Operational optimization of Portway’s export processes

Abstract

This dissertation explores the different possibilities Portway has on optimizing its exports operational processes. The research made unfolds how can Portway introduce innovative policies, digitized systems or automated procedures that will, eventually create value to its exports operations, primarily through processing times and personnel reductions. Ultimately, this thesis will disclose which optimization opportunities are more adequate to Portway’s export’s operational structure. Parallel to this dissertation, a consulting project was developed with Portway, where the company’s overdue export operational processes lead to the problem statement here defined. The purpose of this project was to find and explore several different opportunities for Portway to enhance its exports processes, empowering it to deliver a superior service to its clients as well as to increase the efficiency and reliability of its export’s operation processes. This project made possible to outline a recommendations model, where the different opportunities for optimization are presented according to each suggested implementation time frame and value created for Portway’s exports. The results of this study show that there are several different pathways for optimization that Portway can trail, in order to continuously improve its cargo handling service, and therefore, to differentiate from its competitors, easing the apprehension of its processes becoming partially obsolete.

Date of Award	25 Jan 2022
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Rute Xavier (Supervisor)