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The impact of implementing a vehicle tracking system within a South African ferrochrome smelter supply chain

- Jonker, W.

Authors: Jonker, W.
Date: 2016
Subjects: Motor vehicles - Automatic location systems , Business logistics - South Africa , Physical distribution of goods - South Africa , Transportation - South Africa
Language: English
Type: Masters (Thesis)
Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/387948 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/237612 , uj:24347
Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: Supply chains are concerned with operational efficiency, costs and customer service and are constantly looking for new ways to add value to the business environment. Logistics companies identified transport and information systems as ways to increase operational efficiency in a supply chain. Fleet management as a function of transport uses information technology to ensure an optimised logistics network. The research for this dissertation was conducted within a ferrochrome smelter supply chain on a 3PL provider known as an onsite bulk material handling contractor. A vehicle tracking system was installed into the fleet of earth moving equipment and the impact on efficiency and customer service was determined through a before and after scenario. The quantitative research approach used involved primary data collected by way of survey questionnaires and system-generated data and secondary data in terms of an extensive literature review. The focus of the research was based on two research questions:  The primary research question being: Can transport efficiency at a ferrochrome smelter plant be improved and cost reduced by implementing a vehicle tracking system?  The secondary research question being: Can customer service at the ferrochrome smelter plant be improved upon by implementing a vehicle tracking system? From the research gathered by asking these two research questions there is definitive evidence that a vehicle tracking system improves transport efficiency, reduced costs and improves customer service...
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An evaluation of distribution and warehousing systems in the perishable foods industry

- Maree, Jacobus Nicolaas

Authors: Maree, Jacobus Nicolaas
Date: 2012-08-23
Subjects: Warehouses - South Africa - Evaluation , Warehouses - Automation , Warehouses - Management , Perishable goods - South Africa , Logistics , Physical distribution of goods - South Africa
Type: Mini-Dissertation
Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/386921 , uj:3099 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6517
Description: M.Comm. , South Africa is currently in the same position regarding distribution channel design and operations as the rest of the world during the 1970's and many of our warehouses still operate in the same manner as those of the 1970's, using outdated methods and infrastructures. According to Bailey (1996:3), the failures of the outdated systems were: 90% of the systems functioned ineffectively - High-tech systems were inflexible ; - Computers could not cope ; - Focus was on storage rather than throughput ; - Just-In-Time destroyed many facilities ; - Lack of integration within the supply chain Some distribution executives and warehouse managers may disagree, but it is evident that there is uncertainty and frustration associated with the management of warehousing activities in companies today. During research conducted, a statement was made by a distribution executive of a leading corporation, who said: "I am unaware of any corporate function where the manager knows so little about what he will do tomorrow as the manager of a warehouse." Traditionally, warehousing has fulfilled a support function to both manufacturing and marketing by storing the company's raw materials, semi-finished and finished products. However, the warehousing function also responded to other corporate needs without receiving the necessary attention and support of management to improve its organisation and effectiveness. The challenge of this study will therefore be to design and develop a distribution channel which will approach the supply chain holistically, from the identification of the total costs associated with alternative logistical systems right through to identification of the lowest cost network that meets corporate, marketing and customer requirements. The objective is to develop a strategy for a throughput distribution centre close to the market place to shorten the cycle time within the South African context, which will accommodate the principles of reducing individual warehousing requirements and transportation costs by transforming the modus operandi from the conventional "push" way of operating to a "pull" system. This is commonly known as Quick Response (QR) or Continuous Replenishment (CR) and will allow the principals to reduce stockholding areas and simultaneously provide fresh delivery.
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Riglyne vir die formulering van 'n vervoerkanaalstrategie vir die verkoelde bederfbare voedselbedryf binne die informele sakesektor

- Lübbe, Hendrikus

Authors: Lübbe, Hendrikus
Date: 2014-02-10
Subjects: Marketing channels - South Africa - Management , Marketing channels - South Africa , Marketing channels - Management , Informal sector (Economics) - South Africa , Physical distribution of goods - South Africa
Type: Thesis
Identifier: uj:3706 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/9088
Description: M.Com. (Marketing Management) , The majority of resources in the distribution channels for the perishable market in South Africa, have mostly been directed towards the formal sector. Since macro statistics showed that the informal sector's growth rate is 5 % to the 0,5 % per annum for the formal sector, companies have started to allocate resources towards distribution channels in the informal sector. Distribution channels in the informal sector are mainly characterised by two factors: Firstly a lack of knowledge concerning distribution channel management and strategies by the perishable market and in particular the organisation that was selected as focus, namely Sacca, and secondly, a lack of workable systems and infrastructure. The purpose of this study is, firstly to determine the level of distribution channel management in the perishable market of Southern Africa. This will enable organisations to formulate a framework for a distribution channel strategy to develop the informal sector. Secondly, to determine the potential of such a distribution channel into the informal sector. The methodology used to meet the above mentioned objectives consisted of a literature survey that defined the study and set out the current state of knowledge on the subject. Secondly field visits were conducted with business leaders from Sacca and with leaders in the field of informal sector studies to collect specific information on selected issues. Personal observation followed with a comparative analysis of Sacca in the areas of channel management and strategies were carried out. The major findings of the study are, firstly that traditional channel management is still being practised by the majority of organisations. Organisations are not correctly positioned to create the necessary structure whereof responsibility is a part. Secondly trends can be identify to make it easier for the organisation to enter the market. Thirdly organisations have limited knowledge about the informal sector's structure, opportunities and threats. Lastly that the importance of a distribution channel strategy framework can never be overestimated.
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