University of Macau / Faculty of Business Administration / Department of Management and Marketing

Orientador: Douglas Tacla / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Civil, Arquitetura e Urbanismo / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-15T15:02:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Silva_LuizFernandoMoreirada_M.pdf: 1451507 bytes, checksum: 58e3a59b22897945f6af446c8a495907 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010 / Resumo: Esta dissertação objetiva discutir a situação atual da logística farmacêutica na Grande São Paulo e analisar uma alternativa para a distribuição de medicamentos destinados às farmácias, sob os aspectos estratégico, tático e operacional. Esta alternativa deverá permitir a redução de custos e melhorar a eficiência desta distribuição urbana com entrega feita por meio de transporte rodoviário. Uma vez aplicada esta alternativa, espera-se uma redução nas taxas de poluição e de tráfego de veículos de entregas, com vantagens em comparação ao método atualmente utilizado pelo mercado farmacêutico. O uso da logística colaborativa no desenho da malha desta estratégia de distribuição fina é facilitado pela grande interação já existente entre as empresas do setor farmacêutico. Esta interação será ainda maior devido à publicação da Lei 11.903/09 e, mais recentemente, à regulamentação da ANVISA RDC 059/09, que torna obrigatória a coleta e troca de informação entre produtores, distribuidores e varejistas. De modo a tornar esta estratégia viável, sua composição de custos deve permitir a inserção de um parceiro de distribuição na malha atual. Este parceiro deverá estar apto a planejar e executar as entregas destinadas à região metropolitana, reduzindo o número de veículos usados na operação em comparação ao método de distribuição regular. Por se tratar de um método de distribuição em grandes centros urbanos por intermédio de um único parceiro, o ganho de escala proporcionado pode tornar viável o uso de uma frota de veículos movida a combustível limpo ou ecológico, como etanol ou eletricidade, permitindo maior redução da poluição gerada pela distribuição urbana. A forma utilizada para desenvolver este trabalho se deu pela análise de uma operação real de distribuição de medicamentos na Grande São Paulo, sua comparação com uma abordagem colaborativa para a distribuição de medicamentos na mesma região e a conclusão com base nos resultados gerados pela simulação e comparação das variáveis que influenciam o tráfego, a emissão de poluentes e os custos envolvidos com a distribuição de medicamentos em áreas urbanas. Após o desenvolvimento destes dois métodos de distribuição, eles foram aplicados às variáveis atribuídas a cada um, a partir de dados e premissas baseadas em operações reais colhidas junto a um operador logístico de distribuição de medicamentos, gerando valores comparáveis e que embasaram uma conclusão e recomendação, a partir deste estudo. Uma das premissas mais importantes deste estudo é que, adicionalmente às variáveis consideradas, esta nova configuração deve provar sua eficiência também no que se refere ao nível de serviço, isto é, a frequência e a pontualidade nas entregas urbanas, mantendo-o, no mínimo, no mesmo nível encontrado atualmente. A conclusão deste trabalho será a comparação de três variáveis entre a configuração atual - em que vários e diferentes transportadores precisam atingir lojas de varejo diariamente, entregando diversos tipos de produtos, e configuração proposta - em que apenas um transportador fará as entregas nas áreas urbanas / Abstract: This dissertation aims to discuss the current situation of pharmaceutical logistics in the São Paulo metro area and analyze an alternative for the distribution of pharmaceutical products for the drugstores and pharmacies located in the metro regions under the aspects strategic, tactic and operational. The alternative for the distribution method presented in this study shall allow a cost reduction and improve the efficiency of the urban distribution using the ground transportation. Once this alternative is applied, it will be expected a reduction in pollution and transit rates generated by this urban deliveries, bringing advantages when in comparison with the current method utilized by the pharmaceutical market. The use of collaborative logistics to design this distribution network strategy is facilitated by the great interaction already existing among the pharmaceutical industry. This interaction will be even bigger due to the issue of a new law n. 11.903/09 and a new rule from the Federal Sanitary Agency (ANVISA), n. 059/09, which states the obligation of exchanging information among industry, logistics providers, wholesalers and retailers. To make the strategy presented in this study feasible, the costs involved in its operation must to allow insert a new partner in current supply chain. This partner must be apt to plan and execute the deliveries in the metro area, reducing the number of vehicles used in this operation in comparison with the current or regular distribution method. Considering this is an urban distribution method for a big city using an unique provider, the scalability can allow the use of a clean fuel fleet, as ethanol or electricity, allowing an even bigger reduction in the pollution generated by this urban distribution piece. The methodology used was the analysis of a real operation for pharmaceutical distribution in the Sao Paulo metro area, its comparison with a collaborative approach and then the conclusion based on the results obtained through the simulation of the two scenarios using the arguments that affect the traffic, pollution and the costs involved in this distribution. The data to simulate the two scenarios were taken from a real operation of pharmaceutical distribution located in the Sao Paulo metro area. One of the most important assumptions is that this model must to prove its efficiency in the service level, assuring at least the same level provided currently. The conclusion will be the comparison between the current methods, where many different carriers need to carry goods to retail stores daily, with the proposed method, where only one carrier will provide the deliveries in the metro area / Mestrado / Transportes / Mestre em Engenharia Civil

[pt] Nos últimos anos a distribuição física vem tendo um papel de destaque no meio acadêmico e no serviço logístico das empresas, na busca de melhorias operacionais e eficiência na redução de custos para um mercado extremamente competitivo. Adicionar valor ao produto por meio da logística de distribuição, significa atender as expectativas dos clientes ao menor custo e com qualidade de serviço. Entretanto, medir o desempenho do serviço ao cliente é fundamental para o gerenciamento do sistema logístico de distribuição em virtude da complexidade do processo. A motivação deste trabalho foi a identificação e caracterização da lacuna existente entre a percepção e a expectativa dos clientes a respeito da qualidade dos serviços de distribuição prestados pela distribuidora avaliada, sediada na cidade de Nova Iguaçu- RJ. O processo de coleta e análise das informações foi adaptado dos modelos de GAPS e SERVQUAL, propostos por Parasuraman, Berry e Zeithaml (1985,1988). A análise dos dados da pesquisa de campo permitiu identificar lacunas em algumas dimensões de qualidade na empresa estudada. Tais resultados confirmam a potencialidade do modelo utilizado neste trabalho como ferramenta de gerenciamento de qualidade de serviços de distribuição. / [en] In the last years, the physical distribution is having a prominent role in the academic area and in the logistics service of the companies, seeking for operational improvements and efficiency in the reduction of costs for an extremely competitive market. However, to add value to the product by means of the logistics distribution, it is understood to attend the customers` expectations with lower cost and good quality of service. Therefore, it is essential for the management of the distribution logistics system to measure the performance of the service to the customer due to the complexity of the process. The motivation of this work was the identification and characterization of the existing gap between the customers` perception and the expectation regarding the quality of distribution service offered by the distributor assessed, located in Nova Iguaçu, RIO DE JANEIRO. The process of information collection and analysis was adapted from the models of GAPS and SERVQUAL, developed by Parasuraman, Berry and Zeithaml (1985, 1988). The data analysis of the field research allowed identifying gaps in some quality areas of the assessed company. Such results confirm the potentiality of the model used in this work as a tool of distribution service quality management.

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

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).

The Inland Empire offers many advantages for business. This project documents how the Inland Empire is a suitable area to start and grow a business due to its reasonable space and labor costs, educated work force, infrastructure advantages and easy accessibility to freeways, ports, railroads and airports.

D. Tech. (Logistics management, Faculty of Management Science), Vaal University of Technology / Nowadays, the business environment is characterised by faster technological development, customer satisfaction, shorter product life cycles, and more intense global competition. This new competitive landscape has forced firms to acquire new ways to achieve competitive advantage actively since a firm's competitive advantage is now dependent on operating efficiency and productivity across functional areas of the firm. The most successful manufacturers seem to be those that have carefully linked their internal processes to external suppliers and customers in unique supply chains. The manufacturing sector represents 15 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) of the South African commercial industry. Competitive challenges in the modern business environment have resulted in the need for firms to collaborate their business processes strategically across other business units within the supply chain. Supply chain network theory, dynamic capabilities theory, and the resource-based view theory are discussed to better understand the importance of firms' supply chain capabilities, supply chain agility, and firm performance. The primary objective of this research study was to investigate the association between supply chain capabilities (supply chain network design, supply chain information competency, and supply chain integration) and supply chain agility on firm performance in the manufacturing sector of the Gauteng province in South Africa. It also aimed to ascertain the kind of relationships between supply chain network with supply chain agility, supply chain network with firm performance, supply chain information competency with supply chain agility, supply chain integration with supply chain agility, supply chain integration with firm performance, and finally supply chain agility with firm performance. Structured questionnaires were distributed to various manufacturing firms in the Gauteng province. The data were collected from manufacturing firm managers and owners. SPSS 25.0 was used to analyse the data, and AMOS 25.0 used to perform the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and path analysis. The structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to assess the proposed model fit and to test the statistically significant relationship between the various hypotheses. The research study results revealed that supply chain technologies and supply chain vi agility positively influence firm manufacturing performance. This study contributes new knowledge to the existing literature by providing a research framework that can enhance manufacturing firms' performance and also offer practical recommendations based on the research findings for manufacturing firms and future research. Furthermore, as one of the first studies to address the association between supply chain capabilities and supply chain agility on firm performance in the Gauteng province, this study generates new insights and information, as well as outlines the strategic reasons for manufacturing firms' managers and owners to improve on their organisational relationships. Hence, the study found that firms have realised significant supply chain coordination through supply chain capabilities and supply chain agility and that firms have been able to attain strategic goals, reduce risks and improve internal and external coordination of operational processes. Keywords: supply chain network design; supply chain information competency; supply chain integration; supply chain agility; firm performance.

M. Tech. (Department of Logistics Management, Faculty of Management Sciences), Vaal University of Technology. / Economic growth, job creation and improved standard of living have resulted to focus mostly on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the world. Hence, establishing and maintaining relationships with partners across the supply chain has become a prerequisite for achieving long-term competitive benefits in the present business competitive environment. For this reason, buyer-supplier commitment is deemed an important long-term business relationship strategy towards achieving competitive performance. Although buyer-supplier commitments can serve as the basis for the development of relational standards, unbalanced commitments, on the other hand, may become a harbinger of opportunistic behaviours. This development is inimical to continued business relationship and its consequential benefits for the SMEs’ supply chain collaborators. Guided by the theoretical lens of the social exchange theory (SET), this study examines the influence of communication, product quality, flexibility, and buyer-supplier commitments on SMEs competitive performance in southern Gauteng. Using a convenience sampling technique, the study quantitatively analysed the 396 returned questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 and AMOS 25.0 for the confirmatory factor analysis and the structural equation modelling (SEM) respectively. The SEM analysis helped to confirm the suitability of the model fit as well as the positive and significant relationships of the proposed hypotheses. The analysis revealed that communication, product quality and flexibility are important variables in predicting buyer-supplier commitment as they displayed positive association with buyer-supplier commitment and the latter is significant in a firm’s effort towards achieving competitive performance. The study recommends the anchoring of SMEs strategies on commitment inorder for partners to efficiently and effectively enjoy competitive benefits. This research contributes new knowledge to the body of literature by developing a research framework on SME’s business growth and competitive performance and offered recommendations based on the study, which if implemented, could improve the economy. The study also revealed a higher relationship among the baseline constructs (communication, product quality and flexibility) which have received little or no conceptualisation in literature.

Thesis (MBA) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / The purpose of this study was to investigate challenges faced by Supply Chain Management (SCM) officials in the implementation of the procurement process at the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Sekhukhune and Capricorn District as per the approval by TREC. The researcher requested the Head of Department for the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to grant approval to conduct the study at Sekhukhune and Capricorn Districts. The Head of Department delegated the Departmental Research Committee to attend to the researcher’s request. The Departmental Research Committee advised the researcher and granted approval to conduct the study at Waterberg, Mopani and Vhembe District offices, since the researcher is working at Sekhukhune District sharing the same complex with Capricorn District office. A qualitative research method was used to collect data which was collected using structured interview questions. Participants in the study were officials working at Waterberg and Vhembe District. The researcher was unable to conduct research at Mopani District due to the unavailability of the participants. The findings revealed that SCM officials are not adequately trained but are still expected to deliver service efficiently and effectively. The study further revealed that there is a shortage of staff and SCM officials are struggling to deliver because of IT Infrastructure network problems. It was concluded that SCM Practitioners are facing some challenges in the implementation of the procurement process at Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Waterberg and Vhembe District offices. The respondents indicated that there is a shortage of staff and also that posts which are vacant are not given priority. In addition, the IT Infrastructure Network problem was a big challenge to SCM Practitioners since they are without network most of the time while their systems require daily network access. The research indicated that officials are not well trained and that there is lack of communication between the districts and Head office. It is recommended that vacant posts be filled immediately after the post becomes vacant and that the Department should develop a communication tool which will be circulated to all SCM officials. Management at head office is advised to arrange iv monthlymeetingsanda SCM forum inviting all SCM officials starting from the lower level upwards to address challenges and update each other about the new developments within the Unit. It is recommended that the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development introduce intensive Training programmes within the Department to ensure that SCM Practitioners remain well informed. It is also recommended that the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development make a concerted effort to train top management in order to solicit their full support to the districts. It is recommended that the Department develops its SCM policy. The Department is advised to install Wi-Fi to officials working for the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development at all five Districts in order to promote effective and efficient service delivery. It is recommended that the Department should allocate all necessary Logis training to SCM officials before they get access to the system. The Department needs to work with Provincial Treasury on the allocation of the items which need to be procured e.g seed and seedling in order to speed up service delivery. It is recommended to the Department to appoint well qualified and experienced SCM officials to fill vacant posts, to offer training to officials who are already within the Unit and provide Bursaries to SCM officials to acquire long-term qualifications such as Diplomas and Degrees.

M. Tech. (Department of Logistics Management, Faculty of Management Sciences), Vaal University of Technology. / In South Africa, the beverage industry is perceived to be a major contributor to the economy. Internal and external stakeholders in this industry are engaged in environmental collaboration with each other to achieve better environmental and supply chain performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of green supply chain management practices on environmental performance and supply chain performance in the beverage industry of South Africa. It considers four of these practices, namely, internal environment management, investment recovery, eco-design and green purchasing. A quantitative approach was adopted, with the use of a survey questionnaire to collect information from 373 supply chain management professionals from beverage companies in South Africa. The study used a probability simple random sampling method. The data gathered was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 and Analysis of a Moment Structures (AMOS) version 25.0. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to validate the measurement scales while Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was applied to test the relations between constructs. The results revealed that internal environment management, investment recovery, eco-design and green purchasing positively and significantly influence environmental performance. Moreover, the results also revealed that environmental performance exerted a strong, significant and positive influence on supply chain performance. Recommendations and implications for further research were made based on these results. The study presents supply chain management professionals, internal and external stakeholders within the beverage industry with useful insights on key factors that ought to be addressed in order to improve their organisational strategies. Therefore, the study is essential to internal and external stakeholders in the beverage industry who wish to improve environmental and supply chain performance.