| dc.description.abstract | Purpose of Study:
This study examined the influence of two key inventory management
practices Just in Time (JIT) and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) on the performance of
supermarkets in the North Rift Region.
Problem Statement:
Inventory management plays a critical role in ensuring the operational
efficiency and financial success of supermarkets. With growing competition and evolving
consumer expectations, supermarkets in Kenya s North Ri ft Region are increasingly seeking
innovative inventory management strategies to enhance performance.
Methodology:
A mixed methods descriptive survey design was employed, targeting 58
supermarkets in the region. The units of observation included heads of procurement, stores, IT,
and finance departments, with a purposive sample of 232 respondents. Data were collected
us ing structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS.
Result:
The findings revealed that both JIT and VMI practices significantly influence
supermarket performance. JIT implementation led to improved operational efficiency by
reducing storage costs, elim inating waste, and enhancing order fulfillment speed. VMI was
found to strengthen vendor relationships, streamline inventory replenishment, and improve
supply chain coordination, ultimately leading to enhanced customer satisfaction and reduced
stockouts. C hallenges such as mistrust in vendor decision making and supplier delays were
reported but were largely mitigated through improved data sharing and collaborative planning.
The study concludes that supermarkets adopting JIT and VMI practices benefit from im proved
performance in terms of operational efficiency, cost control, and customer service.
Recommendation:
It recommends investment in staff training, supplier collaboration, and
technology adoption to support these practices. Policymakers are encouraged to develop
supportive frameworks that facilitate real time data integration and transparency in supply
chain operations. Further research is suggested to explore the integration of emerging
technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) in inventory opt imization. | en_US |
