THE EFFECT OF CHANGE MANAGEMENT ON VALUE FOR MONEY

Abstract

This study examined the effect of change management on value for money at the Namanga One-Stop Border Post, Tanzania, focusing on cost efficiency, sustainability of resource utilization, and service delivery effectiveness. Grounded in Lewin's Change Management Theory, the research employed a convergent mixed-methods design with 147 respondents from OSBP staff and agency representatives directly impact the Namanga OSBP operations, specifically including OSBP staff members (Customs officers, Immigration staff, and support staff), various agency representatives (Police force, Port Health, Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA), Agriculture, Clearing and Forwarding Agents and key decision-makers (Border Management Committee Chairperson, Secretary, and Namanga Customs Officer in Charge). Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews then analyzed using SPSS Version 27 for descriptive statistics and NVivo for thematic analysis. Findings revealed that change management significantly improved cost efficiency through change management practices, process simplification and regular operational reviews. Change management practices have helped to reduce operational costs through effective strategic reforms, employee training, and process reengineering. Change management processes enhanced resource sustainability via preventive maintenance, centralized planning, and capacity-building programmes. Change management strategies strengthened service delivery effectiveness through stakeholder coordination and institutional reforms. However, challenges including limited technological integration, inconsistent communication, and resource constraints hindered optimal implementation. The study concluded that effective change management is essential for achieving value for money at border posts. Key recommendations include institutionalizing formal change management frameworks, strengthening continuous staff training programmes, improving inter-agency collaboration mechanisms, investing in technological infrastructure, establishing standardized communication protocols, and implementing evidence-based resource allocation systems to ensure long-term operational efficiency and sustainability at Namanga OSBP and similar facilities across Tanzania