Making the transition to e-business in Egypt : with specific reference to the maritime industry

This research study focuses on the transition to e-business in the particular context of the maritime sector in Egypt. Making the transition to e-business involves transformations of organisational processes, including process automation. The literature review explores the evolution of e-business in terms of an analysis of business functions, and consideration of some stage models of the evolution. The Egyptian maritime sector background is also presented. The research method combines a case study approach with the use of process modelling tools. Two ports with contrasting histories were selected for study: Alexandria, Egypt's largest port, long established and Government-run; and Sokhna, a modern port in the private sector. The process architecture modelling method used was Ould's Riva, which supports modelling of the wider process architecture of an organisation as well as of the internal structure of individual processes (in role- activity diagrams). On the basis of interviews, observation, and analysis of documents, Process Architecture Diagrams (PADs) were produced for both ports, together with role-activity diagrams for selected processes. These diagrams show a model of the business processes in the two ports at the time of investigation. The models were substantially similar for the two pons at the architectural level but divergent in internal process detail. This outcome suggests that. while organisations in the same business will have similar process architectures, they can differ substantially in process detail, probably reflecting differences in organisational history, structure and infrastructure. Both the port models were scrutinised to identify possibilities for process improvement, using a combination of three methods: Ould's improvement diagnosis, which is oriented towards eliminating redundant activities and fostering better decision making; Davenport's analysis of the role of information technology in process innovation; and Earl's six stage model of e- business development, which focuses on the online presence of an organisation. Based on this analysis, an assessment was made of how far the two ports had progressed towards e-business operation. Comparisons were also drawn between process improvements suggested from the modelling and actual improvements being introduced or planned by the two ports. 111is combination of detailed process modelling, analysis, and comparison, enabled recommendations to be made an process improvements for the two ports. to assist their transition to e-business. The method and results can be generalised beyond the Egyptian maritime sector.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo