Supply Chain Management is a well recognized managerial tool and government initiative, primarily aimed at improving all the aspects of the procurement activities in government organizations or any type of the sector. It focuses on meeting the needs of the service providers as well as of the customers. In 1994, South African Government came up with new initiatives to manage its budget and finance resources to meet the needs of the people. One of the new initiatives that the new Government introduced was the Supply Chain Management (SCM). The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act No.108 of 1996, as amended regulates procurement through Section 217. The statutes states that “217(1) when an Organ of State in the national, provincial or local sphere of government, or any institution identified in national legislation, contracts for goods or services, it must do so in accordance with a system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective The procurement reform processes were supported by the introduction of a number of legislative measures, including the adoption of the Public Financial Management Act (PFMA) and the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA). Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) is a financial act that was developed in 1999 to reform the public financial management of South Africa. The Act promotes the objective of good financial management in order to maximise delivery through the efficient and effective use of limited resources. Public Financial Management Act (PFMA) emphasizes on efficiency, transparency and economic utilization of public funds. The Treasury Regulations 16.5.3 states that, ‘when procuring goods and services, the procurement procedures must be in accordance with a system that is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective. Even though government departments have started implementing the Supply Chain Management strategies, there are still some challenges and deficiencies that hinder appropriate implementation. There are some deficiencies in tender award systems, ineffectiveness of SCM training materials, lack of communication between management and SCM or implementing staff as a result the implementing staff is not aware of the organization’s goals regarding supply chain management activities. Lack of monitoring, evaluation and reporting is also another challenge. Due to these challenges, the Head Office of the Eastern Cape Department of Health had incurred some expenses in trying to address these yet the Supply Chain Management has little impact in improving the service delivery. The key research objective of this study is to investigate and evaluate the implementation of Supply Chain Management in service delivery with specific focus in procurement processes of goods and services in Head Office of Eastern Cape Department of Health. The study intends to establish and highlight the challenges that the Head Office of the Eastern Cape Department of Health is presently faced with in regard to implementation of the Supply Chain Management and the impact it has in service delivery. Data gathering techniques which include interviews and questionnaires had been used. The objectives, methodology and results of the study are presented. The conclusions and recommendations had been made with the basis that they will assist the department in improving the implementation of the Supply Chain Management which will have a positive impact in the service delivery. Further steps needs to be taken by the Provincial Treasuries in assisting department to improve in the implementation of the Supply Chain Management. Further research conduct is recommended for all the institutions of the department of Health as this study was focusing on Head Office only.

A necessidade de construir, de forma eficiente, prazos curtos, menos custos e desperdícios são algumas das características para as construtoras sobreviverem, num mercado competitivo. Devido à importância da logística na organização, a presente pesquisa tem como objetivo entender como os mecanismos pelos quais variáveis relacionadas à logística afetam o funcionamento de uma organização e impactam a estratégia das empresas no setor da construção. Para tanto, foi desenvolvida uma pesquisa aplicada, descritiva, de natureza quantitativa e tempo transversal. Como procedimento principal deste estudo, foi escolhido o método Survey. Os dados relacionados às variáveis foram analisados através da análise descritiva de frequência, de correlação com coeficiente Spearman e do método Micmac. Os resultados mostraram que as organizações têm uma predisposição a contratos de parcerias, uma busca de informações junto aos fornecedores, visando otimizar a gestão dos estoques e frequentes ações conjuntas para redução dos prazos de execução. Também procuram ter uma relação mais próxima dos clientes, com frequentes discussões de problemas de qualidade, comunicação de alterações de projetos, mudanças devidas às suas solicitações, a busca de soluções com a sua cooperação. Os resultados da pesquisa indicam ainda que a logística tem pouca influência na dinâmica do sistema e que as variáveis estratégicas se destacam como um papel importante no processo de desenvolvimento da empresa. / The need to build efficiently short deadlines, less costs and waste are some of the characteristics for the builders to survive in a competitive market. Due to the importance of logistics in the organization, the present research aims to understand how the mechanisms by which variables related to logistics affect the functioning of an organization and impact the strategy of companies in the construction sector. For that, an applied, descriptive research of quantitative nature and transverse time was developed. As the main procedure of this study, the Survey method was chosen. Data related to variables were analyzed through descriptive frequency analysis, correlation with Spearman coefficient and Micmac method. The results showed that the organizations have a predisposition to partnerships contracts, a search of information with the suppliers, aiming to optimize inventory management and frequent joint actions to reduce execution times. They also seek to have a closer relationship with customers, with frequent discussions of quality problems, communication of project changes, changes due to their requests, search for solutions with their cooperation. The results of the research also indicate that logistics has little influence on the dynamics of the system and that the strategic variables stand out as an important role in the process of development of the company.

Thesis (MComm)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study explore how forecasting techniques can be combined in linear programming (LP) as a tool to optimise the parameters of forecasting methods in order to ensure sufficient capacity of logistic infrastructure exist for future growth. This study will use greenfield and brownfield projects from Sasol, a petrochemical company from South Africa, to test the methodology on. The methodology followed in the study was to firstly look at previous literature studies on logistical infrastructure and how to create sufficient capacity. Secondly, understandings of supply chain planning principles in general as well as supply chain planning in context of Sasol were investigated. Thirdly, different forecasting methods like; qualitative include judgemental, life cycle, Delphi method, market research etc. and quantitative methods including time series and causal methodologies had been investigated. Fourthly, decision making tools to incorporate multiple forecasts were investigated to understand why Sasol decided to use i2. Fifthly, the current capital project approach in Sasol had been investigated to fully understand where room for improvements would be possible. Finally the theory from the study was applied on two different projects in Sasol, one greenfield and one brownfield project. The results found that by using sound supply chain planning methodologies, sound supply chain design principles and multiple forecasts being combined by using LP decision making tools a better decision can be made with regards to logistical infrastructure investment as well as ensuring sufficient logistical infrastructure capacity. The two case studies have shown that this approach is flexible enough, apart from a few minor changes and can be adopted for both scenarios and that great results can be achieved. Logistical infrastructure could be optimised due to collaboration and the overall costs and performance of a supply chain improved. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie ondersoek hoe lineêre programmering ( LP ), as n hulpmiddel, gebruik kan word om vooruitskattingstegnieke te kombineer om sodoende die vooruitskattingsmetodes te optimaliseer en te verseker dat voldoende kapasiteit van logistieke infrastruktuur bestaan vir toekomstige groei. Hierdie studie se metodes sal getoets word op groenveld- en bruinveldprojekte van Sasol , 'n petrochemiese maatskappy van Suid –Afrika. Die metode gevolg tydens die studie, was eerstens om te kyk na vorige literatuurstudies oor logistieke infrastruktuur en hoe om voldoende kapasiteit te skep. Tweedens, om ‘n breë oorsig van die beginsels van voorsieningsketting-beplanning te bekom sowel as voorsieningsketting-beplanning in die konteks van Sasol te ondersoek. Derdens, verskillende vootuitskattingsmetodes soos kwalitatiewe metodes (insluitend veroordelende-, lewensiklus- en Delphi-metode en marknavorsing) en kwantitatiewe metodes (insluitend die tydreeks- en oorsaaklike metodes) is geondersoek. In die vierde plek is besluitnemingshulpmiddels, wat verskeie vooruitskattings kombineer, geondersoek om te verstaan waarom Sasol besluit het om i2 aan te koop. In die vyfde plek is die metode van Sasol se kapitaalprojekte geondersoek om te verstaan of daar nie moontlik ruimte vir verbeterings sou wees nie. Laastens is die studie se metode op twee projekte van Sasol toegepas, een groenveld- en een bruinveldprojek. In die studie is gevind dat beter besluite geneem kan word aangaande beleggings in logistieke infrastruktuur en om te verskere daar is voldoende logistieke infrastruktuur kapasiteit - deur gebruik te maak van optimale metodes in voorsieningsketting-beplanning en voorsieningskettingontwerp. Die twee gevallestudies het getoon dat hierdie benadering buigsaam genoeg is, afgesien van 'n paar klein veranderinge, om vir beide moontlikhede gebruik te kan word en goeie resultate te behaal. Deur die samewerking van verskeie besigheidseenhede kon logistieke infrastruktuur geoptimaliseer word terwyl die kostes en algehele prestasie van voorsieningsketting verbeter kon word.

The purpose of this project is to try and establish a blueprint for integrating Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Supply Chain Management (SCM). ERP and SCM have become popular in many industries because they help companies improve their Information Systems (IS) which helps support their operational goals. New technology is being used in resource planning and e-commerce and a stable supply chain helps corporations integrate many basic applications. This helps facilitate smooth supplier-customer interactions while minimizing transaction costs. This project is trying to provide a way in which to implement ERP systems properly into SCM. It should result in improved business performance and client satisfaction.

Introduction and Relevant Details: This research investigates the impact of inbound logistics' activities on the operational performance of the business within the branches of the South African Post Office (SAPO) in the Eastern Cape Province. The study basically hypothesises a statistically significant positive correlation between inbound logistics' activities and the operational performance of the business with regards to revenue generation and operational costs in particular. A sample of 100 branch offices was randomly selected. A 50-item questionnaire was administered by mail to the branches to collect the data during September 2005, and statistical tests for correlation were conducted on at least five dependent variables; stock procurement costs, effects on revenue, number of stock variation occurrences, order variation occurrences and the stock holding effects. Results of Data Analysis: The results of 88 respondents (88%) showed the existence of the significant positive relationship between the inbound logistics activities and the operational performance of the business at the South African Post Office branches as proposed by the study. The Spearman Rank Correlation tests were above 0.7 for most of the tested variables, showing a strong relationship. The inbound logistics' activities were also found to be positively correlated to revenue generation as well as to the operational expenses of the business. Conclusion and Recommendations: The findings allowed the researcher to conclude also that whatever improvements are made to the inbound logistics will also impact on the operational performance of the business, while failures in the inbound logistics will do so negatively. Business endeavours to maximise revenue and minimise costs are directly affected by the inbound logistics' activities. The branches of the SAPO seemed to be dissatisfied with most of the services rendered by the Supply Distribution Centre (SOC) of the SAPO, and such services have negatively affected the achievement of revenue targets at the branches as well as the operational costs. Holistic approaches to developing positive perceptions in the branches together with improving service activities at the SOC are recommended. Collaborative initiatives between branches and the SOC, reviewing the lead-times and the establishment of proper structures to handle supply chain queries, enhanced by information system technology to provide accurate and up-to-date information to branches and related parties about stock order issues are required . Areas of further research highlighted include the inbound logistics' activities of the SOC and the effectiveness of company policies as a guide to Supply Chain Management (SCM).

This thesis aims at developing a conceptual model for supply networks optimization in the floriculture industry in Kenya. In the literature review a detailed account of the evolution of supply chain management, the concept and the factors influencing simultaneous optimization of supply networks in the floriculture industry is given. The area of complex adaptive systems is explored and the link with the floriculture industry in Kenya is shown. A review of current studies is done on the subject of supply chain management and particularly the various conceptual frameworks/models developed by a number of researchers around the world. The supply chain performance measurement and the requirements for model building are also given. The research methodology provides the research paradigm and research design and discusses the justification of the approach taken for the study. The target population consisted of all active cut flower exporting firms by 31st December 2009 as per the information provided by Horticultural Crops Development Authority (HCDA). This target population comprising of 412 active exporters was stratified in terms of: large, International, local, embedded, unimpeded, small and medium scale enterprises. Sampling was done through census sampling technique, in which case the entire population was considered. Data analysis is also discussed including the various tests to be carried out in relation to validity and reliability of data. There is a detailed presentation of principal factor analysis results. Finally there is a detailed discussion on the ethical considerations in the conduct of my data collection and research process. Chapter four outlined the factors that are indeed useful to be considered when designing a conceptual model for managing supply networks for simultaneous optimization. Such factors included: country development; quality of inputs; financing; customer responsiveness; research and development. Also discussed are the factors that contribute to overall organizational performance which in this case included: return on trading investment, overall operational costs, overall productivity growth rates and outsourcing activities and decisions. The triple bottom line benefits encompassing environmental vi audit, financial audit and social audit have also been discussed in relation to country specific benefits in relation to the floriculture industry in Kenya. The revised conceptual model for simultaneous optimisation of supply networks in the floriculture industry is presented consisting of: key success factors; financing; information integration; country specific benefits; transport; research and development. These are the factors which contribute to enhancing performance of the floriculture industry in Kenya. The conclusion and recommendations of the study are made on the basis of these factors. / Business Management / D.B.L. (Business Leadership)

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Business Administration, Durban University of Technology, 2009. / All manufacturing organizations have plants that require the provision of Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) supplies in the manufacture of products. The appropriate and effective application of these concepts and principals contribute significantly to the effective and efficient utilization of plant assets and other resources within the manufacturing organization. Components of the supply chain can be outsourced to third parties who with the correct focus, expertise and experience can realise strategic benefits for the manufacturing organization, allowing it to concentrate on activities that are core to its business. It is necessary to determine the organizational buying centre’s attitudes and perceptions to this concept in order to establish an independent third party Maintenance Repair and Operation (MRO) vendor. The area of study is the Durban South area of Kwazulu Natal. Sample units of analysis were selected on a judgemental basis to ensure that different industrial sectors with different outsourcing experiences were represented. Data of a qualitative descriptive nature was collected. The models employed provided a robust and constructive framework and by and large there was consensus between the research findings and the literature. A key recommendation is that a mature and well disciplined environment within organizations and in their relationships with suppliers and collaborators is essential. Key further research is needed in the establishment of current and prospective future commonality of MRO stock items across different manufacturing organizations in the same geographical area.

Thesis (MComm)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Oil dependency has increased in the past few decades and the search for new reserves is a constant quest within the oil and gas industry. The oil and gas industry is characterised by the separation of fuel production facilities and the intended markets for its derivatives. This separation creates challenges for proper supply chain management and network configuration. A well-balanced network design becomes of utmost importance. The use of third party logistics service providers has further complicated this separation challenges with this increase in distance between the resources and the intended markets. By using various best practices within the field of network configuration, the consolidation of multiple segments of various supply chains can improve efficiency and lead to more streamlined supply chains. The primary objective of the study is to develop an alternative to the normative methods used in placing of facilities. The secondary objective is to establish whether consolidation of multiple segments of various supply chains within the oil and gas industry is feasible. By using advanced descriptive decision support techniques and technologies, the study showed how the application of these techniques can assist management with improved decision making at a strategic level. The study is based on a prominent service provider within the oil and gas industry. Both quantitative and qualitative data were used by the researcher to illustrate the complexities involved in serving the direct and indirect supply chains of the oil and gas industry. The analysis shows that by using advanced descriptive decision support techniques and technologies, management can use the process proposed in the study to great effect in visualizing the current supply chains. Consolidation opportunities were also found across multiple supply chains within the service provider. By looking at the historical data, IT-based descriptive decision support techniques and technologies demonstrated the value of visually representing the supply chain and the decisions that could be made based on the results. A strategic hub, as a network configuration option, can be a feasible option if it serves a defined geographical area and is focused on a specific industry (in this case oil and gas). Crucial to a successful study of this nature, is the quality of data. During the study, the issue of effective data cleaning, aggregation, categorization and preparation became evident. Strategic studies will only be effective if proper data cleaning and preparations are done on a regular basis and updated regularly. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die afhanklikheid van olie het die afgelope paar dekades toegeneem. Daar is ook ʼn konstante soektog na nuwe reserwes in die olie- en gasindustrie. Die olie- en gasindustrie word gekenmerk deur die skeiding van brandstofproduksiefasiliteite en die beoogde markte vir sy afgeleides. Hierdie skeiding skep uitdagings vir behoorlike voorsieningskettingbestuur en netwerkkonfigurasie. ʼn Goeie, gebalanseerde netwerkontwerp is van uiterste belang. Die gebruik van derde-party logistieke diensverskaffers het hierdie skeidings-uitdagings verder gestrem as gevolg van langer afstande tussen hulpbronne en die beoogde markte. Verskeie beste praktyke in die studieveld van netwerkkonfigurasie en ontwerp aangewend word. Dit kan die konsolidasie van verskeie segmente van verskillende voorsieningskettings se doeltreffendheid aansienlik verbeter en lei tot meer vaartbelynde voorsieningskettings. Die primêre doel van die studie is om ʼn alternatief tot die normatiewe metodes, wat tans gebruik word vir die plasing van fasiliteite te bepaal. Die sekondêre doel is om vas te stel of konsolidering van verskeie segmente van verskillende voorsieningskettings in die olie- en gasindustrie haalbaar is. ʼn Alternatiewe tot die normatiewe metodes is gevorderde, beskrywende besluitnemingsondersteuningtegnieke en tegnologie. In die studie is getoon hoe die gebruik van hierdie alternatiewe metodes kan help met verbeterde besluitneming op strategiese vlak. Die studie is gebaseer op 'n prominente diensverskaffer in die olie- en gasindustrie. Beide kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe data is deur die navorser gebruik om die kompleksiteit in die bediening van die direkte en indirekte voorsieningskettings in die olie- en gasindustrie te illustreer. Hierdie studie het uitgewys hoe die voorgestelde proses ontwikkel en die visualisering van voorsieningskettings tot ʼn groot mate kan verbeter met die gebruik van gevorderde, beskrywende besluitnemingsondersteuningtegnieke en tegnologie. Daar is ook konsolidasie geleenthede gevind vir elemente oor verskeie voorsieningskettings van die diensverskaffer. Deur toepaslike historiese data te ondersoek, met behulp van IT-gebaseerde beskrywende besluitnemingsondersteuningtegnieke en tegnologie, kan die waarde van die visuele voorstelling van voorsieningskettings insiggewend gedemonstreer word. Meer ingeligte en effektiewe besluite kan gevolglik geneem word. Daar is gevind dat ʼn strategiese konsolidasiepunt (“hub”), as ʼn netwerk konfigurasie opsie, moontlik lewensvatbaar kan wees binne ʼn bepaalde geografiese area vir ʼn spesifieke bedryf (in die geval olie en gas). Die kwaliteit van die data is egter van uiterste belang om ʼn suksesvolle studie te verseker. Tydens hierdie studie is die belangrikheid van datasuiwering, samevoeging, kategorisering en voorbereiding duidelik uitgewys. Strategiese studies sal slegs effektief wees indien behoorlike datasuiwering en voorbereiding op 'n gereelde basis gedoen en opgedateer word.

Thesis (MCom)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: “Within the context of the current market conditions, SCF may be one of the most attractive tools for companies to diversify funding basis, enrich and solidify their relationships with suppliers and their core banks.” – Michiel Steeman (Executive Director – Supply Chain Finance Community). (ING Group, 2013b). Insufficient cash flow is one of the major reasons for business failure in the current business environment. The spotlight is on collaboration between supply chain management and finance to release tied up cash in supply chains. Supply Chain Finance is a financial tool to help improve cash flow and optimise working capital to operate more efficiently. South Africa is one of the leading fruit exporters in the world with complex supply chains and even more complex financial arrangements. The need for Supply Chain Finance is aggravated by the long distances to overseas markets, and thus the long delay in payments after goods have been shipped. Supply Chain Finance is beneficial to the supplier, buyer and the financial service provider, creating a win-win-win situation. During this research the table grape export supply chain of Denau Farming is investigated to develop an explorative case study to implement Supply Chain Finance into their business model. During the research the problem of late payment received by buyers is explored by means of interviews and existing literature. A Concept Model is developed by adapting the Supply Chain Operations Reference Model (SCOR®) and the Management for Supply Chains (M4SC™) framework to identify the supply chain strategy during the current as-is physical and financial flow and to identify the gap in the supply chain. Two Supply Chain Finance solutions are identified based on Denau Farming’s financial needs in order to develop the to-be physical and financial supply chains and the resource changes required to facilitate the respective implementation. The final result determines how the proposed Supply Chain Finance solutions affect the expected cash-to-cash cycle time and the expected Economic Value Added (EVA®) in the case study. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: “Within the context of the current market conditions, SCF may be one of the most attractive tools for companies to diversify funding basis, enrich and solidify their relationships with suppliers and their core banks.” – Michiel Steeman (Executive Director – Supply Chain Finance Community). (ING Group, 2013b). Onvoldoende kontantvloei is een van die vernaamste redes waarom besighede in die huidige sakeomgewing misluk. Die kollig val op samewerking tussen voorsieningskettingbestuur en finansiering om kontant wat vasgevang is in voorsieningskettings te kan vrystel. Voorsieningsketting-finansiering is ‘n finansiële instrument wat kan help om kontantvloei verbeter en bedryfskapitaal te optimeer om meer doeltreffend te bedryf. Suid Afrika is een van die voorste vrugte-uitvoerders in die wêreld met komplekse voorsieningskettings en nog meer komplekse finansiële reëlings. Die behoefte vir voorsieningskettingbestuur-finansiering word vererger deur die lang afstande na oorsese markte, en dus die lang vertraging vir betaling nadat goedere reeds verskeep is. Voorsieningsketting-finansiering is voordelig vir die verskaffer, koper, en die finansiële diensverskaffer deur die skep van ‘n wen-wenwen situasie. As deel van hierdie navorsing is die tafeldruif-uitvoer voorsieningsketting van Denau Boerdery ondersoek as deel van die ontwikkeling van ‘n verkennende gevallestudie om sodoende voorsieningsketting-finansiering in hul sake-model te implementeer. Tydens die navorsing is die problem van laat betaling ontvang vanaf kopers in oorsese markte verder ondersoek deur middel van onderhoude en bestaande literatuur. ‘n Konsep model is ontwikkel deur die toepassing en aanpassing van die Supply Chain Operations Reference Model (SCOR®) en die Management for Supply Chains (M4SC™) raamwerk beginnende met die identifisering van ‘n voorsieningskettingstrategie tydens die huidige fisiese en finansiële vloei en die begin van ‘n gapings-identifisering vir die voorsieningsketting. Twee voorsieningsketting-finansiering oplossings is geidentifiseer gebaseer op Denau Boerdery se finansiële behoeftes en die ontwikkeling van ‘n verwagte toekomstige fisiese en finansiële voorsieningsketting asook die hulpbronveranderinge benodig wat die onderskeie implementerings kan help fasiliteer. Die finale navorsingsresultate bepaal tot watter mate die voorgestelde voorsieningsketting-finansiering oplossings die verwagte kontant-tot-kontant siklustyd asook die verwagte Ekonomiese Waarde Toevoeging (EVA®) in die gevallestudie beïnvloed.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University 2005. / Some digitised pages may appear illegible due to the condition of the original hard copy / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The research report takes an in-depth look at the automotive industry and their major participants in the upstream value chain. The different parties involved are the automotive manufacturers (OEMs) and their suppliers. The overall goal of the following report is to identify suitable business models for small to medium sized (SME) automotive suppliers. As the automotive value chain currently undergoes an evolutionary change towards a diminishing vertical integration of the OEMs, it becomes a challenging issue to reconfigure the responsibilities of the suppliers. Thereby OEMs and their suppliers have to cope with a shift from a functional to a process orientated value chain. During this reorganization of the OEM-supplier interface, enterprises realign their strategic intent towards their core competencies as well. Besides the shifting value chain, both suppliers and OEMs have to cope with a consolidation in their industries. This consolidation is impacted by stagnating traditional markets, an ongoing globalization of the value chain, and an increasing productivity pressure in the automotive industry. Looking at the automotive supplier, it becomes obvious that the suppliers are on the one hand challenged by productivity pressures and on the other hand have the opportunity to take over more business of the automotive value chain. The growth potential requires changes in the area of supply chain management and new types of collaboration in the supply network. This prospective development is mainly influenced by a trend towards the outsourcing of entire processes by the OEMs and the increasing need for future innovations in the automotive industry. After discussing the above mentioned issues, the report analyses the role of suppliers with respect to their main customers, the automotive OEMs. Based on the findings business models for suppliers are assessed and key success factors for small to medium sized suppliers are proposed and evaluated. The findings of the evaluation are translated into suggestions for most suitable business models of SMEs. The report concludes with recommendations for the strategy building process indicates problems concerning the shifting value chain, and points out the importance of further research in the field of the small to medium sized automotive supplier industry. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studieverslag ondersoek die motorvoertuig industrie met verwysing na die hoof deelnemers 'n die opwaartse waarde-ketting. Die partye betrokke is die motorvoertuigvervaardigers (OEMs) asook hul verskaffers. Die oorhoofse doel van die verslag is om gepaste sakeplanne vir klein en medium grootte (SME) ondernemings te identifiseer. Die motorvoertuig industrie se waardeketting ervaar tans 'n drastiese veranderingsproses - gekenmerk deur afnemende vertikale integrasie vanaf die OEMs - wat voortdurende nuwe uitdagings veroorsaak vir die innoverende verskaffer. Beide die OEMs en hul verskaffers moet dus aanpas met hierdie verandering - van funksioneel na proses-georienteerd - in die waarde-ketting. Tydens hierdie herstrukturering van OEM-verskaffer interaksie, moet deelnemers verseker dat die strategiese bedoeling in fyn ooreenstemming is met hul basiese bevoegdhede. Behalwe die verskuiwing in die waardeketting, moet OEMs asook verskaffers aanpas met samesmelting in hulle industrieë. Hierdie proses van samesmelting word beinvloed deur kwynende konvensionele markte, voortgesette globalisasie van die waardeketting, asook toenemende druk om produktief te wees in die motorvoertuig-industrie. 'n Ondersoek in motorvoertuig industrie verskaffers toon dat daar enersyds geweldige uitdagings ervaar word soverre dit produktiwiteitverbetering betref, maar andersyds daar ook geleendhede gebied word vir die verskaffer om verder te integreer deur oornames in die waarde-ketting. Om groei potensiaal te verwesenlik noodsaak dit veranderinge in die veld van verskaffingskettingbestuur, asook nuwe metodes van samewerking in die verskaffingsnetwerk. Hierdie moontlike tendens van integrasie word hoofsaaklik beinvloed deur 'n geneigdheid van OEMs om volledige prosesse te sub-kontrakteur asook deur die toenemende aanvraag vir voortdurende innovering in die motorvoertuig industrie. Laastens ondersoek die verslag die rol van die verskaffer vanuit die oogpunt van hul hoof kliënte, die OEMs. Na aanleiding van die verslag se bevindings word verskaffers se sakeplanne en modelle beoordeel en evalueer en word sleutel suksesfaktore vir die SME verskaffer voorgestel. Die uitslae van die evaluasie word verder verwerk tot in voorstelle wat gepas is vir die sakeplanne van meeste SMEs. Die verslag kom tot voltrekking met aanbevelings in die strategie bouproses rakende die veranderende waardeketting, en dui ook op die noodsaaklikheid van verdere navorsing onder die SME motorvoertuig industrie verskaffers.