Abstract
The main purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of physical distribution management on organizational performance by Rutungu Distributors Ltd, Kampala (U). The study assessed the relationship between order processing and organizational performance in Rutungu Distributors Ltd in an attempt to establish the relationship between storage and organizational performance in the organization. It also sought to find out the relationship between other aspects of inventory management on organizational performance within the company. The research used a case study design approach which was correlational considering both quantitative and qualitative approaches in the data collection, presentation, and analysis. The population of the study was several categories of employees of the company. Findings from the study depicted that there is a positive significant relationship between order processing and organizational performance implying that when a customer submits an order, it is verified to ensure the necessary information is included and processed promptly. Storage and organizational performance; this means that the company can reduce damage through good materials handling. There was a positive significant relationship between inventory control and organizational performance as a result of heavy investment in inventory control practices and procedures. There was also a positive significant relationship between transportation and organizational performance showing that the company has an effective automated transportation system, observes well-coordinated fleet management practices, and also has a good vehicle maintenance policy. The study thus recommends the company to continue reducing the time it takes to get an order to a customer’s premises and to replenish its stores as it is what every company desires, but while faster fulfilment and small order sizes make customers, and store managers happy, faster fulfilment comes at a cost.
Highlights
IntroductionSome of the distribution channels used by organizations include use of a direct sales force, wholesale relationships, distributor relationships or retailers
The rationale of this study was to assess the relationship between physical distribution and organizational performance in Rutungu Distributors Ltd
The study findings indicated that that majority (83.4%) of the respondents agreed that customers’ orders get released in time
Summary
Some of the distribution channels used by organizations include use of a direct sales force, wholesale relationships, distributor relationships or retailers. Proper management of these distribution channels can contribute to the performance of an organization. Though some of the early authorities in marketing regarded physical distribution as a key element in marketing strategy, (La Londe and Dawson, 1969), most firms did not grasp its importance. This is evidenced in their “preoccupation with planning, production, purchasing and sales,” relegating the actual movement of finished goods to a secondary role (Pirttilä & Hautaniemi, 1995)
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