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
1.1 Background to the study - - - - - - - -1
1.2 Statement of Research problem - - - - - - -5
1.3 Aim and Objectives - - - - - - - -7
1.4 Scope of the Study - - - - - - - -7
1.5 Significance of the Study- - - - - - - -7
CHAFTER TWO: CONCEPTUAL FRAME AND LITURATURE REVIEW
2.1Conceptual and Theoretical issues- - - - - - -9
2.1.1 Logistics-- - - - - - - - -9
2.1.1.1The concept of logistics Distribution - - - - - -9
2.1.1.2 Logistics and its Attributes - - - - - - -12
2.1.1.3 Logistics of Transport system- - - - -- - -14
2.1.1.4 Inventory Management - - - - - -- -17
2.1.2 Concept of Just-in-Time (JIT) - - - - - -- -18
2.15 The Distribution Centre Concept - -- - - -20
2.2 Theoretical Issues - - - - - - - - -21
2.1. Ullman‟s Theory of Spatial interaction -- - - - - -21
2.3 Literature Review - - - - - - - -- -23
2.3.1 Importance of Packaging in Logistic Distribution system - - -23
2.3.2 Channels of Distribution - - - - - - -27
2.3.3 Distribution Channels in Transport Logistics - -- - - -29
2.3.4 Distribution Channel Selection - - - - - - -31
2.3.5Empirical Studies - - - - -31
CHAPTER THREE: STUDY AREA AND METHODOLOGY.
3.1 The Study Area - - - - - - - -34
3.1.1 Location and Size - - - - - - - -34
3.1.2 Climate - - - - - - - - -34
3.1.3 Geology - - - - - - - - -35
3.1.4 Economic Activities in the Zone - - - - - -35
3.1.5 SAJ Foods Limited Zaria -- - - - - - -36
3.1.5.1 History of the establishment - - - - - - -36
3.1.5.2 Organizational structure of SAJ foods limited - - - -37
3.2Methodology - - - - - - - - -42
3.2.1. Reconnaissance - - - - - - - - -42
3.2.2 Types of Data - - - - - - - - -42
3.2.3 Sources of Data - - - - - - - - -43
3.2.3.1 The Primary Source - - - - - - - -43
3.2.3.2 The Secondary Source - - - - - - -43
3.2.4 Sample Size and Sampling Technique - - - - - -43
3.2.5Method of Data Analysis - - - - - - -45
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
4.1 Socio-Economic Characteristics of Respondents - - - - -46
4.1.1 Age Differences of Respondents - - - - - -46
4.1.2 Educational Background of Respondents - - - - -47
4.1.3 Other Occupation of Respondents - - - - - -48
4.1.4 Monthly Earning of Distributing SAJ Foods products - - - -48
4.2 Inventory of Products and production Stages in SAJ Foods Limited - -49
4.2.1 Inventory of Products - - - - - - - -49
4.2.2 Method of packaging in SAJ Foods Limited - - - - -50
4.2.3 Production Stages in SAJ Foods Limited - - - - -53
4.2.3.1 Flow Chart for Yoghurt - - - - - - -51
4.2.3.2 Preparation of Starter Culture - - - - - - -52
4.2.3.3 Preparation of Sugar Syrup for Each 240Litres PVC Vessel - - -53
4.3 Distribution Methods in SAJ Foods Limited - - - - -54
4.3.1 The Distribution Chart - - - - - - - -57
4.3.2 Method of Order Placement in SAJ Foods Limited - - - -60
4.3.3 Time Duration for Order Processing in SAJ Foods - -- - -60
4.3.4 Types of Goods Distributed by Respondents - - - - -61
4.3.5 Cumulative of Goods Purchased by Distributors - - - -62
4.3.6 Cumulative Sachets Products of SAJ Foods Limited Sold to Distributors for
the Month of March 2013 - - - - - -63
4.3.7 Cumulative Bottles Products of SAJ Foods Limited Sold to Distributors for
the Month of March 2013 - - - - - - -64
4.3.8 States and their Cumulative Consumption for the Month of March 2013 -65
4.3.9 Factors Determining the Distribution of SAJ Foods Products - - -66
4.3.10 Distributors Peak Period of Transaction with SAJ Foods Limited - -67
4.3.11 Distribution Facilities Used in Conveying SAJ Foods Products - -65
4.3.12 Existing load carrying Capacity in SAJ Foods - - - -70
4.3.13 Distribution Distance Covered with SAJ Foods products within the Study
Area - - - - - - - - - -72
4.4 Logistic Distribution Problems in SAJ Foods limited - - - -74
4.4.1 Duration for Order Processing in SAJ Foods Required by Distributors- -74
4.4.2Required Time for Products to Reach Destinations - - - -75
4.4.3 The Products Shelf Life at Individual Depots - - - - -76
4.4.4 Time for Exhausting Purchased Product at various Depots - - -77
4.4.5 Major Distribution Constraints in SAJ Foods Product - - - -78
4.4.6 Storage Facilities used at various Depots - - - - -79
4.4.7 Effects of other Competitors Marketing Strategies on SAJ Foods Products -80
4.4.8 Measures Suggested by Distributors to overcome supply Shortage in
SAJ Foods Limited - - - - - - - -81
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary of Major Findings - - - - - - -83
5.2 Conclusion - - - - - - - - -84
5.3 Recommendations- - - - - - - - -84
5.4 Suggestion for further researches - - - - - - -85
References - - - - - - - - -86
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