Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/14
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Item Vulnerability of supply chains to risks : an agenda to capacitate the state in South Africa(2023-09) Nkwanyana, Nontuthuko S'lindile; Agbenyegah, Albert TcheyThere are growing concerns due to the complexities of supply chains. Supply chains are increasingly exposed to risks, whereas they ought to serve as vehicles for organizations’ success by placing organizations under a competitive advantage in the marketplace. It is against this background that this study aims to explore the risks within the supply chain system and procurement, to assess its implications on public sector service offerings, and to devise remedial actions to curb and/or overcome the risks. A qualitative and quantitative research approach was employed to address the problems that led to the research and to seek for answers to the research questions. In total, the population comprised 59 persons across the 9 Provinces of South Africa. Thirty were junior staff, 11 were supervisors and 18 held middle management positions in various provinces of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. A simple random sampling technique was applied and subsequently 23 persons were sampled to be part of interview process. Qualitative data was analysed through the application of thematic tools, whereas quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) 32 and measures of central tendency. Thematic analysis revealed the following: (a) fraud and corruption; (b) policy and process dilemmas; (c) supplier’s database and supplier selection disorder; (d) human capita disorder; and (e) budget lack and/or mismanagement, were the five top prevalent risks in the procurement activity of supply chains. However: (a) human resource capita; (b) budget lack and/or mismanagement; (c) collusion; (d) fraud and corruption; and (e) management overrule (in order of high to low), were rated as the top five risks in bringing negative effects on service offerings whenever they happen. In addition, the study sought to provide evidence for the validity of the hypothesis and find solutions to reduce vulnerabilities of supply chains to risks. These questions were thereafter responded to by the development of a framework to assist public sector supply chains to reduce their vulnerability to risks. This framework recommends a three-stage approach to reducing supply chains’ vulnerability to risks. For level one, being the most critical, immediate actions are to be taken, such as workforce optimization, system and process redesign. For level two, resilience mechanisms include central supplier database purification, consequence application and better planning, and financial incentives. Level three resilience mechanisms recommended by the study include professionalization of the supply chain, segregation of duties, and regulation of pricesItem An assessment of the efficiency and effectiveness of Supply Chain Management in the public sector : a case study of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development in KwaZulu-Natal region(2018-09) Nkwanyana, Nontuthuko S'lindile; Agbenyegah, Albert TcheyThe Supply Chain Management (SCM) concept emanated from the old purchasing models i.e. provisioning and procurement. This model, SCM, received a great deal of attention in both private and public sector organizations. The model was believed to conform to international best practice and thus it was believed to hold the promise of a better purchasing system in the public sector. In this context this research seeks to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of SCM in the public sector, with particular reference to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ and CD) in the KwaZulu Natal (KZN) Region. Research data was obtained by means of quantitative paradigm aided by a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. The questionnaire addressed specific themes pertaining to SCM as well as the objectives of the research project. A total of 129 members of the target population participated in the research. They were selected from various offices in KZN. A purposive sampling technique was applied to select the participants. The researcher was personally involved in the collection of the questionnaires from them. Prior to its administration, the questionnaire was pre-tested for accuracy and clarity. The data collected were analysed by means of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 for Windows, and the research report was evaluated for plagiarism with the use of the computer programme TURNITIN. The research revealed that SCM in the organization under study has contributed significantly to enhancing conformance to the principles of good governance and to service standards. However, challenges associated with capacity deficiencies such as a lack of manpower, information and skills were noted. Finally, in line with the research objectives, the researcher concludes by recommending structural re-engineering, the training and development of employees, supplier education, supply chain planning, and teamwork and partnerships among all stakeholders who contribute to the delivery of goods and services to end customers.