WAREHOUSE FLOW AND PERFORMANCE OF DISTRIBUTION FIRMS IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA

DR. ISMAIL SHALE NOOR

Abstract


The performance of distribution logistics plays a critical role in the overall success of organizations by directly influencing customer satisfaction and loyalty. In this context, warehouse flow—the systematic movement of goods and information within the warehouse—has become a crucial determinant of operational efficiency. This study aims to assess the effect of warehouse flow on the performance of distribution firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The research is anchored on institutional theory, queuing theory, the technology acceptance model (TAM), and the theory of constraints (TOC), providing a multi-theoretical lens to understand the dynamics of internal warehouse processes. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, targeting 255 managers in procurement, operations, distribution/logistics, warehouse, and finance departments across 51 distribution firms. Using Yamane’s formula, a sample size of 155 was selected through simple random sampling. Data collection was conducted via structured questionnaires, with a pilot test involving 15 respondents from selected distribution firms in Kiambu County. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS Version 26, applying descriptive statistics such as frequencies, means, and standard deviations. The findings indicate that efficient warehouse flow significantly enhances the operational performance of distribution firms. The study concludes that optimizing warehouse flow processes can contribute to improved delivery times, reduced operational costs, and greater customer satisfaction, thereby strengthening overall firm performance in Nairobi’s competitive distribution sector.

Key Words: Warehouse Flow, Performance, Distribution Firms, Nairobi City County


Full Text:

PDF

References


Aberdeen Group. (2019). The Warehouse Productivity Benchmark Report: A Guide to Improved Warehouse and Distribution Centre Performance. Aberdeen Group, Inc.

Abushaikha, I., Salhieh, L., & Towers, N. (2018). Improving distribution and business performance through lean warehousing. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management.

Agboola, B., & Shaibu, R. (2019). Impact of ICT on Information Retrieval System in Academic Libraries. Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5765&context=libphilprac

Anand, N., & Grover, N. (2015). Measuring retail supply chain performance: Theoretical model using key performance indicators (KPIs). Benchmarking: An International Journal.

Au, Y. H. N. (2019). Warehouse management system and business performance: Case study of a regional distribution center.

Baker, P. (2021). An Exploratory Framework of the Role of Inventory and Warehousing in International Supply Chains. The International Journal of Logistics Management, 31(2), 292–312.

Chae, B. K. (2019). Developing key performance indicators for supply chain: an industry perspective. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal.

Christopher, M. (2021). Logistics & Supply Chain Management. Pearson Education Limited.

Clough, P., & Sanderson, M. (2016). Evaluating the performance of information retrieval systems using test collections. Retrieved from: http://informationr.net/ir/18-2/paper582.html

Cooper, D. R., & Schindler, P. S. (2011). Business Research Methods. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill.

Dzombo, G. K., Kilika, J. M., & Maingi, J. (2017). The effect of branchless banking strategy on the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. International Journal of Financial Research, 8(4), 167–183.

Eder, M. (2022). An analytical approach for a performance calculation of shuttle-based storage and retrieval systems. Retrieved from: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21693277.2022.2083715

Green, K. W., Whitten, D., & Inman, R. A. (2018). The impact of logistics performance on organizational performance. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 13(4), 317–327.

Gunasekaran, A., Patel, C., & McGaughey, R. E. (2016). A framework for supply chain performance measurement. International Journal of Production Economics, 87(3), 333–347.

Hompel, M. T., & Schmidt, T. (2017). Warehouse Management: Automation and Organisation of Warehouse and Order Picking Systems. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Kothari, C. R. (2014). Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques. New Age International.

Lai, K.-H., & Cheng, T. (2019). Just-in-Time Logistics. Ashgate Publishing Group.

Lizardo, J. (2019). International Control on Organizational Assets in Kenyan Parastatals. Kisumu, Kenya: East Africa Union Internal Control Seminar.

Mbugi, I. O., & Lutego, D. (2022). Effects of inventory control management systems on organization performance in Tanzania manufacturing industry. International Journal of Engineering, Business and Management, 6(2).

Miheso, S. C. (2019). Adoption of Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) by the National Government in Kenya. University of Nairobi.

Mitullah, W., & Odek, P. (2019). Employment Creation in Agriculture & Agro‐Processing Sector in Kenya in the Context of Inclusive Growth. PASGR Working Paper No. 020.

Muhalia, E. J., Ngugi, P. K., & Moronge, M. (2021). Inventory management systems on supply chain performance of FMCG manufacturers in Kenya. International Journal of Supply Chain and Logistics, 5(1), 1–10.

Ongeri, V. N., & Osoro, A. (2021). Effect of Warehouse Consolidation on Performance of Registered Distribution Firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The International Journal of Business & Management, 9(10).

Paulraj, A., & Chen, I. J. (2017). Strategic buyer–supplier relationships, information technology and external logistics integration. Journal of Supply Chain Management.

Richards, G. (2018). Warehouse Management: A Complete Guide to Improving Efficiency and Minimizing Costs. Kogan Page Publishers.

Wathe, M. (2019). Warehouse Layout and Operational Efficiency of Distribution Firms in Kenya. (Institutional study citation used in your statement of the problem)


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.