Background: The study background looked at the advent of supply chain management in the last generation which ushered in technology that drives information-sharing within, and across enterprises. The information flow facilitates synchronisation of business activities, such as relationship-building, supply chain management among others.Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate how information technology (IT) application in the South African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) enhanced supplier-customer information sharing.Setting: Interviews were conducted with SMEs samples that comprised mixed owner-managers from food, and general trading SMEs in Gauteng Province of South Africa.Methods: A qualitative research methodology was used, and a non-probability sampling process was pursued.Results: The results indicated that IT application in the South African SMEs enhanced supplier-customer information-sharing, as it improved interaction through supply chain collaboration and integration.Conclusion: The conclusion of the study highlighted that IT application in enterprises as obtained from South African SMEs enhanced supplier-customer information-sharing.
It is estimated that about two-thirds of global coal is used for power generation and that, in the next 20 years, over 70% of the demand for coal will come from China and India. Coal accounts for approximately 41% of the world's electricity generation. Demand for thermal coal is influenced by factors that include availability, prices of competing products such as oil, gas and nuclear power, and the demand for electricity. The aim of this article is to provide an exposition of supply chain dynamics within the South African coal mining industry and to argue for a more efficient and collaborative supply chain. The authors attempt to investigate at local and global level, the current trends pertaining to the level of reserves, production and consumption of coal. The article further demonstrates the shortcomings of current logistics in meeting the demand for coal in both domestic and export markets. The article draws from secondary data sourced from academic papers, government and agency documents in the exposition of the coal mining supply chain. The paper concludes by recommending the need for a scientific study on supply chain constraints facing the coal mining industry in South Africa.
The chapter's focus is on an enterprise collaboration with the members of the value chain and the use of technology to enhance integration. These factors are attributes of supply chain management (SCM). When emphasis is placed on lean and agile supply chains, closed-loop supply chains, reverse logistics, and the practice of just in time (JIT), the operation is transformed to green supply chain management (GSCM). JIT reduces outsourcing of resources, has controlled production and transportation, and uses distribution centers to expedite the distribution process. The utilization of the returned products in reverse logistics for reuse, recycle, and remanufacturing reduces dumping and environmental degradation. The returned materials become additional resource which is value-added to the enterprise. Ultimately, this is a cost saving and a contribution to the enterprise's bottom line and sustainability.
The supply chain management strategy adoption by enterprises in the last four decades, has made enterprises more customer-centric, as they focus on product flow from source to the ultimate end-user. Consequently, the phrase 'customer is king' has become synonymous with good customer service. The study explored the coordinated supply chain processes as a competitive advantage for the South African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs). The study was grounded in the theory of competitive advantage and qualitative research methodology and constructivism research paradigm were used. The SMEs from Gauteng province, which is the South Africa's leading economic hub provided the sample for the study. Non-probability sampling was used in selecting the participants of the study who were the owner/managers of the SMEs. The interview covered enterprise relationship with suppliers of fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs) and third-party logistics (3PL) transportation service. The recorded interviews were transcribed, translated, coded and analysed via content analysis to determine the outcome of the study. The results indicated that SCM improved cost-effectiveness through savings on 3PL transportation service optimisation shared amongst the SMEs, and improved customer service, through enhanced supplier-customer relationship that maintained continuous flow of products/services.
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