dc.description.abstract | This study aimed at establishing effects of Just-In-Time (JIT) adoption on operational
performance of cement companies in Kenya. Specifically, this study aimed at establishing
how much Just-In-Time (JIT) is applied in cement firms in Kenya, to determine the
factors that enhances JIT adoption in cement firms in Kenya and to establish the
relationship between JIT adoption and operational performance of cement firms in
Kenya. This study was founded on Henri Fayol Principle of Operation Management, and
Theory of Constraints (TOC). The research design adopted in this study is the descriptive
research design, the study targeted operations managers, quality control managers and
procurement managers of these companies. Therefore, the study population consisted 18
managers in the major cement companies in Kenya. Purposive sampling method was used
to select the 18 operations managers, quality control managers and procurement
managers. The study collected both primary and secondary data. The study used a
questionnaire for primary data collection purposes. The study generated both qualitative
and quantitative data. Quantitative data collected through the questionnaires were
checked for completeness and accuracy and usability. Descriptive statistics was used to
quantitatively describe the imperative structures of the variables using SD, frequency and
the mean. The researcher employed a multivariate regression model to study the
relationship between employee training, information communication technology, top
management support and level of payroll and operational performance of major cement
companies in Kenya. In the first objective, the study established that JIT in cement
manufacturing companies has been implemented to a great extent. The second objective
established among the factors that enhanced JIT implementation includes; top
management support, Information Communication and Technology (ICT), training and
level of payroll. JIT lead to reduction in waste, lead time, stock out, cost of production
and production time. Further, the study established that there was a positive direct
relationship between JIT adoption and operational performance of cement firms in
Kenya. This study concludes that JIT inventory management technique presented high
operational advantages to cement manufacturing firms in Kenya. Employee training, ICT
utilization and top management commitment are paramount in ensuring successful
implementation of JIT inventory management technique. Cement manufacturing
companies should uphold continuous implementation of JIT inventory management
technique. Cement should firms should continually ensure continuous employee training
and development. However, quality and consistency measures must be embraced to
ensure that skills acquired are relevant and can bring about the anticipated changes
toward efficient implementation. JIT inventory management cement manufacturing
companies should lay adequate IT infrastructure. For JIT implementation to take place in
an effective manner, top management of cement manufacturing companies should remain
fully commitment. The top management ought to closely monitor the process in order to
incorporate the necessary changes in timely manner. | en_US |