Descriptive and comparative study of the purchasing activity: a case study in a food company

Letícia Miyuki Aida Endo,Laiane Aparecida Soares Sena Nery,Gabriel Nery Da Silva,Luiz Teruo Kawamoto Júnior,Murillo Costa Cerqueira

doi:10.14488/bjopm.2017.v14.n2.a14

Letícia Miyuki Aida Endo, Laiane Aparecida Soares Sena Nery + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.14488/bjopm.2017.v14.n2.a14

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Abstract

In a scenario of economic and political instability, many companies have being affected by a sense of uncertainty, both small and large companies. In this context, Logistics seeks, among other things, to reduce costs, improve processes and align the supply chain with company strategies. The purchasing sector is increasingly seen as a strategic agent in organizations, not only contributing to cost reduction, but also gaining in terms of productivity, economy and quality. This study aims to analyze and describe the purchasing procedures of a small food company located in the State of São Paulo, and compare it with the literature to see whether there is a matching or a gap between them. The procedure adopted by the study is the case study, based on three pillars: interviews, non-participant observations and documental analysis. The results showed that the company adopts many procedures described in the literature in its purchasing activities, and, with that, it has been performing strategically the purchasing activity and keeping itself competitive within the market; as well as currently there is not a gap between literature and practice.

Highlights

Managing the Supply Chain (SC) is a task which requires dedication and expanded participation of managers and business sectors
In this study the purchasing support activity is considered; it is going to be integrated to a functional area which accompanies the flow of materials and information
As he has authority, one of the disadvantages of that is the large responsibility, as for example the dependency on him when negotiations happen along with all the other responsibilities of the company. In this case, the purchasing function is part of its administration as a whole. It was asked him which is the importance of the purchasing of raw material for the company and, according to his point of view, he answered that it is to know how to buy the product, which means to search for better prices and better offers

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Managing the Supply Chain (SC) is a task which requires dedication and expanded participation of managers and business sectors. It is at the heart of the company-supplier relationship. It is responsible for the acquisition of raw materials, supplies and even contracting services. Its purpose is to supply the needed materials or services in the right quantities and qualities, at the right price and at the right time. Sampaio (2003) points out that there is a challenge bigger than the military, and it is the business’ challenge, since it needs to provide raw materials and finished products in the right quantity, at the right place and at the right time, at the lowest possible cost to meet the demands. The challenge of the chain management to generate competitive advantage is the holistic integration within the production chain with the objective of serving the final consumer more efficiently and effectively simultaneously (Pires et al, 2001)

Concepts of purchasing

LITERATURE REVIEW

METHOD

THE CASE STUDY

Findings

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS