ABSTRACT

This study investigates the effects of warehouse management practices—specifically inventory classification, material codification, and material inspection—on the productivity of building material shops in Douala Quifeurou Newtown, Cameroon. With the growing importance of efficient logistics in the construction sector, this research addresses the challenges faced by local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in adopting modern warehouse practices. Using a descriptive research design, data were collected from 50 employees across various roles in the selected shops.

The findings reveal significant positive correlations between effective warehouse management practices and productivity metrics, such as order fulfillment rates, stock accuracy, and customer satisfaction. Notably, inventory classification and material codification emerged as critical factors driving operational efficiency, while gaps in material inspection protocols were identified as areas needing improvement.

The study highlights the necessity for local businesses to embrace structured warehouse management systems to enhance their competitive edge. Recommendations include adopting standardized inventory methods, implementing rigorous inspection processes, and exploring cost-effective technological solutions tailored to the local context.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background of the Study

Globally, the trend in warehouse management practices has shifted towards automation and technology integration, significantly enhancing operational efficiency. Companies are increasingly adopting advanced inventory management systems, robotics, and data analytics to streamline processes and reduce costs. For instance, logistics giants like Amazon have set benchmarks in using technology to optimize warehousing, which has led to faster fulfilment rates and improved customer satisfaction (Githinji, 2014). This trend underscores the importance of leveraging innovative solutions to enhance warehouse performance, a practice that is increasingly being recognized by organizations around the world, including those in Africa.

In Africa, and specifically in Cameroon, warehouse management practices are evolving but still face several challenges. Many companies are beginning to adopt modern inventory management techniques, yet the pace of integration remains slow due to infrastructural and technological limitations.

According to a study on logistics in Cameroon, the lack of proper inventory systems often leads to inefficiencies such as stockouts and delays (Sawaya et al., 2006). For Guinness Cameroon, enhancing warehouse management practices by adopting global standards could significantly improve performance, allowing the company to meet local demand more effectively while competing in a growing beverage market. This alignment with international practices is crucial for improving service delivery and operational efficiency in the region.

Warehouse management practices play a crucial role in the efficiency and effectiveness of supply chain operations. As noted by Coyle et al. (2003), effective warehouse management minimizes costs while enhancing service quality, which is essential in competitive markets. In developing countries like Cameroon, where logistics infrastructures are still evolving, the significance of optimizing warehouse operations cannot be overstated.

The construction industry plays a pivotal role in economic development, particularly in emerging economies like Cameroon. Efficient warehouse management is crucial for ensuring the timely availability of building materials, which directly impacts project timelines and overall productivity (Gaur et al., 2018). In Douala, the commercial hub of Cameroon, building material shops serve as key suppliers for construction projects. However, these shops often face operational inefficiencies due to poor warehouse management practices, leading to delays, increased costs, and customer dissatisfaction (Ojong, 2020). Addressing these challenges is essential for enhancing the competitiveness of the construction sector and supporting sustainable urban development.

Warehouse management encompasses several critical functions, including inventory classification, material codification, and material inspection. Inventory classification ensures that materials are organized systematically, enabling faster retrieval and reducing stockouts (Daugherty et al., 2000). Despite its importance, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Douala lack structured classification systems, resulting in disorganized storage and inefficiencies (Ominde & Mburu, 2017). This disorganization not only hampers productivity but also increases operational costs, as workers spend excessive time locating materials. The absence of standardized practices further exacerbates these issues, highlighting the need for improved inventory management strategies.

Material codification, another key aspect of warehouse management, involves labeling and tracking materials using systems such as barcodes or RFID tags (Gopalakrishnan, 2019). Effective codification enhances accuracy in stock tracking, reduces errors, and improves order fulfillment rates. However, many building material shops in Douala Quifeurou Newtown rely on manual tracking methods, which are prone to human error and inefficiency (Tzeng et al., 2015). The adoption of modern codification technologies remains limited due to financial constraints and a lack of awareness about their benefits. This gap underscores the need for cost-effective solutions tailored to the local context.

Material inspection is equally vital for maintaining quality control in warehouse operations. Rigorous inspection processes help identify defects early, preventing the use of substandard materials in construction projects (Sharma & Shah, 2015). In Douala, however, many building material shops lack systematic inspection protocols, leading to the storage and distribution of defective products (Kigenza et al., 2023). This not only affects the reputation of suppliers but also compromises the safety and durability of construction projects. Implementing robust inspection mechanisms could significantly reduce waste, improve customer satisfaction, and enhance overall productivity.

The productivity of building material shops is often measured by metrics such as order fulfillment rates, stock accuracy, and customer satisfaction (Heizer & Render, 2020). Studies have shown that effective warehouse management practices positively influence these metrics, yet there is limited research focusing on the specific context of Douala Quifeurou Newtown (Buzu, 2021). Most existing literature examines large-scale industries or regions with advanced logistics infrastructure, leaving a gap in understanding the unique challenges faced by SMEs in Cameroon. This study aims to fill that gap by exploring how inventory classification, material codification, and material inspection impact productivity in local building material shops.

• Statement of the Problem

The construction industry in Douala, Cameroon, relies heavily on efficient warehouse management to ensure the timely availability of building materials. However, many building material shops in Cameroon face challenges in maintaining optimal productivity due to inefficiencies in inventory classification, material codification, and inspection processes. Poor inventory classification leads to stock imbalances, delays in order fulfillment, and increased holding costs (Gaur et al., 2018). Inadequate material codification systems result in tracking errors, misplaced stock, and inefficient retrieval (Ominde & Mburu, 2017). Additionally, weak material inspection protocols contribute to defective materials entering storage, causing production delays and customer dissatisfaction (Kigenza et al., 2023).

Despite the critical role of warehouse management in operational efficiency, there is limited empirical research on how these specific practices—inventory classification, material codification, and inspection—collectively influence the productivity of building material shops in this region. Existing studies have primarily focused on large-scale industries or other geographical contexts, leaving a gap in localized, sector-specific insights (Ojong, 2020; Buzu, 2021). Addressing these gaps is essential for improving warehouse operations, reducing costs, and enhancing service delivery in Douala’s construction supply chain.

This study, therefore, seeks to examine the effects of warehouse management practices particularly inventory classification, material codification, and material inspection on the productivity of building material shops in Douala Quifeurou Newtown.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1.3.1 General Objective

The Effects of Warehouse management on the productivity of building material shop Douala Quifeurou Newtown airport branch

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

1. To examine the effect of inventory classification on the productivity of building material shops in Douala Quifeurou Newtown
2. To assess the effects of material codification on the productivity of building material shops in Douala Quifeurou Newtown
3. To investigate the effect of material inspection on the productivity of building material shops in in Douala Quifeurou Newtown

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