Evaluation of distribution channels of Dangote cement in South Eastern region of Nigeria
Date
2024-08
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Federal University of Technology, Owerri
Abstract
Over the years, consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria are facing challenges of how to design, select and manage distribution channels that will ensure maximum savings in distribution costs, enhance product availability and effective co-ordination of channel activities. Dangote Cement Company as a case study is encountering problems of how to provide fast deliveries to customers, reduce total distribution costs and maximize customer satisfaction. Hence, this study therefore focused on the task of carrying out a thorough strategic investigation that would come up with practical and cognate solutions to the above problems by: (1) examining the influence of hybrid channel conflicts on channel performance (2) determining the relationship between the control exerted by a firm and satisfaction with existing channel: (3) determining the relationship between the length of a distribution channel and the channel‘s performance. Survey research method was adopted to sample the opinion of distributors and retailers of Dangote cement company through convenience sampling. Questionnaires and oral interviews were the main instruments used in collecting primary data for the study. While information obtained from textbooks, journals and materials from the internet provided the guideline for designing the questionnaire. Data were analyzed through the use of tables, simple percentages, means and standard deviation, Computer Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 26 was used for analyzing the data at 5% level of significance The study revealed that hybrid channel conflicts influence channel performance and significant relationship exist between the control exerted by a firm and satisfaction with its existing channel. It was also found that there is a relationship between the length of a distribution channel and the control exerted by the firm. However, it was found that there is no relationship existing between the length of a distribution channel and the channels performance. The study recommended that consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria should adopt more innovations in their channel approaches. Broader acceptance of electronic data interchange to monitor sales and inventory levels throughout the total channel is reducing inventories and speeding response to changing customer requirements. It is also recommended that manufacturers should make efforts to integrate their channel system as this will enhance more effective co-ordination of their channel functions and reduce conflicts in the channels.
Description
This thesis is for the award of Master of Science (MSc.) in Transport Planning and Management
Keywords
Distribution, channel, performance, cement, Department of Transport Management Technology
Citation
Osupiudan, J. O. (2024). Evaluation of distribution channels of Dangote cement in South Eastern region of Nigeria (Unpublished Master's Thesis). Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria