(NEWS) ITL Class of 2019 Inauguration – Shanghai

March

2018

ITL Class of 2019 Inauguration – Shanghai – A WMU Gender Parity Record

On 19 March, the inauguration of WMU’s MSc in International Transport and Logistics (ITL) Class of 2019 took place at Shanghai Maritime University's (SMU) Dongming Campus in Shanghai, China. The 30 new students are from China with the exceptions of one student from Australia and one from India. The class sets a WMU record for gender parity with 15 female students representing 50% of the enrolment.

Professor Shuo Ma, Vice President (International) of WMU and Professor Xin Shi, Vice President of SMU welcomed the new students. An introduction was given about WMU, SMU and the ITL programme, which is a result of a long-term and close cooperation between the two Universities.

The ITL programme was established in 2005 in collaboration with SMU to meet the maritime industry’s demand for high-level specialized maritime professionals in China. Maritime transport is an integral part of the globalized logistics chain and the ITL programme educates high-level professionals with management, analytical and practical skills to meet the challenges of today’s complex maritime industry. The intensive, 15-month programme begins each spring and to date there are 398 graduates from the programme.

To learn more about the ITL programme in Shanghai, click here.

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My research explored the theoretical foundations of governance, placing a particular emphasis on maritime governance. Going beyond mere theoretical frameworks, the study conducted a comprehensive examination of a crucial aspect within maritime governance—specifically, the implementation of International Maritime Organization (IMO) instruments, exploring the contextual factors that affect the implementation process. Applying the grounded theory methodology, the research aimed to understand these theoretical underpinnings, as well as firmly anchor insights in the practical context of maritime governance; unveiling the intricacies and challenges associated with the effective implementation of IMO instruments in the maritime domain. The selection of this topic was motivated by a personal interest that was cultivated during my Master’s studies in maritime law and policy. Furthermore, it was driven by the recognition of a scarcity of scientific research on this specific topic. This gap in the existing body of knowledge served as a catalyst for my exploration, underscoring the significance of contributing valuable insights to an area of maritime governance that has been relatively underrepresented in scholarly research.

Undoubtedly, a highlight of my educational journey at WMU was the opportunity to forge connections with influential change-makers and thought leaders hailing from every corner of the globe. This invaluable chance to engage with individuals on an international scale has not only enabled me to expand my global network but has also served as a conduit for immersing myself in the rich tapestry of diverse cultures. Through these global interactions, I've gained a profound understanding of different perspectives, traditions, and approaches, contributing significantly to my personal and academic growth. This experience goes beyond mere networking and has also played a pivotal role in fostering stronger connections within the Caribbean region from which I hail.

Embarking on my professional path, my foremost aim is to establish myself as an authority in the field of maritime governance. I aspire to leave a significant and enduring mark on the global maritime landscape. Beyond the academic sphere, my drive is fuelled by a passionate interest in pursuing diverse opportunities within the maritime domain and the broader educational sector and contributing significantly to positive transformations in the global maritime sector.

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