Supply Chain Strategy and Service Delivery in Humanitarian Organisations: a Case Study of Save the Children International in Kenya

Abstract

Supply chain management determines the capacity of an organization to deliver on goods and service to its clientele. In spite of the importance of this function in enabling an organization to achieve its objectives, there has only been a few studies which have focused on the role of supply chain management strategy on the performance of humanitarian organizations. The supply chain management function has a consequential effect on the performance of an organization and the quality of its service delivery. Save the Children relies on effective supply chain management to reach the target populations. However, it can benefit from a more strategic and deliberate approach to optimizing the performance of its supply chain function. Additionally, it must ensure its supply chain function minimizes its operational costs and enables it to enhance its reach. This requires an emphasis on developing institutional competence in supply chain. In addition, it should embrace increased information sharing to streamline the management of its supply chain function. The findings of this quantitative research demonstrated that while this organization has demonstrated an understanding of the impact that supply chain management has on its service delivery, there are gaps in its strategy which must be filled to enable it to achieve its objectives. Moving forward, it is integral for the organization to demonstrate a commitment towards ensuring that its supply chain function supports both its short-term and long-term goals