Title: Quality Beyond Compliance: Stakeholders' Experiences of Ship Repair Operations in Dar es Salaam
Authors: Stephen Ndimangwa Mziray
Volume: 10
Issue: 7
Pages: 143-156
Publication Date: 2026/07/28
Abstract:
Quality management in ship repair operations has traditionally focused on compliance with regulatory standards; however, achieving sustainable quality requires broader attention to stakeholder experiences, continuous improvement, and operational effectiveness. This study explored stakeholders' experiences of quality management beyond compliance in ship repair operations in Dar es Salaam. The study employed a qualitative research approach to understand stakeholders' perceptions, experiences, challenges, and opportunities influencing quality practices. Data were collected from 43 participants drawn from different maritime actors involved in ship repair activities through interviews. The findings revealed that stakeholders associated quality with reliable workmanship, safety assurance, timely completion of repairs, customer satisfaction, and improved operational performance. The study further found that quality management practices were affected by challenges related to high operational costs, limited availability of modern equipment, delays in accessing technical materials, communication gaps, and unclear responsibilities among stakeholders. Despite these challenges, participants identified opportunities linked to technological advancement, continuous technical training, and stronger collaboration among shipyards, regulators, and maritime stakeholders. The study concluded that achieving quality beyond compliance required an integrated approach that combined technical capabilities, stakeholder engagement, innovation, and continuous improvement practices. The findings contribute to understanding how quality management practices are experienced within ship repair operations and provide insights into strengthening maritime service delivery in Dar es Salaam.