An Assessment into the effects of implementing Continous Improvement Practises in Production Logistics: A Case Study of the Internal Logistics System of Reagents at Kansanshi Mining PLC

Abstract

This study assessed the effects of implementing continuous improvement (CI) practices in the internal logistics system of reagents at KMP. Using descriptive data analysis, the study explored the CI practices such as Root-Cause Analysis (RCA), Technology adoption, Training, Employee involvement, Feedback and Suggestion systems. With a population of 120 staff, a sample of 120 from the reagents section was picked entailing a census approach. Findings indicate “good” adoption of CI, particularly in root cause analysis with 61.8% of respondents indicating that Root-Cause analysis is frequently utilized, Training with 73.3% respondents indicating it is frequently utilized and technology use with 75.28% of respondents indicating frequent utilization of this practice. Employee involvement, feedback and suggestion is the least with 58.4%. The study established that CI is utilized but not to the fullest extent and that there is room for improvement. The study also established a positive relationship between CI practices and logistics efficiency, evidenced by a multiple regression analysis model explaining 81.45% of the variance in the dependent variable, efficiency. Safety, health, and environmental benchmarks also showed improvement post-CI with an improved grand mean value post CI implementation. The regression model showed a positive 93.13% explanatory power with a P-value of 0.001 indicating significance. Leadership commitment and employee involvement emerge as crucial for successful CI implementation. The study suggests integrating CI with performance evaluation schemes for all staff, establishment of CI/quality circles with a champion to lead the process. Establishing a dedicated CI section with mission to push the CI agenda across the firm is also recommended. Training also needs reinforcement. It is also recommended that there is increased focus on internal customer satisfaction within the company Keywords: Continuous Improvement, Logistics Management, Operational Efficiency, Employee Engagement, Customer Satisfaction, Lean, Total Quality Management, Agile, Emerging Economies, Safety, Health, Environment, Root Cause Analysis, Training, Feedback, Suggestion Systems, Leadership Commitment, Technology Utilization, Performance evaluation schemes, Technological Advancements