A “Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the
Degree of Master of Science in Procurement and Supply Chain Management
(MSc- PSCM) of Mzumbe University”
The study was conducted on Supply Chain Management Practices on Product
Innovation: A Case Study of Biotech Products Limited (TBPL). Specifically the
study examined the effect of employee’s skills on product innovation, to find out the
influence of supply chain technology on product innovation and determine the effect
of management commitment on product innovation at Tanzania Biotech Product
Limited. The research methodology used was case study design. Data collection
methods and instruments used were questionnaire” and documentary review.
Analysis of data was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).
The study findings based on factor analysis and simple linear regression. The study
found out that it was employee’s skills through experience and training have positive
relation to product innovation. Supply chain technology is significantly related with
product innovation through ERP and E-procurement. Furthermore, the study found
out that Management Commitment through funding and commitment can positively
influence product innovation in supply chain management practices. Finally, the
study establishes “that supply chain management practices have significant roles on
product innovation. The study identified the roles of supply chain management’s
practices through employee’s skills (experience and training), supply chain
management technology (E-procurement and ERP) and management commitment
(funding and commitments). The study recommends that organizations need to be
aware that supply chain strategy is not simply a linear derivative of the business
strategy. The supply chain strategies are recommended to be aligned with corporate
so as to perfect the performance and create a strategic flow of works,
communication, production, planning, and coordination and hence efficiency and
effectiveness of the organization strategic plan implementation. Hence, the reality
on the ground is that product innovation is very crucial and significant, as to bring
the creativity, innovations and customer satisfaction. Innovation is also related to
quality management when the product discovered meets the requirements of the
customer’s expectations. The organization can accomplish this by ensuring that
employees are committed; effectively use the technology and their competence in
term of skills.