Abstract
Improving the competitiveness of local business and their products within worldwide market is a critical element for the long-term economic growth of an economy. Efficient logistics services act as a precursor for competitive domestic industries in the international markets given that they have a significant impact in the production cost of firms in the country. The study investigated the factors that affect the efficient logistics of a commodity from mine to port. A quantitative research methodology was utilised and descriptive analysis of data was employed. A sample of 100 managers from the mine, rail and the sea port was considered. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The findings from the primary study identified three main players in the mine to port value chain. These are the mine sector, the rail and the port sector. The study found out that the supply chain model lacks efficiency as measured by the Key Performance Indicators. The factors that impact on the efficiency of the mine to port logistics were noted as voyage productivity, container dwell time, container traffic and truck visit time. The main challenges that impact the mine to port value chain are found to be; lack of infrastructure, lack of competent workforce, and high rail logistics costs. Therefore, it suffices to state that these factors challenge the process of the supply chain process which culminates into negative implications on its effectiveness. The study recommended that there is a need for improving the infrastructure for rail and port so as to speed up the supply chain process in the mine to port logistics. In addition, the study also recommends that there is need for skills development in the entire value chain to make sure that the workers are well equipped with the relevant skills.
M.Phil. (Engineering Management)