Enhancing Humanitarian Fleet Performance in Ethiopia: The Role of Digital Monitoring, Cost Efficiency, and Preventive Maintenance
Abstract:
This study
examined the role of digital monitoring, cost efficiency, and preventive
maintenance in enhancing humanitarian fleet performance in Ethiopia.
Humanitarian organizations depend heavily on reliable vehicle fleets to deliver
services across remote and challenging operational environments; however, fleet
inefficiencies, high operating costs, and frequent vehicle breakdowns remain
significant challenges. The objective of this research was to assess the impact
of digital monitoring systems, cost efficiency practices, and preventive
maintenance on fleet performance within selected humanitarian organizations
operating in Ethiopia. A quantitative research approach was adopted, and
primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to
fleet managers, drivers, and technical staff (N=56). The collected data were
analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression
analysis. The findings indicated that preventive maintenance significantly
reduced vehicle downtime and improved fleet availability (β = 0.46, p <
0.001). Digital monitoring systems enhanced fuel control, vehicle utilization,
and accountability (β = 0.41, p < 0.001), while cost efficiency practices
contributed to improved budget control and operational sustainability (β =
0.34, p = 0.001). The integrated application of these three practices explained
64% of the variance in fleet performance (R² = 0.64). The study concluded that
effective humanitarian fleet management requires a coordinated approach that combines
technology, cost management, and proactive maintenance strategies. It
recommended that humanitarian organizations strengthen investment in digital
fleet monitoring tools, enforce preventive maintenance programs, and build
technical capacity to ensure efficient and sustainable fleet operations in
Ethiopia.
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