Short answer

Prioritize the integration of efficient inventory control systems and relevant ICT solutions to streamline material management, reduce waste, and improve overall profitability in manufacturing operations.

Field
Resource Management
Source
Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management (2015)
Method
Cross-sectional survey
Sample
46 participants
Evidence
Strong effect

Effective inventory control and the strategic implementation of Information Communication Technology (ICT) are critical drivers for enhancing materials management, leading to reduced costs and increased profitability in manufacturing firms. This resource management research insight is drawn from a 2015 study published in Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management. Using Cross-sectional survey with 46 participants, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Prioritize the integration of efficient inventory control systems and relevant ICT solutions to streamline material management, reduce waste, and improve overall profitability in manufacturing operations.

Study
Resource ManagementHigh ImpactStrong effect

Inventory Control and ICT Boost Manufacturing Profitability

Effective inventory control and the strategic implementation of Information Communication Technology (ICT) are critical drivers for enhancing materials management, leading to reduced costs and increased profitability in manufacturing firms.

Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management · 2015

01

Key Findings

  • 01Good inventory control reduces stock levels, thereby increasing profitability.
  • 02ICT aids in the planning, controlling, and processing of materials.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Prioritize the integration of efficient inventory control systems and relevant ICT solutions to streamline material management, reduce waste, and improve overall profitability in manufacturing operations.

How to apply

Evaluate current inventory practices and explore how ICT tools can automate, track, and optimize material flow from procurement to production.

Project actions

  • 01When designing a product, think about how easy it will be to manage the materials needed for it.
  • 02Consider how technology can help you track and control the materials used in your design project.
03

Method & Evidence

AimTo analyze the effect of inventory control and information communication technology on materials management in small and medium-sized manufacturing firms.
MethodCross-sectional survey
ProcedureA questionnaire was administered to material managers in small and medium manufacturing firms in Nairobi, Kenya. Data was analyzed using SPSS, with regression models used to determine relationships between variables.
Sample46 participants
ContextSmall and medium-sized manufacturing firms in an industrial area.

Variables

IV["Inventory control","Information Communication Technology (ICT)"]
DVMaterials management
CV["Firm size (small and medium-sized)","Industry sector (manufacturing)"]
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Focuses on practical factors affecting materials management.
  • +Uses quantitative methods (regression analysis) to establish relationships.

Limitations

The findings are specific to small and medium-sized firms in Nairobi, Kenya, and may not apply universally.

Reliability & validity

The study's reliability could be enhanced by using multiple data collection methods. Validity might be strengthened by comparing findings with industry benchmarks or expert opinions.

Think critically

How might the specific cultural or economic context of Nairobi influence the effectiveness of these materials management strategies in other regions?

05

Design Principles

"Optimize resource flow through informed inventory management and technological integration."

For design and manufacturing professionals, understanding the interplay between inventory management and technology is crucial for optimizing operational efficiency. Implementing robust inventory systems and leveraging ICT can directly impact a product's cost-effectiveness and a company's bottom line.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Using good systems to manage stock and using computers to help with planning makes companies more money by saving costs.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Reference this study when discussing the importance of efficient material sourcing and management in your design process, particularly if your project involves manufacturing.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

Research indicates that effective inventory control and the adoption of Information Communication Technology (ICT) significantly influence materials management in manufacturing firms, leading to reduced stock levels and increased profitability. This suggests that design projects involving manufacturing should carefully consider these factors for optimal operational efficiency and economic viability.

09

Source

Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management

FACTORS AFFECTING MATERIALS MANAGEMENT: A SURVEY OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN INDUSTRIAL AREA NAIROBI, KENYA

journal · 2015

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about inventory control and ict boost manufacturing profitability?
Prioritize the integration of efficient inventory control systems and relevant ICT solutions to streamline material management, reduce waste, and improve overall profitability in manufacturing operations. Evidence: Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management (2015).
Why does "Inventory Control and ICT Boost Manufacturing Profitability" matter for design?
For design and manufacturing professionals, understanding the interplay between inventory management and technology is crucial for optimizing operational efficiency. Implementing robust inventory systems and leveraging ICT can directly impact a product's cost-effectiveness and a company's bottom line.
How can designers apply this research?
Prioritize the integration of efficient inventory control systems and relevant ICT solutions to streamline material management, reduce waste, and improve overall profitability in manufacturing operations.
What were the main findings?
Good inventory control reduces stock levels, thereby increasing profitability.. ICT aids in the planning, controlling, and processing of materials.
What research method was used?
Cross-sectional survey with 46 participants.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2015 journal from Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management.
What should I do differently in my next project?
Evaluate current inventory practices and explore how ICT tools can automate, track, and optimize material flow from procurement to production.
What are the limitations?
The study focused on a specific geographical area and may not be generalizable to all manufacturing contexts.