Abstract: Quantitative modelling is a scientific approach applied to decision making. Includes use of logic and mathematics in such a way as to not to interfere with common sense. It can also be described as the use of mathematical and statistical techniques, mathematical programming, modelling, and computer science to solve complex operational and strategic issues.
The aim of this research was to determine the role of quantitative aspects of decision making on performance of container ports and terminals. Port operations involve multiple parties such as ship owners, crane operators, port management and government officers. By its nature each party has its own concerns and requirements that need to be addressed in a decision making process. Thence the decision makers must always consider multiple objectives at a time, which adds to the complexity of the problem. An essential concern to deliberate is the fact that objectives such as minimizing vessel service time and maximizing crane utilizations frequently conflict with each other and a decision maker is forced to attain a balance among those conflicting objectives.
Line items under study included but weren’t limited to the problem of berth allocation with a priority service by presenting a model of priority, crane allocation problems; and the application of data envelopment analysis as a way of streamlining decision making units in container ports.
Both descriptive and exploratory research designs were used. The target population being the 12 gantry cranes and their operators, line supervision staff with tactical functions in decision making and senior management staff at the port bestowed upon the task of strategic decision making. Stratified random sampling and judgemental sampling techniques were utilized; data for statistical inference being both primary and secondary data. Data collection modes included observations, interviews and surveys of the existing operation records. The data acquired was then analyzed using SPSS and further presented in tabular and graphical formats to illustrate the relationships between different variables.
The findings of the study suggest need in the contemporary to integrate quantitative aspects of decision making processes in port operations if competitive advantage is to be achieved. Out of the 160 questionnaires sent out 122 were returned in a usable form indicative of a response rate of 76.25%. The operations department respondents that which this research considered as key stakeholders it was determined; were moderately satisfied with decision making with reverence to quantitative aspects inclusion. It was also determined that there is room for growth and as such this research was generally welcome as a positive impact on the operations of the port authority. It was further recommended that new aspects like transhipment, multivariate consideration of berth and crane allocations and position formulation approach for crane allocation be considered fundamentally to be well equipped for competition as a way forward.
Simulations showed some improvement especially the minimization of the total waiting time of the vessels, and the improvement of the availability of the berths, reduced costs of operations, improved customer service and improved TEU’s all in a bid to improve the ports efficiency.
Title: Role of Quantitative Methods of Decision Making On Port Performance at the Kenya Ports Authority
Author: ORWA EUGENE MANASE
International Journal of Thesis Projects and Dissertations (IJTPD)
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