Discipline of supply chain management

The purpose of this study was to unearth the challenges that occur in procurement processes and the effects these challenges have on project execution. Project procurement management is the production of associations with outside merchants and providers for merchandise and enterprises expected to finish a task. This process encompasses five stages: initiating and planning, selecting, contract writing, monitoring, and lastly, closing the deal. To clearly illustrate the magnitude of challenges faced in procurement processes, a project management company in Cape Town, South Africa, has been chosen as the subject of study. This study identified that procurement challenges were rooted in the company's method of execution which comprises supplier-related issues, strategy selection issues, cost reduction and savings achievement factors, data accuracy issues and stakeholder management concerns. The aforementioned challenges resonate with various theoretical connotations by authorities who maintained that challenges in procurement could be narrowed to four areas: cost reduction, 'going digital', and risk mitigation and supplier relationships. This study adopted a mixed research methodology incorporating both qualitative and quantitative research techniques and relied on field research conducted both through a survey of administered questionnaires as well as structured interviews. The information gathered in field research has been used to augment and corroborate theoretical information existing in literature and to proffer solutions through pragmatic recommendations for improving procurement processes with the intent of enhancing project execution efficacy and effectiveness. This study further aimed to add input to the existing body of knowledge concerning the effects of procurement processes on project execution in project management and also to contribute to the existing literature in procurement management.

The study investigates the impact of the IoT on the cost and quality of last-mile logistics, the critical and often challenging final phase of the supply chain. With the relentless growth of e-commerce and the increasing demands for efficient and reliable delivery services, understanding how IoT affects last-mile logistics is increasingly becoming important. Through the integration of IoT technologies such as GPS tracking, RFID systems, and real-time data analytics, the study aimed to assess the extent to which the application of the IoT affects the cost and quality of last-mile distribution in South Africa. As a result, the study provides valuable insights into the potential cost savings or increases associated with IoT adoption, quality challenges and areas of improvement, customer satisfaction and the overall performance of last-mile distribution systems. The methodology involves the collection of primary data from selected distribution companies in South Africa. Statistical software was used to analyse the data to shed light on the tangible benefits and challenges associated with IoT adoption in last-mile logistics as they relate to cost and quality. The research findings indicate that implementing IoT in last-mile distribution systems in South Africa can significantly improve efficiency and effectiveness. The IoT integration with existing infrastructure enables seamless communication, proactive decisionmaking, and reduced delivery delays. Overall, by leveraging IoT technologies and real-time data analysis, organisations can optimise their distribution processes, reduce costs, improve quality, and enhance overall customer experience.