INFLUENCE OF DISTRIBUTION MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF CEMENT MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN MACHAKOS COUNTY; KENYA

Shakita Jason, Dr. Ndeto Charles

Abstract


The main aim of the study was to determine the influence of distribution management and performance of Cement manufacturing Firms in Machakos County; Kenya. The specific objectives were to determine the influence of distribution management system, to establish the influence of distribution planning on performance of Cement manufacturing Firms in Machakos County; Kenya. This study used descriptive research design Descriptive research design is used to describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon being studied. The target population were 126 logistics and distribution officers working in seven cement-manufacturing firms namely: Bamburi Cement Limited, Rhino Cement Foundation, East African Portland Cement Company, Mombasa Cement Company, and Savannah Cement, Athi River Mining Ltd And National Cement Company Ltd. The study collected primary data for analysis. Primary data was obtained by the use of structured questionnaires. The questionnaires was pretested to ensure clarity and content validity prior to them being administered. The collected research data was checked for any errors and omissions, coded defined and entered into Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS Version 23 Descriptive statistics, which was used to portray the sets of categories, formed from the data. The study  used multiple linear regression analysis to test the statistical significance of the various independent variables. The study found out that A Distribution Management System (DMS) is a capable of collecting, cement manufacturing firms displaying and analyzing real-time or near real-time electric distribution system information. A DMS system enable logistics and distribution manager in cement firms to plan and execute complex distribution system operations in order to increase system efficiency, optimize power flows, and prevent overloads. The study concluded that distribution planning is an important part of the business cycle for distributors and wholesalers.

Key words: Distribution Management System, Distribution Planning, Performance


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References


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