| dc.description.abstract | This study analyzed factors affecting performance of
distribution logistics among production firms in Kenya: a case of
Kibos Sugar Company limited and allied industries. The study
applied descriptive approach through survey design. The target
population comprised 122 employees. The sample size of the
study was 24 respondents arrived at using the method of
proportional allocation. Data analysis was done by descriptive
statistics. The study realized that accuracy of data collected, size
of data base and ability of management information system to
predict future decisions are significant elements of information
systems that has got vast influence on the performance of
distribution logistics. This fills the gap in the study by Stank and
Keller (2001), they did not find any relationship between
information systems and distribution performance while the
present study finds that indeed there exist a relationship between
information systems and logistics performance at Kibos sugar
Company and Allied Industries. The study therefore concludes
that management information system coupled with various
information technology are key in managing every distribution
aspect for sure performance. The study also realized that
distribution structure is a Senables customers to easily reach the
products limiting stock outs which in the long run translates to
positive distribution performance. Besides, route-planning if
considered, enables timely deliveries of products, cost reduction
in regard to time, fuel and vehicle maintenance. The present
study fill the gap in the study by Knemeyer and Murphy, (2004)
and in the study by Parthanadee and Logendran (2006) in USA,
where he noticed that in logistics system, distribution cost is
typically the highest single expense. That is, through
implementing proper distribution structure, nearly all the
avoidable costs will be limited. It is concluded that distribution
structure used by a manufacturing firm have an impact on the
ability of its Distribution Logistics to perform. The study
recommends need of embracing modern and current technology
which can help various users of organization information to
collect, analyze, interpret and come up with various useful
decisions affecting the organization. Further study needs to be
done on the same topic but in other smaller institutions especially
nationally so as to spur development in the country Kenya and in
Africa at large. | en_US |
