CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Background of the Study
The world is said to be a global village. People need to interact with and share things with counterparts in different parts of the world with ease and less trouble. Information and communication technologies are improving on a daily basis, making sharing of information easier and more effective. But it is not only data or information that needs to be shared; other material items also require distribution. It is said that we are in the jet age; hence, everyone desires speed in everything they do. Courier services help in ensuring that these material goods are transferred from one source location to the destination, with ease on the part of the sender, and at a much faster speed.
Now, not only can one enjoy the benefits of a global market, with a wider range of varieties and available options from which to choose, but also people in different parts of the world have the chance to share in the experience of the rich cultural, technological and even economical heritage peculiar to other areas, distance not been a barrier. Business transactions are enhanced and better results are achieved.
The courier company, vested with this responsibility on ensuring safe and speedy transfer of items from one part of the world to the other, invariably needs to employ adequate technology in ensuring that this goal is met. Each courier company has its area of coverage, and will have a branch office in every major city within its scope. Currently there are those that cover almost all, if not all, parts of the world. But whether or not the coverage area is just within a particular country or the world, the need arises for an efficient system with which to manage the daily business of receiving, transferring and delivering items from one place to another.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Efficiency and effectiveness are the keywords for every organisation. They are what ensure the growth and prosperity of business endeavours. Therefore it is important that each organisation will put in place an efficient and effective system, and the courier company is not left out of this. The job of a courier company, when looked at superficially, might seem simple: movement of goods from one place to another. But when studied closely, one will discover it is more complex than one would think. Hence, it is highly imperative that a proficient courier management system be developed for managing the activities of the courier company in order to ensure increased productivity, efficiency and effectiveness.
DHL is one of the world’s largest logistics companies. It is the global delivery wing of Deutsche Post-DHL. Originally founded in 1969 to deliver documents between San Francisco and Honolulu, the company expanded its service throughout the world by the late 1970s.
DHL in Nigeria had very humble beginnings in 1978. Within 12 months DHL had opened its second office in Warri in response to the needs of the Oil & Gas Industry. It has further opened branch offices in eleven (11) other cities including Port Harcourt.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The duplication of files, delay in preparation of report, repetition of processes involved in the manual handling of Courier Company observed by the researcher as a problem, create the concept of modelling or computerize courier management system. This system promises to be able to overcome most (if not all) of the limitations posed by the manual system.
Some of the features to be enjoyed from the new system include;
- Quick computation of rates
- Fast access to records
- Bill issuing procedure becomes faster
- Easy duplication of documents without refilling them
- Reduction in workload and increase in speed and accuracy
- Better storage options
- Easy update of information
- Better platform for providing online services.
1.4 Scope of the Study
This work is limited to the confines of DHL Port Harcourt, but can also be used in any other branch of DHL. With some modifications, where necessary, it can be made to serve any other courier company in general.
1.5 Significance of the Study
A Courier Management System, when developed will help increase and improve the efficiency, effectiveness and productivity of a courier company. By simplifying the work process of recording details of consignments received, dispatched, record keeping and other necessary operations of the company will be adequately handled. This, of course, will yield more returns to the courier company and help serve customers better.
1.6 Research Methodology
The Object Oriented analysis and design methodology (OAD) is adopted in this study. This analysis will be done under the following sub heading which include: methods of data collection, analyses of the existing system, advantages of the existing system, disadvantages of the existing system, analyses of the proposed system, advantages of the proposed system, disadvantages of the proposed system, system plan and database design.
