RESEARCH PROJECT PROPOSAL

TOPIC:
The Impact of Information Technology systems on warehouse processes. The case of the Beitbridge
Warehouse District.

1.0INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Well managed warehouse systems helps organizations keep proper track of inventory, maintain the levels
of inventory as per requirement, increase in accuracy, reduce labor costs and ensure proper maintenance
as well as storage of stock. This kind of management will provide ease and convenience to the suppliers
and distributors to keep the track of inventory and maintenance as well (Frazelle, 2002). Thus, warehouse
processes management is very beneficial in the storage and maintenance of stock or inventory as well as
reducing costs associated with inventory, wrong order dispatch and delays, to mention but a few. Indeed a
evidence indicates that efficient warehouse operations are crucial to an organization’s operational
performance (Rushton, Oxley & Croucher (2000).

However, many organizations today have not taken the issue of warehousing modernization into account.
Storage of goods and distributions from the same warehouses are done haphazardly that is without any
order (Frazelle, 2002), theft cases have been on the rise giving a compromise on the general ethics of
workers, due to the disorganization and inadequate incorporation of modern information technology.
Ultimately, these have resulted in poor customer order management techniques, delays in order
fulfilment, delays in production, lowered customer satisfaction and confidence, and as such organisations
have suffered as a result (Vanik, 2004).

Information technology has been identified as one of the biggest influencers of the business world today
(Chopra & Meindl, 2003). Though many believe that information technology mainly benefits large
operations that have considerable financial muscle, there is evidence that even small warehouses can
benefit from IT innovations. This can be achieved through partial automation of their operations through
emerging internet based services (Rushton et al, 2000).

Organizations are trying their best to cut on costs and increase profitability. Warehouse processes
management and automation is one of the areas in which substantial cost savings can be made.
Warehouse maintenance cost reduction can only be achieved by making appropriate design decisions on
the strategic characteristics of warehouse facilities, investing in Information technology systems and good
warehouse management practices (Kerridge, 2006). It is against this background that the researcher plans

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to carry out the study, with particular focus and interest on how the introduction and implementation of
information systems can improve warehouse processes.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Warehouses usually face a lot of problems, ranging from stock/inventory deterioration and obsolescence,
pilferage, theft and long and inaccurate inventory and stock taking. All these problems can be attributed
to the use of manual systems in warehouse management. Moreover, in many warehouses, management
have often complained about inefficiency in the various warehouse processes such receiving, putaway,
storage, retrieval and dispatch, such that organisations lose a lot of revenues in the process, and this
affects their profitability. It is this that has drawn the researcher to investigate the impact that Information
Technology systems can have on warehouse processes.

1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

This research seeks to investigate the impact of using information technology systems in warehouses,
particularly on the warehouse processes, which include receiving, putaway, storage, retrieval, order
picking, dispatch and shipping. The research will focus on the possible improvements, if any, to these
processes, with the implementation information technology systems in warehouses.

1.4 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The research will seek to address the following objectives:-
1. To establish the extent of usage Information Technology systems in warehouses in Beitbridge.
2. To explore the cause of non-implementation of IT systems in warehouses.
3. To investigate the benefits and the demerits of employing Information Technology systems in the
management of warehouses.
4. To find out the effectiveness of IT systems in warehouse processes and warehouse management.
5. To identify the possible technologies that can be employed so as to improve the efficiency of
warehouse processes

1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

It is against the objectives stated above that the study seeks to answer the following questions:
1. Are warehouses in Beitbridge using information technology systems in their warehouse processes?
2. What are the main causes and reasons for not implementing Information Technology in warehouses?
3. What are the demerits and benefits, if any, of employing Information Technology systems in
operations?
4. How effective can Information Technology be in the management of warehouse processes?

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 5. What technologies can be used in warehouses so as to improve the efficiency of warehouse
processes?

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study will be of importance to warehouse operators in that it will help bring awareness to the
importance of IT in improving the processes and efficiency in warehouses and the benefits that could
accrue to the organisations should they adopt and embrace technology in their warehouses. Additionally,
insights can also be drawn from the research as the researcher will also recommend the best technologies
and software systems that can be used to enhance the operations of warehouses.

It is expected that academics will benefit from the findings of this study as well, as it will serve as a
platform for further research, review and critiques which will notably help bring to the fore new
knowledge in warehouse management in the country. Furthermore, the study is set to make contributions
to the existing body of knowledge on the impact and effectiveness of information technology on
warehouse processes and ultimately, warehouse management.

1.7 ASSUMPTIONS OF THE STUDY

In order to carry out this project, the researcher will make the following assumptions:-
 The respondents will fully understand the purpose of the research
 The operations and management team the warehouses under study will be willing to assist the
researcher during the course of the research
 The researcher will get enough data from the organisation to support the hypothesis
 The researcher will also have enough resources to undertake the research project
 The researcher will gather enough data so as to enable him to make significant recommendations.
 The chosen respondents will be cooperative and give unbiased, honest and accurate responses
 The chosen sample size will be adequate to help draw valid conclusions

1.8 DELIMITATIONS
The researcher will focus primarily on the impact that IT systems in warehouse management and
warehouse processes. The investigation will be limited to the operations of Beitbridge warehouses, which
include Malindi Transit Shed, Manica Bonded warehouse, the ZIMRA state warehouse, Beitbridge
National Foods Depot Warehouse, MMF Private Warehouse and the N&R Enterprises Warehouse. The
research period will be from August 2017 through to December 2017

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1.9 LIMITATIONS
According to Kuul (2006), limitations are challenges that are expected or confronted by the researcher
during the research period. The researcher foresees the following challenges:-

1.9.1 Corporate confidentiality

Confidentiality constraints will also affect the research since the researcher will not be able to access all
data as some information, management and employees may consider it to be confidential.

1.9.2 Time
In order to produce quality research, a considerable amount of time will have to be invested into the
research. Owing to commitments such as his employment, family and other social engagements, the
available time for the project is short, such that it will not be adequate to produce a comprehensive study.

1.9.3 Finance
The researcher also anticipates that financial constraints will hinder him from conducting more in depth
and comprehensive research project consultations and interviews with the various persons of interest.

1.9.4 Information
The researcher is also likely to face difficulties in getting information from the respondents. Some
respondents may fail to or may be indisposed to provide valuable information in fear of divulging their
company secrets.

1.10 DEFINITION OF TERMS

1.10.1 Warehouse:
Rushton et al (2000) define a warehouse as a planned space for the storage and handling of goods and
material. They generalize that warehouses are focal points for product and information flow between
sources of supply and beneficiaries, thus suggesting that warehouses play a vital role in supply chains.
The warehouse is a key component of the supply chain. It buffers uncertainties and breakdowns that may
occur in the supply chain. When properly managed and appropriately stocked a warehouse provides a
consistent supply of materials when they are needed.

1.10.2 Warehouse Processes

These are the basic activities that take place within and around a warehouse facility. They include
receiving, putaway, storage, retrieval and dispatch (Rushton, et al, 2000). These processes are essential in
the warehouse in that, when done correctly, they aid in the smooth functioning of the warehouse facility
and aid in customer order fulfillment.

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1.10.3 Information Technology:
This is an umbrella term used to represent communication and computing tools that are used by society
and business. Frazelle (2002) posits that IT broadly includes the computing and communication
infrastructure such as the Internet, Wi-Fi, Satellite, software packages, computers and computer
controlled machinery, servers and devices.

1.11 SUMMARY
This chapter covered the background of the study, outlined the statement of the problem as well as the
research objectives and questions. Furthermore, the chapter stated the significance of the study and how
useful it would be to the researcher and the organisations studied and to the warehousing industry at large.
A justification as to why the study is important was also given; delimitations identified, and the possible
limitations specified. The key terms were also defined.

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2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 INTRODUCTION
In this chapter the researcher will review and examine existing literature on the use of Information
Technology systems in managing warehouses and warehouse processes, and thereafter evaluate their
merits, demerits and potential. The literature review will provide the researcher with conclusive
arguments as to why the investigation is important and necessary. Analysis of the literature will provide
an insight on the effectiveness of technology on warehouse management and provide a platform for
further research. The main aim of the literature review is to explore the available and existing information
which has been covered by the various researchers and scholars. The literature will be reviewed from
journals, the internet, reference books, working papers, reports and periodicals.

Randolph (2009:1) defines literature review as the systematic exploration of issues related to one’s
problem which has been treated to date by other various authorities. Moustakas (1994) highlights that
literature review provides ideas, theory, explanations, hypothesis or the method of research valuable in
formulating studying the problem.

2.2 WAREHOUSING
Warehousing refers to the activities involving storage of goods on a large-scale in a systematic and
orderly manner and making them available conveniently when needed (Frazelle, 2002). In other words,
warehousing means holding or preserving goods in huge quantities from the time of their purchase or
production till their actual use or sale. Chopra & Meindl (2003) advance that warehousing is one of the
important auxiliaries to trade, as it creates time utility by bridging the time gap between production and
consumption of goods.

The effective and efficient management of any organization requires that all its constituent elements
operate effectively and efficiently as individual facilities and together as an integrated whole corporate.
Across the supply chains, warehousing is an important element of activity in the distribution of goods,
from raw materials and work in progress through to finished products (Frazelle, 2002). It is an integral
part of the supply chain network within which it operates and as such its roles and objectives should
synchronize with the objectives of the supply chain (Vanik, 2004). It is not a ‘Stand-alone’ element of
activity and it must not be a weak link in the whole supply chain network.

Chopra & Meindl (2003) state that warehousing is costly in terms of human resources and of the facilities
and equipment required, and its performance will affect directly on overall supply chain performance.
Inadequate design or managing of warehouse systems will jeopardize the achievement of required
customer service levels and the maintenance of stock integrity, and result in unnecessarily high costs.

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The recent trends and pressures on supply chains, such as the forever increasing customer service levels,
inventory optimization, time compression and cost minimization , have inevitably changed the structure
of supply chains (Vanik, 2004) such that the operations of warehouses within the supply chains network,
must be efficient, timely and effective, hence the need to incorporate IT systems in the warehouse.

2.3 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Development of IT is increasing at a rapid pace in effort to fill gaps in the market that are identified and
which promise to meet needs of users in various fields (Chopra & Meindl, 2003). New software and
matching equipment have been developed and adapted to daily lives of people. Examples of
developments in IT tools include smartphones, tablet computers, cloud computing, fast internet speeds
now in Fourth Generation (4G) stage among others. These can be adopted to fit into operations of
warehouses to increase operational efficiency. Some of the areas where IT is applied in a business context
include linking business partners and players through network, fast generation of information and
seamless decision making by multiple stakeholders.

Today, some organizations are dependent on IT for deploying e-commerce platforms to increase business
presence and link to customers, data mining where patterns can be used to guide firms to make timely
decisions and simplification of tasks that otherwise could be cumbersome to manage by humans. Because
businesses are dependent on IT in improvement of service delivery, they have incorporated it into their
strategic plans to give it deserved attention (Kodama, 2013).

Kodama (2013) further opine that applications of IT are as wide as are the needs of an organization; they
can range from simple point of sale unit to a whole organization where Enterprise Resource Planning
system is installed to manage almost every aspect of the organization and some of these areas include
supply chain management, human resources, customer management and accounts

2.4 WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

A warehouse management system (WMS) is a key part of the supply chain (Chopra & Meindl, 2003)and
primarily aims to control the movement and storage of materials within a warehouse and process the
associated transactions, including shipping, dispatch, retrieval, picking, storage, putaway and receiving.
Warehouse management systems often utilize automatic identification and data capture technology, such
as barcode scanners, mobile computers, wireless LANs, Quick response codes (QR), Quick response
scanners (QR Scanners) and radio-frequency identification (RFID) to efficiently monitor the flow of
products.

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2.5 WAREHOUSE PROCESSES
The basic warehouse processes include receiving, putaway, storage, order picking, dispatch and shipping.
There are however other processes that emanate from these basic ones, such as cross-docking, packaging
and repackaging, labelling and consolidation.

2.5.1 Receiving:
Wen items of inventory are first delivered to the warehouse facility, the first point of call is receiving.
This process involves offloading of delivery vehicles, checking against purchase orders, verification of
quantities against delivery orders, recording these items into inventory. Rushton et al (2000) advance that
this is a very labor intensive process which when done manually, takes a long time and is prone to human
error.

2.5.2 Putaway:
Putaway is defined by Chopra & Meindl (2003) as the process by which items, after having gone through
the process of receiving and recording into inventory, are physically taken to their specific and individual
storage areas in the warehouse. Usually deliveries are done in bulk to save on transaction costs (Frazelle,
2002), and as such large quantities of inventory items have to be putaway at a single time, and for security
reasons, in the shortest time possible. There is need therefore to shorten the time taken for items to be put
away into storage, and precisely so, hence, manual systems fall short in this regard.

2.5.3 Storage:
This is the process of allocating items in the warehouse. Since warehouse storage locations and pickers
are generally scarce resources, therefore high allocation efficiency is required in terms of utilization of
both picker effort and storage capacity. Storage includes the following interrelated activities: sequencing
and consolidation, storage location assignment, and shuffling (Rushton, 2000).

2.5.4 Picking:
Picking or retrieval is the process of taking out items of inventory from their storage positions so as to
fulfil a customer order or for use in manufacturing processes of any other reason (Rushton et al, 2000). It
involves locating the particular items from the inventory, and physically retrieving them from that
location. Customer orders can have various items of inventory; hence the picking/retrieval process
becomes a lengthy process. In order to fulfil customer orders and maintain customer satisfaction, it is
imperative that the picking process is error free so that the precise customer orders are fulfilled, and quick
to reduce order lead times (Vanik, 2004). Manual systems, in most cases fall short in this regard and as
such, warehouses have a lot of returns due to wrong orders, long lead times caused by lengthy picking
times. This leads to low customer confidence and dissatisfied customers. It is therefore important for

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warehouses to invest in IT systems that can help speed up the picking and retrieval process as well as
improve the accuracy of order fulfilment.

2.5.5Dispatch & Shipping:

When an order has been picked from the warehouse, it has to be sorted, packaged, labeled and shipped to
the customer or, in the case of production warehouses, sent to the production department to be used in the
production process (Vanik, 2004). Individual items in the customer’s order have to be correctly sorted and
packaged, labeled and shipped to their correct recipient, in the shortest possible time. Problems arise
when a customer receives a wrong order or an incomplete order with other items missing or not as
specified in the initial order or the wrong items of inventory are sent to production. This will cause delays
and increase transaction costs, and in either case, serious ramifications. IT systems can help curb such
situations. Moreover, when orders have been sent, there has to be a way of monitoring the status and
progress of shipments until they are delivered to the customers, hence the need for IT systems.

2.6 SUMMARY
This chapter has reviewed literature pertaining to the impact of IT on warehouse processes. The literature
has demonstrated how the advancement in IT and the plethora of ICT tools where adopted have
transformed supply chain management and of interest warehouse processes. In the context of a highly
volatile global business environment and high customer expectations, it is imperative for firms to improve
their product and service offering to remain competitive. To ensure such agility and customer
responsiveness, adoption of modern IT cannot be opposed.

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3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
This chapter discuses the methodology that will be employed in this study for the purpose of collecting
data required to understand the phenomenon under study. This includes research design, sample size,
sampling techniques, the research instruments and data collection procedures. These are discussed below.

3.2 RESEARCH DESIGN

Kothari (2004) opines that a research design can be defined as a systematic and orderly approach taken
towards data collection so that information about a topic if interest can be obtained. Salant & Dillman
(1994) further opines that it is a ‘blueprint for action’, the overall plan that spells out the strategies that
the researcher will use to develop accurate, objective and interpretative information. Cresswell (2003)
propounds that the purpose of a research design is to provide a plan for answering the research questions

In this research the researcher will use causal or explanatory research design, which is a form of
qualitative research. A qualitative research design provides researchers with different ways of
operationalizing and measuring theoretical constructs and practical concepts (Frankfort & Nachmias,
1992).

A causal/explanatory research design seeks to determine how one variable, the independent variable (In
this case, use of information technology systems) influences another, the dependent variable (efficiency
and effectiveness of warehouse processes). A qualitative case study will be chosen for this study because,
as Patton (1990) states, it offers a complete investigation into the research topics. Kuul (2006) advances
that, a case study is a form of qualitative analysis which uses an in depth investigation of a situation or
institution.

Qualitative data is collected in the form of words and descriptions other than numbers. Thus, the case
study will provide a comprehensive and deeper understanding of the situation under study. The qualitative
case study design is appropriate to the study because it is going to give the researcher the room to
describe non- quantifiable information such as the factors that hinder the productivity and efficiency of
the warehouses and why the warehouses are not embracing the use of IT systems in their operations.

A hallmark of case study research is the use of multiple data sources, a strategy which also enhances data
credibility (Patton, 1990). This research’s data sources may include, but are not limited to documentation,
archival records and interviews. According to Kothari (2004), case studies can be seen to satisfy the three
tenets of the qualitative method, namely, describing, understanding, and explaining a situation. The case
study method, with its use of multiple data collection methods and analysis techniques, provides

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researchers with opportunities to triangulate data in order to strengthen the research findings and
conclusions (Lapin, 1987).

The researcher will make use of the knowledge and experiences of the employees and management teams
in the various warehouses so as to fully understand the phenomena under study.

3.2.1 Target Population

The research will target the employees and management of the 6 warehouses located in the town of
Beitbridge.

3.2.2 Sampling Design

A sample is a finite part of a statistical population whose properties are studied to gain information about
the whole (Lapin, 1987). When dealing with people, it can be defined as a set of respondents (people)
selected from a larger population for the purpose of a survey. Sampling, therefore, is the act, process, or
technique of selecting a suitable sample, or a representative part of a population for the purpose of
determining parameters or characteristics of the whole population (Lapin, 1987).

Owing to the heterogeneous nature of the respondents, (management and employees/subordinates), the
researcher will use Stratified random sampling in order to select a sample for the study. Lapin, (1987)
opines that a stratified random sample is obtained by separating the population into mutually exclusive
sets, or strata, (in this case, respondents will be stratified according to whether they are management or
they are the shopfloor workers), and then drawing simple random samples from each stratum. These strata
will be used so as to get the views of the different groups in relation to the area of study.
The strata will be as follows:

STRATA 1 STRATA 2
Management Shopfloor Workers

3.2.3 Sample size

In order to collect a more representative sample, a sample size will have to be determined. To do this, the
researcher will make use of Cochran’s (1963) simplified formula for determining sample size for finite
populations for proportions. The formula is denoted as follows:-

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Where, n is the sample size, N is the size of the population, and e is the level of precision. The
researcher will also assume a 95% confidence interval, thus the level of precision is = 0.05.

3.3 RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS

The main research instruments to be used in the research are Interviews and Questionnaires. According to
Creswell (2003), these qualitative data collection methods yield large volumes of exceedingly rich data
obtained from a limited number of individuals.

3.3.1 Interviews
Patton (1990) defines an interview as a face to face conversation between people in which one person has
the role of a researcher who elicits data on people's views, attitudes and meanings that inter-pin their lives
and behaviors. Interviews are going to be used as a supplement to the questionnaires. These involve face
to face communication with the respondents. The interviewees are going to be chosen from people who
will respond to the questionnaires to further their interest. The interviewer is going to write simple word
answers during the interview session and expand them into sentences immediately after the interview in
order to avoid interruption or stoppages. Thus, a semi-structured interview on the specific aspects of the
research is going to be used by the researcher to elicit correct responses.

The employees are going to be questioned on how they actually feel about their job and current work
environment, and the possible improvements the wish to see happen in their workplaces, their attitudes
towards technology and IT systems as well as their competencies in relation to the use of automatic
systems in their place of work. The researcher is going to use interviews because their response rate is
high. More so, feedback is provided immediately.

However interviews are subject to personal bias (Kothari, 2004) and this short coming is to be addressed
by the use of questionnaires. Interviewing and recording concurrently affects the flow of information and
the interviewer is going to write points and expand them soon after the interview. Moreover, it can be
difficult to bring forth participation from individuals who have time constraints; documentation and
analysis can be time consuming and may require the help of someone versed in qualitative analysis and
since the interview is conversational in nature, it could bring up a lot of unnecessary information.

3.3.2 Questionnaires
A questionnaire is a research instrument consisting of a set of written or printed questions and other
prompts for the purpose of obtaining statistically useful or personal information from

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individuals/respondents (Krueger, 1990). Here, chosen respondents answer the questions with answers
provided/stated on the questionnaire and occasionally describe in short answers were necessary.

Questionnaires have advantages of being more objective in the sense that responses are gathered in a
standardised way and they are straight to the point and they are easy to interpret and generally it is
relatively quick to collect information using a questionnaire. Another advantage is that information can be
collected from a large portion of a group and in a short period of time and also questionnaires can be used
to explore potentially embarrassing areas (such as sexual and criminal matters) more easily than other
methods. The questionnaire can, for example, be both anonymous and completed in privacy (Kothari,
2004). This increases the chances of people answering questions honestly because they are not
intimidated by the presence of a researcher.

There are disadvantages in using questionnaires and these include, where the researcher is not present, it's
always difficult to know whether or not a respondent has understood a question properly and as such vital
information may be lost. Also the format of questionnaire design makes it difficult for the researcher to
examine complex issues and opinions since simple answers will be given with no explanation at all.
Questionnaires also don’t show the feelings of the respondents, which are usually important in research.
Even where open-ended questions are used, the depths of answers that the respondent can provide tend to
be more limited. This makes it difficult for a researcher to gather information that is rich in depth and
detail.

3.4 ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Lumijarvi & Ursin (2011) defines ethics as, the division of viewpoints that deals with the morality and
inequality of actions, moral values, rights and who should be benefited or harmed by an action. Chiromo
(2006) advances that; every researcher should study the ethical values that oversee their processes so that
they do not indulge in unethical practices unintentionally. Therefore, this means that ethical
considerations are principles which govern the researcher operations thus the values that guide the actions
of people which deal with right and wrong.

3.4.1 Informed consent

It is one of the ethical principles which deal with informing the respondents about the research before
they decide to take part in the study. Furthermore, respondents should be given explanations on why and
how they were chosen, the purpose of the research and procedures to be followed during the research
process.

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3.4.2 Confidentiality
This is an important principle in research that the researcher is going to ensure. This is whereby the
respondents should be assured that their responses will be treated in the strictest of confidence. This
means that, no one should have access to the data except the researcher thus giving the respondents the
zeal to give accurate information willingly and with confidence.

3.4.3 Privacy or autonomy

Also termed as self-determination, this will also be considered by the researcher. Chiromo (2006) stated
that, human beings have the right to privacy, the right to choose the degree which and manner in which
they will divulge or withhold information which they feel may impinge on their privacy. To this effect,
the researcher will not write and include the names of the respondents on all instruments he or she is
going to use.

3.4.4 The right to remain anonymous

Anonymity is another ethical principle that the researcher will have to consider during the research. To
this effect, no individual real names will be used, as subjects have the right that their individual identities
are not highlighted in a research. The researcher will explain to the subjects that they are included as part
of the sample to present the group but the researcher may use numbers, if necessary, to identify them.

3.4.5 Deception:
Chiromo (2006) says deception lies in not telling the subjects the truth about the research. Thus, when no
harm comes to the respondents this may be used by the researcher to discover things of real importance.
The researcher will convince the subject that there will be no harm due to the deception in future.

3.4.6 Protection from Harm

Protection from harm is another principle in research that a researcher must ensure in their study whereby
respondents must be protected from harm of any nature, be it physical, social, emotional and spiritual.

3.5 SUMMARY
This chapter was aimed at outlining the methodologies to be used in data collection. In addition, a
discussion of the research design for this study was made. The chapter discussed the analysis methods to
be employed as well as the sampling techniques and the research instruments that the researcher will use.
Furthermore, the chapter identified the ethical concerns that the researcher will take into consideration
during the research.

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Chiromo A. (2006). Research Methods and Statistics in Education: A student’s guide, MSU: Gweru

Chopra, S., Meindl, P., (2013), Supply Chain Management - Strategy, Planning and Operation.
Pearson Education, New Jersey

Creswell, S., (2003), Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed approaches. SAGE:
Thousand Oaks

Frankfort, C. & Nachmias, D. (1992). Research Methods In Social Sciences. St. Martin's: New York

Frazelle, E. H., (2002). World-Class Warehousing and Material Handling. McGraw-Hill: New York.

Kerridge, A. (2006), Manage Materials Effectively. Allyn & Bacon, Massachusetts

Kothari, C. R., (2004) Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques, New Age Books, New Delhi

Kodama, M. (2013). Competing Through ICT Capability: Innovation in Image Communication.

Palgrave-MacMillan: London

Krueger, D. (1990), Survey in Social Research. Unwin Hyman, London

Kuul M., (2006), Research Methods A conceptual Approach, 5th ed., Allyn and Bacon, Boston

Lapin, L. L., (1987). Statistics for Modern Business Decisions. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich: Leeds.

Lumijarvi, I., & Ursin, K., (2011). Can A High Performance Public Organization Be Highly Ethical
As Well? Tampere University Press, Finland.

Moustakas, C. (1994). Phenomenological Research Methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.

Patton, M.Q., (1990). Qualitative evaluation and research methods. SAGE Publications. London

Randolph, J., (2009). A Guide to Writing the Dissertation Literature Review. Practical Assessment,
Research & Evaluation, vol 14, Issue 13, pp.

Rushton, A., Oxley, J., and Croucher, P., (2000), The Handbook of Logistics and Distribution
Management (2nd ed.), Kogan Page, London

Salant, P., & Dillman, D., (1994). How to Conduct Your Own Survey. John Wiley & Sons, London.

Vanik M., (2004), Warehouse Management, Prentice Hall, New York

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