Solving communication issues at Ships Classification Malaysia

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1.0 Abstract

The main purpose of this assignment is to identify the communication problem among staffs at Ships Classification Malaysia and generate solutions and also alternative solutions and how do we consider the alternatives and finally making a decision on which solution to apply towards handling the problem. The main objective of this research is to be able to find out the root cause of the problem, work environment, the mentality and even the background of each staff plays a role in determining the problem.

By using ready available known methodology in Managerial Problem Solving, narrowing down the problems and generating solutions will be easier.

Robbins and Coulter (2002, p.  282), argue, “Managers need effective communication skills”. Ineffective communication skills can lead to a continuous stream of problems for a manager”.  This quotation suggests, as discussed above, that if communication skills are not dealt with in a well-organized and professional way, then this can lead to, as quoted by Robbins and Coulter, ‘problems for managerial staff’. 

2.0 Introduction

2.1 Executive Summary

Ships Classification Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (abbreviated SCM) was established in 1994, inspired by the awareness between local professionals and entrepreneurs that the need for such Classification Society is vital in the growing maritime industry in Malaysia.

SCM began her operation in 1997 with the mandate and recognition given by the Malaysian Marine Department to classify Malaysian flag vessels operating within the Malaysia Near Coastal trading limits. Since then, SCM is the only local organization recognized to undertake the classification of Malaysian-registered ships within the country.

Today, after over a decade in operation, SCM has grown tremendously in its manning capacity and the total of number of ships classed. SCM has now a total of 50 staff operating from the Head Office in Shah Alam, near Kuala Lumpur, an operation office in Penang as well as a branch office in Sibu, Sarawak, and East Malaysia.

The business services provided by SCM are not only limited to Classification of Ships, however SCM has been actively involved in a number of Non-Classification activities which includes Project / Management Consultancy and Supervision, Company Audit and Maritime Security and Third Party Inspection. SCM has been appointed as Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) by the Marine Department of Malaysia for approval and verification of ships security plan / assessment under the International Ships and Port Facilities Security (ISPS) Code.

Efforts are being made for SCM to be involved in the offshore industries which include designs, approvals, inspections and certification of offshore structures, pipelines, facilities and equipments.

3.0 Research Objectives

The objective of this research is to be able to identify the common problem by using known methodology in Managerial Problem Solving and come out with a suitable solution. An organization that is experiencing a breakdown in communication will not live for very long because many problems will crop up and eventually cause the organization to die a natural death.

There are many known methodologies that can be applied to identify these problems and the correct one has to be applied. In this case, SCM has a problem communicating among staffs, inter-department, and also with the top management. Staffs has often encounter issues regarding bringing up issues that involves the top management that requires voicing out.

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3.1 Method of Investigation

Electronic databases were used to search for academic journal articles on the subject of communication as it relates to the parameters of the Ships Classification Malaysia. Databases were chosen based on their relevance to the topic and limited overlap with each other.

The World Wide Web journals were also used to determine potential communication issues within other organisations similar to the working environment at Ships Classification Malaysia.

Studying the Organisational Culture of Ships Classification Malaysia

There are different departments in SCM for example, Accounts Department, Administration Department, Plan Approval Department, and Ship Surveyors Department. However, ...

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