Abstract
For a fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) organisation to remain not only competitive but also profitable, it is of utmost importance that they optimally balance demand and supply. To achieve this, an organisation needs to acquire a deep understanding of its customers. FMCG organisations remain competitive by strategically allocating resources to ensure product availability. The ability of the sales and operations planning process when used correctly to balance supply and demand could result in reduced costs and increased profits. Using the case study design, this study investigated how an FMCG organisation (Company X) can advance its Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process to be better integrated within the organisation. The study used a qualitative, semi structured, with face-to-face interviews design to understand the S&OP process within Company X to determine the maturity of the process and highlight process gaps. Observations and secondary documentation were used to confirm and further enrich the interview results. By understanding the S&OP process and the gaps of Company X, recommendations on how to advance this into a more integrated business process were made.
M.Com. (Business Management)