ASSESSMENT OF INFLUENCE OF ORGANIZATIONAL RESOURCE FACTORS ON OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF SEAPORTS IN TANZANIA: A CASE STUDY OF TANGA PORT

Abstract

ABSTRACT Inefficient port operations remain a critical challenge for Tanzania’s maritime sector, limiting cargo handling efficiency, throughput, and competitiveness. This study investigated the influence of organizational resource factors on operational performance of Tanga Port, specifically examining the influence of port management systems, port infrastructure and resource management. The study was guided by the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory. A descriptive research design was employed targeting 150 respondents including port management staff, operations personnel and port users. A total of 109 respondents were sampled with 104 completing questionnaires and 14 participating in interviews. The data were collected using structured questionnaires and interviews and analyzed through descriptive statistics to summarize central tendencies, multiple linear regression to assess relationships between independent variables and operational performance, and qualitative content analysis for interview data. The findings revealed that the port management system significantly enhanced operational performance (p = 0.001<0.05) by improving staff coordination, implementing digital cargo tracking, and optimizing scheduling. Port infrastructure, including berths, cranes, storage facilities, and road and rail connections, positively influenced efficiency (p = 0.000<0.05) by facilitating smooth cargo flow, reducing congestion, and increasing throughput capacity. Effective resource management, encompassing workforce allocation, equipment maintenance, and financial oversight, also significantly contributed to improved cargo handling, reduced delays, and enhanced service quality (p = 0.027<0.05). These results indicate that internal resources when strategically managed, act as valuable and inimitable capabilities that provide sustainable competitive advantage, consistent with RBV theory. Based on the findings, the study recommends strengthening management systems through staff training and process optimization, investing in modern infrastructure to expand capacity and adopting strategic resource allocation practices to maximize efficiency. Additionally, future studies should explore the effect of foreign direct investment or international partnerships on port performance with a focus on infrastructure development, operational efficiency, and broader economic contributions.