dc.description.abstract | The study investigated how the distribution network economy influenced the logistics performance
of fresh milk processing firms in Kenya. Determining the adoption levels of distribution network
economy by fresh milk processing firms in Kenya and to establishing the relationship of
distribution network economy and logistics performance of fresh milk processing firms in Kenya
were the study objectives. The research design applied for the study was descriptive design and
the target population was all the 42 licensed milk processing firms in Kenya as listed by the Kenya
Dairy Board (2021). Primary data which acquired through the application of questionnaires was
used. Questionnaires were administered through electronic mail and also dropped off at
respondents premises and later picked up. For data analysis, descriptive statistics was used for
objective one whilst regression analysis was used for objective two. On the first objective, it was
established that distribution network collaboration and transport management were adopted to a
large extent while distribution information technology optimization, backhaul management and
omni-channel distribution management were moderately adopted by the fresh milk processing
firms in Kenya. On the other hand, with p values of less than five percent, the findings indicate
that distribution network economy - distribution network collaboration, transport management,
distribution information technology optimization, backhaul management and omni-channel
distribution - has a positive and significant relationship on logistics performance (logistics cost
and timeliness) of fresh milk processing firms in Kenya. It is recommended that distribution
information technology optimization, backhaul management and omni-channel distribution
management be embraced to a larger extent as they were found to be moderately adopted. Future
studies should also focus on distribution network economy strategies in other sectors –
pharmaceutical firms, franchise outlets, retailers or even county governments - and not limit this
to milk processing firms in Kenya. The context can also be decentralized from Kenya to the county
levels like Uasin Gishu, Trans-Nzoia or Nairobi counties among others. | en_US |