Study and Exam Tips

Since most of the modules for the Diploma are assessed with multi-choice questions in an open-book exam, it is vital that information can be re-located when you need it. This means that you need to use the index, or institute a system of flags with post-its.

Using the index: you may have noticed that the indexes in the materials manuals are not comprehensive. Therefore it is important to make sure that all of the important information is included. It is suggested that that you take out the index pages, staple them together and keep them close at hand when you are reading the chapters. As you find terms, concepts or topics which you think are important, check that they are indexed. If not, add them in with their page number(s). This will not only help you during the exam, but when you want to find topics at a later date.

China-New Zealand FTA Roadshows

I guess many of you will have heard about these but just in case you haven't, I thought I would post the dates here:
Wellington 26-27 May
Auckland 28-29 May
Christchurch 3-4 June
Hamilton 5-6 June
Dunedin 9-10 June
You can get more information by emailing: ChinaFTA@nzte.govt.nz

It is disappointing that some other centres are not included e.g. Palmerston North (!) and I have emailed our local Chamber of Commerce to see if they could host a roadshow here. Maybe others might want to try that with their local Chamber.
Graeme

Supply Chain Solution – Key to Port Choice

The new definition of competitive service of a port now has a major shift in integrating supply chain.

A supply chain solution, which bundles comprehensive logistics services is critical to a port operator to match today’s service demand, particularly from medium and small exporters, which do not have an export office or similar function established within the company.

The trend signals that what the exporters want today is not only the reduced transport cost and lead time, but also an integrated supply distribution system that could improve the market penetrability, while simplifying other export process functions such as documentation, accounting and custom clearance etc.

However, there are still a lot of challenges to NZ port operators and logistics providers.

1) How do we change our mindset of traditional port operation in relate to competitive service offering?

2) How to finding adequate resources, technological and human resources?

3) Any potential JV programs viable? Such as working with inland transportation providers, freight forward, customs brokers?

4) How much support can port operators obtain from industrial bodies, Universities, banks and governments?