ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING PERIODIC INVENTORY CONTROL IN RELATION TO WORK FLOW: A CASE STUDY OF MEGA WHOLESALERS, NAIROBI

Abstract

The purpose of the study was determine the factors affecting periodic inventory control in relation to work flow. A case study of Mega Wholesalers, Nairobi. The specific objectives of the study were to establish how information technology, staff competence and lead time affect periodic inventory control in relation to work flow. The study will be significance to the management of Mega Wholesalers, management of other organizations and the government of Kenya. The study will use descriptive research plan. The target population for the learning is projected at 186 employees from whom a sample size of 93 respondents will be selected using stratified random sampling. The instrument for data collection that will be used is questionnaire; data will be analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods. Qualitative data will be presented in form of descriptive notes while quantitative data will be submitted in form of tables and figures. From the study, findings 92% of the respondents noted that information technology effects on periodic inventory control in relation to work flow while 8% said it has no effect, staff competence affect periodic inventory control in relation to work flow by 88%, while 12% said it has no effect, Lastly lead time by 88% while 12% said it has no effect. The research recommended that for effective role of inventory management to be achieved the government through the organizations needs to lay more emphasis on enforcing the laid-out procedures in Mega Wholesalers, Nairobi by conducting regular audits. It was evident that at times, the procurement procedures were not fully observed and shortcuts were used to ensure goods and services are procured. Also the procurement department should ensure that the hospital is well equipped with procurement plan as it would provide the organization with the information about the purchase of goods and services, how vendor will be chosen, what kind of contract will be used, how vendor will be managed and who will be involved at each stage of the process. E-procurement should be implemented in Mega Wholesalers, Nairobi since with proper implementation is an organized form of open communication. It allows managers to confirm, cutting down on unnecessary purchases and cost and therefore inventory management.