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Supply chain management practices in a leading manufacturing organization

  • Authors: Peristeris, Orestes
  • Date: 2014-08-18
  • Subjects: Business logistics
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:12064 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11812
  • Description: M.Com. (Logistics Management) , Within the increasingly competitive global economic environment, organisations need to find ways of increasing their competitiveness. This trend has been felt strongly by South African manufacturing organisations as a result of the liberalization of the South African economy, particularly the relaxation of tariff and trade barriers, and the reduction in the cost of international trade leading to the importation of manufactured goods from both developed and emerging economies. The maturity of the local industry and the buying power of national supermarket chains also contribute to the level of competition the South African confectionery industry experiences. Through a literature review, this study illustrates how supply chain management can increase the competitiveness of manufacturing organisations, particularly through the broad nature of supply chain management and the areas over which it has a direct influence. The study also identifies a best practice supply chain management framework that describes how supply chain management can be applied in practice. The South African confectionery industry is the focus of the study, given the level of competition prevalent within the industry, both internally and from abroad. The study provides an analysis of the competitive conditions within the confectionery industry and the contingency factors for the implementation of supply chain management. The purpose of the study has been to apply a supply chain management best practice framework to a leading South African confectionery manufacturer, in order to provide a case study of its supply chain management practices. The respondent organisation was a multinational Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) manufacturer with South African based manufacturing operations. The research methodology was the application of the assessment tool found within the Global Supply Chain Forum (GSCF) supply chain management framework to the respondent organisation through a series of interviews of the respondent organisation's management, who were directly responsible for managing the processes identified in the framework. There was broad alignment between the roles of the individual respondents and the processes found within the framework. The research provides a detailed description of the practices carried out by the leading manufacturing organisation, as bench marked against the practices described by the GSCF framework. The overall finding of the study is that the practices found within the GSCF framework are being comprehensively applied by a major, competitive FMCG manufacturer within the South African confectionery industry. This includes extensive integration and collaboration with customers and suppliers, the formal recognition and documenting of supply chain management activities and procedures, a cross functional approach to the management of processes, the extensive measurement of activities, and a clearly defined strategies within each area of the supply chain management function within the organisation.
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The investigation of waterside operational inefficiencies at the Durban Container Terminal

  • Authors: Mokgwetsi, Refiloe Palesa
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Business logistics , Container terminals - South Africa - KwaZulu-Natal , Containerization
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/225808 , uj:22815
  • Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: Ports are part of a value-chain system that operates in an intricate and competitive environment wherein measuring, monitoring and controlling are key to improving performance and thus the competitiveness. Achieving competitive supply chains which include ports hinges a great deal on the efficiency of the ports as significant nodes in supply chains which aids in the cost-effective flow of materials and services. In striving to achieve efficiencies, performance measurements with Key Performance Indicators as essential tools, can assist Durban Container Terminal (DCT) or any container terminal to survive and thrive in a very competitive industry. By the same token, container terminals and ports need to look outward and establish what the best performing ports are doing by benchmarking performance which provides a basis for identifying gaps in performance and adopting best practice. A mixed methods approach was applied in the study with quantitative KPI analysis, target and performance benchmarking, customer questionnaires, and interviews as the complementary qualitative methodology to collect data in order to address the research objectives. The four enablers of waterside operational efficiencies were identified as capacity to handle more vessels and improve turnaround times, the draft as the world is getting deeper, land for stowing additional containers and advanced systems and technology. The critical element that binds all the three enablers is the human element which speaks to intelligence, competency, willingness and knowledge. All this is governed, controlled and directed by high safety standards. It is important to note that given the incessant change in the market dynamics and the needs of the customers, operational efficiency and continuous improvement will always be an essential principle for business sustainability and operational competiveness. The adage “today's achievement is tomorrow's new start” stands true. The focus of the organisation should always be on performing better than the target and the competitors.
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Supply chain intelligent agents

  • Authors: Bester, Morné
  • Date: 2012-08-15
  • Subjects: Scheduling , Business logistics , Intelligent agents (Computer software)
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:9302 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5744
  • Description: M.Sc. , The manufacturing sector has produced a wide variety of techniques in its attempts to find the ultimate solution for the manufacturing process, with these techniques ranging from material requirements planning, just-in-time production, total-quality management, flexible manufacturing systems and computer integrated manufacturing to advanced planning and scheduling. Given the fact that the technique entitled "advanced planning and scheduling" in the manufacturing environment is primarily aimed at resource planning and scheduling during the production process, however, a clamant need was created for manufacturing companies to broaden their focus in order to include all the processes involved in the production environment, as well as the external processes impacting on productivity. A large area that came into focus owing to the latter paradigm shift is known as "supply chain management". Supply chain management is concerned with the integration of and communication between the various elements in the entire supply chain, including elements such as demand planning and forecasting, scheduling, customer sales, supplier purchases, production planning and forecasting, resource planning and warehouse management. This research study will be devoted to an investigation into the issues surrounding supply chain management and all its manifestations, including its basic components and their integration and interaction. This investigation will also cover research into scheduling systems up to current reactive constraintbased scheduling systems, since scheduling is deemed to be the core of the supply chain in terms of the influence it exerts on most other components, be it directly or indirectly. The investigation will also take us into the realm of an exciting new technology whose exponents are known as "intelligent software agents", which agents are aimed at providing autonomy to the objects within a system and which agents are characterised by their behaviour and decision processes. The said agents can be used to perform highly specialised tasks during the manufacturing process, such as scheduling and forecasting. A prototype system will be developed in the course of the research in a bid to illustrate the integration, evaluation and monitoring of the supply chain elements through the use of intelligent agents. By endowing the system with intelligence, the researchers hope to identify many future uses for intelligent agents in the various segments of the supply chain.
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The implications of the theory of constraints on inventory buffers

  • Authors: Moyo, Bawinile
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Business logistics , Inventory control , Consumer satisfaction
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/83079 , uj:19048
  • Description: Abstract: Good inventory management can lead to high organisational performance by minimising inventory holding costs and improving customer service across the supply chain. The management of inventory remains a major challenge for many organisations as continuous changes in the supply chain occur. According to the CSIR (2014), investment in inventories across South African supply chains is significant and it is difficult for South African companies to compete with mature economies on a cost level due to the relative high costs of logistics transportation in the country. Inventory control is often seen as one of the lowest areas of competitive advantage, however it can be the largest single investment in assets for most organisations. From a theoretical point of view, the Theory of Constraints (TOC) seems to offer a solution to inventory management challenges. The TOC is a scientific methodology that is designed to assist organisations in identifying and solving critical process based problems following a continuous improvement approach. The TOC also unifies and simplifies the inventory quantity of an organisation into a single value called the buffer quantity. One of the clearly stated advantages of the application of TOC according to literature, is a reduction of inventory levels. This study attempts to support existing literature on the impact of the TOC on buffer levels by means of a case study of an organisation that has undergone a TOC application in South Africa. The primary objective of the study was to provide a case study implementation of the TOC to corroborate the theory that a successful implementation of the TOC can reduce inventory levels in a South African organisation without adverse effects on customer service levels. A case study of an envelope manufacturer which had implemented TOC principles was conducted through a literature review followed by empirical research to determine the impact of the TOC implementation on the organisation’s buffer inventory levels. The selected organisation provided an opportunity to investigate the scenarios before, during and after a TOC implementation. In-depth, semi structured interviews were conducted with... , M.Com. (Business Management)
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Strengthening HIV & AIDS humanitarian logistics and supply chains at NatPharm Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Chingono, Tatenda Talent
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Business logistics , Logistics - Management , Antiretroviral agents - Supply and demand
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/82530 , uj:18969
  • Description: Abstract: The Zimbabwean national HIV/AIDS relief commodities program is gradually expanding with the number of people living with HIV/AIDS receiving antiretroviral therapy increasing at a notable rate as well (UNIDO, 2011), but also according to the same report the program has recently been experiencing short supply of antiretroviral and other related AIDS/HIV relief commodities. The supply chain management system is also noted to be not well defined (UNIDO, 2011) and thus interruption of supply of antiretroviral is a major challenge to the national program as this increases the risk of patients defaulting and hence treatment failure which also leads to resistance of treatment efforts and ARVs. There is a need to strengthen the current supply chain and logistics so as to reduce the risk of stock outs and to also strengthen the capacity of concerned and interested parties to absorb the high volumes of demand for HIV/ AIDS commodities. The main objective of this study was to identify challenges of the current procurement, storage, distributions components of the supply chains in Zimbabwe. The study mainly used primary data collection methods in the form of questionnaires and interviews. Secondary data from the literature review was used to complement the survey.150 questionnaires with both open ended and closed questions as shown in Appendix 1 were administered and 105 valid responses were recorded. Willing participants in the industry including Government, NGOs, Pharmaceutical companies and Embassies that play a pivotal role in the procurement and distribution of HIV/AIDS related commodities and also have offices in Harare, Zimbabwe responded . The perceived national average was then analysed in comparison to that of Nat-Pharm. Solutions and recommendations were then suggested in order to attend to the identified deficiencies, problems and challenges in an effort to strengthen the Supply chains.Poverty and unemployment are both rampant and they make the fight against the HIV/AIDS various difficult and complicated in Zimbabwe. It is also being driven by the shrinking economy and extreme poverty. Aid has sometimes flown continuously but one can note that aid is being politicized as well.The country still needs million to successfully monitor and manage victims. Zimbabwe has also experienced major systems limitations in the delivery of services and commodities. In strengthening procurement and Supply Management, NatPharm is now concentrating on providing procurement services of pharmaceuticals to complement its storage and distribution functions. Agencies were also encouraged to work together and complement each other and also the government’s effort. The government of Zimbabwe should give all the necessary and required space for non-governmental organizations to operate to their maximum possible ability and potential. It was also suggested that further work still need to be done, such work can include “logistics performance measurement”, so as to... , M.Tech. (Operations Management)
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Structuring South African maritime supply chains for higher efficiency

  • Authors: Fourie, Yolanda
  • Date: 2008-10-17T13:16:35Z
  • Subjects: Transnet (Firm : South Africa) , Business logistics , Shipping
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:12658 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1248
  • Description: D.Phil. , The progress of the South African economy relies heavily upon earnings from physical exports, which depend increasingly upon the competitiveness in global markets of the maritime supply chains that serve the country. Competition in world markets is becoming increasingly stronger as production resources are obtained globally and subsequently the competition exists between the effectiveness of whole supply chains rather than only production costs. South Africa therefore has great interest in ensuring that its maritime supply chains compare with world best practice. Amongst other things, this world best practice requires those chains to function as entities structured to serve their logistical purpose, i.e. that it should not include links consisting of separate transport businesses. In practice, this requires that links traditionally provided by third parties be structurally integrated as cost centres instead of profits centres in the chains. Such integrated maritime supply chains will inevitably only be developed by the intervention of chain leaders. South Africa’s major supply chains conveying commodities and manufactured products are examined in order to determine the scope for the integration of their links as a means of raising their efficiency as ‘complete chains’. Features of selected maritime supply chains serving other countries that could serve as models for the structuring of South Africa’s are identified. Transnet’s role in the existing maritime supply chains in accordance with the policy of the Government is examined and attention is focused on the under-investment in recent years that has led to the deterioration in the company’s performance. The rejection by the Government of the privatisation of the core assets of the railways and ports in favour of public-private partnerships, as a means of overcoming the problems, is considered in order to conclude whether a solution will be forthcoming in that manner. Special consideration is given to Transnet’s proposed spending of R40bn on infrastructure projects and attention is focused on the fact that this will not address all the problems. The marine links in South Africa’s maritime supply chains are currently provided by foreigners. Virtually all South Africa’s bulk exports are sold free-on-board, which concedes control over the shipping of the cargo to foreign importers. Reasons for such arrangements are complex and chartering by South African exporters in order to maintain control is often not feasible, although it is done in the fruit trade and by Australian exporters of iron ore competing with South African exporters. Ship owning by South Africans will facilitate new legislation to increase the market share of citizens in the country’s exports and imports, but price-wise market entry will be difficult and it is debatable whether exporters will make use of their services. In the liner trades, the trend is for shipping companies to integrate port and overland links into their services, and the efficiency of South Africa’s container supply chains will need to be raised in that manner. The criteria for determining maritime supply chain efficiency and the integration of the links of particular South African chains based on their cost structures, as well as the leadership needed to pursue such development, are motivated. Proposals are also made for the integration of the links of the iron ore and coal supply chains under the leadership of public-private partnerships, as well as for a container supply chain incorporating both a dedicated terminal in the Port of Ngqura and the railway between Coega and Gauteng, under the leadership of a liner shipping company or consortium of companies. The conclusion is reached that the present role of Transnet in accordance with the declared policy of the Government is not conducive to improving maritime supply chain efficiency through the structural integration of the links. It is also concluded that the efficiency of the chains could be raised through private leadership with public participation, subject to a change in the Government’s policy towards the role of Transnet in order to allow such leadership. , Prof. J. Walters Prof. G.C. Prinsloo
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Factors contributing to delays of aircrafts during A-check maintenance

  • Authors: Mofokeng, Tseko Jan
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Airplanes - Maintenance and repair , Airplanes - Performance , Airplanes - Airworthiness , Business logistics
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/233735 , uj:23871
  • Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Aviation industry is populated with highly competitive and highly regulated businesses. It is the function of the manager in aviation to ensure that the aircraft operates cost effectively. One way to decrease aircraft operation cost is to speed up aircraft turnaround time. According to airworthiness regulation, an aircraft has to go through A-check maintenance after accumulating certain flying hours. Aircraft operators are faced with the challenges of delays during maintenance. These aircraft delays result in the loss of revenue as a results of penalties. In order to address challenges, research was conducted in the airline Maintenance Company. The objective of the research was to identify the cause of delays during A-check maintenance. The researcher decided to analyse airline Maintenance Company records and conduct interviews with several employee of airline Maintenance Company. Research findings can be shared with the reader and benefit other aircraft maintenance organisations that experience similar challenges. The research will also help the airline maintenance company to realize all the factors contributing to delays during A-check maintenance. The research identified the following factors that contribute to delays during A-check maintenance:  Poor logistics process  Unscheduled maintenance defects and pilot reports  Poor planning  Lack of manpower  Lack of communication  Lack of capability
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Application of integrated logistics support : a South African railway case study

  • Authors: Makhuvele, A.
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Transnet (Firm : South Africa) , Logistics - Contracting out , Business logistics , Railroads - Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/263044 , uj:27800
  • Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Blanchard (1998) considers Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) as a management tool providing controls ensuring that the product or the system meets its anticipated performance requirements and receive adequate technical and operational support throughout its life cycle. Organisations globally conduct gigantic projects in various sectors such as manufacturing, services and merchandising. An increase in project size, project cost, project complexity, advanced technology and strategic importance, enforces organisations to apply ILS practice (Jones, 2006). The practice of ILS ensures that the benefits realised from the system and the system’s life-cycle support is adequately and cost-effectively managed (Jones, 2006). Transnet conducts a programme of acquiring 1 064 locomotives to improve operational efficiencies and to attract new business. The purpose of this research is to assess the effectiveness of ILS elements in Transnet, supporting the locomotive life-cycle. The research comprises a problem statement, literature review, research methodology, data analysis, and a conclusion. The literature is developed and tested at Transnet through survey techniques. Questionnaires are sent to 110 potential respondents and 95 participants responded. The data is analysed using weighted average per question whereby the targeted average score per question is ≥80%. Responses from respondents indicate that most ILS elements are effective though certain elements still need improvements. Elements that are ineffective are manpower adequacy level and inventory management systems. Chapter 5 presents a conclusion and recommendations to close gaps on elements that did not meet the targeted score.
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Improving supply chain competitiveness through the application of technology : a case study on a routing and scheduling system

  • Authors: Hollander, Ryan
  • Date: 2010-10-25T06:28:29Z
  • Subjects: Business logistics , Technological innovation , Business logistics management , Business logistics planning , Competition
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:6933 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3443
  • Description: M.Comm. , In the last hundred years there has been a technological revolution that has forced people to change the way they live and run their organisations. This technological revolution has had a major impact on the business world. Coyle, Bardi and Langley (2003; 57) have suggested that “the rate of change has accelerated with consequent negative impacts if organisations do not change.” With today’s emphasis on cutting costs, streamlining expenses while at the same time trying to offer a competitive edge with regard to customer service, many organisations are looking to improve their bottom line and financial performance by implementing new technology into their supply chains. A popular way for organisations to speedily reap the benefits of having a more competent and competitive, technology-enabled supply chain, is by outsourcing their supply chain needs to a third party logistics organisations. The Star newspaper reported that, according to Brett Bowes, inefficiencies in the supply chain meant that fast-moving consumer goods manufacturers and retailers were losing R7 billion every year (The Star, 16 March 2007; 2). Although there are many auxiliary benefits and advantages of implementing software systems into the supply chain, the two critical benefits which justify the expense are reduced costs and improved customer service. Implementing technology is a costly, challenging and sometimes risky endeavor. This often results in an unwillingness to change until these organisations outgrow their systems, or the business environment becomes so complex, that they are forced to implement new technology. This hesitancy to introduce new technology timeously could hamper the progress and growth of these organisations, and could also affect their competitiveness in a highly competitive environment. The purpose of this case study is to compare the benefits achieved from existing older technology to new technology, based on a routing and scheduling case study in a large 3PL organisation.
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Investigating the information technology factors that contribute to supply chain management

  • Authors: Thomas, Deon
  • Date: 2011-10-11T08:41:20Z
  • Subjects: Information technology , Supply chain management , Business logistics
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/373260 , uj:7250 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3903
  • Description: M.Sc. , Supply chains members are disperser across multiple geographical locations and the competitive effects of globalisation has provoked the agile capacity of contemporary supply chains. This makes it more difficult for supply chain organisation to meet consumer demands, especially if supply chain processes are not adequately streamlined. This confronted supply chain managers with the daunting task to make informed decisions regarding critical business drivers within their organisations. Incorrect decisions can lead to counter-productive actions. Supply chain members both upstream and downstream often make decisions based on their immediate environment and resources available, thereby not considering other factor within the supply chain holistically. This perspective has change and supply chain managers need to make decision based on the overall information and resources available within the entire supply chain network. The need to evaluate the appropriate supply chain performance measures is critical, as it directly affects the performance of the entire supply chain network. The focus of this thesis revolves around the linear composition of supply chain technology, integration, collaboration and visibility to maximise supply chain agility. The objective of this thesis is therefore to present a model that highlights the roadmap to achieving supply chain visibility followed by supply chain agility. This will allow supply chain members to make informed decisions around key drivers within the supply chain. The intention of the model is to provide a guideline approach toward achieving supply chain agility through a process of welldefined analysis in areas such as supply chain technology, integration, collaboration and visibility. The method used to develop the model in this thesis is build on the scientific principle of adding smaller pieces of the different supply chain management theories to corroborate the context and value of the model. These supply chain management theories combined provides valuable guidance for the roadmap towards achieving supply chain agility. The point of departure is a simple five-step model of which its validity is legitimised through a case study research, conducted on two supply chain partners. The findings from this case study have contextualised the model into a definite treasure map towards achieving success in the face of globalisation.
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An innovative business model based on the integration of finance and logistics operations

  • Authors: Daozhi, Zhao , Bai, Mapeng , Mbohwa, Charles
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Business models , Business logistics , Loan financing
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:5200 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14443
  • Description: This article advances a new logistics financing model based on the notes receivable. This is a written promise to receive a stated amount of money in future. The article describes the structure and key processes of the model, and analyses the roles of the involved stakeholders. In order to enhance understanding, the article compares the model with a loan financing model, establishes a game model based on logistics enterprise financing, studies the strategies in the process of investment and financing, and concludes by defining its feasible region. This involves comparing the expected net revenues of different stakeholders in the two models. Based on the results, the paper analyses the financing process of a logistics enterprise in Shanghai and determines the optimal financing strategy. This paper is an attempt to improve business innovation in logistics financing and provides a sensible solution for the integrated logistics and finance services. This can effectively improve the stakeholders’ profit.
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Omni-channel distribution in an organisation in the chemical Industry

  • Authors: Karan, Nicholas Joseph , Pillay, Kumaran
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Chemical industry , Chemical industry - Marketing , Business logistics , Marketing channels
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/384565 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/272808 , uj:29054
  • Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: The omni-channel is becoming a standard business offering in the retail industry, as customers require a variety of methods by which to purchase products. The traditional retail model saw customers entering a physical brick-and-mortar retail store to purchase their products, but developments in technology have now added a new dimension customers can use to shop, namely online shopping. The omni-channel is an offering whereby a company offers customers multiple methods of order placement, and this offering is one which could be used in various industries. The research presented in this study evaluates the opportunity of using omni-channel distribution within the South African chemical industry. The research, which is a case study of Company A, evaluates the opportunity from two perspectives: 1. The customer, or external, perspective of the omni-channel was evaluated in terms of readiness and requirements of customers. 2. The business, or internal, perspective was evaluated in terms of key considerations (specifically from a supply chain management and information technology outlook) in the event that an omni-channel would be added to the current business offerings. The research findings of the study showed that customers are ready for an omnichannel distribution offering and would prefer the option of an online ordering platform being offered in the South African chemical industry. There are still traditional methods of ordering that customers would use alongside the online methods of ordering, meaning that customers have embraced the notion of an omni-channel distribution offering in the chemical industry. The findings suggested that the omni-channel needs to be convenient, fast and secure to be successful. There was found to be a requirement in the South African chemical industry to offer a wide range of order fulfilment options, including a variety of delivery and collection options. The omnichannel can, and should, be offered in the South African chemical industry, and early adopters can take the most advantage by introducing this offering in the market.
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Key challenges in the outbound pharmaceutical cold chain

  • Authors: Kosmas, Sarantis
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Business logistics , Refrigerated transport , Drugs - Equipment and supply
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/237630 , uj:24349
  • Description: M.Com. (Logistics Management) , Abstract: The South African pharmaceutical cold chain industry has a fundamental challenge in balancing the quality requirements, driven by the Medicines Control Council (MCC), within a constrained revenue model that caps the possible income from distribution activities through single exit pricing (SEP) regulations. This research seeks to understand the key challenges in the pharmaceutical cold chain industry. Through the use of a survey and cost analysis, both a qualitative and quantitative view of the research on the outbound distribution operations for fine distribution, distribution to pharmacies and hospitals, of cold chain pharmaceuticals were obtained. The research takes a structured approach to identifying relationships between various elements of the pharmaceutical cold chain, as well as ascertaining the key factors and risk ratings of these elements. This information was analysed to identify the key challenges in the pharmaceutical cold chain industry. Using the Lambert and Stock total cost model, a framework was developed to guide both the survey and cost analysis research. As both components were structured in this manner, these components could be cross-referenced for consistency. The findings of the research identified that there was a significant relationship between the outbound distribution and the quality elements of the supply chain. The most important key factors were determined to be transportation volume, product write-offs, cold room validation, duration of the cold chain packaging system, type of temperature monitoring equipment, and cold room and freezer storage. The key risks were identified as being in the transport, validation/qualification and cold chain packaging elements. The research concluded that quality elements related to the warehousing function are well controlled, while the highest risk is within the transportation element. The research successfully identified six key challenges all related to the transportation element of the pharmaceutical cold chain industry. These challenges related to cold chain packaging, temperature monitoring as well as validation/qualification of cold chain packaging systems.
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The impact of warehousing and transportation optimization on supply chain effectiveness

  • Authors: Burger, Francois
  • Date: 2008-10-17T13:17:25Z
  • Subjects: Business logistics , Inventory control , Reengineering (Management) , Transportation management , Warehouse management
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:12686 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1252
  • Description: M.Comm. , The concepts of logistics and supply chain management are relatively new in South Africa. The concept of logistics management was more commonly known in the 1960s and 1970s as physical distribution. In the late 1970s, the concept evolved to logistics management and in the late 1980s and early 1990s, it evolved into supply chain management. It was only after the end of apartheid in 1994 when South Africa was able to compete globally that there was great interest in supply chain management in South Africa. There is virtually no business or industry untouched by the business of logistics and supply chain management. Getting the right product to the right customer at the right time as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible is the main objective of logistics and supply chain management (Gordon, 2000a: 14). Logistics is “the process of strategically managing the acquisition, movement and storage of materials, parts and finished inventory (and the related information flows) through the organization and its marketing channel in such a way that current and future profitability is maximised through the cost-effective fulfillment of orders” (Anon1. ,2002). The term supply chain is described by Lummus and Vokurka (1999) as “all of those activities associated with moving goods from raw materials stage through to the consumer. This includes procurement, production scheduling, order processing, inventory control, transportation, warehousing, and customer service. The information systems necessary to monitor all of these activities are also included. All these activities are then integrated and coordinated into a seamless process to involve all the partners in the supply chain”. With every step in the supply chain management process, there are costs involved and two of the major cost drivers in the supply chain according to Palmieri and Africk (1999) are inventory holding and transportation. Stout is of the opinion that this is more than a valid statement from a South African business perspective and emphasizes that unnecessary inventory costs money as does inventory that is distributed inefficiently (Gordon, 2000b: 21). Excessive inventory holding together with under-utilization of transport can lead to a major negative financial impact on total supply chain costs (Cooke, 2000: 12; Lambert, Stock & Ellram, 1998: 165; Hankanson, 1999). Therefore, the reciprocal relationship between inventory holding and transportation cost is very important. Christopher (1992: 25) also stipulates that the ultimate purpose of any supply chain is to satisfy customers. The importance of customer service in total supply chain functioning must therefore always be considered in a logistics supply chain system design. In South Africa, transport and inventory are two of the main cost drivers in the supply chain. Factors that make inventory and transport two of the main cost drivers in the supply chain are, among others: high fuel prices, high interest rates, poor road conditions, security concerns and the weak performance of the rand against major foreign currencies. It can therefore be said that inventory and transport are just as important in obtaining an optimized supply chain in South Africa as in the rest of the world. , Mr. P. Kilbourn Prof. J. Walters
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Factors affecting the performance of a manufacturing supply chain and the impact of the factors on the supply chain and the organization

  • Authors: Mazibuko, Siphesihle
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Business logistics , Business logistics - Management , Manufacturing industries - Management , Production scheduling
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/269803 , uj:28666
  • Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Supply chain (SC) is an integrated process of various business functions used, to source raw material, add value to the raw material, and deliver the product to the customer. The common element to all manufacturing entities is the control of material flow, value adding (manufacturing) processes, and distribution channels to customers. With the ever-increasing competitive environment, many manufacturing companies around the world, including those in South Africa, experience a shortfall in the desired outcomes. As a result a number of organizations have looked at a possible mechanism to put in place to maintain or gain the competitive advantage, or to maintain or increase market share. Industry maturity saw a number of organizations implement the use of Supply Chain Management (SCM) in order to try to minimize costs, increase profits, and meet customer expectations, i.e. on time in full delivery (OTIFD) of a product or service against contractual or negotiated dates and in accordance with the customer requirements (Quality). This research examined the factors that affect the performance (on-time delivery) of a manufacturing supply chain. Two research questions had to be addressed to reach this goal:- (i) What are the factors affecting the on-time-delivery of the supply chain? (ii) What is the impact of these factors on the supply chain and the organization? In addition to the data collected from literature, two other data sets were collected for this research. Operational data were collected from a performance management tool (Qlikview) and the other set of data was collected through interviews with the use of a questionnaire. Both sets of data were analysed to identify any common patterns when it comes to the factors that affect the performance of supply chain. The results of the analysis suggest that the factors that contribute the most to poor supply chain performance are social factors. There is also an indication that there is a relationship between internal deliveries and customer deliveries...
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Sustainable supply chain initiatives in reducing greenhouse gas emissions

  • Authors: Makan, Hemisha
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Industrial management , Greenhouse gas mitigation , Greenhouse gases - Environmental aspects , Business logistics
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/246234 , uj:25521
  • Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: A radical change in the global economy has resulted in a paradigm shift whereby the supply chain has evolved from a traditional simple supply chain to one that is filled with complexities and uncertainties. Five forces, namely globalisation, technological advancements, empowered consumers, organisational consolidation and government regulations have driven this reformation within the supply chain. As a result, organisations within the supply chain have been forced to re-engineer their processes and strategies in order to remain competitive and operative. This change has created an over-production of products and hence an imbalance between demand and supply. With the increased production, there has also been an upsurge in the movement of goods by different modes of transportation, particularly within the road freight industry. The increase in road freight transportation has resulted in an escalation in the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) into the atmosphere, resulting in climate change. The adverse effects of these gases have intensified concerns of various stakeholders, consumers and society and as a consequence organisations have been pressurised to implement sustainable supply chain initiatives to reduce GHG emissions. Hence, the objective of this study is to establish a framework of sustainable supply chain initiatives in reducing GHG emissions within the road freight transport industry. The sub-objectives are to identify different drivers that led to the adoption of sustainable supply chain initiatives in reducing GHG emissions; to identify the effectiveness of these sustainable supply chain initiatives in reducing GHG emissions; and to determine the benefits and challenges realised when implementing sustainable supply chain initiatives in reducing GHG emissions. The conceptual framework for this research is derived from the literature review which was used to construct the questionnaire, used in the collection of the empirical data for this research. The data from the self-administered questionnaire was analysed by using SPSS software package installed by a consultant from Statkon. The results of the findings demonstrate that organisations are placed under enormous pressure to implement sustainable practices. The top three drivers identified within this study are pressure from consumer and brand protection; pressure from top management; and cost...
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Total cost of ownership : a strategic sourcing intent

  • Authors: Khoza, M.M.
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Organizational effectiveness - Management , Strategic planning , Business logistics , Industrial procurement
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/233817 , uj:23881
  • Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Today’s competitive market climate call for organisations effectiveness in applying extra precautions on sourcing processes and decisions leading to assets acquisitions. Often than not, during sourcing activities, one of the key objectives is to find out all there is to know as far as the potential costs pertaining the acquisition in prospect is concerned. Beyond reengineering and enabling continuous improvement on supply chain processes to gain market competitiveness, organisations adopts the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) philosophy designed to deliver a beyond price-based outlook upon sourcing decisions to ensure that all possible costs elements incurable is fully accounted and outlined accordingly. This study intends to evaluate and analyse the typical perceptions surrounding the widespread adoption of the TCO philosophy by organisations’ acquisitions key decision-makers. Further evaluating the overall implications of adopting the concept of TCO upon strategic sourcing objectives towards fulfilling the organisations key bottom-lines in a cost effective manner. It is often common practice for purchasing organisations to base their performance measures on savings achieved. Thus making saving the key performance indicator (KPI) of the strategic sourcing function without enabling possibilities to consider a price-based approach as an enabler of savings. Savings breeding from reduced face value or purchase price with little insight of the total value cost of the offering and without considering the Life Cycle Cost (LLC) inherent some limitations as far as the consideration of all the cost effects is concerned. In order to enhance the understanding of the TCO concept to its widest sense and its applicability within the strategic sourcing function. Major value drivers within the strategic sourcing space are critically analysed to depict their major influences to the value chain and to the widespread adoption of the TCO concept. The empirical findings points out the prevalence of quality and reliability of the suppliers’ offering and the capability to adequately meet the purchaser’s stipulated requirements. High dependency of the quality and reliability levels of the offered suppliers’ expertise, the overall costs of such relationships is sought to carry ripple effects to the value chain. As a result, in pursuit of understanding all possible cost impacts breeding from supplier selection, TCO enables quantification of major cost drivers and channels continuous improvement initiatives for effective strategic sourcing intent’s fulfilment. There also exists an outlying dominance of lower price preferences as a major contributor to the reduction of TCO of the purchasing function leaving a loophole for non-quantified cost impacts, which is detrimental to organisational effectiveness. Moreover, the reduction of the purchasing function TCO directly prevails from the adoption of the Life Cycle Cost (LCC) as it enables quantification of all costs associated with the acquisitions during its validity or existence. Co-value creation between suppliers and buyers displayed a resounding significance towards...
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Assessment of green supply-chain management in South African and Nigerian construction firms

  • Authors: Ojo, Elizabeth Motunrayo
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Business logistics , Business logistics - Management , Sustainable engineering , Construction industry - South Africa , Construction industry - Nigeria
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/225177 , uj:22736
  • Description: Abstract: The subject of Green Supply-Chain Management has received attention in recent years among different industries. The huge consumption of resources by the construction industry has called for sustainable practices in construction. Green Supply-Chain Management (GSCM) has evolved as a tool to minimize the overall environmental impact in an organization. There are surveys and anecdotes about how companies are adopting GSCM. There is numerous literature on Green Supply-Chain Management in developed countries like the UK, U.S. and Asia; but only a few studies have been carried out in Africa. This research reveals a research gap regarding the implementation of GSCM in Nigerian and South African construction firms, to which this study responds. This thesis aims to provide a holistic assessment on Green Supply-Chain Management in South African and Nigerian construction industries. This research is descriptive in nature and the research design has been developed in parallel with conducting the research. Triangulation was adopted in this research; using past literature, a well-detailed questionnaire and interviews. Four hundred (400) questionnaires were sent by email, online and by visits to sites and offices; but only one hundred and sixteen (116) questionnaires were responded to and returned for analysis. While fifteen professionals in South African and Nigerian construction industries were interviewed. The results derived from both the questionnaire survey and interview provided a strong evidence that Green Supply-Chain Management is still at an infancy stage in the two countries and it is a practice that brings about sustainability in a construction firm. Although, it is an expensive venture, in the long run it yields great profit and gives a company a competitive edge. Several Green Supply-Chain Management definitions emerged from the questionnaire survey, all pointing towards environmental management and sustainability. In other words, GSCM is found to be compliant with environmental standards to bring about sustainability. The majority of the respondents’ suppliers are certified as Environment Management System (EMS) recognised bodies, like ISO 14000, to ensure that the materials which are used for construction are environmentally friendly and make the structure last for the entire intended life cycle. It was found that there are laws in place to ensure compliance of such practices. Approximately, forty two percentage (42.2%) of the respondents from the questionnaire survey agreed that they practise GSCM;... , D.Phil. (Engineering Management)
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Supply chain performance and customer service in the mining explosives industry

  • Authors: Buthelezi, Thandeka Zamashenge
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Business logistics , Risk management , Customer services , Explosives industry , Consumer satisfaction
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/292134 , uj:31742
  • Description: Abstract: In the mining industry that is plagued with increased competition and low profitability, gaining a competitive advantage is a mammoth task as the mining customers are faced with decreasing profit margins due to declining commodity prices and increases in critical cost drivers. Thus, there has been increased focus on more profitable production, which has meant an increased focus on a reliable supply of cost effective input materials such as explosives. Therefore, an explosives supplier should aim to offer a product and service which will optimise the mine’s costs. However, there is limited competitive advantage that can be derived from cost strategies (Naoui, 2014), thus many have opted to look for differentiation strategies through enhanced customer experience (Gonzalez, 2017). This research is aimed at investigating how the supply chain performance of an explosives supplier affects the quality of service rendered to mining customers. The study is also aimed at determining what supply chain risk mitigation strategies can be used to improve the performance of the supply chain and the customer service thereafter. The research hypothesis is that “Supply chain risk management leads to a positive customer service experience” The hypothesis was to be proved by showing the effective management of supply chain risk increased supply chain performance which leads to an improvement in customer service experience. The research was conducted using a single method qualitative approach, where the qualitative primary data was derived from interviews with personnel from four distinct groupings within the explosives supply chain, which consisted of production and supply chain personnel, sales representative and customers. The interviews were aimed at determining the critical customer service attributes that represented the various service quality elements that the customers deem important to their business performance. The reader will benefit from the research as it highlights the risks that are inherent in the supply chain and shows how these risks can be mitigated with the implementation of supply chain performance measures to drive improved customer service experience. It provides insights into how to ensure improved customer service in stringent, highly regulated, supply chains and ultimately achieve competitive advantage. , M.Com. (Business Management)
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Selection and ranking criteria for a third-party logistics (3PL) service provider’s index in South Africa

  • Authors: Karrappan, Claudia , Sishange, Mndeni
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Logistics - Contracting out , Business logistics
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/225709 , uj:22802
  • Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: There is a lack of comparative information on the major third party logistics (3PL) service providers in South Africa in terms of key outsourcing criteria. This may hinder the selection process for companies that intend to contract to 3PL service providers. The main objective of this research study was to determine the most important selection and ranking criteria for a 3PL service provider’s index in South Africa. This study used a quantitative research methodology, with deductive reasoning. The database used for sample selection was the report Top 500 Companies in Africa. A step in the sampling process included identifying, through interviews with existing 3PL service providers, the industries that mostly contract to 3PL service providers in South Africa. Only South African companies that formed part of the industry sectors identified by the 3PL service providers comprised the sample population. This was to ensure relevance of the sample population. Using probability sampling, a structured survey questionnaire was issued to 225 companies and 103 valid responses were received. The results indicated that respondents were mainly from the following industry sectors: mining (27.2%), wholesale and retail (24.3%), manufacturing (21.4%), diversified (19%), construction (15.5%), telecoms and communication (7.8%), technology (6.8%) and other (6.8%). In order to determine the most important selection criteria used when contracting to a 3PL service provider, respondents had to rate various selection criteria using a Likert scale. A factor and reliabilities analysis was conducted on the data collected. The three main factors identified in this study were Service Quality, Information Management and Compliance and Collaboration. Each factor contained the main selection criteria used when selecting a 3PL service provider, which is detailed in the study. The following selection criteria categories were ranked as the top three by users of 3PL service providers: Cost and Price Structure, Service Delivery and the Relationship with the 3PL Service Provider. Based on the response rate received in the survey results, 90 percent of the participants indicated that there was a need for a 3PL index in South Africa. The study contributed to the existing body of knowledge regarding logistics outsourcing as the results can be used as a guideline by companies when they evaluate 3PL service providers. The study also established that a 3PL service provider’s ranking index based on a set of key outsourcing selection criteria will be useful to South African companies when selecting service providers in the outsourcing of logistics activities. The implication of this is study is that a ranking index for 3PL service providers can be developed, based on the selection criteria identified and ranked in this study.
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