Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Physical distribution of goods Australia Management'

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2002.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The traditional ways in which manufacturers of crop protection products exercised control over distribution systems have diminished in their impact. Control was based on quality products, the power of the brand, an installed customer base and a broad portfolio of mostly patented products. Manufacturers of crop protection products need to review the manner in which these products are marketed, which distribution system management models are to be used, and the importance that is placed on distribution system management in the marketing mix. The primary aim of this study was defined as: "The development of appropriate distribution system management models for application in South Africa and Australia~. The secondary aim was defined as: "Establishing the key factors which determine the relationship between manufacturers and distributorsn . The dominant economic characteristics of the global crop protection industry are deemed to consist of a global market valued at US $28,090 mio, a mature market in a decline phase, the rapid consolidation of industry players, increased generic product manufacturer activity and an overall decline in manufacturer profitability. In South Africa crop protection product manufacturers use approximately 46 independent distributors to market products on farms through 600 affiliated commissioned sales agents. In Australia the distribution of crop protection products is much more concentrated. Distribution is essentially controlled by five national distributors and their coupled salaried representatives. Manufacturers therefore rely on third parties for the marketing of their products to farmers in both countries. The applicable problem statement has been formulated to select a distribution system management model that will: (i) optimally balance direct distribution related cost and subsequent levels of control over distributors; (ii) maximise the probability that a distributor will buy and actively promote the complete product portfolio of a for high levels of interpersonal relationship maintenance; and (vi) manufacturers have to instill the philosophy that distribution system management is part of a manufacturer's strategic business and marketing focus and not simply a task to be performed by a third party.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die tradisionele maniare waarop die vervaardigers van oesbeskermingsprodukte beheer kan uitoefen oor verspreidingsisteme is nie meer so suksesvol nie. Beheer was gebaseer op kwaliteil produkte, die mag van die handelsmerk:n gevestigde klientebasis en 'n wye produktereeks,bestaande uit gepatenteerde produkte, Vervaardigers van oesbeskermingsprodulcte moet die wyse waarop hierdie produkte bemark word, watter verspreidingsisteem bestuursmodelle gebruik word en die belangrikheid wat geplaas word op die bestuur van die verspreidingsisteme in die totala bemarkingspoging in heroorweging neern. Die primere doelstelling van hierdie studie is: "Die ontwikkeling van toepaslike verspreidingsisteem bestuursmodelle vir toe passing in Suid-Afrika en Australia. "Die sekondere doelstelling is: "Die vas stelling van die sleutelfaktore wat die verhouding tussen velVaardigers (verskaffers) en verspreiders bepaar. Die dominante ekonomiese kenmerke van die globale oesbeskermingsindustrie is 'n markwaarde in VSA $ 28,090 miljoen, 'n stagnante mark in 'n agteruitgang lase, die drastiese konsolidasie van die industrie spelers, 'n toename in die aktiwiteite van die generiese produkvervaardigers en 'n algemene daling in die winsgewindheid van die vervaardigers. In Suid-Afrika gebruik die vervaardigers van die oesbeskermingsprodukte ongeveer 46 onafhanklike verspreiders om die produkte op plaasvlak te bemark met behulp van 600 geaffilieerde kommissie agente. Die verspreiding van oesbeskermingsprodukte is baie meer gekonsentreerd in Australie. Verspreiding word in wese beheer deur vyf nasionale verspreiders en hulle spanne van verkoopsteenwoordigers wat 'n salaris verdien. In beide lande moet velVaardigers van oesbeskermingsprodukte staatmaak op onafhanklike instansies vir die bemarking van hul produkte op plaasvlak. Die probleemsteiling is dus die uitdaging om 'n verspreidingsisteem bestuursmodel t9 ontwikkel wat: (i) . n optima Ie balans sal gee tussen direkte verspreidingskoste en gekoppelde vlakke van beheer oor verspreiders; (ii) die waarskynlikheid dat . n verspreider die betrokke produkreeks van die vervaardiger sal aankoop en aktief sal promoveer; (iii) dit kan bereik in . n mark waar verspreiders talle bronne het van soortgelyke produkte teen kompeterende pryse. Gebaseer op die sekondere navorsing wat gedoen is wit dit blyk dat daar 'n algemene konsensus is dat daar n nei9in9 weg is van transaksie spesifieke besigheidsverhoudings na besigheidsverhoudings gebaseer op vennootskap gebaseerde benaderings in die interaksie tussen vervaardigers (verskaffers) en verspreiders. Hierdie tipe besigheidsverhouding word gekenmerk deur hoe vlakke van onderlinge vertroue, wedersydse verbintenis, konflik hanteringsmeganismes en goeie wedersydse kommunikasie. Primere navorsing is in Suid-Afrika (253 respondente) en Australia (180 respondente) gedoen. Implikasies vir die konstruksie van verspreidingsisteem bestuursmodelle wat voortvloei uit hierdie navorsing sluit in die belangrikheid dat on vervaardiger on wye en gesogte produkreeks het, die vereiste dat produkte beproefde effektiwiteit het, produkte kompeterend geprys is, die vereiste vir hoe vlakke van verskaffer opvolgdiens en die vereiste vir goeie interpersoonlike verhouding tussen werknemers van beide die vervaardigers en die verspreiders. Hierdie elemente moet ondermeer gerugsteun word deur goeie kommunikasiesisteme. Die "idea Ie" verspreidingsisteem bestuursmodelle is vervolgens voorgestel vir beide Suid-Afrika en Australie, gebaseer op die bevindinge van ondermeer die sekondere- en primere navorsing. Hierdie mode lie het ten doel om toepaslike strukture en besigheidsbenaderings vir vervaardigers daar te stel om hulle behulpsaam te wees om die geidentifiseerde behoeftes van die verspreiders aan te spreek.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Missouri--Rolla, 2007.
Vita. The entire thesis text is included in file. Title from title screen of thesis/dissertation PDF file (viewed December 3, 2007) Includes bibliographical references (p. 29-31).

This thesis presents a series of integrated models for simultaneous optimization of location, capacity, product range, and production technology decisions in production-distribution systems. The interactions between these decisions can be significant. This thesis draws its motivation from these interactions. In order to benefit from the capital and/or employment subsidies, preferential tax rates, and free trade zones provided by governments, firms need to take the interdependencies between their location, capacity and technology decisions into account. These decisions could be further complicated due to varying scale and scope economies inherent in different production technologies.
The models proposed in this thesis are based on two fundamentally different but equally central approaches. The first approach builds on traditionally popular integer programming formulation in facility location theory, in which two such models presented in this thesis. The first one assumes that there are a number of dedicated production technologies for each product whereas, the second one assumes that a set of flexible technologies is also present. Analytical properties of the models are described, which lead to the development of exact and heuristic solution procedures. Results of several sets of computational experiments are also reported. The second approach is based on continuous approximation (also known as continuum mechanics), which has not been used to its potential in the literature. The third model in this thesis is proposed for a system with single product. It is based on the use of continuous functions in representing spatial distribution of cost parameters and decision variables. In this model, the focus is to compute the service regions leaving the precise plant locations to a subsequent analysis. This model lends itself to closed form solutions and allows derivation of a number of insights on the impact of several cost factors on facility design decisions. Then, it is utilized in an analytical framework to analyze several plant focus decisions of firms in a multi-product environment. The closed form solution is used to analyze several product and market focus strategies, which have provided several insights into more sophisticated plant focus decisions and into the impact of different production technologies on these decisions.

There is a great need for a pharmaceutical manufacturer to provide its customers with the right product at the right time, place and price and also to deliver the product in the right quantity and quality. Should pharmaceutical customers not receive their orders on time from the pharmaceutical manufacturer, the customers might face out-of-stock situations. As a result, the patients or customers might turn to an alternative product from a different pharmaceutical manufacturer, which has the required stock readily available. This could lead to loss in sales and even death amongst its customers. The main objective of this study was to determine the key factors that form part of the demand and operations planning strategies to ensure that these factors are in place to effectively manage and execute the supply chain and logistics processes to reduce possible out-of-stock situations amongst its customers. As a starting point to the study, an analysis was performed based on the review of relevant research and literature from various text books, journals, publications, as well as internet sources. The literature study covered various aspects such as demand planning, production planning, the use of different demand and operations planning strategies, as well as the importance of continuous internal and external customer service levels to ensure that customer orders are delivered on time. The analysis of the literature review was used to establish a theoretical basis for the design and structure of the questionnaire that was used as a research instrument in this study. A survey was conducted amongst the employees that are responsible for executing the supply chain and logistics processes within Aspen Pharmacare. These employees resided within the three main departments of the pharmaceutical manufacturer, namely, the Demand and Operations Planning, Production and Packing, as well as the Warehouse and Distribution departments. Each question posed in the questionnaire related to the role of each employee within these departments that are responsible for the logistics processes within Aspen Pharmacare. The empirical results from the study indicated that the respondents were in support that specific key factors are important for a pharmaceutical manufacturer to manage incoming customer orders efficiently and effectively to reduce possible out-of-stock situations amongst its end customers. However, the respondents also highlighted that there were a number of obstacles preventing them from implementing the key factors that are required to manage incoming customer orders more efficiently within the pharmaceutical manufacturer. Some of these obstacles include: the lack of pro- activeness; lack of accountability; and the lack of constant communication between the employees from the three main departments. Furthermore, incomplete hand-over information during shift changes amongst the employees of the Production and Packing department created unnecessary down-time. Also, the employees from the Warehouse and Distribution department were not informed timeously when changes to the production schedule were made. These obstacles will have a negative impact on the ultimate customer delivery dates and need to be addressed. The empirical results highlighted some recommendations to assist pharmaceutical manufacturing companies to more effectively and efficiently manage their incoming customer orders to reduce or eliminate any possible out-of-stock situations amongst its end customers. Some recommendations include: improved communication between the three main departments; to react immediately to out-of-stock products; and to ensure that internal and external customer service levels are adhered to at all times. The implementation of the recommendations based on the empirical findings of the study will assist the pharmaceutical manufacturing company to achieve excellence and to become a world-class supplier of generic pharmaceutical products. In this way, all incoming customer orders can be fulfilled on time.

The underlying objective of this research was to assess the extent to which an efficient supply chain can help retail businesses; particularly liquor businesses to manage their business risks. The case study firm for the research was Big Daddy’s Group, one of the leading independent liquor distribution and retailing firms in South Africa. In order to achieve the objective of the research, a review of relevant literature was done. It began with literature review of retailing in general, highlighting on the major roles they play and the modern trends in the industry. Afterwards the literature was narrowed down to liquor retailing. This was done to ascertain the unique characteristics of that aspect of retailing including the regulations guiding the industry and the specific business risks in that business. The final part of the literature review was on specific concepts and management models such as value chain, supply chain as well as business risk and its management. The literature highlighted the means by which the retailer creates value for the customer and the inherent risks in the industry. There was the indication of supply chain being a key component of the value creating activities (value chain) of the business, and serving as a tool in mitigating possible risks. The literature provided the theoretical proposition (hypothesis) for the assessment of the case study findings from the Big Daddy’s Group. The data collection exercise was done by means of a questionnaire complimented by personal interview. Due to the nature of the firm, in terms of structure and operations, two persons, with considerable insight into the business, the director and the sales/area manager were interviewed for the exercise. The questions posed were categorised into seven key areas of retail operations such as product range, imports, customer awareness, marketing and advertising, supply chain and human resource. The findings were compared with the theoretical propositions developed in the literature review, and the pattern matching logic technique was used to determine the existence or not of any similar predictions or differences. The risks identified in the findings were analysed with the logic of an efficient supply chain as the mitigating tool. The conclusion was that supply chain management is key to the value creation activities and hence the survival of the business. The recommendation therefore is that the retailer should ensure the efficient management of the supply chain network since it has the potential to reduce the inherent risks in their operations.

Transportation is one of the most frequent problems in the business world. The major feature of the problem is that there are many warehouses and many delivery places. The objective of solving this problem is to find the amount of goods that should be sent from each warehouse to each customer while minimizing cost.Unfortunately, understanding the process and interpreting the results are not easy tasks. The method is very complex. The result is in the form of a table. We might say that it is not a friendly user-interface.In this thesis, we will create an application which uses a window as an interface, and uses minimal storage.Borland C++ v.4.0 is chosen to handle the implementation, and Borland Object Windows (class) Library for C++ v.2.0, OWL, is used for the interface. Therefore, this application operates on Windows 3.1 or Windows 95, but not on DOS.
Department of Computer Science

Luxury fashion brands seem to contradict sustainability. The values of sustainability are commonly associated with terms such as sharing, collaboration, austerity, and collective thinking. Luxury, however, is associated with excess, self-indulgence, delight and decadence (Kapferer & Bastien, 2012:360). Further paradoxes exist where the apparel of the luxury consumer is often manufactured by labourers in low wage-paying producing countries. High wastage is evident in the seasonality of the fashion industry. However, work opportunities are created by the fickleness of the fashion industry and the constant need to own the most current designs (Black, 2012:8). Owing to the high visibility of luxury fashion and the contractions between one -- on the one hand -- supplying income to families by way of employment and -- on the other hand -- not complying to sustainable international human resource practices, fashion brands are the focus of many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that use the mass media to expose any social wrongdoing in the industry. Luxury fashion brands are constantly in the spotlight, as highlighted in articles posted by the Clean Clothes campaign, a custodian for employees in the global garment industries; Greenpeace; and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). An example of such practices was when Greenpeace reported in 2009 that shoe brands such as Timberland and Clarks were manufactured from leather sourced from the hides of cattle in illegally deforested areas in Brazil. This provided negative publicity for these luxury shoe brands as well as for the Brazilian government that was financing this project (Vurro, Russo & Perrini, 2009:609). The luxury fashion brand industry, as well as the consumers of luxury fashion labels, are accused -- often only for the sake of sensationalism -- of living in the lap of luxury whilst maintaining a supply chain that is riddled with unsustainable practices. The social structure and hierarchy of patrons within a community have, since the Middle Ages, been signalled by the clothes they wore. Social class was a birthright. Today, sporting luxury brands continues to serve as status symbols, but unlike mediaeval times, it is not limited to people with a high social standing at birth as one can work for status, and purchase the items because one deserves them. (Han, Nunes, & Drèze, 2010:15). In 2009, during the International Herald Tribune (IHT) Suzy Menkes, the fashion editor at The Herald, called for “luxury”’ and “fashion” to be separated. Luxury prides itself in its handcrafted garments manufactured by respected tradesmen in the industry. The outcome is that the manufactured goods are made to last a lifetime (Gibson, 2012:23).

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Western Sydney, 2003.
"A thesis presented to the University of Western Sydney in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy"--t.p. "March 2003" Bibliography: p. 347 - 381.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2007.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: HM Timber operates five formal sawmills in South Africa, situated around the towns of Tzaneen, Sabie, Mthatha and Kokstad. The Mills in the Kokstad area experience unacceptable lead times during the months of April/May and November/December, when the demand for timber increases and the availability of transport in the area decreases. This problem is expected to intensify with the addition of HM Timber’s new Plywood plant just outside the town of Kokstad. The plywood also adds another dimension to the distribution problem in that the market generally demands smaller deliveries more often. With only one Distribution Centre in Cape Town, HM Timber is not geared to service this market in the rest of South Africa. The main objective of this research report is to determine and define the key success factors in the transport and distribution of timber products and how these factors can be integrated into various strategic options that will address HM Timber’s current distribution problems. A review of the literature summarises the latest trends in modern supply chain management. Supply chains consist of various businesses that aim to optimise all their operations and supply customers with good quality products and excellent service at affordable prices. Competition in modern day business increasingly occurs at supply chain level and the success of individual organisations therefore depends on the success of the entire supply chain. The focus is thus on collaboration and jointly developing supply chain strategies. The literature review ends with a summary of the most important aspects in the effective and efficient management of Distribution Centres. Analyses of HM Timber’s logistics operations reveal that various factors contribute to their transport problems during the months of April/May and November/December. These include the payment of rates that are not market-related, loading problems at the mills, a lack of coordination and the fact that HM Timber is not a contracted client and therefore not regarded a priority. The analysis also includes a discussion on the Western Cape Distribution Centre and the problems this facility is having with general administration, inventory management and the effective use of IT systems. A range of strategic options is available to HM Timber that will allow the company to improve its overall management of logistics. The options investigated include own operations as well as outsourced 3PL and 4PL solutions. To assist HM Timber in selecting the best logistics option, three models are presented to evaluate the various alternatives and to assist in deciding on the best option. The first model evaluates the costs associated with different transport options, while the second model allows the user to compare the costs of different Distribution Centre options. Finally, a multi-criteria decision model is presented that will assist HM Timber in selecting the best option for each mill and region. With the VISA transport model, Manline is rated the best option for all Weza and Singisi’s deliveries. Manline is also rated the best for Langeni’s long-distance deliveries, while HM Timber’s own fleet is rated the best option for Langeni’s local deliveries. Results from the Distribution Centre (DC) models indicate the cost structures to be sensitive to changes in the premiums achieved and changes in the market e.g. the customer base, product types, and volumes sold. The Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth DCs show acceptable EBIT margins based on the projected sales, but the projected EBIT margins for Durban are less than 2 %, making the Durban DC a less than attractive business proposition. A direct distribution solution is proposed for the KwaZulu-Natal area, whereby multiple deliveries are made directly from the mills as well as the new plywood plant in Kokstad. In conclusion, eight factors are identified as key to the successful transportation and distribution of timber products. HM Timber rates very well against the majority of these factors, but needs to focus on a number of issues to be able to maintain their high levels of customer service. These include investing in a dedicated logistics department, improving internal and external collaboration and coordination efforts and improving the efficiency of a number of operational and information technology systems.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: HM Timber bedryf vyf formele saagmeulens in Suid-Afrika wat geleë is in die omgewings van Tzaneen, Sabie, Mthatha en Kokstad. Die meulens in die Kokstad omgewing ondervind onaanvaarbare vertragings in aflewerings gedurende April/Mei en November/Desember wanneer die aanvraag na houtprodukte toeneem en die beskikbaarheid van vervoer in die Kokstad area afneem. Hierdie probleem gaan na verwagting groter word namate die laaghoutvolumes toeneem. ‘n Verdere uitdaging in die verspreiding van laaghout is die feit dat kliënte oor die algemeen kleiner hoeveelhede, meer gereeld aankoop. HM Timber bedryf slegs een Verspreidingsentrum in Kaapstad en is dus nie gereed om ander dele van Suid-Afrika te bedien nie. Die hoofdoelwit van hierdie navorsingsverslag is om te bepaal watter faktore noodsaaklik is om suksesvol te wees in die vervoer en verspreiding van houtprodukte. Die doel is verder om te bepaal hoe hierdie faktore in verskillende strategiese opsies geïntegreer kan word ten einde HM Timber se huidige verspreidingsprobleme aan te spreek. ‘n Studie van die literatuur gee ‘n opsomming van die nuutste tendense in die bestuur van moderne verskaffingskettings. Verskaffingskettings bestaan uit verskeie besighede wat ten doel het om al hul aktiwiteite te optimiseer en teen bekostigbare pryse uitstekende diens aan hulle kliënte te lewer en produkte van hoë gehalte te voorsien. Kompetisie in die moderne besigheid vind meer en meer plaas tussen die verskillende verskaffingskettings en die sukses van enige individule organisasie is dus afhanklik van die sukses van die algehele verskaffingsketting. Die fokus is dus op samewerking en om gesamentlik strategieë vir die verskaffingsketting te ontwikkel. Die literatuurstudie eindig met ‘n opsomming van die mees belangrike aspekte in die effektiewe en doeltreffende bestuur van verspreidingsentrums. Ontleding van HM Timber se logistieke aktiwiteite toon dat verskeie faktore verantwoordelik is vir die maatskappy se vervoerprobleme tydens April/Mei en November/Desember. Dit sluit in die betaling van nie-markverwante tariewe, laaiprobleme by die meulens, ‘n tekort aan koördinasie en die feit dat HM Timber nie ‘n kontrak met enige vervoermaatskappy het nie. Die analise sluit verder ‘n bespreking van die Verspreidingsentrum in Kaapstad in en die probleme wat hierdie fasiliteit ondervind met algehele administrasie, voorraadbeheer en die doeltreffende gebruik van inligtingstelsels. ‘n Reeks strategiese opsies is beskikbaar wat HM Timber instaat sal stel om algehele logistieke bestuur binne die maatskappy te verbeter. Opsies wat ondersoek word sluit in eie operasies sowel as die uitkontrakteer van die logistieke funksies aan 3PL en 4PL organisasies. Ten einde HM Timber te help om die beste opsie te kies, word drie modelle voorgestel wat gebruik kan word om die onderskeie alternatiewe te evalueer en die beste opsie te selekteer. Die eerste model evalueer die kostes wat geassosieër word met elk van die verskillende vervoeropsies. Die tweede model stel die gebruiker instaat om die kostes van verskillende Verspreidingsentrums te vergelyk. Die derde model is ‘n multi-kriteria besluitnemingsmodel wat HM Timber kan help om die beste opsie vir elke meul en elke streek te selekteer. Die VISA vervoermodel dui aan dat Manline die beste opsie is vir alle aflewerings vanaf Weza en Singisi. Manline word ook aangedui as die beste opsie vir Langeni se langafstand aflewerings, terwyl HM Timber se eie vloot steeds die beste opsie is vir Langeni se plaaslike aflewerings. Resultate van die Verspreidingsentrum-model dui aan dat die kostestrukture baie sensitief is vir veranderinge in die premies wat behaal word asook veranderinge in die houtmark, insluitend veranderinge in die kliëntebasis, die tipe produkte en die volumes wat verkoop word. Die model toon aanvaarbare winsgrense vir Verspreidingsentrums in Johannesburg en Port Elizabeth, maar die geprojekteerde winsgrens vir Durban is minder as 2 %, wat beteken dat ‘n Verspreidingsentrum in Durban nie ‘n goeie opsie is nie. ‘n Direkte verspreidingsoplossing word eerder vir die KwaZulu-Natal streek voorgestel. Hierdie opsie behels meervoudige aflewerings wat direk vanaf die verskillende meulens gemaak sal word. Agt faktore word uiteindelik geïdentifiseer as noodsaaklik vir die suksesvolle vervoer en verspreiding van houtprodukte. HM Timber vaar baie goed met die meeste van hierdie faktore, maar enkele punte moet aangespreek moet word ten einde huidige diensvlakke te handhaaf. Hierdie punte sluit in investering in ‘n toegewyde logistieke afdeling, verbetering van interne en eksterne samewerking en die verbetering van ‘n aantal operasionele- en inligtingstelsels.

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.

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.

Physical distribution is one of the key functions in logistics systems, involving the flow of products from manufacturing plants or distribution centers through the network of transportation to consumers. The function is very costly, especially for the distribution industries. During the past decades, the significance of physical distribution has increased enormously in both economic and managerial aspects. Several firms have realized that an efficiency improvement and a cost control of physical distribution would provide a potential for cost reduction and hence profit improvement. However, the customer satisfaction cannot be disregarded, since the focus on reducing cost often decreases the customer service level in many cases. A compromised strategy which lowers the cost of physical distribution and accounts for customer satisfaction must be sought. In this research, an effort to improve distribution strategies and reduce the distribution cost for the multi-product, multi-depot periodic distribution problem is made, while maintaining the desired customer service levels. In industry practice, distribution centers typically operate independently within their own territories only. However, it may be beneficial to allow those distribution centers to operate interdependently, particularly when the product supplies are limited at some distribution centers. In such cases, the distributors may satisfy customers' requests by delivering products from other distribution centers that hold more supplies. The interaction of interdependent operations among distribution centers, which have not been used in the industrial applications so far, is investigated. A mixed-integer linear programming model is formulated to represent this multi-product, multi-depot periodic distribution problem. Three tabu-search heuristics with different applications of long-term memory are developed for solving the problem. The performance of the heuristics is evaluated by comparing the solutions obtained with the optimal solutions or lower bounds from the regular branch-and-bound method and fast lower-bound finding techniques developed in this research. The heuristics provide good-quality solutions in a much shorter time than those methods. The performance of the three tabu-search heuristics is compared using statistical experiments based on the randomized complete block design and Tukey's Honestly Significant Differences. The experimental results show that the tabu-search heuristic with the use of long-term memory for diversification process outperforms the others. The heuristic is further applied to investigate the impact of interdependent operations among distribution centers. The results reveal that the interdependent operations among distribution centers provide a significant cost saving over the independent operations among distribution centers, especially for large-size problems.
Graduation date: 2004

The dissertation consists of three essays. In the first essay, I analyze the dynamic interactions in a decentralized distribution channel, composed of a manufacturer and a retailer, to launch an innovative durable product (IDP) whose underlying retail demand is influenced by word-of-mouth from past adopters and follows a Bass-type diffusion process. The word-of-mouth influence creates a trade-off between immediate and future sales/ profits, resulting in a multi-period dynamic supply chain coordination problem. The analysis shows that the manufacturer and retailer may have conflicts regarding their trade-offs and preferences between immediate and future profits. I characterize equilibrium pricing strategies and the resulting sales and profit trajectories. Surprisingly, I find that the manufacturer, and sometimes even the retailer, is better off with a myopic retailer strategy in some cases. Furthermore, I propose that revenue sharing contracts can coordinate the IDP supply chain throughout the entire planning horizon. In the second essay, I extend the demand model by considering the impact of shelf space allocation on the retail demand of an IDP. I assume the retail demand to be an increasing and concave function of the merchandise displayed on the shelf. I include a linear cost of shelf space in the retailer's objective function. I characterize the optimal dynamic shelf space allocation and retail pricing policies for the retailer and wholesale pricing policies for the manufacturer. I find that a myopic retailer allocates the constant amount of shelf-space to the IDP over the selling horizon, whereas the shelf space allocated to the IDP by a far-sighted retailer varies over time. Consistent with the first essay, the manufacturer and the retailer have conflict over the retailer's profitability strategy. In the third essay, I review the Stackelberg differential game models that study such issues in dynamic environments as production and inventory policies, outsourcing decisions, channel coordination, and competitive advertising. I introduce the basic concepts of the basics of the Stackelberg differential games. I focus on the models that derive the Stackelberg equilibria in the area of supply chain management and marketing channels.

The three essays in this thesis address various problems in the general area of supply chain management. In general, supply chain management is concerned with management of the flow of goods, information, and funds among supply chain members, such as suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumers. As such, its scope includes timing and quantity of material flow, logistics, improving efficiencies in problems with several decision makers, etc. The first essay in this thesis considers the problem of improving coordination in a decentralized system of retailers, while the second one addresses stability and profitability of Internet-based supply exchange alliances. The third essay analyzes a logistics problem, of finding an optimal route for a capacitated vehicle which travels on a graph and which can perform pickups and deliveries. In the first essay, we study a three-stage model of a decentralized distribution system with n retailers who each faces a stochastic demand for an identical product. In the first stage, before the demand is realized, each retailer independently orders her initial inventory. In the second stage, after the realization of the demand, each retailer decides what portion of her residual supply/demand she wants to share with the other retailers. In the third stage, residual inventories are transshipped in order to possibly meet residual demands, and an additional profit is allocated among the retailers. We study the effect of implementing various allocations rules in the third stage on the levels of the residual supply/demand the retailers are willing to share with others in the second stage, and the tradeoff involved in achieving a solution which is also optimal for the corresponding centralized system. The second essay is concerned with the formation of Internet-based supply exchange alliances among three or fewer retailers of possibly substitutable products. We provide some conditions, in terms of product substitutability and quality of suppliers, which would lead to the formation of a three member alliance, or a two member alliance, or no alliance at all. We also study the effect of alliance structure and quality of suppliers on the profit of a retailer. The third essay considers a vehicle routing problem with pickups and deliveries (VRPD problem) on some special graphs. Some vertices on the graph represent delivery customers, and other vertices represent pickup customers. The objective is to find a minimum length tour for a capacitated vehicle, which starts at a depot and travels on the graph while satisfying all the requests by the customers without violating the vehicle capacity constraint, and returns to a depot. We have developed linear time algorithms for the VRPD problem on a path and on tree graphs, linear and O (|V| log |V|) algorithm for a VRPD problem defined on a path with parametric initial capacity, and quadratic and O (|V|² log |V|) algorithms for a VRPD problem defined over a cycle graph.

M.Com. (Business Management)
The last mile distribution is the final link of successful supply chain operations. The high demand for products, lead time uncertainties and replenishment time complicate the distribution task. In order to achieve a competitive business edge, suppliers need to work at developing and improving their last mile distribution link. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the last mile wine distribution in Lagos Island, Nigeria, and to determine appropriate improvement strategies that can be recommended to wine suppliers. A qualitative research design was used in order to address the key research questions. Wine suppliers in Lagos Island, Nigeria were sampled for the study and mainly surveyed using open-structured interviews. The results of the research suggest that human resources factors influence the effectiveness of the last mile distribution. In addition, management-related factors also affect it. It was also noted that the effectiveness of last mile distribution for the wine suppliers is hampered by supply chain and logistics limitations. However, the findings indicate that the suppliers were able to contend with these challenges by applying some logistics strategies and personal initiatives to keep making profit. The study is expected to not only add value to current wine suppliers in Lagos Island, Nigeria, but also to potential investors interested in the Nigerian wine market. Recommendations for future research conclude the minor dissertation.

by Yang Ming-Yen Teresa.
Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1991.
Includes bibliographical references (leave 61).
ABSTRACT --- p.ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS --- p.iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.iv
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS --- p.vi
LIST OF TABLES --- p.vii
Chapter I. --- Introduction --- p.1
Company Background --- p.6
Chapter II. --- Methodology --- p.9
Chapter III. --- Analysis of the Existing System --- p.10
Piecegoods Purchase Order System --- p.10
Physical Flow --- p.17
Yarn Dyeing --- p.24
Knitting --- p.26
Piece Dyeing --- p.26
Finishing --- p.30
Final Inspection --- p.32
Transit Time --- p.35
Chapter IV. --- Identification of Major Problem Areas --- p.38
Documentation Flow --- p.38
Physical Flow --- p.40
Feasibility of the Target Lead Time --- p.41
Feasibility of the Target --- p.42
Production Capacity
Identification of the Problem Areas --- p.44
Chapter V. --- Recommendations To Improve the Lead Time --- p.50
Measurements --- p.50
Skills --- p.51
Communication --- p.54
Decision Process --- p.56
Management Support --- p.57
Appendix --- p.60
Bibliography --- p.61

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Technology: Industrial Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2014.
The SADC region has seen both man-made and natural disasters killing over 90 thousand people and affecting millions in the past 33 years. Most of these deaths were as a result of lack of infrastructure and preparedness. Looking at the challenges for providing relief to victims/evacuees throughout the entire disaster and post-disaster periods in the region, the emphasis of this thesis is on last mile transportation of resources, victims, emergency supplies, aiming to optimize the effectiveness (quick­I response) and efficiency (low-cost) of logistics activities including humanitarian supply chain. A survey was used for data collection. Statistical analysis helped determine the impact of disaster relief chains and lead to the development of a mathematical model that shall equip the region with mechanisms for response and recovery operations. An EXCEL optimization tool was used to find the optimal way of transporting relief in the region in case of a disaster.
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M

M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
Globally, Logistics and Supply Chains play important roles; and they contribute immensely to the economy of a nation. The purpose of this research is to investigate and how logistics and supply chains management were implemented in a cement factory in Nigeria. Through the investigation, it was confirmed that Cement Company based their logistical system only on a road-link transport system to deliver their product to their customers or end-users, whereas in today’s technology, there are many ways in which logistics can be implemented. Therefore, this research was conducted, in order to do investigate while other logistical systems have not been actively used. The resultant findings are going to be used to address the problem. According to the investigation, it was found that 73.3% of the questionnaire respondents still prefer to use the road-link logistical system. There is a railway infrastructure in place from one point to another. However, the rail system logistics cannot be implemented because the railway infrastructure is obsolete. A new infrastructure will have to be put in place; and this is going to be costly. Apart from addressing the issue, this research also identify some possible hazards that could arise from using a road logistical system alone, such as the wastage of products, when accidents take place. There needs to be an elimination or reduction in the traffic congestion along the highway. It is also necessary to reduce the environmental pollution. Furthermore, apart from the point mentioned above, other logistical systems could be cheaper, safer and easier to maintain, compared with the Road only. Strong collaboration with logistical and supply-chain professional expertise would be required, in order to have a modern logistical system for better results. Collaboration in the working environment plays a role, but involving expertise would make a strong contribution and be more effective.

M. Tech. (Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology) Vaal University of Technology|
Implementing either periodic or continuous inventory review model within most manufacturing-companies-supply chains, as a management tool, incurs higher costs. These high costs affect the system flexibility which in turn affects the level of service required to satisfy customers. However, these effects are not clearly understood. This may be due to the fact that lead time and demand which are important input parameters of the manufacturing supply chain are not designed to be fully utilized under different and uncertain conditions such as seasonality, poor manufacturing, poor supplies and delivery performance, etc. Coming up with a hybrid inventory model which may combine, in some sense a continuous (r, Q) and a periodic (R, S) inventory review models can be useful in dealing with such problem. Therefore, more attention should be first devoted to formulating accurate models for lead time and demand that incorporate uncertainty. This study presents a simulation based approach that assesses the effect of uncertainty on the cost of implementing a continuous (r, Q), periodic (R, S) and hybrid inventory review models while considering appropriate constraint such as customer service and system flexibility. The stochastic representations of demand and lead time are proposed and used in the simulation models. Results reveal that under a unique situation, implementing a continuous (r, Q) inventory review model may cause manager to under-budget while the use of a periodic (R, S) inventory review models may lead to over budget and vice versa. Further investigation shows that the cost of implementing the hybrid inventory model, although higher at the beginning of operation, seems to be the most cost effective one over time. The result also reveal optimal re-order point path and optimal review interval path which when followed, should lead to optimal inventory cost path as demand and lead time fluctuate. Thus, a management guide is proposed that can be used by managers in making inventory decision.

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.

M. Tech. (Logistics management, Faculty of Management Sciences), Vaal University of Technology
The growth and development of SCM is attributed to number of factors such as partnership, collaboration, integration and relationship commitment. Despite increasing awareness of the importance of joint venture to organisations, research on the supply chain relationships (supply chain partnership, collaboration, integration and relationship commitment) and performance have received little attention. Therefore, using a data set of 271 individuals from the small and medium enterprise (SMEs) sector in South Africa, this study examines the influence of supply chain partnerships on collaboration, collaboration on integration, integration on relationship commitment and relationship commitment on performance. Structural equation modeling (SEM) method was used to analyses the data collected whereby individuals agrees with that supply chain relationships increase performance in the work environment. The study has developed a supply chain management (SCM)-based performance measurement system (PMS) for the case of SMEs. Such a framework may help SMEs managers to establish their own supply chain functions and strategically plan improvements for weak areas. In addition, it may remain helpful for benchmarking current practices with industry norms requirements. Quite often, companies dealing with a large number of performance measures derived and expanded based on the suggestions from employees, consultants and past experiences (history) forget to realise that supply chain performance measurement can be better addressed when they joint venture.

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.

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.

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)

Abstract in English, Afrikaans and Sesotho
The study was inspired by the global phenomenon of failure rates of outsourcing ventures; yet, the outsourcing value proposition of 3PL providers is promising and potentially lucrative. The approach of the outsourcing venture was thus investigated, specifically how to align and integrate outsourcing parameters appropriately at the inception of the outsourcing venture in order to attain the benefits brought about by the outsourcing decision over the projected life of the outsourcing venture. To this effect, a strategic decision-making model, with the objective of ascertaining optimal alignment and integration was developed. The model comprises a dualistic development followed by a methodological process path to operationalise the strategic decision-making model. A services continuum (development one) is established, which is a permutation matrix that classifies four aspects of importance (service type, category of 3PL provider, strategic alignment and investment), in order to align the aspects optimally and enable appropriate model application. The services continuum is a conglomeration of nine models:  a capabilities matrix for 3PL provider services;  a framework for evaluating the supply chain role of 3PL providers;  a mathematical model;  a supplier selection and evaluation process;  a presentation of the Hayes–Wheelwright framework;  an outsourcing variables differentiated model;  four categories of the 3PL providers model;  an estimated path model; and  a process integration via survey data collection model. The services continuum was extended for utilisation with risk management practices, and an outsourcing risk matrix (development two) was established. The enablement of the outsource risk matrix is an element review, consisting of three categories: collaboration and integrated planning systems; performance measurement; and broad-based black economic empowerment. The strategic decision-making methodology process path was developed as having three phases, which operationalise the strategic decision-making model. The research was primarily focussed on literature reviews, with the models classified according to the services continuum. To a lesser extent, the research focussed on primary data, which served as model application input specifically for application requirements related to Sasol. The study established a universally applicable strategic decision-making model, as well as the application of the model for Sasol’s outbound (final packaged product) supply chain.
Thuto e ile ya kgothaletswa ke tshebetso ya lefatshe mabapi le maemo a ho hloleha ha ho nyaolwa/ntshuwa ha diprojeke kgwebong; leha ho le jwalo, tlhahiso ya boleng ba ditshebeletso tsa 3PL e a tshepisa ebile e ka ba le hlahiso ya tjhelete e ngata. Ka tsela eo, mokgwa wa ho tswa kgwebong o ile wa phenyekollwa, haholoholo mabapi le ho tsamaisana le ho kenyelletsa maemo a ho ntshetsa pele maruo ka mokgwa o nepahetseng ha ho thehwa kgwebo ya ho ntshetsa pele ho fumana melemo e tliswang ke qeto ya ho ntshetsa pele ka bophelo ba morero wa ho nyaolwa kgwebong. Ka lebaka lena, ho ntshetswa pele mokgwa/motlolo o motle wa ho etsa diqeto, ka sepheo sa ho netefatsa hore ho na le boemo bo nepahetseng le ho kopanngwa ho tsitsitseng. Motlolo ona o na le ntshetso pele e habedi e latelwang ke tshebetso ya mokgwa wa ho kenya tshebetsong tsela ya ho nka diqeto. Tatellano ya ditshebeletso e tswelang pele (ntshetsopele ya pele) e a thehwa, e leng phethoho ya tikoloho e kgethollang dikarolo tse nne tsa bohlokwa (mofuta oa tshebeletso, mokga wa mofani wa 3PL, kemiso ya moralo le matsete), e le ho dumellana le dintlha ka tsela e nepahetseng le ho etsa hore ho sebediswe motlolo hantle. Ditshebeletso tse tswelang pele ke kopano ya dimotlolo tse robong:  bokgoni ba maemo a tikoloho bakeng sa ditshebeletso tsa bafani ba 3PL;  sebopeho sa ho hlahloba phepelo ya tatellano ya ho nka karolo ha bafani ba 3PL;  mokgwa/motlolo wa mathemathiks;  kgetho ya mofani le mokgwa wa o hlahloba;  tlhaloso ya moralo wa Hayes-Wheelwright;  mefuta e fapaneng ya ho nyaola dikarolo tse fapaneng;  ntho tse mene tsa bafani ba 3PL;  mohlala wa tsela ya dimotlolo; le  mokgwa wa ho kopanya ka mokgwa wa ho bokella lesedi la dipatlisiso. Dishebeletso tse tswelang pele di ile tsa atoloswa bakeng sa tshebediso ya mekgwa ya taolo ya dikotsi, mme maemo a tikoloho a kotsing ya boipheliso (ntlafatso ya bobeli) a thehwa. Ho kengwa tshebetsong ha kotsi ya maemo a tikoloho ke ntho e shejwang botjha e nang le mekga e meraro: mekgwa ya ho sebedisana le meralo e kopanetsweng; tekanyo ya tshebetso; le ho matlafatsa bofuma ba batho batsho lehlakoreng la moruo. Mokgwa wa ho etsa diqeto o ile wa ntlafatswa e le o nang le mekgahlelo e meraro, e sebetsang ka mokgwa o motle wa ho etsa diqeto. Phuputso e ne e lebisitswe haholo ditabeng tsa tlhahlobo ya dingodilweng, le dimotlolo tse kgethollwang ho latela ditshebeletso tse tswelang pele. Ho ya ka tekanyo e nyenyane, dipatlisiso di lebisitse tlhokomelong ya lesedi la mantlha, le neng le sebetsa e le mokgwa wa ho kenya letsoho bakeng sa ditlhoko tsa kopo tse amanang le Sasol. Phuputso ena e thehile mokgwa wa ho etsa diqeto tse amohelehang lefatsheng ka bophara, hammoho le ho sebediswa ha setshwantsho sa phepelo ya tlhahiso ya Sasol (thlahiso ya ho qetela).
Dié studie is deur die globale verskynsel van die falingstempo van uitkontrakteringsondernemings geïnspireer; ten spyte hiervan lyk die uitkontrakteringswaardevoorstel van 3PL-verskaffers belowend en is dit potensieel winsgewend. Die benadering wat die uitkontrakteringonderneming volg, is derhalwe ondersoek en in die besonder hoe om die uitkontrakteringparameters by die aanvang van die uitkontrakteringonderneming toepaslik in lyn te stel en te integreer om die voordele te benut van die uitkontrakteringsbesluit oor die geprojekteerde lewe van die uitkontrakteringsonderneming. ’n Strategiesebesluitnemingsmodel wat ten doel het om optimale inlynstelling en integrasie te verseker, is dus ontwikkel. Die model bestaan uit ’n dualistiese ontwikkeling, gevolg deur ’n metodologiese prosesbaan om die strategiese besluitnemingsmodel te operasionaliseer. ’n Dienstekontinuum (ontwikkeling een) is op die been gebring, wat ’n permutasiematriks is wat vier aspekte van belangrikheid (dienssoort, kategorie van die 3PL-verskaffer, strategiese inlynstelling en investering) klassifiseer, ten einde die aspekte optimaal in lyn te stel en toepaslike modeltoepassing moontlik te maak. Die dienstekontinuum bestaan uit ’n versameling van nege modelle:  ’n bekwaamheidsmatriks vir 3PL-diensverskafferdienste;  ’n raamwerk om die voorsieningskettingsrol van 3PL-verskaffers te evalueer;  ’n wiskundige model;  ’n verskafferseleksie en evalueringsproses;  ’n aanbieding van die Hayes-Wheelwright-raamwerk;  ’n uitkontrakteringsveranderlike-gedifferensieerde model;  vier kategorieë van die 3PL-verskaffersmodel;  ’n geraamde baanmodel; en  prosesintegrasie deur middel van ’n ondersoekdata-insamelingsmodel. Die dienstekontinuum is uitgebrei vir gebruik by risikobestuurspraktyke en ’n uitkontrakteringrisikomatriks (ontwikkeling twee) is op die been gebring. Die bemagtiging van die uitkontrakteringsrisikomatriks is ’n elementhersiening, wat uit drie kategorieë bestaan: samewerkings- en geïntegreerdebeplanningstelsels; prestasiemeting; en breë swart ekonomiese bemagtiging. Die strategiese besluitnemingsmetodologieprosesbaan is met drie fases ontwikkel, wat die strategiese besluitnemingsmodel operasionaliseer. Die navorsing het hoofsaaklik op literatuuroorsigte gefokus, met die modelle wat volgens die dienstekontinuum geklassifiseer is. Die navorsing het in ’n mindere mata op die primêre data gekonsentreer, wat as die modeltoepassingsinset gedien het, in die besonder vir die toepassingsvereistes wat op Sasol betrekking het. Die studie het ’n universele, toepaslike strategiesebesluitnemingsmodel daargestel, asook die aanwending van die model op Sasol se uitgaande voorsieningsketting (finaal verpakte produk).
Business Management
D. Phil. (Management Studies)