This thesis attempts to integrate the three supplier processes- supplier segmentation, supplier selection/evaluation and order allocation- based on a case study of a white goods manufacturer. These processes are dealt with in a hierarchical manner, where the decisions at an earlier stage (supplier segmentation) may affect on the results of later stages (supplier selection/evaluation and order allocation). Based on a wide set of variables gathered from the supplier segmentation literature and from the framework developed by the case company, a factor analysis is performed. The resulting eight factors (complexity and criticality, supply market dynamism, supplier&rsquo / s economic dependence, buyer&rsquo / s supplier dependence, uncertainty, supplier capabilities, supplier&rsquo / s specialization to white goods manufacturer and possibility of harm to user) are used for clustering analysis with the K-means method. Three different clustering schemes (4-clusters, 8-clusters, and 18-clusters) are analyzed to see the effect of number of clusters on the cluster means. A supplier selection model is constructed by the PROMETHEE method as was done in a former study at the same company. Two different scenarios are considered in the supplier selection phase: First, data from the former study are kept as they are. The second scenario considers a change of criteria weights. As a result, the qualified suppliers were found to be the same in both scenarios, but the rankings and net flows, which were inputs to the order allocation model, changed. The effects of these changes were discussed at a conceptual level, due to a lack of case data for the order allocation model.

The diploma thesis focuses on the process of analysis of the current state of logistics of the purchasing process at Tourbus, a.s. Its main target is set to identificate the areas in the purchasing processes of the company, which can be rationalized and streamlined. The goal of this thesis is the improvement of the current state of logistics, in order for the company to be able to maintain its competitiveness in the market.

This master thesis entitled “The study of Logistics procurement with a view to Purchase” is aimed at reducing costs in relation to obtaining, storing and maintaining material resources. The first part of this thesis introduces the company's production program and material standards. After which the relating processes are analyzed and by using theoretical approaches, measures to ensure savings are then proposed. The final part offers a summary of the benefits of the proposed solutions.

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Technology: Public Management, Durban University of Technology, 2017. / The world over, countries are burdened with existing and emerging diseases and while that affected all nations, sub-Saharan Africa carried the heaviest portion. This filtered to Zimbabwe where a myriad of health challenges are faced. Unavailability of medicines coupled with poor inventory management of these medicines has been prevalent. Insufficient financial resources and increasing cost of healthcare costs is one of the pressing matters. It is also important to note that these challenges are occurring at a time when government is realising the crucial role of procurement in addressing health challenges. Due to the extent, depth, breadth and nature of the health challenges and their criticality in establishing sustainable and affordable health system in Zimbabwe, a case study approach has been adopted where data from questionnaires, interviews, documents and observations were corroborated and triangulated in an effort to bring to the surface deep-seated procurement matters and how they are related to the challenges provided. Thus, in terms of the research findings, it was first revealed that the procurement legislative frameworks and processes are fragmented and not in one place resulting in multiple accountabilities. It was further shown that the framework is inappropriate in a healthcare set-up where issues of speed and flexibility in addressing requirements are paramount. It was also shown that procurement planning being a critical aspect is regrettably and detrimentally missing in procurements. In addition, the selection criteria as set out in the regulations and practiced by individual state health facilities indicated over-reliance on price and that being the case, key aspects such as quality and supply-lead time are missed and yet are very necessary in terms of evaluation among other factors. In the findings, the peripheral role of procurement staff with clinicians being also at the epicentre of purchasing decisions was presented. Perhaps related to that was the inadequacy of procurement skills and competences from the procurement personnel. Last on the findings, financing and the frequency of disbursement was unmatched with hospital requirements and thus resulting in unavailability of adequate medicines and equipment. / D