A Thesis/ Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for
Award of the Degree of Master of Science in Procurement and Supply Chain
Management (MSc. PSCM) of Mzumbe University
The purpose of this study was to assess the performance of material handling systems
in logistics companies in Tanzania: A case of Tanzania International Container
Terminal Services (TICTS). This study adopted descriptive research design. The
study used both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. The study
population was TICTS staffs from all four departments. The study used simple
random sampling techniques and purposive sampling techniques to get 40
respondents as sample size from whom the data were collected. The study used
questionnaires to collect quantitative data and unstructured interview to collect
qualitative data. Quantitative data collected from respondents were analysed by using
simple descriptive statistics and presented by frequency and percentage. Qualitative
data were analysed by contents analysis and presented in descriptive form. The main
findings of the study revealed that nature of materials, facility layout, equipment
reliability and nature of operations has effects on performance of materials handling
system in logistics companies in Tanzania. The results also revealed that nature of
materials and facility layout are not statistical significant in prediction or contribution
to the performance of materials handling system in logistics companies in Tanzania
but equipment reliability is statistical significant in prediction or contribution to the
performance of materials handling system in logistics companies in Tanzania. The
study concluded that nature of materials, facility layout, equipment reliability and
nature of operations has significant effects on performance of materials handling
system in logistics companies in Tanzania. The study recommended that TICTS
management should stiff to enhance the use of automated handling system in order to
improve material handling system performance, TICTS management and its stake
holders should develop handling principles that would be used in their day to day
operations of the organization and TICTS management should provide training
through seminar and short courses in order to enhance staffs awareness on potential
use of hazard signs that may associate with the operations.