A Dissertation Submitted to Mzumbe University Dar Es Salaam Campus
College in partial fulfillment of the Requirements for award of Master degree in
Procurement and Supply Chain Management (MSc. PSCM) of Mzumbe
University
The objective of the study was to investigate the Influence of Information and
Communication Technology on effectiveness of inventory control in Tanzania
Mining Industry. Specific objectives were; to determine the role of ICT on
effectiveness of inventory control; to investigate the influence of ICT on the
effectiveness of inventory control; and to investigate the challenges faced the mining
industry on the use of ICT during inventory control.
The researcher used a case study design in conducting this study, The study was
conducted at Bulyanhulu gold mine which is located in Shinyanga Tanzania.
Convenience sampling was applied in collecting data. Data collection methods used
was interviews, observations and documentary analysis and instruments used were
interview questions, observation and documentary interview schedules as well as
questionnaires.
Qualitative data was analyzed in order to obtain the relationships that exist among
data groups by the use of computer software. Descriptive statistics was used to
summarize the data in frequency tables and percentages and findings were presented
using graphs and charts.
Findings show that Bulyanhulu Gold Mine Limited has a well-defined inventory
control policies that has reduced the inventory labor costs and helpful to supply chain
performance in the inventory management. However, challenges facing the
organization on executing ICT on inventory control were found to be high initial cost
on its application, unreliable experts to use the system, incompatible with other
systems, complexity in its operation, mis-function of other parts, and unreliable
training on staff.
The researcher recommended that the effectiveness of ICT on inventory management
system has a great Influence on the effectiveness of inventory control in Tanzania
Mining Industry. It was recommended that the mine should increase its budget to
meet high initial cost and attract more experienced and well skilled experts to use the
ICT system in inventory control. Also should make sure that the system is
compatible with all other systems used in other departments and sections or units.