Abstract
Abstract:
Background: The general objective of the research study was to assess the impact of strategic supply chain management practices on enhancing the operational efficiency using a case study of Inyange Industries in Rwanda. The study was guided by three specific objectives which were; to assess the influence of Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), Inventory Management (IM) and Logistics Management (LM) on Operational Efficiency of Inyange Industries in Rwanda. Three theories were looked at to inform this study. They include the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory, Transaction Cost Economics (TCE) theory and Supply Chain Integration (SCI) theory.
Methods and Materials: This study also employed a combination of descriptive and correlational survey designs. This study involved the entire target population of 64 individuals at Inyange Industries who were directly involved in or knowledgeable about strategic supply chain management, using a census approach to eliminate sampling bias. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The structured questionnaires gathered quantitative data on key aspects of supply chain management, while the structured interviews collected qualitative insights from key informants. Reliability was tested using Cronbach’s alpha, with a threshold of 0.7 or higher considered acceptable. Validity ensured through content, construct, and face validity, involving expert reviews and pre-tests. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS, with descriptive and inferential statistics, including multiple regression analysis. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Ethical considerations included obtaining informed consent, ensuring confidentiality through data anonymization, and securely storing data.
Results: The investigation into the influence of Strategic Supply Chain Management (SSCM) on operational efficiency at Inyange Industries in Rwanda revealed significant positive outcomes. Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) practices garnered 62.50% (40 respondents) agreement and a mean of 4.25 (SD = 0.61), while Inventory Management (IM) had 75.00% (48 respondents) affirming effective inventory turnover (mean = 4.12, SD = 0.46). Logistics Management (LM) also proved effective, with transportation optimization reported by 75% (mean = 4.14, SD = 0.45). A total of 49 respondents (76.56%) agreed that SSCM reduced production costs (mean = 4.12, SD = 0.55) and 46 (71.88%) noted minimized waste (mean = 4.09, SD = 0.61). The interviews demonstrated how strategic supply chain management practices—such as supplier collaboration, demand forecasting accuracy, and technology adoption—are essential for improving operational efficiency at Inyange Industries. These insights align with the study's central variables and provide real-world examples of their impact on the company's operations. The regression analysis indicated an F-value of 480.734 (p < .001), highlighting the significance of predictors, with IM showing a significant coefficient of 0.086 (p = 0.020), while SRM (0.096, p = 0.095) and LM (0.049, p = 0.635) were statistically insignificant. Correlation analysis confirmed strong relationships with operational efficiency: SRM (r = .810**, p < .001), IM (r = .837**, p < .001), and LM (r = .824**, p < .001), underscoring the critical role of effective inventory management. The study concluded that strategic supply chain management at Inyange Industries enhanced operational efficiency through effective Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), robust Inventory Management (IM), and optimized Logistics Management (LM).
Conclusion: Recommendations include deepening supplier collaboration and adopting advanced analytics, while future research should explore emerging technologies and sustainability practices in supply chain management. This study hopes to offer insights into enhancing operational efficiency at Inyange Industries through strategic supply chain management, emphasizing customer satisfaction, competitive advantage, sustainability, and risk mitigation, while also hopes in contributing to the knowledge of Rwandan industries for future research.
.