Supply Chain Analytics and Operational Performance of Cement Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

Abstract

There have been limited empirical studies that have left a research gap on supply chain analytics and operational performance in manufacturing firms. This study attempted to investigate the influence of supply chain analytics on operational performance in cement manufacturing firms in Kenya. Specific objectives were to establish the supply chain analytics used by cement manufacturing firms in Kenya and to establish the relationship between supply chain analytics and operational performance of cement manufacturing firms in Kenya. The study adopted descriptive research design in order to investigate and understand the application of supply chain analytics in cement manufacturing firms in Kenya. The study used descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The researcher used a census survey research design. This involved collection of standardized information from the population under study. The target population for this study was 7 cement manufacturing firms in Kenya. Out of the focus population of study questionnaires were mainly administered through electronic mail and few visits were made in search for respondents that resulted in a response rate of 95.24%. Primary data was collected for this study. The major findings of the study on supply chain analytics used by cement manufacturing firms in Kenya revealed supply chain analytics techniques are greatly implemented and establishing the relationship between supply chain analytics and operational performance revealed that that data management greatly affects firm operational performance. Specific limitations of the study were that the researcher aimed at drawing information from 21 respondents. However only 20 respondents participated and therefore led to the conclusion that the results may have been different if there was 100% participation and Time was also a major constraint. There is also need for further research to focus on the critical success factors in the adoption of best supply chain analytics models. The conclusion drawn from the research was that supply chain analytics greatly affect operational performance.