Recently, in the dramatically growing digital world, the management of materials plays a critical role in the profitability of manufacturing companies. This study focuses on the impact of materials management on profitability of manufacturing companies in Ethiopia with a particular reference to Walia Steel Industry PLC. The main objective of the study is to detect the problems of materials management that can result in achieving organizational profitability if corrected properly. Relevant data was gathered through self-administered structured questionnaires and open-ended questions and analysis was made based on primary data generated via five point Likert scale using SPSS version 23. A cross-sectional data model was used in the study. The study adopted both explanatory and descriptive research designs in integration with commonly used mixed research methods. Validity and reliability of the study was also tested using SPSS V-23. The findings revealed that there was positive and significant association between effective materials management dimensions and firm’s profitability which was supported by interdepartmental collaboration among materials related departments such as inventory, procurement and storage managements. The main problems faced in materials management of the selected steel industry includes the shortage of raw materials due to foreign currency problem and COVID-19 pandemic, shortage of skilled personnel, unsteady power supply, weak materials management practices due to weak interdepartmental coordination of the firm. The role and benefits of materials management dimensions should be examined and outlined for further investigation. Recommendations were made for the focal firm to make the materials management system to be computerized, to arrange training programs, to hire skilled personnel and to arrange employee’s motivation system. Recommendations also made for the government to provide adequate infrastructures such as available domestic raw materials, steady power supply, and sufficient water supply and so on to assist manufacturing firms.
Keywords: Materials Management, Procurement Management, Inventory Management, Storage Management, Interdepartmental Collaboration, Organizational Profitability
Service offering channels in banking sector has emerged on scene with a variety of forms such as internet banking, mobile banking, and ATM. Mature competition and global finance system have forced to investigate the significance of customer satisfaction. This study was set to assess customers' satisfaction in ATM service by taking the case of Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), which is the leading bank in the country, using SERVPERF model. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect primary data from 385 valid respondents who are customers of CBE, using convenient sampling technique. Data were analysed using SPSS-frequencies and percentages, mean scores, Cronbach alpha, Pearson's linear correlation and regression analysis. The study was based on the three research objectives: (a) to measure whether ATM service quality corresponds to each dimensions of SERVPERF (b) to analyze the customer satisfaction on ATM service quality, and c) to investigate the level of customer satisfaction. The findings revealed that all the service quality dimensions are significantly and positively associated with the overall customer satisfaction. Besides, Tangibility, Reliability, Responsiveness, Empathy and Assurance are highlighted as significant predictors and key factors in determining the customer satisfaction. But Assurance was found as the most influential predictor of customer satisfaction. The researchers recommend that in order to ensure customer satisfaction improving the performance on all the dimensions of (ATM) service quality is imperative.
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