Extent Of Adoption Of Information Communication Technology In Supply Chain Management Among Supermarkets In Kenya

Abstract

Organizations today are under pressure to better manage the supply chain and to improve efficiency and logistics operations while remaining responsive to changing market conditions and customer demands. The information and communication technologies, particularly the use of computers, internet and integrated Information systems are quickly changing the way supply of products and service are carried out by different businesses. As a result, organizations need to adopt Information and Communication Technologies to support their supply chains and increase their efficiency by achieving tighter cooperation relationship over the supply-chain. Different business have been adopting Information and Communication Technologies for different activities at different pace due to various unique reasons and hence the variation in the level of Information and Communication Technologies adoption. This study explored the extent of Information and Communication Technologies adoption, and the challenges encountered together with the utilization of Information Communication Technology in supermarkets. The study targeted Major supermarkets in Kenya. The study was conducted through structured questionnaire which were distributed to supermarket in Kenya. Data was analyzed using statistical package and represented using table. The study shows that many supermarkets have embraced the use of Information and Communication Technologies in different departments and sections. Also there are a number of drivers and barriers that influence the adoption of Information and Communication Technologies solutions in supermarkets in Kenya. The recommendations of this study provide a basis for the need of different stake holders in the sector to work together and also to see how they can work on the challenges that hinder the use of Information and Communication Technologies in supermarkets. Adoption and use of Information and Communication Technologies is a key factor to helping enterprises to raise their productivity and competitiveness