Thesis (Ph. D. (Business management))-University of Pretoria, 2005. / Includes summary. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 211-227). Available on the Internet via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Florida State University, 2005. / Advisor: Larry C. Giunipero, Florida State University, College of Business, Dept. of Marketing. Title and description from dissertation home page (viewed Jan. 12, 2006). Document formatted into pages; contains x, 94 pages. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S. in Management of Technology)--Vanderbilt University, May 2006. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S. in Management of Technology)--Vanderbilt University, May 2006. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.Comp.)--Unitec New Zealand, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 67-73).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2007. / Title from first page of PDF file. Includes bibliographical references (p. 263-274).

Thesis (MTech (Cost and Management Accounting))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016. / Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa are perceived to be failing partly due to ineffective management practices. Using a questionnaire survey, this study sought to determine the inventory-management practices of SMMEs operating in the Cape Metropole, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the inventory-management practices currently used by these entities. In addition, the study sought to determine the challenges, if any, that are experienced by SMMEs from the inventory-management practices currently used. This study was motivated by a dearth of research on inventory-management practices of SMMEs. The findings of the study revealed that most of the SMMEs used ‘Rule of Thumb’ as an inventory-management practice. Regarding the effectiveness of the practices used, the study revealed that the SMMEs investigated were perceived to be moderately effective, with SMMEs practising good inventory management techniques such as warehousing, stocktaking, budgeting, good ordering habits and segregation of warehouse duties. In relation to the challenges faced by SMMEs from the inventory-management practices currently used, the findings suggested that theft, shortage of inventory, errors due to incompetent staff, physical inventory not matching up with records and an inability to keep up with the demand of the customers were some of the main challenges faced. This study contributes to the literature on inventory-management practices of SMMEs and fills the gap of knowledge in this neglected area of research. The findings of this study are of significance to the decision-makers of SMEs as they will be enlightened on the best practices and different inventory-management practices that are vital for their businesses’ survival and that have been adopted by their competitors. This should enable them to evaluate their own inventory-management practices and to decide whether to improve, change or continue with their current practice. The South African Government could also draw on the findings of this research to inform its future intervention strategies meant to improve the survival rates of these entities. This could be in the form of the creation of short courses meant to assist SMMEs to improve their inventory-management practices.

Logistics has become one of the automotive industry's most crucial sub-sectors. Previously, logistics had to step aside to make way for production considerations. Today it is regarded as being every bit as crucial as production in the global village. Advancement of logistics in South Africa is crucial because original equipment manufacturers are producing to developed world standards but are having to cope with low developing world logistics standards. The logistics processes that need to be enhanced in order for the South African automotive industry to be more competitive were investigated. To examine the main problem, three sub-problems were identified. The first sub-problem that has been identified dealt with logistics processes that will enhance the competitive advantage of the South African automotive industry. The second sub-problems looked at key logistics opportunities and threats to the environment in which South African motor manufactures trade. They were investigated by assessing the nature of the South African motor manufacturing industry. Finally, the third sub-problem investigated conclusions that can be arrived at concerning the appropriateness and strategic value of the analysis.

An ever-increasing number of companies have bought into the Africa investment proposition, and are now focusing on how to effectively execute a growth strategy in what remains an inherently complex environment to do business. African markets are progressively open for business. Despite perceptions of elevated risk, in many ways, the continent is no different to others. Sound business practices enable well-run firms to convert business strategies into actual results, regardless of where these firms are placed. The research shows that AngloAmerican Platinum investment decisions were based on more than cost-benefit returns. There was more to Anglo’s case for investing in Zimbabwe. Political knowledge and organisational structure and national culture were implicitly part of AngloAmerican Platinum decision making. Political criteria have become increasingly entwined with business decisions in emerging economies in Africa where medium-to-long-term stability is questioned. Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) plays a major role in successfully managing business processes in a proactive manner. Supply chain risk has multiple sources including process, control, demand, supply and environment. Supply chain management, faced with these risks, requires specific and adequate responses such as techniques, attitude and strategies for management of risk. Since every organisation strives for success and uninterrupted operations, efficient supply chain risk management is crucial. Supply chain risk management has the ability to achieve a competitive advantage where a risk is identified, estimated, managed and controlled. The study assesses development and implementation of supply chain risk management strategies in African markets, by using UNKI Platinum mine in Zimbabwe as a case study. This approach provides insight to a real-world setting that could be applied in a broader context. The aim was met by interviewing nine senior managers and executives who directly or indirectly participated in the development and implementation of supply chain risk management at UNKI Platinum mine. Furthermore, two suppliers and two industry experts were interviewed to ensure validity of the research case study. The data from the interviews were combined with data from the literature review. The study concludes with a list of factors that can be deemed to be important to the development of entry-strategies into Zimbabwe. Moreover, another list of themes emphasizing the elements of importance in the development and implementation of supply chain risk management strategy were identified. In essence, the leanings are used to propose a conceptual framework for supply chain risk management strategies in Africa. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / lmgibs2014 / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / MBA / Unrestricted

Research Purpose: Customer focus has become increasing critical in order for organisations to effectively compete. Organisations operate in continuously changing environments, with dynamic customer needs requiring that organisations frequently revisit their strategic objectives. Supply chain integration provides organisations with an opportunity to keep up with these changing environments, offering a platform for collaboration with external partners. This research explores three of the customer-focused supply chain capabilities and their relationship with organisation’s operational efficiency and overall performance Research Methodology: A quantitative and descriptive correlational research approach was conducted, with a self-administered online survey questionnaire sent to selected employees of FMCG organisations. A basis of the research was formed through a literature review focused on supply chain integration, in particular on the three forward-integration capabilities of customer-closeness, use of integrative technologies, and information and knowledge sharing. The research carried out descriptive analysis and correlational testing between the forward-integrated supply chain capabilities, and operational efficiency and overall organisational performance effects. Research Findings: analysis carried out suggests that the three forward-integration capabilities contribute positively to process improvement of supply chain integration efficiency and organisational performance. Organisations should increase focus on their relationship with customers, embrace the use of technology and employ information as a strategic resource. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / lmgibs2014 / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / MBA / Unrestricted