Exploring the Practice of Training Needs Assessment towards Improving Quality Public Service Delivery: A Case of Tanzania Port Authority

Abstract

This study was confined to explore and analyze the practice of Training Needs Assessment (TNA) within Tanzania Port Authority. Specifically, the study sought to assess the current practice of Training Needs Assessment (TNA) towards improving quality public service delivery at TPA, to identify the challenges in conducting effective TNA in the organization and to establish whether training that staff attend are aligned with the TNA for quality public service delivery improvement while the study was guided by McGhee and Thayer Model. The study used descriptive research design while simple random and purposive sampling technique was used to select 67 respondents form the target population of 147 staff. On the other hand, data were collected through questionnaire and interview and data was analyzed using descriptive and content analysis respectively. The study found that the organization conducted TNA and that the employees were involved during the process. Moreover, the findings reveal that the TNA does not effectively identify the employees’ skills gaps. The findings further showed that the major challenge that hinder effective TNA including lack of resources (time, budget). The study also indicated that training programs attended by staff were based on TNA results and that  the skills acquired from training were relevant to job requirements, The study concluded that there is the practice of TNA at TPA despite the challenge of inadequate time.  Therefore, the study recommends that allocating sufficient time and budgetary resources is crucial for supporting effective TNA activities.