeholder training and regular assessments of ICUMS performance are also endorsed. The study’s implications support the theoretical framework for Single Window systems and carry significant policy implications, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to streamline trade facilitation processes driven by Information Technology. Practically, the results serve as a management tool for stakeholders, highlighting areas for targeted interventions to reduce DO issuance times. Methodologically, this research contributes by applying robust statistical analysis to a specific component within the Time Release Study framework, offering a nuanced understanding of trade facilitation systems’ effectiveness in improving cargo clearance processes.

Hitting the bull’s eye of ending tuberculosis goal: The challenge of addressing tuberculosis in human immunodeficiency virus positive population in India

Eradicating tuberculosis in human immunodeficiency virus is all the more important to realise India’s ambitious goal of tuberculosis free India by 2025.Although,continuous efforts are being made to address tuberculosis in human immunodeficiency virus co-infection,it is imperative to closely monitor the implemented strategies,encourage and validate disease notification system in the country,and bring about societal change to view this disease as an ailment only and not as a stigma.

Innovative Measures Ensuring Integrity of the Entire Supply Chain or Transport Corridor

The EWTC （East-West Transport Corridor） in the Southem part of the Baltic Sea Region includes more effective testing area of new business models for collaborative logistics flows. Since the EWTC is a corridor requiring transport mode interchanges due to crossing the Baltic Sea, development of intermodal transport solutions making different transport modes fully integrated along the corridor is a key issue for the EWTC. To meet an increased global transport demand, ports and intermodal terminals need to make sure that their facilities are prepared for growth. Thus, for ports in the EWTC it is important to offer the services necessary for handling the maritime freight services （container ships, RoRo ships, railway ferries） demanded by transporters and transport buyers. IT services are needed to support transportation activities along the corridor. This is especially important for the EWTC due to its physical nature, interchange points, multi-language and cross boarder interaction. Information on a constantly updated traffic situation and interchange status, tracking of goods, booking and confirmation services, intelligent truck parking and services opening faster border crossing routes would ensure more efficient transportation and handling thereofi It is expected that the outcomes of the recently completed eMAR project will help to develop a modem Klaipeda Seaport community system as well as effective management architecture along the EWTC based on the CSW （Corridor Single Window） approach.

Information &Communication Technology(ICT) Adoption in Nigerian Ports Terminal Operations

Most ports around the globe have adopted ICT in a bid to improve their operational performance and remain competitive in the industry. However, ports in developing economies still grapple with challenges associated with manual terminal operation. This paper evaluated the level of application and integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and factors limiting their use in terminal operations in Nigerian seaports. The data for the study were obtained from copies of structured Likert scaled questionnaire administered to a random sample of terminal operators, stevedores, shipping companies’ agents, Customs licensed Clearing and Forwarding agents (C&F) operating in Apapa and Tincan Island ports in Nigeria. Specifically, opinion of these respondents was sought on extent of ICT application, integration and perceived constraints to ICT use in port terminal operations. Based on our findings using statistical model tests of proportion, the respondents stated that significant level of ICT procedures and processes have been adopted in port terminal operations. In terms of ICT applications, we found that electronic data and communication exchange applications were available in the terminals for use by the respondents. There are also in place ICT applications for warehouses and storage facilities management and e-payment systems. However, significant constraining factors were found to be: low ICT investment budgetary allocation, lack of e-skilled manpower and poor equipment maintenance culture. Other limiting factors were lack of integrated ICT facilities operated by other port stakeholders and absence of Port Community Systems network (PCS) linking all other relevant interests connected to terminal operations. Policy implications of our findings were discussed.