Development Management
Development Management
ISSN 2413-9610 e-ISSN 2663-2365 UDC 004; 005; 35; 336; 65
DOI: 10.57111/devt
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A survey study on seaport modernising in Algeria as a driver for facilitating export and import operations

Khayreddine Belaaze*, Rana Hamrouche, Rahma Majrab

k.belaaze@univ-skikda.dz

Received 01.04.2026, Revised 04.08.2026, Accepted 01.09.2026 Published 29.09.2026

Abstract

The modernisation of seaports has emerged as a strategic imperative in the contemporary global economic landscape, driven by the accelerating pace of globalisation and the sustained expansion of international trade volumes. As maritime transport remains the backbone of global commerce, the efficiency and responsiveness of port infrastructure directly influence a nation’s trade competitiveness. In light of these developments, this study aimed to investigate the role of seaport modernisation in Algeria as a key driver for facilitating export and import operations. To achieve this objective, a quantitative research methodology was employed, utilising a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 80 employees at the Skikda Port Enterprise in Algeria. The research specifically examined the contribution of port modernisation to the facilitation of foreign trade operations by focusing on three distinct yet interrelated dimensions: the adoption and integration of information and communication technology, the development and upgrading of physical infrastructure, and the simplification of governance structures and procedural workflows. The study analysed how each of these dimensions individually and collectively influences the efficiency and effectiveness of export and import activities. Respondents expressed generally favourable views across all measured domains, including information and communication technology (M = 3.8350, SD = 0.52171), governance and procedural simplification (M = 3.7000, SD = 0.60713), and infrastructure development (M = 3.5925, SD = 0.64234). The overall mean score for the facilitation of export and import operations was 3.8270. Furthermore, the questionnaire demonstrated sound psychometric properties, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.769 to 0.879, indicating acceptable to high internal consistency. These improvements have been accompanied by notable reductions in processing times and operational costs. From a practical perspective, this study offers valuable empirical evidence to port authorities, logistics managers, and policymakers regarding the tangible and measurable benefits associated with strategic investments in port modernisation


Keywords:

port modernisation; digital transformation; trade facilitation; port infrastructure; governance

https://doi.org/10.63341/devt/3.2026.16

Retrieved from Volume 25, No. 3, 2026

Pages 16-26

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Suggested citation

Belaaze, K., Hamrouche, R., & Majrab, R. (2026). A survey study on seaport modernising in Algeria as a driver for facilitating export and import operations. Development Management, 25(3), 16-26. https://doi.org/10.63341/devt/3.2026.16