Abstract
M.Dip.Tech.
Due to the fact that the homoeopathic practice is both a medical service and. a small retail
business, the homoeopath has to manage both these aspects well to ensure a' successful
practice. Some homoeopathic students are of the opinion that at the end of their formal
education at the Technikon, they do not have sufficient training in business matters, to be able
to manage a practice efficiently. Unfortunately, no literature is available that cover the
management of the homoeopathic practice, especially to assist a newly qualified or new
practitioner in this task. Apart from this, the available literature on management is very broad
and relates to many aspects of different types of businesses. Management of the homoeopathic
practice is therefore a suitable topic for research.
A dissertation of this kind is limited in' respect of time and space and would not allow a
detailed study of all the management issues discussed in management literature. The objective
of this study is therefore narrowed to research only two of these aspects, namely purchasing
and inventory management. The study highlights the role and importance of each of the
mentioned aspects, states their objectives and includes a discussion of the processes involved
with the operation and management of these aspects. All examples and applications throughout
the study are made with direct relation to the homoeopathic practice.
At the end of this study a short summary of the results that were obtained through the study is
given. A model is also compiled as a guide to practitioners in the management of the
purchasing and inventories aspects of their practices.