Johor Port Provides Better Staff Training

The Star, 13 December 2004

Johor Port Bhd has formed a strategic partnership with Mesiniaga Subsidiary Navigis Sdn Bhd to implement a port management office (PMO) programme which will see Navigis' project managers working hand-in-hand with Johor Port staff over the next three years.

The project managers will not only acts as consultants but will also provide training, guidance and best practices to deliver strategic IT projects that will see an increase in reporting and port management efficiency.

"We recognized the important role IT plays in ensuring Johor Port stays globally competitive", Johor Port's corporate affairs director Dr Lim Meng Soon said.

"The project management officeis a landmark undertaking for our port in ensuring our IT projects consistently exceed our expectations".

In choosing Navigis Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Mesiniaga Bhd to manage the PMO, Johor Port Berhad is relying on Navigis' strong track record and international experience.

The PMO is expected to ensure that consistent project management processes are undertaken, to minimise any possibility of failure and maintain a more efficient and closer monitoring of IT projects.

"The bottom line is Johor Port's PMO will identify critical areas in the port's IT projects, boost overall IT efficiency while limiting costs and delivering projects within budget and in shorter time frame" he said.

Having obtained accreditation as approved London Metal Exchange location for warehousing activities and facilities in March, the PMO will further serve to ensure IT project implementations are in-line with stringent internationally recognized standards.

"IT Departments in various industries are struggling to deliver successful projects. Budgets are exceeded by as much as 200% and deadlines frequently missed in absence of proper project management," said Lim, highlighting the importance of having a PMO.

Navigis CEO Philip Sidebottom said PMO's help executives by providing the structure needed to both standardize project management.

"Once standardized, project performance can be closely measured and monitored. Then, corrective action can be taken to mitigate risk and substantially increase the odds of project success".

Johor Port envisions that the PMO will save the port money by enabling better resource management, supporting projects that offer the biggest ROI and ensuring steadily rising profits.

"As we continue to grow and create our niche in the regional and global cargo movements, the biggest problem is not simply attaining year on year profit but also exceeding the growing needs and expectations of our port users".

"Many of these successful IT projects and standard practices implemented are directly aimed at improved customer satisfaction rates" said Lim, adding that with the implementation of the PMO was expected to save significant amounts of money related to project implementations.

"Costs savings will come in the form of projects delivered efficiently and on time; minimizing the impact to Johor Port's operations and customers.