The main findings reveal that the most critical characteristics of a good distribution center are advanced supply chain systems, strong management team and strong workforce. Customer satisfaction as a driving force considers investment in human capital and technology as a crucial component of Mr Price Group's sustainability.
Introduction
In this regard, this study sought to ascertain better and efficient ways of improving service delivery in the African international market, which will result in customer satisfaction and loyalty to a company.
Background to the Study
Statement of the Problem
Research Questions
Research Objectives
Theoretical Framework
Significance of the Study
Justification for the Study
Research Methodology
- Research Approach
- Research Strategy/ Purpose
- Study Site
- Target Population
- Sample
- Sampling Technique
- Sample Size
- Data Collection Method
- Data Analysis
Approval by Mr. Price Company to conduct the study allowed the distribution of questionnaires to the staff. Questionnaires were administered to the respondents to ascertain their views and perceptions of the supply chain distribution of the African Market.
Ethical Considerations
Limitations
Introduction
Defining Distribution
Defining a Warehouse
This avoids the need to pick related goods for specific retail outlets in the retailer's central warehouse (Kwateng, Manso, Osei-Mensah, 2014:89).
Defining a Distribution Centre
The Difference between a Distribution Centre and a Warehouse
Cross Docking
Cross-Docking Variations by Complexity
- One touch
- Two-touch
- Multiple-touch
This is the highest "load as you go" speed and without being placed in the storage bank. The products received can be sorted by suppliers by item or not, they can be labeled for end customers or not (Kiisler and OÜ, 2014:10).
Supply Chain Distribution Models
The Decentralised Distribution Model
- The Advantages of Decentralised Distribution Model
- The Disadvantages of Decentralised Distribution Model
Decentralized storage is when there are multiple warehouses where each warehouse is treated as a separate entity rather than a whole. A decentralized warehouse requires a very large investment, as facilities must be set up in several locations with the latest equipment, technology and warehouse management systems.
The Centralisation Distribution Model
- The Advantages of Centralized Warehouse
- The Disadvantages of Centralized Warehouse
Shorter and safer delivery times: A centralized warehouse helps achieve shorter and safer delivery times for all products. Higher delivery precision: Since all the products are centrally located in one warehouse, multiple deliveries can be made correctly.
Hybrid Distribution Model
Consequently, the customers can get more precise and accurate information about the delivery times from the company. Customer Service: The best people, equipment and inventory systems are all located centrally in a centralized warehouse.
Retail Distribution in South African Companies
In particular, Pick n' Pay has increased volumes through the distribution centers by 10.8% and reduced delivery costs per matter by 6.5% and improved product availability by 2.4% (Magwaza, 2014). The hybrid model can allow a cutting-edge medium to achieve profitability and cost-effective structural arrangement for a business.
Theoretical Framework
Service Quality
- Determinants Service Quality
Service quality can be considered one of the most analyzed determinants of customer loyalty. Service quality is also defined as the difference between the customer's expectation of the service that is met and the distinctiveness of the service that is received (Munusamy, Chelliah and Mun, 2010:400).
Logistics Process at the Distribution Centre
Inbound Logistics
Outbound Logistics
Factors that influence Distribution Centre Functions
Dwelling Time
The products are allowed some dwell time at the distribution center before the crossover process is performed. This is so because no stock is held at the distribution center after it arrives from the suppliers.
Lead Time
30 The goods are stored as extra stock in the distribution center to be replenished in the store when necessary. Distribution center staff separate Pre-Pack and Post Pick orders, thereby enabling a reduction in dwell time.
Technological Advancements
The implementation of radio frequency identification in supply chain management has the potential to improve the performance and efficiency of the supply chain and distribution system. Wamba, Lefebvre, Bendavid and Lefebvre point out that RFID technology can accurately manage inventory in real time, which can lead to a reduction in time and labor waste. Depending on the industry application and the company in the industry, an RFID system can be very complex and its implementations can vary widely (Sabbaghi, 2007:78).
Conclusion
Introduction
Research Design
Research Approach
Sampling Design and Sampling Technique
Study Site
Target Population
Sample Size
35 inbound), distribution center managers, supply chain and shipping personnel, store managers, logistics coordinators, outbound and inbound logistics supervisors, shipping coordinators, truck drivers and systems engineers.
Data Collection Method and Instruments
Questionnaire Distribution
This includes obtaining permission to distribute the questionnaires from Mr Price Group and individually approaching potential respondents in the offices to complete the questionnaire. A three-week timeframe was given for the respondents to answer the questionnaire, after which follow-up and collection of completed questionnaires was carried out. Most respondents completed the questionnaire on time, others scanned it and sent it electronically, and some had three weeks before collecting the questionnaire.
Ethical Considerations
Data Analysis
Univariate Analysis
Frequency Distribution
Descriptive Statistics
The frequency of particular values is usually identified when establishing the distribution of data using a frequency histogram. Thus, if significance is shown, then there is agreement if the mean > 3 and disagreement if the mean < 3.
Bivariate Data Analysis
Cross Tabulation and Chi-Square
Factor Analysis
Thus, factor analysis is used to understand the insights from the questionnaire and thus reduce the data volume while retaining the important features. Each factor consists of the variables grouped in the data set, with each variable assigned a factor loading constant.
Multiple Regression
Data Quality Issues
Reliability
Validity
Conclusion
Introduction
Univariate Analysis
Frequency Distribution
Eleven (11%) of the respondents belong to the management level, while ten (10%) of the respondents are supervisors of the retail business. Forty-three percent (43%) of respondents agreed that the merchandise team will be able to plan for an international distribution center, 33 percent (33%) of respondents are neutral on this. 32 (32%) of respondents strongly agreed with the statement, while twelve percent (12%) of respondents remained neutral.
Binomial Test
From Figure 4.19 above, the majority of respondents 84% were/are of the opinion that advanced supply chain systems were the most important as it contributes to a better distribution center. From Table 4.2 above, there is a statistically significant 'YES' response to the effect that 'most of the respondents work in Mr Price Group' (p < 0.05). The conclusion that can be drawn from this is that the employees are very aware and knowledgeable about the goals, objectives and missions of Mr Price Group.
Descriptive Statistics
These variables are the most important and can provide value and efficiency in a distribution center. Skewness can be defined by the distribution of the variable, but kurtosis defines information about the 'peakedness' of the distribution. In all five (5) cases, the skewness is a negative value ranging from -.136 to -1.04, representing a negatively skewed distribution, and the scores are clustered toward the upper right end of the scale.
Bivariate Analysis
Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient
NDC = Need for Distribution Center SDC = Skills for Distribution Center MT = Merchandising Team PR = Pressure Reduction. Values between 0.4 and 0.6 show a moderate relationship, while the correlation values greater than 0.7 are considered a strong positive relationship. Most of the variables in the correlation table 4.5 have a moderate positive relationship, while a few have a strong relationship and some have no defined relationship.
Factor Analysis
This factor refers to some necessary characteristics of a distribution center (pressure relief, merchandise team and need for a distribution center in Africa). Maintaining optimal operations of a distribution center means the best performance in all facets of the organization. The figure below explains the scree plot and shows the three components that influence the expansion of a distribution center in Africa.
Multivariate Analysis
Multiple Regression
The outcome of the ANOVA table is also used to determine the significance of the result. The significance of this independent variable to the dependent variable can be further elucidated by using the one-sample t-test from the regression analysis. All six predictor variables obtained a significant p-value of 0.000 < 0.05 and this indicates that the mean response of the sample represents the true population mean.
The One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)
It is the age group 25 to 31 years, 39 to 45 years age group and the age group 46 and above differ significantly in terms of their support regarding the acceptance that there is a need for a distribution center in Africa. Consequently, older people reported the highest level of need for a distribution center in Africa. From figure 4.22, the age group 46 and over recorded the lowest score regarding the need for a distribution centre.
Conclusion
Introduction
Biographical Data Discussion
Discussion of the Research Objectives
81 In addition, the important variables for a distribution center as noted by the respondents are advanced supply chain systems, a strong management team, strong workforce and a good transportation system. Grubor, Milicevic, Djokic highlight that the essential performance indicator of the entire supply chain is shown by product availability to retail consumers. From the data analyzed, most of the respondents agreed that a supply chain process, a strong management team, a strong workforce and a good transportation system are factors that support the efficiency and stock positioning of a distribution center across the African continent.
Multiple Regression Discussion
The factor that can hinder performance and use of technology is the human capital skills to operate the technology. As much as the respondents rated the human capital skills in South Africa highly, this does not necessarily mean that Mr Price Group will be rated in the same way in the African market. The investment in human capital can improve the distribution center's productivity and efficiency levels by improving the knowledge, skills and abilities of the employees (Kenneth.
Conclusion
Introduction
Managerial Implications Recommendations
87 The statistical analysis shows that Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya are the most ideal countries positioned for the expansion of distribution centers in the African market. The implication then is that human capital and skills should be prioritized because they have the technical knowledge and insight to do the actual work and satisfy customers. However, the availability of land infrastructure, acquisition of human capital skills that require training of workers and the necessary laws and regulations of those countries must be taken into account before venturing into business expansion.
Conclusion
The multi-item replenishment problem in a two-tier supply chain: The effect of centralization versus decentralization. A crucial strategy to optimize costs and service. https://www.gs1.org/docs/visibility/Supply_Chain_Visibility_Aberdeen_Report.pdf. Royale International Couriers [online], available: at http://opentoexport.com/article/centralising-and-decentralising-warehouseoperations/. The impact of IT implementation on supply chain integration and performance.
The evolution of the supply chain: stay informed in an ever-changing market. supermarket and retailer, [Online], Available:. Title: Supply Chain Distribution Systems towards the African Market: A Case of Mr Price Student Name: Luvuyo Zolile Mthimkhulu.
