Trade liberalization and globalization have resulted in the free flow of goods, services, capital and
people. In this regard ports play a vital role in linking supply chains, as goods flow from the point of
inception through the chain up to the customer at the end.
This research was conducted to determine and evaluate the role of logistics in the value chain of
steel products that pass through Durban Port. The impact of logistics - measured in terms of costreduction,
shorter lead times and better customer service - that would contribute to the competitive
advantage of businesses was evaluated. Other countries like China and India are also manufacturers
of steel products, and it is therefore important for South Africa not to lose international markets due
to prices and products that are not internationally competitive.
In essence, this paper unpacks the debates surrounding the high prices of steel products from South
Africa, and suggests how these prices can be reduced. In this regard the investigation into steel
products provided an excellent case study, as steel contributes significantly to the GDP of the
country. The study analyses all logistics activities like transportation, warehousing, handling, quality
control of goods and a just-in-time management approach.
Informal interviews and a case study based on Durban Port highlight the role that logistics activities
play in adding value to goods that pass through Durban Port. The implications of the findings are
discussed and proposals for redefining the role of logistics in an organization are offered. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2008
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ukzn/oai:http://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za:10413/10430 |
| Date | January 2008 |
| Creators | Rasenyalo, Nonduduzo Maureen. |
| Contributors | Morris, Mike. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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