An evaluation of supply chain stakeholder engagement in terms of customer specific requirements: a case study of an automotive supplier and the pressures around the automotive original equipment manufacturers’ (OEMs’) requirements
- Authors: van Staden, Shelby
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Business logistics , Materials management , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:74160
- Description: The central aim of this study was to assess the engagement of supply chain stakeholders, namely OEMs and an automotive supplier, in relation to customer-specific requirements. This objective was accomplished by identifying the communication methods employed by both parties for addressing customer-specific needs. Additionally, the study aimed to pinpoint the factors that promoted engagement between OEMs and automotive suppliers concerning these requirements. Conversely, it aimed to uncover the factors that hindered such engagement. Lastly, the research aimed to evaluate whether this engagement effectively alleviated the pressures faced by the automotive supplier regarding customer-specific requirements. The broader goal of the research was to comprehend how supply chain stakeholder engagement operated between OEMs and an automotive supplier with respect to customer-specific requirements. This was pursued through secondary objectives, which entailed examining how communication transpired between OEMs and an automotive supplier, the degree of participatory nature in this communication, the barriers and catalysts influencing customer-specific requirements, and whether this engagement mitigated the pressures borne by the automotive supplier. These objectives were instrumental in revealing opportunities for enhancing OEM communication, thereby positively contributing to their relationships with supply chain partners and mitigating the added burdens they faced. The research followed a qualitative case study design, utilizing semi-structured interviews to delve into the experiences of participants carefully selected from an automotive supplier. These participants were chosen based on their interactions with OEM customers, thereby providing pertinent insights into these interactions. Thematic analysis was employed for data analysis, uncovering codes, categories, and overarching themes from participants’ responses. The findings of the research highlighted certain consistent themes, shedding light on which communication methods were employed more frequently, as well as the rationale behind their usage. Notably, online platforms emerged as a popular channel, and daily communication was preferred. The research also revealed a recurring theme wherein OEMs assumed a controlling role, rather than fostering a mutually advantageous partnership in addressing issues. Additionally, communication barriers were observed in the use of online portals for communication by the automotive supplier. In these themes, variations were discerned in communication channels. These differences were rooted in participants’ responsibilities, decision-making authority, and designated roles. Consequently, the perception of communication channels varied among participants. However, similarities were also noted in the participants’ feedback regarding communication channels. The research highlighted the necessity for improved two-way communication and emphasized the need for a collaborative approach between OEMs and the automotive supplier, rather than a unilateral one. The research underscored an evident power imbalance between OEMs and the automotive supplier. In essence, the crux of a successful and mutually beneficial engagement between OEMs and the automotive supplier lies in transparent communication, adaptability, and a shared willingness to find solutions that cater to both sides. By focusing on these core principles, it is plausible to establish a scenario that benefits both parties and nurtures a robust and enduring partnership. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: van Staden, Shelby
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Business logistics , Materials management , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:74160
- Description: The central aim of this study was to assess the engagement of supply chain stakeholders, namely OEMs and an automotive supplier, in relation to customer-specific requirements. This objective was accomplished by identifying the communication methods employed by both parties for addressing customer-specific needs. Additionally, the study aimed to pinpoint the factors that promoted engagement between OEMs and automotive suppliers concerning these requirements. Conversely, it aimed to uncover the factors that hindered such engagement. Lastly, the research aimed to evaluate whether this engagement effectively alleviated the pressures faced by the automotive supplier regarding customer-specific requirements. The broader goal of the research was to comprehend how supply chain stakeholder engagement operated between OEMs and an automotive supplier with respect to customer-specific requirements. This was pursued through secondary objectives, which entailed examining how communication transpired between OEMs and an automotive supplier, the degree of participatory nature in this communication, the barriers and catalysts influencing customer-specific requirements, and whether this engagement mitigated the pressures borne by the automotive supplier. These objectives were instrumental in revealing opportunities for enhancing OEM communication, thereby positively contributing to their relationships with supply chain partners and mitigating the added burdens they faced. The research followed a qualitative case study design, utilizing semi-structured interviews to delve into the experiences of participants carefully selected from an automotive supplier. These participants were chosen based on their interactions with OEM customers, thereby providing pertinent insights into these interactions. Thematic analysis was employed for data analysis, uncovering codes, categories, and overarching themes from participants’ responses. The findings of the research highlighted certain consistent themes, shedding light on which communication methods were employed more frequently, as well as the rationale behind their usage. Notably, online platforms emerged as a popular channel, and daily communication was preferred. The research also revealed a recurring theme wherein OEMs assumed a controlling role, rather than fostering a mutually advantageous partnership in addressing issues. Additionally, communication barriers were observed in the use of online portals for communication by the automotive supplier. In these themes, variations were discerned in communication channels. These differences were rooted in participants’ responsibilities, decision-making authority, and designated roles. Consequently, the perception of communication channels varied among participants. However, similarities were also noted in the participants’ feedback regarding communication channels. The research highlighted the necessity for improved two-way communication and emphasized the need for a collaborative approach between OEMs and the automotive supplier, rather than a unilateral one. The research underscored an evident power imbalance between OEMs and the automotive supplier. In essence, the crux of a successful and mutually beneficial engagement between OEMs and the automotive supplier lies in transparent communication, adaptability, and a shared willingness to find solutions that cater to both sides. By focusing on these core principles, it is plausible to establish a scenario that benefits both parties and nurtures a robust and enduring partnership. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
A framework for the successful management of the service suppliers in the public sector in South Africa
- Authors: Fudu, Anele George
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Management , Business logistics , Government business enterprises -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51411 , vital:43272
- Description: The Public sector outsources the service to the private service suppliers through tendering and the awarding of contracts to the successful service providers. There is a lot of money budgeted and spent on service providers; therefore, there is a great need to manage the service providers successfully, in order to deliver a reliable service to the community; and to reduce the cost thereof. The study focused on the successful management of the service suppliers, in order to deliver contract deliverables. Poor performance of the service providers might well lead to schedule overruns, contract over-expenditure and contract cancellations. Inadequate performance management causes service suppliers not to perform at their optimum level. The study aimed to contribute to the development of the framework for performance management of the service suppliers in the public sector in South Africa. The primary objectives of the study were to investigate and develop a framework for managing and enhancing the performance of the service suppliers in the public sector. More specifically, the study investigated the influence of scope of work, a contract strategy, performance management, risk management and change management. The study sought to formulate a structured and practical approach on how to manage service suppliers to the public sector. The study will seek to understand what influences the success for the win-win approach in the Public Sector and Services Suppliers – so that both parties can see themselves as partners in the delivery of the services. The sample consists of 70 employees across all the public sector in South Africa, which consists of national government, provincial municipalities, district municipalities, local government and State-owned companies. The study targeted those respondents involved in the management of the service suppliers to the public study. The empirical results show that the management of the service providers’ performance in the public sector is critical to the service delivery and the management of the final cost. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Fudu, Anele George
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Management , Business logistics , Government business enterprises -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51411 , vital:43272
- Description: The Public sector outsources the service to the private service suppliers through tendering and the awarding of contracts to the successful service providers. There is a lot of money budgeted and spent on service providers; therefore, there is a great need to manage the service providers successfully, in order to deliver a reliable service to the community; and to reduce the cost thereof. The study focused on the successful management of the service suppliers, in order to deliver contract deliverables. Poor performance of the service providers might well lead to schedule overruns, contract over-expenditure and contract cancellations. Inadequate performance management causes service suppliers not to perform at their optimum level. The study aimed to contribute to the development of the framework for performance management of the service suppliers in the public sector in South Africa. The primary objectives of the study were to investigate and develop a framework for managing and enhancing the performance of the service suppliers in the public sector. More specifically, the study investigated the influence of scope of work, a contract strategy, performance management, risk management and change management. The study sought to formulate a structured and practical approach on how to manage service suppliers to the public sector. The study will seek to understand what influences the success for the win-win approach in the Public Sector and Services Suppliers – so that both parties can see themselves as partners in the delivery of the services. The sample consists of 70 employees across all the public sector in South Africa, which consists of national government, provincial municipalities, district municipalities, local government and State-owned companies. The study targeted those respondents involved in the management of the service suppliers to the public study. The empirical results show that the management of the service providers’ performance in the public sector is critical to the service delivery and the management of the final cost. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Factors influencing the automation of procurement processes at Higher Education Institutions in South Africa
- Authors: Kock, Yolandi
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Automation , Business logistics , Industrial procurement
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51732 , vital:43367
- Description: The main objective of this research was to evaluate the factors that influence the automation of procurement processes at Higher Education Institutions in South Africa. This was appropriate due to the important role that procurement plays in the day to day activities in the higher education environment and the need to fully automate procurement systems to assist in cost saving efforts and process efficiency. The study employed the survey method in the collection of data and questionnaires were the main data collection instrument. Seventy (70) respondents, who all form part of the Purchasing Consortium of Southern Africa (PURCO SA) were targeted to participate in the empirical study. Initial review of the topic revealed limited research into automated procurement systems at higher education institutions in South Africa, but indicated that universities in countries like Ghana, Italy, Kenya and Zimbabwe were more advanced in terms of automation. The study achieved its purpose by reaching both the main and the secondary research objectives successfully, highlighting the factors that influence the automation of procurement processes. The analysis further revealed time and cost savings as well as process efficiencies when using automated procurement systems. The study concludes with recommendations for Procurement Managers and recommendations on future research. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences , Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Kock, Yolandi
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Automation , Business logistics , Industrial procurement
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51732 , vital:43367
- Description: The main objective of this research was to evaluate the factors that influence the automation of procurement processes at Higher Education Institutions in South Africa. This was appropriate due to the important role that procurement plays in the day to day activities in the higher education environment and the need to fully automate procurement systems to assist in cost saving efforts and process efficiency. The study employed the survey method in the collection of data and questionnaires were the main data collection instrument. Seventy (70) respondents, who all form part of the Purchasing Consortium of Southern Africa (PURCO SA) were targeted to participate in the empirical study. Initial review of the topic revealed limited research into automated procurement systems at higher education institutions in South Africa, but indicated that universities in countries like Ghana, Italy, Kenya and Zimbabwe were more advanced in terms of automation. The study achieved its purpose by reaching both the main and the secondary research objectives successfully, highlighting the factors that influence the automation of procurement processes. The analysis further revealed time and cost savings as well as process efficiencies when using automated procurement systems. The study concludes with recommendations for Procurement Managers and recommendations on future research. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences , Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
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