A company's plan for achieving a competitive edge is its strategy. The success of a strategic plan is determined by how well a company coordinates all of its internal processes, including operations and brings them to bear on its goals. One way in which companies can gain a competitive edge is by deploying the basic functions of operations management in a more effective manner than their rivals. An Operation is often defined as a transformations process. It transforms inputs such as materials,

more »

... achines, labor, management and capital into outputs such as goods and services. Operations Management tries to ensure that the transformation process is performed efficiently and that the output is of greater value than the sum of inputs. Thus, the role of operations is to create value. A Ship's agent represents the interest of the ship owner or charterer while a vessel is in port by providing practical assistance and by carrying out essential duties and obligations that are crucial to minimizing port delays. Better operational capability of ship agencies will improve communication and proactive thinking. Operational capability consists of logistics, human resource management and customer service. When ship agencies are able to improve the quality of these activities, they will become world-class. Their profits will rise, which in turn will benefit local economies. This analysis focuses on the shipping industry from the point of view of Ship Agents. The study tries to define the integral role of ship agents in the shipping industry and how their operational activities are performed. The main objectives can be summed as: 1. In-depth knowledge of shipping. 2. Analyze detail study of operational activities by ship agents. 3. To identify the key factors that impacts the quality in ship services. 4. Examine the effect of Value Chain on service improvement. 5. To evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of ship agents.