Journal of Industrial Engineering & Management Research

The Assessment of the Factors Influencing Warehouse Performance in Manufacturing Companies: Evidence from Tanzania Breweries Limited

2026-10-14T08:22:11+07:00

This study assessed the factors influencing warehouse performance in Tanzania's manufacturing industry, using Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL) as a case study. Specifically, the study examined the influence of technological integration practices, staff competence, and inventory management practices on warehouse performance. The study was guided by the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory, which emphasizes the importance of organizational resources and capabilities in achieving improved performance. The study adopted a positivist research philosophy and a deductive approach, using a quantitative descriptive research design. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to employees involved in warehouse and logistics operations at TBL. A sample of 96 respondents was used. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis using IBM SPSS version 24. The research instrument was reliable, with Cronbach's Alpha coefficients ranging from 0.740 to 0.840. The findings reveal that technological integration practices have a significant positive relationship with warehouse performance (r = 0.482, p < 0.001) and make a significant positive contribution to performance (β = 0.349, p < 0.001). Staff competence demonstrates the strongest relationship with warehouse performance (r = 0.597, p < 0.001) and is the strongest predictor in the regression model (β = 0.520, p < 0.001). Inventory management practices also have a significant positive relationship with warehouse performance (r = 0.458, p < 0.001) and contribute significantly to warehouse performance (β = 0.422, p < 0.001). The overall regression model is statistically significant, F(3,92) = 62.808, p < 0.001, with R² = 0.672, indicating that the three factors jointly explain 67.2% of the variation in warehouse performance. The study concludes that technological integration, staff competence, and inventory management are important organizational resources and capabilities for improving warehouse performance at TBL. The findings support the Resource-Based View by showing that effectively combining and using technological, human, and inventory-related resources can enhance warehouse performance. The study recommends strengthening employee training and motivation, improving the integration and utilization of warehouse technologies, and enhancing inventory planning, stock rotation, forecasting, and control practices.

THE The Influence of Reverse Logistics Practices in Enhancing Competitiveness of Soft Drinks Companies in Tanzania: a Case of Kisima Pure Drinking Water

2026-10-16T14:05:53+07:00

Abstract

The adoption of reverse logistics among soft drinks companies has been essential for transforming the industry from a linear model to a circular one, thereby gaining a competitive edge through improved reputation and cost-effective recycling. This article assessed the influence of reverse logistics practices on enhancing competitiveness in soft drinks companies in Tanzania focusing Kisima pure drinking water. Pragmatist philosophy with the descriptive design was used to select randomly a sample of 55 respondents that included managers and assistant managers. Questionnaires and in-depth interviews were used to collect data. Quantitative data were descriptively and inferentially analysed to obtain the mean, standard deviation and relationship between variables while qualitative data being analysed using content analysis. The findings indicated that refurbishment processes were attained through restoring used bottles, crates or equipment to a functional and acceptable condition for use, having clear procedures for inspecting and restoring returned packaging materials with appropriate tools and equipment for repair and improvements. However, regression results indicated an (R²) value of 0.542 signifying a 54.2% of the variation in the competitiveness of soft drinks companies in Tanzania, explained by reverse logistics practices like refurbishment and recycling. The remaining 45.8% was due to other factors not included in the model as nearly half of company success depends on other missing factors, like marketing, price or product quality while managing waste and reusing materials helps companies save money and attract eco-friendly buyers. Kisima pure drinking water consistently met customer requirements by responding effectively to changes in customer demands and market conditions thereby maintaining it competitiveness. It is concluded that for the company to maintain a strong market position compared to its competitors; efficient use of resources and delivering products in a timely manner are important. The study recommends Kisima pure drinking water to adapt its operations towards sustaining performance in a changing business environment by transforming operational waste into revenue streams, enhancing brand equity and fostering long-term customer loyalty.

Determining Maritime Defense Technology Priorities to Address Hybrid Threats and Protect Critical Underwater Infrastructure at Strategic Choke Points

2026-10-22T08:23:10+07:00

The increasing exposure of critical underwater infrastructure (CUI) to hybrid threats calls for a defensible order of investment in maritime defense technologies. This study identifies the preferred technology and examines an implementation strategy for the Malacca–Singapore and Sunda Straits. It applies a mixed-method approach by combining the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis, using the judgments and calculations documented in the source research. Operational effectiveness receives the highest criterion weight (0.57), followed by resilience to hybrid threats (0.29) and defense investment (0.14). The integrated underwater–surface sensor network ranks first (0.52), ahead of cognitive AI-based surveillance (0.29) and cyber-cognitive resilience (0.19). The SWOT assessment locates the organization in Quadrant III, suggesting a weakness–opportunity, or turnaround, approach. These findings support a phased development pathway: establish a trusted sensor layer, link heterogeneous sources to command and control, strengthen domestic maintenance capabilities, and progressively introduce AI and cyber safeguards. The resulting recommendation prioritizes a layered maritime awareness capability rather than the isolated purchase of individual technologies.

A Strategic Framework For Strengthening Anti Submarine Warfare (Asw) Capabilities In The Indonesian Archipelagic Sea Lane-2 (ASL-2) To Mitigate Underwater Threats And Protect Indonesia’s Maritime Sovereignty

2026-10-26T09:59:03+07:00

The Indonesian Archipelagic Sea Lane II (ASL-2) is a strategic shipping route connecting the northern region of Indonesia with the Indian Ocean through the Makassar Strait, Flores Sea, and Lombok Strait. This position gives ASL-2 significant importance for national defence, navigational security, and the protection of Indonesia’s maritime sovereignty. The development of submarines and underwater technologies operated by state actors may pose potential threats to national interests. Current conditions indicate that the Indonesian Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capability still predominantly relies on Hull Mounted Sonar (HMS), while the use of Towed Array Sonar (TAS) remains limited, an Integrated Underwater Surveillance System (IUSS) has not yet been established, and bathythermograph and hydro-oceanographic data have not been centrally managed. This study aims to analyse the current condition and capability gaps in ASW, identify the internal and external factors affecting its development, and formulate strategies to enhance the Indonesian Navy’s ASW capability in ASL-2. This study applies a descriptive qualitative method with a case study approach. Data are collected through interviews, limited observation, documentation, and literature review involving informants selected purposively based on their positions and competencies. The data are analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis assisted by NVivo to develop themes and identify strategic factors. The identified internal and external factors are subsequently analysed using IFAS, EFAS, and SWOT to formulate SO, WO, ST, and WT strategic alternatives. This study is expected to produce Policies, Strategies, and Efforts to enhance the Indonesian Navy’s ASW capability in ASL-2 based on the research findings. The proposed policies, strategies, and efforts are formulated through thematic analysis assisted by NVivo, identification of internal and external factors, preparation of IFAS and EFAS, and SWOT analysis. This analytical process ensures that the resulting strategy is academically accountable and relevant to the operational requirements of the Indonesian Navy.

The The Influence of Warehouse Cargo Handling on Transport Operational Effectiveness: A Case of Dar es Salaam Corridor Group Warehouse

2026-10-26T10:09:58+07:00

Warehouses link storage to transport, yet poor waste management, unreliable equipment and long truck turnaround times continue to undermine transport operations. Little evidence exists on which handling factors matter at the level of a single inland facility in Tanzania. This study examined how warehouse waste reduction practices, cargo handling equipment utilization and truck turnaround time influence transport operational effectiveness at Dar es Salaam Corridor Group (DCG) Warehouse. A positivist, deductive, cross-sectional survey design was used. A structured five-point Likert questionnaire was administered to employees, and 101 valid responses (87.8% response rate) were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression in IBM SPSS Statistics version 27. All three factors had a positive and significant effect on transport operational effectiveness. Waste reduction practices had the strongest effect, followed by equipment utilization and truck turnaround time. Together the three factors explained 40.2% of the variation in transport operational effectiveness. The study adds evidence from inland warehouse operations, which are less studied than ports, and recommends better layout and storage organization, structured preventive maintenance and scheduling of equipment, and a truck appointment system.

Effect of procurement risk management processes on procurement performance in crude oil supply projects

2026-10-28T10:44:26+07:00

Crude oil supply projects are capital-intensive and exposed to supplier, logistical, regulatory, and market uncertainty, yet it is unclear how structured procurement risk management affects procurement outcomes in Tanzania’s crude oil supply projects. This study examined the effect of four procurement risk management processes that include risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and monitoring on procurement performance in crude oil supply projects at the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC). A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design informed by agency theory was adopted. Structured questionnaires were administered to a stratified random sample of 124 TPDC employees drawn from risk management, procurement, internal audit, legal, and upstream functions, yielding 101 usable responses (82%). Data were analyzed in IBM SPSS version 27 using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. All four processes had positive and statistically significant effects on procurement performance, supporting the four hypotheses. Risk identification had the strongest effect, followed by risk assessment, risk mitigation, and risk monitoring. Together, the processes explained 84.8% of the variance in procurement performance. The results suggest that early, systematic identification and assessment of risk offer the greatest potential for improving procurement performance, while mitigation and monitoring play complementary roles. The study is limited by its single-organization setting and reliance on self-reported perceptions, and further research in other state-owned enterprises is recommended.

Determinants of Efficiency of SMEs Transport Operations in Tanzania: A Case of Mkuranga District

2026-10-30T16:03:58+07:00

Transport costs remain a heavy burden for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in peri-urban Tanzania, where weak infrastructure and poor coordination limit operational efficiency. Guided by the Technology Acceptance Model, this study examined the effects of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and intention to use digital mobility platforms on transport operation efficiency among SMEs in Mkuranga District, Pwani Region. A cross-sectional survey design with a quantitative approach was adopted. Structured questionnaires were administered to SME operators selected by simple random sampling, and 153 usable responses were obtained (73.2%). Reliability, descriptive, correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed. The regression model was significant, and explained 72.6% of the variance in transport operation efficiency. Intention to use had the strongest effect, followed by perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. The study concludes that digital mobility platforms can improve the transport efficiency of peri-urban SMEs. It recommends that operators deepen their use of the platforms and that policymakers and platform providers strengthen digital infrastructure, digital skills and platform reliability.

Supply Chain Practices and Procurement Performance in Tanzania’s Public Procuring Entities: A Case of Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited

2026-11-03T07:23:23+07:00

Abstract —This study assessed the influence of supply chain practices on procurement performance in Tanzania’s public procuring entities, using Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) as a case. Guided by the Resource Based View, it examined the effects of risk mitigation, supplier relationship enhancement, and digitalization practices on procurement performance. A descriptive and explanatory cross-sectional design with a quantitative approach was adopted. Structured questionnaires were administered to 70 staff selected through stratified random sampling from procurement and related functions at three TANESCO regional areas in Dar es Salaam, and 64 usable responses were obtained (91.4%). Reliability, descriptive, correlation, and multiple regression analyses were performed. The regression model was significant, F (3, 60) = 36.198, p < .001, and explained 64.2% of the variance in procurement performance. Digitalization had the strongest effect (B = 0.417, p < .001), followed by supplier relationship enhancement (B = 0.298, p = .002) and risk mitigation (B = 0.241, p = .008). The study concludes that the three practices operate as complementary capabilities. It recommends stronger contingency planning, structured supplier management including timely payment, and continued investment in digital procurement systems and staff digital skills.

Keywords — supply chain practices, procurement performance, risk mitigation, supplier relationship enhancement, digitalization