The demand planning practices of a fast moving consumer goods company
- Authors: Basson, Lisa Michelle
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Supply and demand , Delivery of goods - Management , Customer services - Management , Business logistics
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/237548 , uj:24339
- Description: M.Com. (Supply Chain Management) , Abstract: This study utilised a case study design to investigate the demand planning practices at Company A (a manufacturer operating in the South African fast moving consumer goods industry). The study considered these practices both prior to and after the implementation of certain changes within the demand planning process of one of Company A’s underperforming supply chains. The lack of information about the impact of the demand planning interventions on demand planning accuracy within Company A is the research problem that formed the rationale for this study. A literature review, followed by secondary quantitative data analysis and primary data collection (in the form of semi-structured interviews), and subsequent data analysis were executed in order to ascertain the nature of interventions taken and whether or not these helped improve Company A’s demand planning process.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Basson, Lisa Michelle
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Supply and demand , Delivery of goods - Management , Customer services - Management , Business logistics
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/237548 , uj:24339
- Description: M.Com. (Supply Chain Management) , Abstract: This study utilised a case study design to investigate the demand planning practices at Company A (a manufacturer operating in the South African fast moving consumer goods industry). The study considered these practices both prior to and after the implementation of certain changes within the demand planning process of one of Company A’s underperforming supply chains. The lack of information about the impact of the demand planning interventions on demand planning accuracy within Company A is the research problem that formed the rationale for this study. A literature review, followed by secondary quantitative data analysis and primary data collection (in the form of semi-structured interviews), and subsequent data analysis were executed in order to ascertain the nature of interventions taken and whether or not these helped improve Company A’s demand planning process.
- Full Text:
An investigation into some current supply chain practices at a private healthcare provider in Gauteng
- Authors: Bauernschmitt, E.
- Date: 2010-02-24T10:02:34Z
- Subjects: Business logistics , Inventory control , Medical care , Medical personnel , Patients
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:6647 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3047
- Description: M.Comm. , Much has been done and developed both in theory and practice in terms of advancing the science of logistics since its early days as an area of management focus. Great leaps have been made alone in the past decade regarding the integration of logistics into the broader management philosophies and to subsequently define the now widely referred to concept of integrated supply chain management. Although many industries have embraced this concept and spearheaded initiatives in this field, many traditionally established companies and industry sectors have yet to embed and operationalise its concepts more fully and to reap the potential rewards. The healthcare industry has been under pressure – amidst increasing competition, supplier costs and patient’s increasing awareness to seek improved value for treatment offered – to explore whether opportunities exist to make further savings in terms of its operating cost and total cost profile by taking a different approach to managing the healthcare and service provision supply chain – namely in a more integrated and holistic manner. In the healthcare context, the supply chain includes, amongst others, the capability and ability to plan, forecast, source, supply, process, distribute and ultimately deliver and execute all necessary services, goods and information. In order to investigate current supply chain practices at a selected private healthcare provider in Gauteng, an integrated generic supply chain model was defined – for which industry-acknowledged current supply chain practices from the wider domain of supply chain management were identified per component. As primary objective this descriptive research established to what extent a private healthcare provider in Gauteng, as a role player in the wider South African private healthcare industry, has knowledge and understanding of some current supply chain practices, as well as to what extent this private healthcare provider has adopted and applied recognised practices and concepts of integrated supply chain management. This was done using the defined generic supply chain model for a private healthcare provider as the roadmap along which knowledge and application of supply chain practices could be tested for the selected organisation. For this research an interview-based experience survey was used that deployed specific questions in a non-probabilistic sampling manner to respondents across the functional management chain, to measure both the level of assumed or explicitly attributed knowledge of supply chain practices in relation to the companies’ ability for the application, implementation and utilisation of these industry best-practices as pertaining to supply chain management, as seen in the context of the selected private healthcare’s competitive operations in the Southern African healthcare industry. The output of the analysis to determine the primary research objective was subsequently plotted on a supply chain evolution matrix postulated as part of this study.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bauernschmitt, E.
- Date: 2010-02-24T10:02:34Z
- Subjects: Business logistics , Inventory control , Medical care , Medical personnel , Patients
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:6647 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3047
- Description: M.Comm. , Much has been done and developed both in theory and practice in terms of advancing the science of logistics since its early days as an area of management focus. Great leaps have been made alone in the past decade regarding the integration of logistics into the broader management philosophies and to subsequently define the now widely referred to concept of integrated supply chain management. Although many industries have embraced this concept and spearheaded initiatives in this field, many traditionally established companies and industry sectors have yet to embed and operationalise its concepts more fully and to reap the potential rewards. The healthcare industry has been under pressure – amidst increasing competition, supplier costs and patient’s increasing awareness to seek improved value for treatment offered – to explore whether opportunities exist to make further savings in terms of its operating cost and total cost profile by taking a different approach to managing the healthcare and service provision supply chain – namely in a more integrated and holistic manner. In the healthcare context, the supply chain includes, amongst others, the capability and ability to plan, forecast, source, supply, process, distribute and ultimately deliver and execute all necessary services, goods and information. In order to investigate current supply chain practices at a selected private healthcare provider in Gauteng, an integrated generic supply chain model was defined – for which industry-acknowledged current supply chain practices from the wider domain of supply chain management were identified per component. As primary objective this descriptive research established to what extent a private healthcare provider in Gauteng, as a role player in the wider South African private healthcare industry, has knowledge and understanding of some current supply chain practices, as well as to what extent this private healthcare provider has adopted and applied recognised practices and concepts of integrated supply chain management. This was done using the defined generic supply chain model for a private healthcare provider as the roadmap along which knowledge and application of supply chain practices could be tested for the selected organisation. For this research an interview-based experience survey was used that deployed specific questions in a non-probabilistic sampling manner to respondents across the functional management chain, to measure both the level of assumed or explicitly attributed knowledge of supply chain practices in relation to the companies’ ability for the application, implementation and utilisation of these industry best-practices as pertaining to supply chain management, as seen in the context of the selected private healthcare’s competitive operations in the Southern African healthcare industry. The output of the analysis to determine the primary research objective was subsequently plotted on a supply chain evolution matrix postulated as part of this study.
- Full Text:
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.
- Full Text:
- 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.
- Full Text:
The supply chain value-adding role of strategic sourcing : a case study
- Authors: Bredenkamp, Jan-Daniel
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Industrial procurement , Business logistics
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/237566 , uj:24341
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: The value that Procurement adds to the supply chain of a business organisation is frequently underestimated. Procurement is regularly not receiving the acknowledgement and recognition it is due for the contribution it delivers through strategic sourcing. It is commonly labelled as a function that is mainly concerned with reducing the cost of products and services. The purpose of this study was to explore the supply chain value-adding contributions made by Procurement in the sourcing of logistics services for a business organisation. More specifically, the research follows a case study design as it investigated the value-adding contributions of Procurement to a supply chain of a multinational company operating in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry. This is a qualitative study, which focuses on a descriptive case study. Internal stakeholders of the focal organisation’s supply chain were interviewed to determine the value-adding contributions made by Procurement. Secondary data and literature was consulted to triangulate the findings of the interviews. The findings of the analysis revealed that Procurement does not only reduce costs for the business, it has more value-adding contributions. It delivers value to the supply chain members in the form of best value for goods and services, business understanding and innovation and achieving customer satisfaction. In addition, Procurement delivers against its set deliverables and drives sustainable supplier relationships for the internal stakeholders of a typical FMCG company. Procurement has more to offer than the general perception held within the industry.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bredenkamp, Jan-Daniel
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Industrial procurement , Business logistics
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/237566 , uj:24341
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: The value that Procurement adds to the supply chain of a business organisation is frequently underestimated. Procurement is regularly not receiving the acknowledgement and recognition it is due for the contribution it delivers through strategic sourcing. It is commonly labelled as a function that is mainly concerned with reducing the cost of products and services. The purpose of this study was to explore the supply chain value-adding contributions made by Procurement in the sourcing of logistics services for a business organisation. More specifically, the research follows a case study design as it investigated the value-adding contributions of Procurement to a supply chain of a multinational company operating in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry. This is a qualitative study, which focuses on a descriptive case study. Internal stakeholders of the focal organisation’s supply chain were interviewed to determine the value-adding contributions made by Procurement. Secondary data and literature was consulted to triangulate the findings of the interviews. The findings of the analysis revealed that Procurement does not only reduce costs for the business, it has more value-adding contributions. It delivers value to the supply chain members in the form of best value for goods and services, business understanding and innovation and achieving customer satisfaction. In addition, Procurement delivers against its set deliverables and drives sustainable supplier relationships for the internal stakeholders of a typical FMCG company. Procurement has more to offer than the general perception held within the industry.
- Full Text:
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
- Full Text:
- 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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Supply chain performance and customer service in the mining explosives industry
- Buthelezi, Thandeka Zamashenge
- 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)
- Full Text:
- 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)
- Full Text:
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)
- Full Text:
- 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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An innovative business model based on the integration of finance and logistics operations
- Daozhi, Zhao, Bai, Mapeng, Mbohwa, Charles
- 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.
- Full Text:
- 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.
- Full Text:
Supply chain management assisting a product service offering
- Authors: De Villiers, Warwick
- Date: 2015-08-17
- Subjects: Business logistics , Physical distribution of goods - Management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13886 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14217
- Description: M.B.A. , Please refer to full text to view abstract
- Full Text:
- Authors: De Villiers, Warwick
- Date: 2015-08-17
- Subjects: Business logistics , Physical distribution of goods - Management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13886 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14217
- Description: M.B.A. , Please refer to full text to view abstract
- Full Text:
Convergence of logistics planning, execution and measurement on outsourcing
- D’Amato, A.A., Kgoedi, S., Swanepoel, G.
- Authors: D’Amato, A.A. , Kgoedi, S. , Swanepoel, G.
- Date: 2014-05-05
- Subjects: Business logistics , Contracting out
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10915 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10489
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Logistics Service Providers are becoming increasingly involved within their client’s businesses. Beyond just providing vehicles and buildings, logistics service providers are now also becoming involved with the knowledge-type work that is connected to the traditional services provided. LSPs are also becoming better integrators of supply chain functions and are offering an increasingly vast basket of services to clients that can be configured in a way that adds value to the client. The research presented in this paper looks at the theoretical impact that converged planning and execution functions have on business success as well as a view of how selected IMPERIAL Logistics client organisations perceive the impact of increased integration of IMPERIAL Logistics within their businesses. The research viewed the integration of planning and execution in two ways: The impact of a supply chain partner integrating their business functions with that of the client organisation. The integration of the tasks of planning and execution under a single arrangement. The impact of integrated planning and execution functions for the client organisation was found to be improved long term commitment and alignment in terms of business operations and relationships, better communication, more integrated planning and decision making, better usage of systems to streamline the process as well as a focus on core business whilst supply chain experts handle their core business, which is planning and executing supply chain functions.
- Full Text:
- Authors: D’Amato, A.A. , Kgoedi, S. , Swanepoel, G.
- Date: 2014-05-05
- Subjects: Business logistics , Contracting out
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10915 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10489
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Logistics Service Providers are becoming increasingly involved within their client’s businesses. Beyond just providing vehicles and buildings, logistics service providers are now also becoming involved with the knowledge-type work that is connected to the traditional services provided. LSPs are also becoming better integrators of supply chain functions and are offering an increasingly vast basket of services to clients that can be configured in a way that adds value to the client. The research presented in this paper looks at the theoretical impact that converged planning and execution functions have on business success as well as a view of how selected IMPERIAL Logistics client organisations perceive the impact of increased integration of IMPERIAL Logistics within their businesses. The research viewed the integration of planning and execution in two ways: The impact of a supply chain partner integrating their business functions with that of the client organisation. The integration of the tasks of planning and execution under a single arrangement. The impact of integrated planning and execution functions for the client organisation was found to be improved long term commitment and alignment in terms of business operations and relationships, better communication, more integrated planning and decision making, better usage of systems to streamline the process as well as a focus on core business whilst supply chain experts handle their core business, which is planning and executing supply chain functions.
- Full Text:
Optimising maintenance inventories of a cement manufacturer
- Authors: Eloff, Morné
- Date: 2013-07-11
- Subjects: Manufacturing industries , Cement industries , Inventory control , AfriSam , Marketing channels , Business logistics , Logistics
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7612 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8478
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , A key performance indicator of a cement manufacturer is that of its operating equipment efficiencies or OEE. The world-best standard for OEE of cement manufacturers is 85%, and this figure can only be achieved through very good maintenance practices and programmes combined with exceptional maintenance inventory levels and good maintenance inventory strategies. Maintenance inventory can be described as spares that support the manufacturing process, but that is not included in the final product. Like all types of inventory, maintenance inventory has a cost associated with carrying the inventory that can be calculated through applying the various carrying cost components associated with inventory. In a cement manufacturer this carrying cost figure can be excessively high as a result of the slow movement of major spare components that have to be held in inventory due to its critical importance to the manufacturing process. It is also evident that inventory levels in AfriSam are high. This may be due to the fact that management believe the best possible method to minimise the risk of production loss during a breakdown, is to increase maintenance inventory levels with no comparison to the costs associated with carrying the inventory. The chosen research problem is: “AfriSam (Pty) Ltd carries maintenance inventory worth millions of rands with slow movement of high value maintenance inventory sometimes in excess of 3 years. The cost of managing the inventory together with the carrying cost of the inventory has become a key focus point in the business and there is a need to find methods to optimise the inventory.”
- Full Text:
- Authors: Eloff, Morné
- Date: 2013-07-11
- Subjects: Manufacturing industries , Cement industries , Inventory control , AfriSam , Marketing channels , Business logistics , Logistics
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7612 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8478
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , A key performance indicator of a cement manufacturer is that of its operating equipment efficiencies or OEE. The world-best standard for OEE of cement manufacturers is 85%, and this figure can only be achieved through very good maintenance practices and programmes combined with exceptional maintenance inventory levels and good maintenance inventory strategies. Maintenance inventory can be described as spares that support the manufacturing process, but that is not included in the final product. Like all types of inventory, maintenance inventory has a cost associated with carrying the inventory that can be calculated through applying the various carrying cost components associated with inventory. In a cement manufacturer this carrying cost figure can be excessively high as a result of the slow movement of major spare components that have to be held in inventory due to its critical importance to the manufacturing process. It is also evident that inventory levels in AfriSam are high. This may be due to the fact that management believe the best possible method to minimise the risk of production loss during a breakdown, is to increase maintenance inventory levels with no comparison to the costs associated with carrying the inventory. The chosen research problem is: “AfriSam (Pty) Ltd carries maintenance inventory worth millions of rands with slow movement of high value maintenance inventory sometimes in excess of 3 years. The cost of managing the inventory together with the carrying cost of the inventory has become a key focus point in the business and there is a need to find methods to optimise the inventory.”
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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
- Full Text:
- 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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Supply chain collaboration and organisational performance in the fast moving consumer goods industry
- Authors: Hadebe, Nkanyiso Prayer
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Supply chain management , Delivery of goods - Management , Business logistics , Customer services - Management , Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/295850 , uj:32225
- Description: Abstract: This study investigated supply chain collaboration, which is a topic of high interest in the field of supply chain management. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate how collaborative relationships with international suppliers enhance supply chain efficiencies, ultimately improving the organisational performance of imported goods in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry. Methodology: A case study approach was adopted in this research, and an online survey was conducted with the international suppliers of NHM-SA (fictitious name). Data was collected from 91 international suppliers; however, only 50 suppliers provided usable data. A quantitative approach was used to investigate the relevance of supply chain collaboration in attaining supply chain operational efficiencies, which ultimately enhances organisational performance. Findings: The concept of supply chain collaboration is of importance in the FMCG industry but is often limited due to operational issues with constraints such as the partners’ lack of commitment to a collaborative relationship. The results provided empirical evidence, showing that cost optimisation, communication and information sharing have a positive effect on organisational performance. The study results also proved that supply chain collaboration have indirect positive impacts on organisational performance. Limitations: This study was limited to a single case study from the FMCG industry. Therefore, caution should be exercised when generalising the results. Participants provided responses based on their experiences and perceptions and may therefore not be factual. Practical implications: The study demonstrated the various methods in which organisations form collaborative supply chains with their partners. Such collaborative relationships enhanced operational efficiencies, joint planning and knowledge sharing,.. , M.Com. (Business Management
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Supply chain collaboration and organisational performance in the fast moving consumer goods industry
- Authors: Hadebe, Nkanyiso Prayer
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Supply chain management , Delivery of goods - Management , Business logistics , Customer services - Management , Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/295850 , uj:32225
- Description: Abstract: This study investigated supply chain collaboration, which is a topic of high interest in the field of supply chain management. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate how collaborative relationships with international suppliers enhance supply chain efficiencies, ultimately improving the organisational performance of imported goods in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry. Methodology: A case study approach was adopted in this research, and an online survey was conducted with the international suppliers of NHM-SA (fictitious name). Data was collected from 91 international suppliers; however, only 50 suppliers provided usable data. A quantitative approach was used to investigate the relevance of supply chain collaboration in attaining supply chain operational efficiencies, which ultimately enhances organisational performance. Findings: The concept of supply chain collaboration is of importance in the FMCG industry but is often limited due to operational issues with constraints such as the partners’ lack of commitment to a collaborative relationship. The results provided empirical evidence, showing that cost optimisation, communication and information sharing have a positive effect on organisational performance. The study results also proved that supply chain collaboration have indirect positive impacts on organisational performance. Limitations: This study was limited to a single case study from the FMCG industry. Therefore, caution should be exercised when generalising the results. Participants provided responses based on their experiences and perceptions and may therefore not be factual. Practical implications: The study demonstrated the various methods in which organisations form collaborative supply chains with their partners. Such collaborative relationships enhanced operational efficiencies, joint planning and knowledge sharing,.. , M.Com. (Business Management
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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.
- Full Text:
- 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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Omni-channel distribution in an organisation in the chemical Industry
- Karan, Nicholas Joseph, Pillay, Kumaran
- 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.
- Full Text:
- 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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Selection and ranking criteria for a third-party logistics (3PL) service provider’s index in South Africa
- Karrappan, Claudia, Sishange, Mndeni
- 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.
- Full Text:
- 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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Visible optimisation of inventory management system
- Authors: Kganyago, Nebo John
- Date: 2014-06-04
- Subjects: Inventory control , Business logistics
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:11390 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11028
- Description: M.Tech. (Industrial Engineering) , This research investigates the influence of supply chain visibility on the performance of inventory management. A mixed method approach was used in this study. A questionnaire was used to collect data that was statistically analysed; interviews were carried out to supplement in-depth understanding of inventory management practices. The research study used the four constructs of supply chain visibility as proposed in the literature which are visibility for sensing, visibility for learning, visibility for coordinating and visibility for integrating. Data obtained was analysed mainly through correlation and mean score analysis. The results from the study demonstrated that 42% of the variance in the performance of inventory management was explained by the two constructs of supply chain visibility that’s coordinating and integrating at a statistical confidence of 95%. The study could not establish the influence of sensing and learning on the performance of inventory management. The paper contributes to the body of knowledge of supply chain visibility variables that can be associated with the performance of inventory management. The survey was done on a small population in one manufacturing company impacting negatively on the generalisation of the results.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kganyago, Nebo John
- Date: 2014-06-04
- Subjects: Inventory control , Business logistics
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:11390 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11028
- Description: M.Tech. (Industrial Engineering) , This research investigates the influence of supply chain visibility on the performance of inventory management. A mixed method approach was used in this study. A questionnaire was used to collect data that was statistically analysed; interviews were carried out to supplement in-depth understanding of inventory management practices. The research study used the four constructs of supply chain visibility as proposed in the literature which are visibility for sensing, visibility for learning, visibility for coordinating and visibility for integrating. Data obtained was analysed mainly through correlation and mean score analysis. The results from the study demonstrated that 42% of the variance in the performance of inventory management was explained by the two constructs of supply chain visibility that’s coordinating and integrating at a statistical confidence of 95%. The study could not establish the influence of sensing and learning on the performance of inventory management. The paper contributes to the body of knowledge of supply chain visibility variables that can be associated with the performance of inventory management. The survey was done on a small population in one manufacturing company impacting negatively on the generalisation of the results.
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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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- 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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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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- 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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Learning material supply chain practices at public schools in Limpopo
- Authors: Kwinda, Tshifhiwa Phanuel
- Date: 2014-05-05
- Subjects: Business logistics , Production management , Industrial efficiency
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10929 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10502
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , More than fifteen years have gone by since the fall of the apartheid regime in South Africa (SA) in 1994. From 1994, it became critical for every institution of the government to work towards the transformation of the public sector. The ultimate aim of this transformation has been to bring about a better life for all. However, the pace at which improvement in the general life of people from the historically disadvantaged communities is moving slowly. The best weapon that can be employed to ensure that life is improved is through the provision of quality education. There is a serious need for an improvement in the educational system of our country which is counted among the lowest in the world in terms of literacy and mathematics. This situation is continuing to prevail despite the fact that South Africa has some of the best infrastructure in the world. The researcher has undertaken this study with the assumption that the Supply Chain Management (SCM) plays a critical role in the improvement of service delivery and cost reduction as well as inventory reduction. Initially, the SCM was applied in the private sector only where the focus is on profitability. However, for the past few years, the SCM has been overlapping into the public sector. The SA government is amongst the first to adopt SCM as a tool to improve service delivery and to reduce costs. The focus of the SCM in the SA public sector is efficiency, effectiveness and the economic use of resources in the context of development and equity. There are many potential benefits that can be gained in the public sector when SCM is implemented effectively. These benefits include improved service delivery, inventory reduction and cost reduction. The Department of Basic Education (DoBE) is investing heavily towards the improvement of the standard of education in the country. Despite this, there are still learners who attend schools without all the necessary textbooks, the basic source of information for learning. The shortage of books prevails even in Limpopo Province which is one of the poorest provinces in SA. As a poor province, learners in Limpopo do not have easy access to other sources of information such as the internet and only very few schools in Limpopo Province have libraries. These learners rely on the textbooks to get information and therefore the failure to provide adequate textbooks to these learners leaves them with nothing to depend on for their studies. Consequently, their performance at schools is affected to the point that they may fail at the end of the school year.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kwinda, Tshifhiwa Phanuel
- Date: 2014-05-05
- Subjects: Business logistics , Production management , Industrial efficiency
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10929 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10502
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , More than fifteen years have gone by since the fall of the apartheid regime in South Africa (SA) in 1994. From 1994, it became critical for every institution of the government to work towards the transformation of the public sector. The ultimate aim of this transformation has been to bring about a better life for all. However, the pace at which improvement in the general life of people from the historically disadvantaged communities is moving slowly. The best weapon that can be employed to ensure that life is improved is through the provision of quality education. There is a serious need for an improvement in the educational system of our country which is counted among the lowest in the world in terms of literacy and mathematics. This situation is continuing to prevail despite the fact that South Africa has some of the best infrastructure in the world. The researcher has undertaken this study with the assumption that the Supply Chain Management (SCM) plays a critical role in the improvement of service delivery and cost reduction as well as inventory reduction. Initially, the SCM was applied in the private sector only where the focus is on profitability. However, for the past few years, the SCM has been overlapping into the public sector. The SA government is amongst the first to adopt SCM as a tool to improve service delivery and to reduce costs. The focus of the SCM in the SA public sector is efficiency, effectiveness and the economic use of resources in the context of development and equity. There are many potential benefits that can be gained in the public sector when SCM is implemented effectively. These benefits include improved service delivery, inventory reduction and cost reduction. The Department of Basic Education (DoBE) is investing heavily towards the improvement of the standard of education in the country. Despite this, there are still learners who attend schools without all the necessary textbooks, the basic source of information for learning. The shortage of books prevails even in Limpopo Province which is one of the poorest provinces in SA. As a poor province, learners in Limpopo do not have easy access to other sources of information such as the internet and only very few schools in Limpopo Province have libraries. These learners rely on the textbooks to get information and therefore the failure to provide adequate textbooks to these learners leaves them with nothing to depend on for their studies. Consequently, their performance at schools is affected to the point that they may fail at the end of the school year.
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