Supply chain management practices in a leading manufacturing organization
- Authors: Peristeris, Orestes
- Date: 2014-08-18
- Subjects: Business logistics
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:12064 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11812
- Description: M.Com. (Logistics Management) , Within the increasingly competitive global economic environment, organisations need to find ways of increasing their competitiveness. This trend has been felt strongly by South African manufacturing organisations as a result of the liberalization of the South African economy, particularly the relaxation of tariff and trade barriers, and the reduction in the cost of international trade leading to the importation of manufactured goods from both developed and emerging economies. The maturity of the local industry and the buying power of national supermarket chains also contribute to the level of competition the South African confectionery industry experiences. Through a literature review, this study illustrates how supply chain management can increase the competitiveness of manufacturing organisations, particularly through the broad nature of supply chain management and the areas over which it has a direct influence. The study also identifies a best practice supply chain management framework that describes how supply chain management can be applied in practice. The South African confectionery industry is the focus of the study, given the level of competition prevalent within the industry, both internally and from abroad. The study provides an analysis of the competitive conditions within the confectionery industry and the contingency factors for the implementation of supply chain management. The purpose of the study has been to apply a supply chain management best practice framework to a leading South African confectionery manufacturer, in order to provide a case study of its supply chain management practices. The respondent organisation was a multinational Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) manufacturer with South African based manufacturing operations. The research methodology was the application of the assessment tool found within the Global Supply Chain Forum (GSCF) supply chain management framework to the respondent organisation through a series of interviews of the respondent organisation's management, who were directly responsible for managing the processes identified in the framework. There was broad alignment between the roles of the individual respondents and the processes found within the framework. The research provides a detailed description of the practices carried out by the leading manufacturing organisation, as bench marked against the practices described by the GSCF framework. The overall finding of the study is that the practices found within the GSCF framework are being comprehensively applied by a major, competitive FMCG manufacturer within the South African confectionery industry. This includes extensive integration and collaboration with customers and suppliers, the formal recognition and documenting of supply chain management activities and procedures, a cross functional approach to the management of processes, the extensive measurement of activities, and a clearly defined strategies within each area of the supply chain management function within the organisation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Peristeris, Orestes
- Date: 2014-08-18
- Subjects: Business logistics
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:12064 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11812
- Description: M.Com. (Logistics Management) , Within the increasingly competitive global economic environment, organisations need to find ways of increasing their competitiveness. This trend has been felt strongly by South African manufacturing organisations as a result of the liberalization of the South African economy, particularly the relaxation of tariff and trade barriers, and the reduction in the cost of international trade leading to the importation of manufactured goods from both developed and emerging economies. The maturity of the local industry and the buying power of national supermarket chains also contribute to the level of competition the South African confectionery industry experiences. Through a literature review, this study illustrates how supply chain management can increase the competitiveness of manufacturing organisations, particularly through the broad nature of supply chain management and the areas over which it has a direct influence. The study also identifies a best practice supply chain management framework that describes how supply chain management can be applied in practice. The South African confectionery industry is the focus of the study, given the level of competition prevalent within the industry, both internally and from abroad. The study provides an analysis of the competitive conditions within the confectionery industry and the contingency factors for the implementation of supply chain management. The purpose of the study has been to apply a supply chain management best practice framework to a leading South African confectionery manufacturer, in order to provide a case study of its supply chain management practices. The respondent organisation was a multinational Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) manufacturer with South African based manufacturing operations. The research methodology was the application of the assessment tool found within the Global Supply Chain Forum (GSCF) supply chain management framework to the respondent organisation through a series of interviews of the respondent organisation's management, who were directly responsible for managing the processes identified in the framework. There was broad alignment between the roles of the individual respondents and the processes found within the framework. The research provides a detailed description of the practices carried out by the leading manufacturing organisation, as bench marked against the practices described by the GSCF framework. The overall finding of the study is that the practices found within the GSCF framework are being comprehensively applied by a major, competitive FMCG manufacturer within the South African confectionery industry. This includes extensive integration and collaboration with customers and suppliers, the formal recognition and documenting of supply chain management activities and procedures, a cross functional approach to the management of processes, the extensive measurement of activities, and a clearly defined strategies within each area of the supply chain management function within the organisation.
- Full Text:
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)
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- Authors: Buthelezi, Thandeka Zamashenge
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Business logistics , Risk management , Customer services , Explosives industry , Consumer satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/292134 , uj:31742
- Description: Abstract: In the mining industry that is plagued with increased competition and low profitability, gaining a competitive advantage is a mammoth task as the mining customers are faced with decreasing profit margins due to declining commodity prices and increases in critical cost drivers. Thus, there has been increased focus on more profitable production, which has meant an increased focus on a reliable supply of cost effective input materials such as explosives. Therefore, an explosives supplier should aim to offer a product and service which will optimise the mine’s costs. However, there is limited competitive advantage that can be derived from cost strategies (Naoui, 2014), thus many have opted to look for differentiation strategies through enhanced customer experience (Gonzalez, 2017). This research is aimed at investigating how the supply chain performance of an explosives supplier affects the quality of service rendered to mining customers. The study is also aimed at determining what supply chain risk mitigation strategies can be used to improve the performance of the supply chain and the customer service thereafter. The research hypothesis is that “Supply chain risk management leads to a positive customer service experience” The hypothesis was to be proved by showing the effective management of supply chain risk increased supply chain performance which leads to an improvement in customer service experience. The research was conducted using a single method qualitative approach, where the qualitative primary data was derived from interviews with personnel from four distinct groupings within the explosives supply chain, which consisted of production and supply chain personnel, sales representative and customers. The interviews were aimed at determining the critical customer service attributes that represented the various service quality elements that the customers deem important to their business performance. The reader will benefit from the research as it highlights the risks that are inherent in the supply chain and shows how these risks can be mitigated with the implementation of supply chain performance measures to drive improved customer service experience. It provides insights into how to ensure improved customer service in stringent, highly regulated, supply chains and ultimately achieve competitive advantage. , M.Com. (Business Management)
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Sustainable supply chain initiatives in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Authors: Makan, Hemisha
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Industrial management , Greenhouse gas mitigation , Greenhouse gases - Environmental aspects , Business logistics
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/246234 , uj:25521
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: A radical change in the global economy has resulted in a paradigm shift whereby the supply chain has evolved from a traditional simple supply chain to one that is filled with complexities and uncertainties. Five forces, namely globalisation, technological advancements, empowered consumers, organisational consolidation and government regulations have driven this reformation within the supply chain. As a result, organisations within the supply chain have been forced to re-engineer their processes and strategies in order to remain competitive and operative. This change has created an over-production of products and hence an imbalance between demand and supply. With the increased production, there has also been an upsurge in the movement of goods by different modes of transportation, particularly within the road freight industry. The increase in road freight transportation has resulted in an escalation in the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) into the atmosphere, resulting in climate change. The adverse effects of these gases have intensified concerns of various stakeholders, consumers and society and as a consequence organisations have been pressurised to implement sustainable supply chain initiatives to reduce GHG emissions. Hence, the objective of this study is to establish a framework of sustainable supply chain initiatives in reducing GHG emissions within the road freight transport industry. The sub-objectives are to identify different drivers that led to the adoption of sustainable supply chain initiatives in reducing GHG emissions; to identify the effectiveness of these sustainable supply chain initiatives in reducing GHG emissions; and to determine the benefits and challenges realised when implementing sustainable supply chain initiatives in reducing GHG emissions. The conceptual framework for this research is derived from the literature review which was used to construct the questionnaire, used in the collection of the empirical data for this research. The data from the self-administered questionnaire was analysed by using SPSS software package installed by a consultant from Statkon. The results of the findings demonstrate that organisations are placed under enormous pressure to implement sustainable practices. The top three drivers identified within this study are pressure from consumer and brand protection; pressure from top management; and cost...
- Full Text:
- Authors: Makan, Hemisha
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Industrial management , Greenhouse gas mitigation , Greenhouse gases - Environmental aspects , Business logistics
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/246234 , uj:25521
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: A radical change in the global economy has resulted in a paradigm shift whereby the supply chain has evolved from a traditional simple supply chain to one that is filled with complexities and uncertainties. Five forces, namely globalisation, technological advancements, empowered consumers, organisational consolidation and government regulations have driven this reformation within the supply chain. As a result, organisations within the supply chain have been forced to re-engineer their processes and strategies in order to remain competitive and operative. This change has created an over-production of products and hence an imbalance between demand and supply. With the increased production, there has also been an upsurge in the movement of goods by different modes of transportation, particularly within the road freight industry. The increase in road freight transportation has resulted in an escalation in the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) into the atmosphere, resulting in climate change. The adverse effects of these gases have intensified concerns of various stakeholders, consumers and society and as a consequence organisations have been pressurised to implement sustainable supply chain initiatives to reduce GHG emissions. Hence, the objective of this study is to establish a framework of sustainable supply chain initiatives in reducing GHG emissions within the road freight transport industry. The sub-objectives are to identify different drivers that led to the adoption of sustainable supply chain initiatives in reducing GHG emissions; to identify the effectiveness of these sustainable supply chain initiatives in reducing GHG emissions; and to determine the benefits and challenges realised when implementing sustainable supply chain initiatives in reducing GHG emissions. The conceptual framework for this research is derived from the literature review which was used to construct the questionnaire, used in the collection of the empirical data for this research. The data from the self-administered questionnaire was analysed by using SPSS software package installed by a consultant from Statkon. The results of the findings demonstrate that organisations are placed under enormous pressure to implement sustainable practices. The top three drivers identified within this study are pressure from consumer and brand protection; pressure from top management; and cost...
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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.
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The impact of warehousing and transportation optimization on supply chain effectiveness
- Authors: Burger, Francois
- Date: 2008-10-17T13:17:25Z
- Subjects: Business logistics , Inventory control , Reengineering (Management) , Transportation management , Warehouse management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:12686 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1252
- Description: M.Comm. , The concepts of logistics and supply chain management are relatively new in South Africa. The concept of logistics management was more commonly known in the 1960s and 1970s as physical distribution. In the late 1970s, the concept evolved to logistics management and in the late 1980s and early 1990s, it evolved into supply chain management. It was only after the end of apartheid in 1994 when South Africa was able to compete globally that there was great interest in supply chain management in South Africa. There is virtually no business or industry untouched by the business of logistics and supply chain management. Getting the right product to the right customer at the right time as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible is the main objective of logistics and supply chain management (Gordon, 2000a: 14). Logistics is “the process of strategically managing the acquisition, movement and storage of materials, parts and finished inventory (and the related information flows) through the organization and its marketing channel in such a way that current and future profitability is maximised through the cost-effective fulfillment of orders” (Anon1. ,2002). The term supply chain is described by Lummus and Vokurka (1999) as “all of those activities associated with moving goods from raw materials stage through to the consumer. This includes procurement, production scheduling, order processing, inventory control, transportation, warehousing, and customer service. The information systems necessary to monitor all of these activities are also included. All these activities are then integrated and coordinated into a seamless process to involve all the partners in the supply chain”. With every step in the supply chain management process, there are costs involved and two of the major cost drivers in the supply chain according to Palmieri and Africk (1999) are inventory holding and transportation. Stout is of the opinion that this is more than a valid statement from a South African business perspective and emphasizes that unnecessary inventory costs money as does inventory that is distributed inefficiently (Gordon, 2000b: 21). Excessive inventory holding together with under-utilization of transport can lead to a major negative financial impact on total supply chain costs (Cooke, 2000: 12; Lambert, Stock & Ellram, 1998: 165; Hankanson, 1999). Therefore, the reciprocal relationship between inventory holding and transportation cost is very important. Christopher (1992: 25) also stipulates that the ultimate purpose of any supply chain is to satisfy customers. The importance of customer service in total supply chain functioning must therefore always be considered in a logistics supply chain system design. In South Africa, transport and inventory are two of the main cost drivers in the supply chain. Factors that make inventory and transport two of the main cost drivers in the supply chain are, among others: high fuel prices, high interest rates, poor road conditions, security concerns and the weak performance of the rand against major foreign currencies. It can therefore be said that inventory and transport are just as important in obtaining an optimized supply chain in South Africa as in the rest of the world. , Mr. P. Kilbourn Prof. J. Walters
- 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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The implications of the theory of constraints on inventory buffers
- Authors: Moyo, Bawinile
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Business logistics , Inventory control , Consumer satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/83079 , uj:19048
- Description: Abstract: Good inventory management can lead to high organisational performance by minimising inventory holding costs and improving customer service across the supply chain. The management of inventory remains a major challenge for many organisations as continuous changes in the supply chain occur. According to the CSIR (2014), investment in inventories across South African supply chains is significant and it is difficult for South African companies to compete with mature economies on a cost level due to the relative high costs of logistics transportation in the country. Inventory control is often seen as one of the lowest areas of competitive advantage, however it can be the largest single investment in assets for most organisations. From a theoretical point of view, the Theory of Constraints (TOC) seems to offer a solution to inventory management challenges. The TOC is a scientific methodology that is designed to assist organisations in identifying and solving critical process based problems following a continuous improvement approach. The TOC also unifies and simplifies the inventory quantity of an organisation into a single value called the buffer quantity. One of the clearly stated advantages of the application of TOC according to literature, is a reduction of inventory levels. This study attempts to support existing literature on the impact of the TOC on buffer levels by means of a case study of an organisation that has undergone a TOC application in South Africa. The primary objective of the study was to provide a case study implementation of the TOC to corroborate the theory that a successful implementation of the TOC can reduce inventory levels in a South African organisation without adverse effects on customer service levels. A case study of an envelope manufacturer which had implemented TOC principles was conducted through a literature review followed by empirical research to determine the impact of the TOC implementation on the organisation’s buffer inventory levels. The selected organisation provided an opportunity to investigate the scenarios before, during and after a TOC implementation. In-depth, semi structured interviews were conducted with... , M.Com. (Business Management)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Moyo, Bawinile
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Business logistics , Inventory control , Consumer satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/83079 , uj:19048
- Description: Abstract: Good inventory management can lead to high organisational performance by minimising inventory holding costs and improving customer service across the supply chain. The management of inventory remains a major challenge for many organisations as continuous changes in the supply chain occur. According to the CSIR (2014), investment in inventories across South African supply chains is significant and it is difficult for South African companies to compete with mature economies on a cost level due to the relative high costs of logistics transportation in the country. Inventory control is often seen as one of the lowest areas of competitive advantage, however it can be the largest single investment in assets for most organisations. From a theoretical point of view, the Theory of Constraints (TOC) seems to offer a solution to inventory management challenges. The TOC is a scientific methodology that is designed to assist organisations in identifying and solving critical process based problems following a continuous improvement approach. The TOC also unifies and simplifies the inventory quantity of an organisation into a single value called the buffer quantity. One of the clearly stated advantages of the application of TOC according to literature, is a reduction of inventory levels. This study attempts to support existing literature on the impact of the TOC on buffer levels by means of a case study of an organisation that has undergone a TOC application in South Africa. The primary objective of the study was to provide a case study implementation of the TOC to corroborate the theory that a successful implementation of the TOC can reduce inventory levels in a South African organisation without adverse effects on customer service levels. A case study of an envelope manufacturer which had implemented TOC principles was conducted through a literature review followed by empirical research to determine the impact of the TOC implementation on the organisation’s buffer inventory levels. The selected organisation provided an opportunity to investigate the scenarios before, during and after a TOC implementation. In-depth, semi structured interviews were conducted with... , M.Com. (Business Management)
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The importance of demand planning in the management of a fast moving consumer goods supply chain
- Authors: Müller, Gert Hendrik
- Date: 2012-08-20
- Subjects: Delivery of goods - Management , Business logistics , Customer services , Sales forecasting , Supply and demand - Forecasting
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2761 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6202
- Description: M.Comm. , As part of supply chain management, the handling of market demand information forms one of the most important concepts in any supply chain. One of the specific goals of supply chain management is to manage and co-ordinate the flow of information from the original source to the final customer. If consumer demand forms the activating element in the supply chain, it becomes clear that the process of demand planning can play an active role in improving the effectiveness of a supply chain. The correct management of information can thus greatly influence the level of integration, the responsiveness, level of customer service and value added to the end product. This is however not a one-sided approach where demand planning can be used as the tool to facilitate supply chain synchronization. The opposite effect can also be found that certain efforts to synchronize the supply chain can greatly improve the demand planning process. The fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry relies heavily on forecasted demand figures due to the structure of this industry 5. Developing demand forecasts forms a great part of the demand planning process and the accuracy, timely flow, interpretation and final format of the information is of the utmost importance. A well controlled forecasting process can form a solid foundation to address supply chain problems, reduce the level of wastage, increase the product value to the customer and improve the level of supply chain agility. With this background, the aim of this study will be: To explore the subject of Demand Planning in the synchronization of a FMCG supply chain. It will aim to show how an effective demand planning process can positively influence the supply chain management process and form an active element in supply chain synchronization. To investigate certain supply chain strategies on demand planning to indicate the level of integration between these two processes. In order to do this, a theoretical study needs to be done on Demand Planning and into the elements thereof. Within this structure it will be possible to formulate a structure to evaluate the concept of Demand Planning.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Müller, Gert Hendrik
- Date: 2012-08-20
- Subjects: Delivery of goods - Management , Business logistics , Customer services , Sales forecasting , Supply and demand - Forecasting
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2761 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6202
- Description: M.Comm. , As part of supply chain management, the handling of market demand information forms one of the most important concepts in any supply chain. One of the specific goals of supply chain management is to manage and co-ordinate the flow of information from the original source to the final customer. If consumer demand forms the activating element in the supply chain, it becomes clear that the process of demand planning can play an active role in improving the effectiveness of a supply chain. The correct management of information can thus greatly influence the level of integration, the responsiveness, level of customer service and value added to the end product. This is however not a one-sided approach where demand planning can be used as the tool to facilitate supply chain synchronization. The opposite effect can also be found that certain efforts to synchronize the supply chain can greatly improve the demand planning process. The fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry relies heavily on forecasted demand figures due to the structure of this industry 5. Developing demand forecasts forms a great part of the demand planning process and the accuracy, timely flow, interpretation and final format of the information is of the utmost importance. A well controlled forecasting process can form a solid foundation to address supply chain problems, reduce the level of wastage, increase the product value to the customer and improve the level of supply chain agility. With this background, the aim of this study will be: To explore the subject of Demand Planning in the synchronization of a FMCG supply chain. It will aim to show how an effective demand planning process can positively influence the supply chain management process and form an active element in supply chain synchronization. To investigate certain supply chain strategies on demand planning to indicate the level of integration between these two processes. In order to do this, a theoretical study needs to be done on Demand Planning and into the elements thereof. Within this structure it will be possible to formulate a structure to evaluate the concept of Demand Planning.
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The investigation of waterside operational inefficiencies at the Durban Container Terminal
- Authors: Mokgwetsi, Refiloe Palesa
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Business logistics , Container terminals - South Africa - KwaZulu-Natal , Containerization
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/225808 , uj:22815
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: Ports are part of a value-chain system that operates in an intricate and competitive environment wherein measuring, monitoring and controlling are key to improving performance and thus the competitiveness. Achieving competitive supply chains which include ports hinges a great deal on the efficiency of the ports as significant nodes in supply chains which aids in the cost-effective flow of materials and services. In striving to achieve efficiencies, performance measurements with Key Performance Indicators as essential tools, can assist Durban Container Terminal (DCT) or any container terminal to survive and thrive in a very competitive industry. By the same token, container terminals and ports need to look outward and establish what the best performing ports are doing by benchmarking performance which provides a basis for identifying gaps in performance and adopting best practice. A mixed methods approach was applied in the study with quantitative KPI analysis, target and performance benchmarking, customer questionnaires, and interviews as the complementary qualitative methodology to collect data in order to address the research objectives. The four enablers of waterside operational efficiencies were identified as capacity to handle more vessels and improve turnaround times, the draft as the world is getting deeper, land for stowing additional containers and advanced systems and technology. The critical element that binds all the three enablers is the human element which speaks to intelligence, competency, willingness and knowledge. All this is governed, controlled and directed by high safety standards. It is important to note that given the incessant change in the market dynamics and the needs of the customers, operational efficiency and continuous improvement will always be an essential principle for business sustainability and operational competiveness. The adage “today's achievement is tomorrow's new start” stands true. The focus of the organisation should always be on performing better than the target and the competitors.
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- Authors: Mokgwetsi, Refiloe Palesa
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Business logistics , Container terminals - South Africa - KwaZulu-Natal , Containerization
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/225808 , uj:22815
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: Ports are part of a value-chain system that operates in an intricate and competitive environment wherein measuring, monitoring and controlling are key to improving performance and thus the competitiveness. Achieving competitive supply chains which include ports hinges a great deal on the efficiency of the ports as significant nodes in supply chains which aids in the cost-effective flow of materials and services. In striving to achieve efficiencies, performance measurements with Key Performance Indicators as essential tools, can assist Durban Container Terminal (DCT) or any container terminal to survive and thrive in a very competitive industry. By the same token, container terminals and ports need to look outward and establish what the best performing ports are doing by benchmarking performance which provides a basis for identifying gaps in performance and adopting best practice. A mixed methods approach was applied in the study with quantitative KPI analysis, target and performance benchmarking, customer questionnaires, and interviews as the complementary qualitative methodology to collect data in order to address the research objectives. The four enablers of waterside operational efficiencies were identified as capacity to handle more vessels and improve turnaround times, the draft as the world is getting deeper, land for stowing additional containers and advanced systems and technology. The critical element that binds all the three enablers is the human element which speaks to intelligence, competency, willingness and knowledge. All this is governed, controlled and directed by high safety standards. It is important to note that given the incessant change in the market dynamics and the needs of the customers, operational efficiency and continuous improvement will always be an essential principle for business sustainability and operational competiveness. The adage “today's achievement is tomorrow's new start” stands true. The focus of the organisation should always be on performing better than the target and the competitors.
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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.
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- 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.
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The use of collaborative models to improve the performance of construction supply chains in South Africa
- Authors: Masemeni, Neo Malose
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry - Management , Construction projects - Management , Business logistics
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213426 , uj:21151
- Description: Abstract: Construction supply chains around the world are known for their fragmented and adversarial methods, sometimes making contracting relationships very difficult to administer. The study intended to evaluate collaborative project management techniques to improve the overall performance of construction supply chains in South Africa. Secondary data on the subject matter was attained from articles in research journals, research books and other academic publications. A quantitative research method was adopted for the study. The research made use of primary data solicited from self-administered, open-ended questionnaires. These questionnaire were completed by industry professionals namely; contractors, consultants and clients that are or have been involved in large construction projects. To round up the research, case studies were used to shed light on some undertakings with collaborative models. Some of the challenges faced in construction supply chains are corruption, price-oriented selection methods, lack of commitment from other parties, unrealistic deadlines, selection of contract and pricing strategy, high stress levels, complex nature of projects, adversarial (aggressive) relationships, lack of trust, and the unpredictable nature of projects. The study revealed that for the project to be deemed a success, commonly practitioners focus on the time taken, the quality of workmanship of the finished commodity and the overall cost of the project compared to the planned cost. For the collaboration to work, practitioners need be mindful of the dynamics in the construction supply chain. These dynamics need to be nurtured through the duration of the project. In this study the most important factors for facilitating successful collaborative models were identified as good leadership, effective communication, top management support, adequate resources and a knowledgeable client. Selection of the correct team is also important. The quality of previous work, the ability to deliver on time, experience with similar work, technical ability and effective and efficient decision making should be the parameters used in the selection of the ideal partner. A paradigm shift to more innovative means of undertaking construction projects is desperately needed. Compared to the fragmented style of construction supply chains, a paradigm shift in the direction of more collaboratively structured construction supply chains will ensure that overall success is achieved. The study recommends that collaborative models and the philosophies associated with them be incorporated across all forms of construction supply chains. , M.Tech. (Construction Management)
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- Authors: Masemeni, Neo Malose
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry - Management , Construction projects - Management , Business logistics
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213426 , uj:21151
- Description: Abstract: Construction supply chains around the world are known for their fragmented and adversarial methods, sometimes making contracting relationships very difficult to administer. The study intended to evaluate collaborative project management techniques to improve the overall performance of construction supply chains in South Africa. Secondary data on the subject matter was attained from articles in research journals, research books and other academic publications. A quantitative research method was adopted for the study. The research made use of primary data solicited from self-administered, open-ended questionnaires. These questionnaire were completed by industry professionals namely; contractors, consultants and clients that are or have been involved in large construction projects. To round up the research, case studies were used to shed light on some undertakings with collaborative models. Some of the challenges faced in construction supply chains are corruption, price-oriented selection methods, lack of commitment from other parties, unrealistic deadlines, selection of contract and pricing strategy, high stress levels, complex nature of projects, adversarial (aggressive) relationships, lack of trust, and the unpredictable nature of projects. The study revealed that for the project to be deemed a success, commonly practitioners focus on the time taken, the quality of workmanship of the finished commodity and the overall cost of the project compared to the planned cost. For the collaboration to work, practitioners need be mindful of the dynamics in the construction supply chain. These dynamics need to be nurtured through the duration of the project. In this study the most important factors for facilitating successful collaborative models were identified as good leadership, effective communication, top management support, adequate resources and a knowledgeable client. Selection of the correct team is also important. The quality of previous work, the ability to deliver on time, experience with similar work, technical ability and effective and efficient decision making should be the parameters used in the selection of the ideal partner. A paradigm shift to more innovative means of undertaking construction projects is desperately needed. Compared to the fragmented style of construction supply chains, a paradigm shift in the direction of more collaboratively structured construction supply chains will ensure that overall success is achieved. The study recommends that collaborative models and the philosophies associated with them be incorporated across all forms of construction supply chains. , M.Tech. (Construction Management)
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The use of radio frequency identification technology to improve inventory management practices
- Authors: Thuynsma, I. F.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Business logistics , Radio frequency identification systems
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/124656 , uj:20943
- Description: Abstract: The application of RFID technology in supply chain management is well known and several authors and companies have argued that RFID technology can greatly improve supply chain visibility, inventory management and reduce some of the key inventory management costs. RFID technology is also known to the mining industry as many mining companies have applied RFID technology to manage the productivity and safety of employees and vehicles on mine sites. However, an extensive literature search yielded no proof that RFID technology has been deployed as an inventory management tool in the mining industry, both globally and in South Africa. Substantial amounts of working capital are tied up in the supply chains of gold producers in South Africa, specifically in equipment spare parts and process materials inventories. The high levels of inventory on hand are often associated with efforts to ensure production continuity. However, inventory on hand is a double edged-sword; high inventory on hand will be great for production continuity, but will negatively influence the gold producers’ balance sheets. On the other hand, low inventory on hand will improve the gold producers’ balance sheets, but will negatively impact the gold producers’ ability to ensure production continuity. This study set out to determine what benefits RFID technology could offer the three South African gold producers that participated in this study, if the technology was deployed as an inventory management tool at their central warehouses. An exploratory study with interpretivism as philosophical paradigm was undertaken to obtain an in-depth understanding of the inventory management practices at three of the four major gold production companies in South Africa. This was achieved by conducting semi-structured interviews with employees working in the inventory management function of the three participating gold producers. A literature review was undertaken to identify the quantified benefits that companies in other industries achieved as a result of implementing RFID technology as a tool to manage their inventory management programmes. The identified quantified benefits were used to determine the potential benefits the three participating gold producers could achieve if the deployed RFID technology as an inventory management tool. A cost and benefit comparison was included in this study to illustrate the potential financial... , M.Com. (Business Management)
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- Authors: Thuynsma, I. F.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Business logistics , Radio frequency identification systems
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/124656 , uj:20943
- Description: Abstract: The application of RFID technology in supply chain management is well known and several authors and companies have argued that RFID technology can greatly improve supply chain visibility, inventory management and reduce some of the key inventory management costs. RFID technology is also known to the mining industry as many mining companies have applied RFID technology to manage the productivity and safety of employees and vehicles on mine sites. However, an extensive literature search yielded no proof that RFID technology has been deployed as an inventory management tool in the mining industry, both globally and in South Africa. Substantial amounts of working capital are tied up in the supply chains of gold producers in South Africa, specifically in equipment spare parts and process materials inventories. The high levels of inventory on hand are often associated with efforts to ensure production continuity. However, inventory on hand is a double edged-sword; high inventory on hand will be great for production continuity, but will negatively influence the gold producers’ balance sheets. On the other hand, low inventory on hand will improve the gold producers’ balance sheets, but will negatively impact the gold producers’ ability to ensure production continuity. This study set out to determine what benefits RFID technology could offer the three South African gold producers that participated in this study, if the technology was deployed as an inventory management tool at their central warehouses. An exploratory study with interpretivism as philosophical paradigm was undertaken to obtain an in-depth understanding of the inventory management practices at three of the four major gold production companies in South Africa. This was achieved by conducting semi-structured interviews with employees working in the inventory management function of the three participating gold producers. A literature review was undertaken to identify the quantified benefits that companies in other industries achieved as a result of implementing RFID technology as a tool to manage their inventory management programmes. The identified quantified benefits were used to determine the potential benefits the three participating gold producers could achieve if the deployed RFID technology as an inventory management tool. A cost and benefit comparison was included in this study to illustrate the potential financial... , M.Com. (Business Management)
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The use of supply chains and supply chain management to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of GIS units
- Authors: Schmitz, Peter Maria Urban
- Date: 2010-02-23T10:16:53Z
- Subjects: Business logistics , Geographic information systems
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6629 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3030
- Description: D.Phil. , This is a workbook to record the processes, responsible departments; current practices; business rules; inputs and outputs; and disconnects with regards to a “staple yourself to an order” exercise. This is done to establish problem areas within the supply chain and to provide guidance on improving the supply chain. This workbook should be used in conjunction with GISDataSCOR v1.0. and the results of the disconnect analysis. The “staple yourself to an order” exercise should start with SOURCE, MAKE, DELIVER, then followed by PLAN and RETURN.
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- Authors: Schmitz, Peter Maria Urban
- Date: 2010-02-23T10:16:53Z
- Subjects: Business logistics , Geographic information systems
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6629 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3030
- Description: D.Phil. , This is a workbook to record the processes, responsible departments; current practices; business rules; inputs and outputs; and disconnects with regards to a “staple yourself to an order” exercise. This is done to establish problem areas within the supply chain and to provide guidance on improving the supply chain. This workbook should be used in conjunction with GISDataSCOR v1.0. and the results of the disconnect analysis. The “staple yourself to an order” exercise should start with SOURCE, MAKE, DELIVER, then followed by PLAN and RETURN.
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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...
- Full Text:
- 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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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.
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- 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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