Inventory management tools – why application is limited? findings from Zanzibar

This study was conducted to investigate on the application of inventory management tools by firms operating in Zanzibar. The study was approached using multiple embedded case study design where five cases holding inventories were involved. Data and information were collected and analyzed using qualitative methods. Findings of the study show that business operators in the study area have low level of awareness with regards to application of inventory management techniques. It has been uncovered that participating firms understand only about 30% of the uses of the techniques. The study has further uncovered that all the firms studied apply the fixed time period (P-system) in deciding about replenishment of inventories. Finally, it has been found out that the cases under study face many challenges in an attempt to apply the inventory management techniques during their operations. The major challenge facing the firms is the low level of consciousness on the relative importance of inventory management tools and their application. It is recommended that business community particularly those dealing with trading in computer based software make available and also promote facilities such as computers and required software for management of inventories. Finally, the government should increase awareness to the business community on the use of various operations management techniques especially the inventory management tools.