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Technological change and development : a history of The Port of Singapore Authority from 1964-1990
Author
Tan, Gertrude Yam Hua
Supervisor
Wang, Zhenping
Abstract
This academic exercise focuses on the role of technology in the growth and development of the port of Singapore during the period 1964 to 1990. When attempting to explain the port's success, scholars have very often cited the strategic geographical position of Singapore, with its deep sheltered harbour, as the fundamental advantage But this factor alone is not sufficient to explain its competitiveness as one of the world's best seaports.
This study argues that the relentless pursuit of technology by the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) in the past twenty-six years is perhaps the most crucial factor in sustaining its competitiveness. The timely introduction of modern port technology in the 1980s has positively influenced the level of its technological capability. It is also argued that this success has been achieved not merely through the import of high-technology.
More significant is the PSA's effort to train its staff and to upgrade their skills in the area of in-house port innovation, and to develop a corporate culture which is conducive for technological change. Such an effort is important because technological development involves not just the installation of hardware but also the upgrading of human skills and knowledge. It is an indigenous effort to adapt and improve on imported technology to suit local needs.
To support such an argument, a case study of the Information Systems Division has been made to illustrate how the PSA has successfully incorporated advance technology to enhance the port's competitiveness. A short survey was conducted in the Container Systems Department with forty-three system analysts who lead the technological innovation. The survey accuracy is, however, limited by its small pool of respondents. Nonetheless, their views and perceptions serve as a reflection of the PSA's corporate and technological culture. The approaches used in this study consist of historical analysis, questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews. The research makes use of the responses and views of those surveyed and interviewed and integrate it with the available historical data, both primary and secondary.
This study argues that the relentless pursuit of technology by the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) in the past twenty-six years is perhaps the most crucial factor in sustaining its competitiveness. The timely introduction of modern port technology in the 1980s has positively influenced the level of its technological capability. It is also argued that this success has been achieved not merely through the import of high-technology.
More significant is the PSA's effort to train its staff and to upgrade their skills in the area of in-house port innovation, and to develop a corporate culture which is conducive for technological change. Such an effort is important because technological development involves not just the installation of hardware but also the upgrading of human skills and knowledge. It is an indigenous effort to adapt and improve on imported technology to suit local needs.
To support such an argument, a case study of the Information Systems Division has been made to illustrate how the PSA has successfully incorporated advance technology to enhance the port's competitiveness. A short survey was conducted in the Container Systems Department with forty-three system analysts who lead the technological innovation. The survey accuracy is, however, limited by its small pool of respondents. Nonetheless, their views and perceptions serve as a reflection of the PSA's corporate and technological culture. The approaches used in this study consist of historical analysis, questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews. The research makes use of the responses and views of those surveyed and interviewed and integrate it with the available historical data, both primary and secondary.
Date Issued
1996
Call Number
HE560.S5 Tan
Date Submitted
1996