ABSTRACT
The study centered on the assessment of logistics distribution methods of Sanusi and
Jamila (SAJ) Foods limited. The study attempts to assess the present distribution
logistics methods employed in distribution of its products to various distribution outlets
across seven states in the northwest. The transportation of perishable products and the
minimum time it requires to reach destination to avoid defected products were the key
issues that necessitated the research. The study identified the products and production
sages; explained the distribution methods; and examined the logistics problems in SAJ
Foods limited Zaria. The data were collected from the staff and distributors using
questionnaire. Eighty four (84) copies were administered and retrieved. The data was
analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in the form of tables, charts and
graphs. The result indicates that yoghurt was the major product of the firm and as well
the most patronized product. The result also reveals that 38.6% of distributors used
buses as their distribution facilities. Greater share of the company‟s product (38.8%),
were consumed between 100-200 kilometers away from the production plant. The
improper time scheduling was considered the major problem with 65.5%. The
marketing strategies of competitors may likely affect the firm with 34.5%. On the basis
of aforementioned findings the recommendations are: regulate the time for issuing
goods; employ professionals; improve order processing time; the firm should partner
with distributors to facilitate distribution and establish a unit to oversee the whole chain
of distribution proce
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Declaration - - - - - - - - - -ii
Certification - - - - - - - - - -iii
Dedication - - - - - - - - - -v
Acknowledgement - - - - - - - - -v
Abstract - - - - - - - - - -vi
Table of content - - - - - - - - -vii
List of Tables - - - - - - - - - -xi
List of Figures- - - - - - - - - -xii
List of Plates - - - - - - - - -xiii
List of Appendices - - - - - - - - -xiv
CHAPTER: INTRODUCTION
11 Background to the study - - - - - - - -1
12 Statement of Research problem - - - - - - -5
13 Aim and Objectives - - - - - - - -7
14 Scope of the Study - - - - - - - -7
15 Significance of the Study- - - - - - - -7
CHAFTER TWO: CONCEPTUAL FRAME AND LITURATURE REVIEW
21Conceptual and Theoretical issues- - - - - - -9
211 Logistics-- - - - - - - - -9
2111The concept of logistics Distribution - - - - - -9
2112 Logistics and its Attributes - - - - - - -12
2113 Logistics of Transport system- - - - -- - -14
2114 Inventory Management - - - - - -- -17
212 Concept of Just-in-Time (JIT) - - - - - -- -18
215 The Distribution Centre Concept - -- - - -20
22 Theoretical Issues - - - - - - - - -21
21 Ullman‟s Theory of Spatial interaction -- - - - - -21
23 Literature Review - - - - - - - -- -23
231 Importance of Packaging in Logistic Distribution system - - -23
232 Channels of Distribution - - - - - - -27
233 Distribution Channels in Transport Logistics - -- - - -29
234 Distribution Channel Selection - - - - - - -31
235Empirical Studies - - - - -31
CHAPTER THREE: STUDY AREA AND METHODOLOGY
31 The Study Area - - - - - - - -34
311 Location and Size - - - - - - - -34
312 Climate - - - - - - - - -34
313 Geology - - - - - - - - -35
314 Economic Activities in the Zone - - - - - -35
315 SAJ Foods Limited Zaria -- - - - - - -36
31
51 History of the establishment - - - - - - -36
3152 Organizational structure of SAJ foods limited - - - -37
32Methodology - - - - - - - - -42
321 Reconnaissance - - - - - - - - -42
322 Types of Data - - - - - - - - -42
323 Sources of Data - - - - - - - - -43
3231 The Primary Source - - - - - - - -43
3232 The Secondary Source - - - - - - -43
324 Sample Size and Sampling Technique - - - - - -43
325Method of Data Analysis - - - - - - -45
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
41 Socio-Economic Characteristics of Respondents - - - - -46
411 Age Differences of Respondents - - - - - -46
412 Educational Background of Respondents - - - - -47
413 Other Occupation of Respondents - - - - - -48
414 Monthly Earning of Distributing SAJ Foods products - - - -48
42 Inventory of Products and production Stages in SAJ Foods Limited - -49
421 Inventory of Products - - - - - - - -49
422 Method of packaging in SAJ Foods Limited - - - - -50
423 Production Stages in SAJ Foods Limited - - - - -53
4231 Flow Chart for Yoghurt - - - - - - -51
4232 Preparation of Starter Culture - - - - - - -52
4233 Preparation of Sugar Syrup for Each 240Litres PVC Vessel - - -53
43 Distribution Methods in SAJ Foods Limited - - - - -54
431 The Distribution Chart - - - - - - - -57
432 Method of Order Placement in SAJ Foods Limited - - - -60
433 Time Duration for Order Processing in SAJ Foods - -- - -60
434 Types of Goods Distributed by Respondents - - - - -61
435 Cumulative of Goods Purchased by Distributors - - - -62
436 Cumulative Sachets Products of SAJ Foods Limited Sold to Distributors for
the Month of March 2013 - - - - - -63
437 Cumulative Bottles Products of SAJ Foods Limited Sold to Distributors for
the Month of March 2013 - - - - - - -64
438 States and their Cumulative Consumption for the Month of March 2013 -65
439 Factors Determining the Distribution of SAJ Foods Products - - -66
4310 Distributors Peak Period of Transaction with SAJ Foods Limited - -67
4311 Distribution Facilities Used in Conveying SAJ Foods Products - -65
4312 Existing load carrying Capacity in SAJ Foods - - - -70
4313 Distribution Distance Covered with SAJ Foods products within the Study
Area - - - - - - - - - -72
44 Logistic Distribution Problems in SAJ Foods limited - - - -74
441 Duration for Order Processing in SAJ Foods Required by Distributors- -74
442Required Time for Products to Reach Destinations - - - -75
443 The Products Shelf Life at Individual Depots - - - - -76
444 Time for Exhausting Purchased Product at various Depots - - -77
445 Major Distribution Constraints in SAJ Foods Product - - - -78
446 Storage Facilities used at various Depots - - - - -79
447 Effects of other Competitors Marketing Strategies on SAJ Foods Products -80
448 Measures Suggested by Distributors to overcome supply Shortage in
SAJ Foods Limited - - - - - - - -81
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
51 Summary of Major Findings - - - - - - -83
52 Conclusion - - - - - - - - -84
53 Recommendations- - - - - - - - -84
54 Suggestion for further researches - - - - - - -85
References - - - - - - - - -86
