University of Macau / Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities / Department of Government and Public Administration

Thesis. (D. Tech. - Business, Faculty of Management Sciences)--Vaal University of Technology, 2010. / The study explored the South African coal mining industry and it’s role players to establish the causes of the bottlenecks/constraints experienced in the coal mining industry supply chain. A qualitative research paradigm methodology was used. Both theoretical and philosophical assumptions were utilised with inferences from and references to works by other researchers to broaden the knowledge horizons for the study. Thirteen supply chain executives and professionals from the key role players in the coal mining industry were interviewed and provided invaluable input for the study. The study determined the presence of communication barriers between the industry role players in the public and private institutions that culminated in main themes and sub-themes being established from which the industry constraints were uncovered. The study identified six main constraints affecting the various role players within the coal mining supply chain and it culminated in the model that would enable the industry to minimise such constraints. To this end, the study proposes the development of an Integrated Strategy for the Development of Coal Mining (ISDCM).The model is based on the public and private partnership arrangement that would alleviate most of the prevailing constraints when implemented. The model would furthermore have the capacity to rectify most of the existing constraints. It would be funded from the commercial sector and would operate on triple bottom lines of economic, social and environmental factors, with equal weight. This is a desirable direction for the future in order to maintain sustainable development. Emanating from the study are policy and research recommendations for the South African coal mining industry, covering the coordination of the critical areas of the proposed integrated strategy for the development of the coal mining industry. Such recommendations include further research into new coal mines and power stations as well as perceptions and expectations of potential investors in the industry, among others.

M. Tech. (Logistics, Faculty of Management Sciences), Vaal University of Technology. / This study explored the implementation of green supply chain with regard to minimizing environmental risk in the South African manganese and phosphate mining industries. A qualitative research paradigm methodology was used. Theoretical assumptions were utilized. References by other researchers in the green supply chain and mining supply chain were also used to broaden the knowledge horizons for the study. A total number of twelve supply chain and environmental professionals from the key role players in the South African manganese and phosphate mining industries were interviewed and provided valuable input to the study. The study determined lack of information sharing between the role players in the supply chain that lead to the discovery of themes and sub–themes. The study identified seven main themes and eleven sub-themes as challenges in the implementation of green supply chain. Recommendations to address the challenges areoutlined and include the introduction of cleaner production practices by using cleaner technologies, inclusion of environmental aspects in the sourcing strategy, among others. The achievement of all these will ensure sustainable development. Originating from the study are research recommendations for the South African manganese and phosphate mining industries. The recommendations include further research to establish a green supply chain model as well as perception and expectations of policy makers in the industries.

The elimination of distribution inefficiencies, occurring due to the timing of customers' orders is an important reason for companies to introduce vendor managed inventory programs. By managing their customers' inventories, suppliers may be able to reduce demand variability and therefore distribution costs. We develop technology to measure the effectiveness of distribution strategies. We develop a methodology that allows the computation of tight lower bounds on the total mileage required to satisfy customer demand over a period of time. As a result, companies will be able to gain insight into the effectiveness of their distribution strategy. This technology can also be used to suggest desirable delivery patterns and to analyze tactical and strategic decisions. Secondly, we study the inventory routing problem with continuous moves (IRP-CM). The typical inventory routing problem deals with the repeated distribution of a single product, from a single facility, with an unlimited supply, to a set of customers that can all be reached with out-and-back trips. Unfortunately, this is not always the reality. We introduce the IRP-CM to study two important real-life complexities: limited product availabilities at facilities and customers that cannot be served using out-and-back tours. We need to design delivery tours spanning several days, covering huge geographic areas, and involving product pickups at different facilities. We develop a heuristic and an optimization algorithm to construct distribution plans. The heuristic is an innovative randomized greedy algorithm, which includes linear programming based postprocessing technology. To solve the IRP-CM to optimality, we give a time-discretized integer programming model and develop a branch-and-cut algorithm. As instances of time-discretized models tend to be large we discuss several possibilities for reducing the problem size. We introduce a set of valid inequalities, called delivery cover inequalities, in order to tighten the bounds given by the LP relaxation of the time-discretized model. We also introduce branching schemes exploiting the underlying structure of the IRP-CM. An extensive computational study demonstrates the effectiveness of the optimization algorithm. Finally, we present an integrated approach using heuristics and optimization algorithms providing effective and efficient technology for solving inventory problems with continuous moves.

published_or_final_version / Computer Science and Information Systems / Master / Master of Philosophy

Thesis (MComm (Logistics))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / One of the results of globalisation is that supply chains are getting longer, in both time and distance. For example, the local bookstore around the corner now competes with the bookstore in the USA. Logistics ties together geographically distant sources and markets. The implications of this are that there is a greater need for efficiency in specifically transportation and distribution networks. The integration of transport infrastructure into a logistics hub is seen as an enabler of distribution on a global basis. A solution to overcome the above complications is the development of logistics hubs as a means to simplify supply chain processes. Logistics hubs are generally defined as integrated centres for transhipment, storage, collection and distribution of goods (Jorgenson, 2007). Universally logistics hubs have intermodal or multi-modal solutions to abridge transportation difficulties and creating seamless movement of goods and in doing so optimising general operations. Freight shipments now have the ability to be consolidated at a central point and distributed from that point to its final destination. This creates added value for freight products. Customers now receive products at the right time, at the right place and in the right quantity, but with the benefit of paying less as a result of economies of scale created by the value added at the logistics hub. Logistics hubs are very well established internationally and many examples exist where these have been successfully built and implemented. This does not suggest that there is one specific recipe to success. Each region has its own demands which need to be satisfied. There are however numerous common characteristics which were identified during the course of the study. It is important for South Africa to integrate existing transport infrastructure to optimise logistics in the country and in doing so, ascertaining itself as a regional logistics hub.

Um dos desafios na operação de uma cadeia de suprimentos é a definição de uma política de controle dos estoques de forma a manter a estabilidade dos estoques, evitando a amplificação da demanda ao longo da cadeia e atendendo adequadamente o cliente. A política de controle do estoque determina o momento (ponto de pedido) e a quantidade (tamanho do lote) adequada de reposição dos estoques nos diferentes elos da cadeia. Esta tese propõe um novo procedimento de atualização do ponto de pedido e do lote de reposição para uma política Order-Up-To-Level (OUTL) de controle dinâmico de estoques em sistemas de revisão contínua. Este procedimento altera a política OUTL clássica ao introduzir o conceito de estoque de absorção, caracterizado pela demanda de mercado e pelo lead time de cada elo da cadeia, que ajusta o ponto de pedido e o tamanho do lote a partir da ocorrência de eventos. Para tanto, uma cadeia de suprimentos mono-produto composta de três níveis produtivos (varejista, distribuidor e manufatura) é simulada por eventos discretos considerando incerteza na demanda. O desempenho da cadeia de suprimentos é avaliado por métricas para o efeito chicote, nível de serviço ao cliente, responsividade, nível e ruptura do estoque, tamanho do lote e ponto de reposição. Os resultados mostram redução do efeito chicote, melhora no nível de serviço, redução da variabilidade dos lotes e melhor estabilidade dos estoques quando comparados com a política OUTL clássica. / The inventory control policy is a challenge in supply chain operation. It has to maintain inventory stability by avoiding amplification of the market demand in the supply chain levels while keeping good custom service. The inventory control policy determines the correct time (reorder point) and quantity (lot size) to fill inventories of the supply chain levels. This thesis proposes a new procedure to update both reorder points and lot sizes for an inventory control policy Order-Up-To-Level (OUTL) in continuous review systems. The new procedure modifies the classical OUTL policy by introducing the concept of absorption inventory characterized by the market demand and lead time in each chain level. This procedure updates order points and lot sizes when particular events have occurred. A mono-product supply chain composed by three levels (retailer, distribution, and manufacturing) is simulated by a discrete event simulation considering uncertainty in demand. The supply chain performance is evaluated by several metrics taking into account the bullwhip effect, customer service level, responsiveness, inventory level and stock out, and lot sizes and reorder points. The results show that the bullwhip effect and lot size variability are reduced, service level is improved, and inventories are stable when compared with the classical OUTL policy.

Tanzania’s good climatic condition of four agro-ecological zones and six farming system together with adequate good soils and water resources with reasonable rainfall patterns (except in semi-arid regions) are favourable for agricultural production. Despite this abundance of resources, Tanzania is still far from taping full potentials in crop production and productivity that could be attained if the existing agricultural resources were fully utilised. The agricultural sector has failed toraise the rural poor above the poverty line and has perpetuated the existing pervasive poverty among farming communities. These constraints facing the agricultural sector have contributed to low production and productivity of the agricultural sector. For several decades the agricultural sector has failed to fulfil its role as the “engine of economic growth”; as a result, the general picture of the Tanzania’s economy has remained untransformed and unreliable. Given the importance of agriculture as the mainstay of rural livelihoods, it must grow much faster to realise rural poverty reduction in Tanzania. In view of the above state of affairs, this study posed the following research questions: Are support activities and services in coffee production, processing and marketing significantly linked to allow application of Supply Chain Management (SCM)?; Do institutions responsible for coffee provide mandatory services to enable farmers undertake support activities and services in production, processing and marketing of this crop? Finally, are the coffee marketing support activities and services significantly integrated along the supply chain in order to enhance its marketing? Thus, the above underlined challenges and questions imply thatstagnation in agricultural development is a function of a multiplicity of soci-economic, technological and political factors. As a result, the call for improving the agricultural sector production and productivity needs a holistic approach, particularly the application of SCM. The above fact suggests that Tanzania should among others, find ways to increase agricultural production, productivity, promote agro-processing and expand markets for its agriproducts through a well co-coordinated system. The present study calls for a collaborative and integrative approach in the supply chain to plan and control the flow of value adding materials from the producers to the consumers. The objective of this study is to examine the application of the Conceptual Supply Chain Management Model (SCMM) in coffee support activities and services in the areas of production, processing and marketing in order to suggest an appropriate model that can improve production and productivity of the agricultural sector thereby enhancing the income of the rural poor and ultimately alleviating poverty and raising the standard of living of Tanzanians. Following the format prescribed by the University of South Africa, this thesis is organized into eight chapters. Also, it is structured in a coherent manner to bring the logic for the development of the conceptual framework for the coffee subsector in Kagera region. Chapter One provides the introduction and background information. It creates a base and sets a framework for the entire study. Chapter Two presents the literature review including both the theory and practice of SCM. It also presents the background and SCM development as well as the importance of integrating SCM in the agricultural sector in Kagera, Tanzania and the world at large. The objective of the chapter is to present an in-depth review of literature and show the gap so as to make justification for proposing a study on the application of the SCM in agriculture with reference to Coffee in Kagera Region. Chapter Three discusses the Model Development. It discusses the meaning and the type of conceptual models. Further more, it discusses the reasons for and the advantage of applying the conceptual models. Finally, it highlights the rationale for selecting a particular criterion for evaluating the conceptual models. Chapter Four presents research methodology including identification of the definition of research and different research methods and their respective instruments for undertaking this study. It presents the theoretical and research process, showing the types of research methods and research designs. It also presents in detail, sampling, sampling techniques and data collection techniques. Finally, the chapter highlights how the collected data have been organised, analysed and presented. Chapter Five is about research findings. It covers the outcome of the exercise set by Chapter Four. It presents descriptive and empirical information of basic agricultural support activities along the supply chain from production through consumption. It involves the analysis of the production, processing and marketing support activities to examine their influence on the production and productivity of coffee in Kagera Region. Chapter Six entails synthesis analysis and results. This is an amalgamation of the research findings as well as synthesis, descriptive and empirical analysis of those findings. Thus, the chapter is about the analysis of coffee production, processing and marketing support activities and services in Kagera Region. Chapter Seven describes the contribution to knowledge which shows the existing conceptual SCMM for coffee in Kagera. The Chapter presents the appropriate conceptual model which adopts planning of many components in the coffee supply chain such as suppliers, materials, resources, warehouses, transporters and customers. The Model has been developed and proposed for application in Kagera Region in order to address the shortcomings addressed in the analysis made in the existing model as indicated in Chapter Six. Chapter Eight presents the summary, conclusions and recommendations. In this chapter, the study concludes that coffee marketing support activities and services in Kagera are not significantly linked to production and processing in order to allow the application of SCM principles. Furthermore, it shows that coffee management institutions such as private coffee traders, cooperative unions, government regional and district agricultural offices and other stakeholders do not provide all mandatory services to enable coffee production, processing and marketing support activities and services. According to this study, marketing support services are not significantly integrated in the coffee supply chain that will enhance its marketing. Given this reality, this study proposes the adoption of the appropriate conceptual SCMM. The Coffee SCMM has been developed to coordinate key players and processes in coffee SCM for the integrated framework. The proposed model has been successfully implemented in many successful management systems. The conceptual model for Kagera integrates various participants involved in the entire coffee supply chain including coffee producers, processors and exporters. The Tanzania Coffee Board (TCB) is proposed to be the overall coordinator of the entire coffee supply chain. In addition, it proposes an information exchange procedure among players (feedback) initiated by consumers. For further studies, the study recommends three major blocks of studies such as support activities and services in the areas of SCM in coffee production, processing and marketing. Finally, the study proposes these three major areas to be individually and deeply studied. / Business Management / D.B.L.

Only a few middlemen linking chemical intermediate product supply to world tyre productions have managed to survive new direct business models. In fact, the only region, where the practice of using a middleman in the supply chain of tyre production, for a certain primary manufacturer, is in South Africa. Tyre producers in other world regions, similar in market complexity to South Africa, have experienced the elimination of the middleman. Hence the question of this research, why is the middleman in the supply chain of tyre production in South Africa still a better option than that of direct business models? To begin with, the thesis stated that the middleman in the supply chain of South African tyre producers delivers better value than that of the direct business model. To prove/disprove this thesis, the principle that value is a trade-off between what you get for what you give was the basis of this research (Zeithaml, 1998). Further, a model was developed, from secondary literature, to conceptualise this trade-off to provide evidence to prove/disprove that the middleman provides greater value than value from the direct business model. From this point, the research approach was to collect data through interviews to find out the most important aspect of value created by the middleman. Data collected were analysed, using the structure of the model as a guide, to find evidence of the trade-off. This analysis provided evidence that the relationship between the middleman and the tyre producers in South Africa and between the middleman and primary product supplier is the value that the direct business model cannot replace.

Reverse logistics is an important process that is often misunderstood. Reverse logistics can cause considerable cost, but provide numerous opportunities. Many organisations do not understand the correct processes and procedures to follow and how to manage reverse logistics efficiently. The focus of this study was on best practices in reverse logistics. A best practice framework was developed to help organisations overcome problems and manage their reverse logistics more efficiently. This study adopted a mixed method research approach with both qualitative and quantitative elements. A comprehensive literature study was conducted to develop a conceptual best practice framework in reverse logistics and a survey was conducted to seek inputs from industry in South Africa to refine the framework into a workable instrument in practice. The study concluded that the best practices identified in literature have proven to be important in practice, and applying such practices will enable organisations to manage their reverse logistics more efficiently. / Business Management / M. Com. (Logistics)