Inventory management and performance of SMEs in the manufacturing sector of Harare

W. Muchaendepi, C. Mbohwa, T. Hamandishe, J. Kanyepe

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

35 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The study assessed the inventory management (IM) strategies that are used by SME's in the manufacturing sector of Harare, Zimbabwe. The study comprised of the population from Gleview complex, Siya So Mbare, Kuwadzana, Gazaland and Magaba industrial sites. Respondents were selected from the each of the companies which the researchers selected purposively. The study used qualitative research design which was descriptive in nature. The study also used purposive sampling technique. A sample used a sample size of 244 respondents. Data was collected from the questionnaires which were completed and received back. The research established that most SME's use the Just-In-Time method of inventory management and do not have knowledge on the other computerized systems and methods. Since companies use JIT method, SME's face challenges in the supply chain as they always have to make sure they have constant communication with their suppliers and also to reduce the time in which they receive materials. However, due to lack of computerized communication, they have to make orders when they are needed which would make delays to the customer. Due to the finding, the researchers concluded and also made request for further studies on specific areas which needed more time and clarity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)454-461
Number of pages8
JournalProcedia Manufacturing
Volume33
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Event16th Global Conference on Sustainable Manufacturing, GCSM 2018 - Lexington, United States
Duration: 2 Oct 20184 Oct 2018

Keywords

  • Customer Service
  • Inventory management
  • Performance

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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