Supply Chain Integration And Responsiveness Of Supermarkets In Mogadishu, Somalia

Abstract

The concept of supply chain integration has not been largely recognized among most of these supermarkets in Mogadishu. By recognizing appreciating supply chain integration in their operations, supermarkets in Mogadishu would be able to effectively compete in the retail sector given the greater opportunities of growth available. The focus of the study was on determining the interaction between supply chain integration and responsiveness with focus on supermarkets in Mogadishu, Somalia. The objectives of the study included: to determine the extent of supply chain integration among supermarkets in Mogadishu, determine the relationship between supply chain integration and responsiveness of supermarkets in Mogadishu and analyze the challenges of supply chain integration among supermarkets in Mogadishu. The design used in the study was descriptive and a total of 28 supermarkets were targeted and censured. Information for the study was gathered from primary sources. The analysis used descriptive and inferential statistics and tables helped in presentation of the findings. It was shown that internal, supplier and customer integration are key constructs of supply chain integration. A positive and significant link was established between supply chain integration and firm responsiveness. Inadequate trust between the firms, low commitment from the management of the firm and poor relationship management are some of the challenges affecting implementation of supply chain integration. The study concludes that supply chain integration has positive effect on timely order fulfillment, timely replenishment decisions and flexibility. The study recommends that in order to improve on their order processing abilities, the management team of all supermarkets in Mogadishu should invest in supplier, internal and customer integration. In order to remain flexible and make timely replenishment decisions, the study recommends that Supermarkets in Mogadishu should improve on their supplier, internal and customer integration mechanisms. The management of all supermarkets in Mogadishu should increase their commitment towards supply chain integration by availing all the required resources. The study was limited to primary data gathered with use of the study questionnaires. The study focused on Supermarkets operating in Mogadishu. Future studies should concentrate on other firms for instance commercial banks, insurance firms and the manufacturing businesses. There is also need for further studies to focus on firms across the East Africa region.