Impact of Information Technology on the Supply Function of an Organization (a Case Study of Nigeria Breweries (NB) PLC)
CHAPTER ONE
Aims/Objectives of the Study
The aim and objective of this research work is to examine the impact of information technology on the supply function of an organization.
- To identify the impact of information technology on the supply function of organization.
- To identify the basic concept involving in the design and operation of information system in relation to supply function.
- To identify the innovative approaches that has been recently developed in relation to supply function of an organization.
- To determine whether the process is reliable enough in ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in increasing organizational performances.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
Introduction
Oliver (2009) used the term SCM for the internal supply chain that integrates business functions involved in the flow of materials and information from inbound to outbound ends of the business. When a customer’s requirement is fulfilled by involving many parties directly or indirectly, they together constitute a chain Supply Chain. This includes manufacturer, transporter, warehouses, suppliers, retailers and even the customers. Thus, in any Supply Chain the product or the supply moves from supplier to manufacture to distributers by transporters and then to customers through retailer. According to some researchers (Jagdev and Thoben, 2001; Tan, 2001) supply chains as extended enterprises are responsible for the whole product life cycle, from material procurement and supply management, to production and manufacturing, further to product distribution and customer service and finally to the recycling and disposal of end-of- life product thus Supply Chains are actually networks or the webs.
Today’s customer has an access to abundant information related to the varieties, qualities and the prices of the available products. The exponent growth in Information Technology tools have been contributed to the development and expansion of Supply Chain Management all over the world. The development of ITE (Information Technology Enabled) have spread the efficiencies across the whole chain. Thus, Information Technology which affects each and every part of the Supply Chain acts as the key-driver to provide higher responsiveness while simultaneously improving efficiencies.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain impact of information technology on the supply function of an organization. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the impact of information technology on the supply function of an organization
Summary
This study was on ascertain the impact of information technology on the supply function of an organization. A case study of Nigeria breweries in Enugu. Three objectives were raised which included: To identify the impact of information technology on the supply function of organization, to identify the basic concept involving in the design and operation of information system in relation to supply function, to identify the innovative approaches that has been recently developed in relation to supply function of an organization and to determine whether the process is reliable enough in ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in increasing organizational performances.. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Nigeria breweries in Enugu. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
The study on the impact of information technology (IT) on the supply function of Nigeria Breweries PLC in Enugu reveals several critical insights. IT has profoundly enhanced the efficiency, productivity, and overall effectiveness of supply chain operations. The integration of advanced IT systems has led to significant cost reductions, improved decision-making capabilities, and heightened customer satisfaction. These technological advancements have provided Nigeria Breweries with a competitive edge in the market by enabling better risk management, facilitating seamless integration with suppliers and distributors, and supporting sustainable practices.
The use of real-time data and analytics has empowered the management at Nigeria Breweries to make more informed decisions, optimize inventory levels, and improve delivery times. Moreover, IT has streamlined communication and collaboration across the supply chain, fostering stronger relationships with stakeholders and enhancing overall supply chain visibility. Despite the benefits, the study also highlights certain limitations and challenges, including the need for continuous investment in technology, addressing human factors such as employee resistance to change, and the importance of adapting to rapid technological advancements.
Recommendations
- Nigeria Breweries should continue to invest in state-of-the-art IT infrastructure to stay ahead of technological advancements. Regular updates and upgrades will ensure the systems remain efficient and capable of handling increasing supply chain complexities.
- Implement comprehensive training programs to ensure employees are well-versed in new IT systems. Address resistance to change through effective change management strategies, including clear communication of benefits and involving employees in the transition process.
References
- Adesanya, O. (2002). The Impact of Information Technology on Information Dissemination. In Madu E.C. and Dirisu, M.B. (eds). Information Technology for Library Schools in Africa. Ibadan.
- Agarwal, A. and R. Shankar (2003). “Online trust building in e-Enabled Supply Chain.” Supply Chain Management: An International Journal 8(4): 324-334.2.
- Akyu, Z, G.A. and Rehan, M., 2009. Requirements for forming an ‘e -supply chain’. International Journal of Production Research, 47 (12), 3265– 3287.3.
- Akyuz, G.A. and Erkan, T.E. (2010) ‘Supply chain performance measurement: a literature review’, International Journal of Production Research, Vol. 48, No. 17, pp.5137 – 5155.4.
- Alfaro, J. A., M. J. Alvarez, et al. (2002). Lagging behind versus advancing too fast? Identifying gaps research in Supply Chain. 9th Annual Meeting of the European Operations Management Association(EUROMA), Copenhagen, Denmark.5.
- Anderson, David, L. and others: The Seven Principle of Supply Chain Management Logistics Management.
- Arshinder, Kanda, A., Deshmukh, S.G., 2008. “The supply chain Coordination: perspectives, empirical studies and research directions” international journal of production economics 115, 316-335.6.
- Intelligent Enterprise, pp.28-30, Vol.1, No. 3, March 19997.
- Sahay, (Ed.) Supply Chain Management in the Twenty First Century. Macmillan, 20028.
- Beamon, B. M., (1999), Measuring supply chain performance, International Journal of Operation &Production Management, Vol. 19 No.3, pp275-292.9.
- Bentit M.Beamon, “Measuring Supply Chain Performance and Production Management,1999,vol-19,no:3 pp.4-16.10.
- Bernardes, E. and Zsidisin, G.A., 2008. An examination of strategic supply management benefits and performance implications. Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, 14 (4), 209 – 219.11.
- Bhagwat, R. and Sharma, M.K., 2007. Performance measurement of supply chain management using the analytical hirearchy process. Production Planning & Control, 18 (8), 666– 680.12.
- Bird, M. (2010). Modern Management Guide to Information Technology. Create Space (1).
