A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the
Degree of Master of Science in Procurement and Supply Chain Management of
Mzumbe University
The study aimed at assessing the causes for reverse logistics in publishing and
printing industry using a case study design. Data were collected from a sample of 32
respondents as 78.05% of targeted sample from all organisational departments or
sections. Data collection method and tools involved questions and discussion in form
of interview and documentary secondary data. The technique used throughout the
study was interview schedule.
The specific objective were to establish the importance of reverse logistics, to
determine the common reverse logistics activities, to examine the main sources of
reverse flow and to determine the challenges encountered in pursuit of managing
reverse logistics.
The responses collected are presented in both quantitatively and qualitatively. In
quantitative approach, tables and figures are used. Likewise, in qualitative approach,
data are quoted either directly or indirectly in the discussion part of this dissertation.
The major findings included the revelation of the importance of reverse logistics for
company’s performance, lack of understanding of the common reverse logistics, lack
of knowledge of the main sources of reverse flow, stiff competition among printers
and publishers, many challenges in managing reverse logistics operations, lack of
hardware and software for handling returns and longer returns processing cycle.
The major recommendations include, among other things, the need for top
management to be responsible for addressing reverse logistics issues, clear and
adequate budget the reverse logistics operations, application of hardware and
software technologies in managing reverse logistics operations, establishment of total
quality control initiatives, enhancing the rate of decision making including how to
handle emergency issues, availability of handling and storage facilities and
establishment of the flexible and result-oriented reverse logistics rules and policies.
The researcher really hopes that output from this study shall be of practical use to
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