A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the
Degree of Masters of Science in Procurement and Supply Chain Management
(MSc-PSCM) of Mzumbe University
This study titled “Factors influencing demand and supply management on
pharmaceutical supply chain performance in Tanzania was carried out at Medical
Stores Department headquarters with the main objective of assessing the factors
influencing the demand and supply management on pharmaceutical supply chain
performance. The study adopted explanatory and descriptive research design using
both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study also adopted the concept of
transaction cost theory, system theory, the network theory and the institutional
theory. Random and purposive sampling methods were also used intentionally to
achieve a sample size of 56 respondents from MSD and data was collected using
questionnaire and documentary review methods. Descriptive statistics was used with
the help of SPSS version 23. Inferential statics was adopted using regression
analysis, factor analysis, and correlation analysis to examine the close relationship
between variables.
The study found that inventory control, warehouse operations, information sharing,
information quality, security system, security software, legal framework and ethics
were significant predicators in the performance of pharmaceutical supply chain at
Medical store department in Tanzania. Therefore, the study recommended that the
governing body should continue to improve environment in which medical store
department operate not only internally but even externally for instance the
geographical location of our nation favours exportation and importation as we share
borders with more than 6 countries including Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, DRC,
Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda. Moreover, there should be harmonization of policies
and laws governing all the institutions and respective authorities involved in
regulating and governing pharmaceutical supply chain activities to improve the
sector. Furthermore, encouragement of private sector involvement in pharmaceutical
supply network is a necessity to improve availability of health supplies for better
health care and growth of national economy