Research proposal writer

A study of the factors affecting the performance of logistics management information systems in lira district

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 introduction

This section presents the findings of the study in relation to the study objectives and the study questions.

4.1 Demographic composition of respondents

This section presents the demographic composition of the respondents specifically the Bio data which included; gender of respondents and educational level of respondents.

4.1.1 Gender of respondents

The findings from the table above indicates that majority of the respondents 53.3% were male and only 46.7% were female. This findings also further indicates that both gender of the respondents was well represented during the study. This study results also further indicates that the male gender is slightly more than the female gender in the lira pharmacy department.

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4.1.2 Educational level of respondents

The study results further indicates that majority of respondents were either diploma or certificate holders while only 6.7% () of the respondent were a master’s degree holder. This results also indicated that the people of lira regional referral hospital are well educated and therefore could answer the questions asked from an informed perspective.

4.1.3 Facility level care

The study results indicates that majority 40% (6) of the facilities HCIII, 40% (6) were HCII. The table further indicates that 13.3% (2) were HCIV and the remaining while 6.7% (1) was RRH. This study results also shows that HCIII and HCII are the main prevalent health facilities around.

4.1.4 Time spent at the facility

The findings in the study indicates that majority 46.7% (7) of the respondents have spent between 1-2 years, between 2-5 years 20% (3), below 1 year 20% and the remaining 13.3% 5-10 years. Since most of the respondents have spent a considerable amount of time at the facility therefore this indicates that majority of the respondents have knowledge regarding the subject matter and therefore they could answer the questions asked from a well-informed point of view.

4.1.5 Findings on time spent in public service

The table results indicates that majority 33.3% (5) of the respondents had spent 2-5 years in public service, while between 5-10 years had 26.7% (4). On the same note only 6.7% (1) had spent below one year and 13.3% (2) has spent more than 10 years in public service. This study results also indicates that majority of the respondents have the required knowledge regarding the LMIS in lira regional referral hospital.

4.2 To explore the human resource capacity factors that influence the performance of logistics management information systems in public health facilities in Lira district.

4.2.1 Findings on the responsibility of respondents in medicines in management

According to the results in the study 80% (12) of the respondents have responsibility of medicines in management and only 20% (3) do not have responsibility in medicines. The results also indicated that majority of the respondents given questionnaire have a direct responsibility on the medicines therefore they answered the question based on the knowledge they have.

4.2.2 Number of facility pharmacy staff

The study results also further indicates that 80% (12) of the facilities had one pharmacists for their respective facilities.  This results therefore indicates that most pharmacies have very few staff to carry on their activities. It has also been revealed that Lira Regional referral hospital have one pharmacy staff.

4.2.3 Training Staff

The researcher used scales to enable in the analysis of nominal data in SPSS. The scale include; 0-no, 1-yes.

The table results indicates that majority of the respondents indicated that there is no pre-service training in school. The table further indicates that the respondents disagreed that formal training is offered. Table results also further shows that majority of the respondents indicated that they have been offered on-job training by other facility staff and still on the same results majority of the respondents indicated that majority of the staffs indicated that on-the-job training by outside persons is offered while only very few respondents indicated that they have never been trained.

4.2.4 Findings on the staff knowledge on storage

According to the findings of the study the respondents indicated that they can fill and update inventory tools. This response therefore indicated that the staff were knowledgeable in this area. The study findings further indicates that they can make orders this was represented by the fact majority of the respondents agreed that yes.

The table results further shows that majority of the staff also further indicated that they know the good storage practices and very few indicated that they can prioritize the needs.

On regarding the question if the staff can review reports it was reported that very few of the staff indicated that they can review reports. This also indicates that the staff cannot review reports.

On regarding the question if the staff can categorize expenditure it was revealed that majority of the staff indicated that they cannot categorize expenditure. The respondents further indicated that on the question if LMIS can maintain optimum stock levels it was revealed that majority of the respondents disagreed.

4.2.5 Number of staff trained in LMIS

According to the findings in the study majority 66.7% (1) of the staff are trained in LMS, 13.3% (2) of the respondents had 0, and facilities with 2, 3, and 5 or more trained in LMS were 6.7%. The results above also indicates that Lira regional referral hospital has only one staff trained LMS. This results also further indicated the challenge Lira regional referral hospital is facing regarding the low numbers of staff.

4.3 To explore the logistics management information systems tools availability factors that influence the performance of logistics management information systems in public health facilities in Lira district.

4.3.1 Findings if the facility have LMIS

The table results indicates that all the facility have LMS. From the above findings it is evident that Lira regional referral hospital has the logistics management information system.

4.3.1 Findings on which form LMS

Which from(s) of LMIS are there

In line to the question regarding the form of LMIS systems used in Lira regional referral hospital it was revealed that, Majority 80% (12) of the respondents stated that the LMIS is paper based only while only 20% indicated that the LMIS is paper and electronic.

4.3.2 Filling and updating inventory tools

The results indicated that all 100% (15) of the respondents stated that they can update inventory tools. This therefore further indicated that all the staff know how to update inventory Books. According to the study results it was also further reveled that it has been imperative in filling and updating inventory tools.

4.3.3 Findings if the respondents can estimate the annual requirements

Table results also indicates that majority 86.7% (13) of the respondents indicated that they cannot estimate the annual requirements, while 13.3% (2) of the respondents indicated that they can estimate. The fact that very few respondents can estimate the annual requirements therefore indicates Lira regional referral hospital must train its employees on estimate the annual requirements so that there is efficiency in the supply chain of the drugs in the hospital.

4.3.4 INVENTORY FILLING

The results indicates that majority of the respondents indicate that they have received training in filling and updating inventory tools. This indicated by the fact that all the respondents agreed with the findings.

According the response on whether respondents have received training in making inventory reports majority of more than 60% of the respondents agreed.

Table also represents the fact that majority of the respondents disagreed with the statements that have you received training in quantifying needs majority of the respondents disagreed more to that in line with the findings of the study it was also further revealed that all he respondents indicated that they have received training in estimating annual requirements.

According to the findings on the study it was also further revealed that very few respondents stated that they have received training in prioritizing needs. The study findings also further reveals that respondents further indicated that they not received training in categorizing expenditure.

The response from the study also further indicates that majority of the respondents stated that they have received training in reviewing reports, this is indicated by the fact very respondents acknowledged.

4.3.5 Findings on the importance level to maintaining an efficient LMIS

The study results indicates that majority 80% (12) of the respondents indicated that that is important to maintain levels of LMIS at optimum levels. This was also further indicated by the fact that only the remaining 20% (3) stated that not important, useless, and very important.

4.3.6 Are LMIS reports generated and sent anywhere

According to the findings in the study it has been revealed that 100% of the respondents indicated that LMIS reports are generated and sent anywhere.

From the above findings it has therefore revealed that LMIS reports are generated and sent anywhere.

4.3.7 ARV order and report

The study findings shows that majority 56% (9) of the respondents stated that ARV order and report is one of the different ways of enhancing the Logistics management information system in Lira regional referral hospital.

4.3.8 Analysis of supervision frequency

On analyzing the frequency of supervision using the scale of; Never, 1- weekly, 2-monthly, 3-Quartely, 4-Bi-annually, 5-Annually.

According to the study findings it was revealed that majority of the respondents indicated that most recent supervision was performed Bi-annually and supervision frequency was also discovered to have been at least quarterly. This responses indicated that the rate of supervision is slow and needs to be improved in Lira regional referral hospital.

Findings on the knowledge skills of the respondents regarding LMIS

On findings out on the knowledge and skills of the respondents it was revealed that; 0-no, 1-yes, 2-Idont know, while on findings out on the different ways

According to the findings in the table above it has been revealed that MAJORITY of the staff at Lira Regional referral hospital have gaps in Knowledge regarding LMIS this therefore indicates that there is need for the training of these employees on the key skills regarding LMIS. It was revealed that majority of the staff indicated that there is need for coaching and mentorship while others indicated that there is need for written instructions on how to improve.

4.3.9 Findings on supervision tools

The researcher used scales of which 0=no while 1= yes, 2= I don’t know and the results are presented in the table below;

On the findings whether there is a supervision tool most of the respondents indicates that they are not aware of the supervision tool. On the question regarding the supervision schedule it was revealed that there are most of the respondents indicated that they are not aware.

The study results indicates that majority of the respondents indicates that Review procedures for stock control is done since most of the respondents indicated yes.

In line with the table it was also revealed that reviewing procedures for ordering and reporting was accepted by majority of the respondents. The study results also further indicates that majority of the respondents indicated that Conducting stock checks is imperative in managing the stock.

The study findings further shows that majority of the respondents agreed that it is imperative to institute on job training to improve performance and this is also in line with the Review of changes made since last supervision visit.

The study findings further indicates that majority of the respondents indicated that majority of the respondents Discussed what is working and what is not working in the study.

4.3.10 Findings on the reporting systems

On finding out regarding the commodities it. The researcher used scales of which 0=no while 1= yes.

The results are presented in the table below;

The study findings further shows that majority of the respondents indicated that regarding HIV commodities the response was no, while Tb commodities the response was also no. on the matters of FP/RH commodities the answers was no. the study results was also further indicated by the fact that tracer commodities the answers was no and all commodities the answer was no.

• To explore the implementing partners activities that influence performance of logistics management information systems in public health facilities in Lira district.

4.4.1 Activities that influence performance of logistics management information systems

The researcher used scales to enable in the analysis of nominal data in SPSS. The scale include; 0-no, 1-yes, 2-I don’t know.

According to the table results above it has been revealed that Inventory management is the main activity that affects performance of the LMIS in Lira regional referral Hospital and also on the same note majority of the respondents also disagreed that Budgeting, waste management and scheduling visits have little influence of LMIS and other factors with the main influence on LMIS are redistribution.

According to the findings in the study it has been reported that majority of the respondents in Lira regional referral hospital assert that  Inventory management is one of the Activities that influence performance of logistics management information systems in Lira regional referral hospital.

None of the respondents indicated that Budgeting and waste management are key in in the inventory  while on the question of Scheduling supervision visits very few respondents hold the view that it is essential in influencing performance of logistics management information systems.

4.4.2 ANALYSIS OF BUDGET of LMIS

The researcher used scales to enable in the analysis of nominal data in SPSS. The scale include; 0-no, 1-yes, 2-I don’t know.

In analyzing the budget situation of LMIS. It was revealed that on regarding the question of availability of the budget for LMIS majority of the respondents disagreed this also indicated that there was no budget for LMIS. On another note the respondents also disagreed that there was government funds.

The table further indicates that IP funds was not there, while on regarding facility income of funds it was revealed that there were not available.

Table indicating the responses

In analyzing the inventory data quality, LMIS report quality, LMIS, LMIS utilization level. The study used the following scale to determine the responses from the respondents.

The scales included; 1-excellent, 2-very good, 3-good, 4-fair, 5-poor and 6-very poor.

Table indicating the responses

From the table results it can be noted that the respondents indicated that Inventory data quality mean value of 3.20 indicating that majority of the respondents stated that the Inventory data quality is good. Regarding the LMIS report quality it can be noted that majority of the respondents indicated that LMIS report quality was good. The table further indicates that LMIS utilization level is good.

CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.0 Introduction

This section presents discussion, conclusion and recommendations of the study.

5.1 Discussion of the study findings

This section discusses the findings of the study in line to study objective which included; to explore the human resource capacity factors that influence the performance of logistics management information systems in public health facilities, to explore the logistics management information systems tools availability factors that influence the performance of logistics management information systems in public health facilities  and to explore the implementing partners activities that influence performance of logistics management information systems in public health facilities.

5.1.1 To explore the human resource capacity factors that influence the performance of logistics management information systems in public health facilities in Lira district.

From the study it has been indicated that there is no pre-service training in school, this study results further shows that the LIRA regional referral hospital does not offer training services to the employee.  From the results in the study it has been evident that the respondents indicated that formal training is not offered. This therefore acts against the need for training in the organization. From the above analysis it can therefore be revealed that since there is no pre-service training it can therefore be started that lack of appropriate training mechanism can affect the performance of logistics management information system, this finding also contradicts with Pool & Pool, (2007) who indicated that training remains a vital to enhancing employee performance. The organizational commitment or “the relative strength of an individual’s identification and involvement in a particular organization. Depends on effective training and development programs. According to these authors, organizations demonstrating keen insight make provisions for satisfying the training needs of their current workforce. It is therefore imperative for Lira regional referral hospital to train its employees.

On further analyzing the findings it was also discovered that the results indicated that majority of the respondents indicated that they have been offered on-job training by other facility staff and still on the same results majority of the respondents indicated that majority of the staffs indicated that on-the-job training by outside persons is offered while only very few respondents indicated that they have never been trained this therefore indicates that the logistics management information system is faced with challenges.

On the findings whether there is a supervision tool most of the respondents indicated that they are not aware of the supervision tool. On the question regarding the supervision schedule it was revealed that most of the respondents indicated that they are not aware if there is supervision tool at the facility this has thus affected the ability of the organization to supervise the employees hence affecting their performance. Results therefore indicates that supervision of the human resource at Lira district is not effected something that further poses challenges on the performance of logistics management information systems , this results also further contradicts with the findings of  Pareek and Rao, (2016) who indicates that Performance appraisal of employees is the systematic evaluation of employees′ performance and potential for development during a certain period of time by supervisors or others who are familiar with their performance and it is very important for the employers to ensure that employees are supervised to enhance better quality input and output.

In the study it has been evident that Review procedures for stock control is done since most of the respondents responded with acknowledgement from this analysis it therefore can be said that the organization carries out review procedures for stock. The results therefore indicates that essentiality of reviewing of procedures for stock control is recognized by Lira regional referral Hospital in the effort of ensuring that can enhance better performance of logistics management information systems, this is also in line with Hu, Dong, Hwang, Ren, & Chen, (2020) adopting Automation; In the age of automation, technology plays a major role in increasing the efficiency of an organization. There are number of ways you can automate the logistics process, including tracking and monitoring each delivery.

In line with the table it was also revealed that reviewing procedures for ordering and reporting was accepted by majority of the respondents. The study results also further indicates that majority of the respondents indicated that Conducting stock checks is imperative in managing the stock. It can therefore be indicated that lira district is supposed to carry out periodic review of stock control.

From the results it can also be concluded that it is imperative to institute an on job training mechanism so as the human resource has the necessary skills to enable it be in position to achieve better performance of logistics management information systems to have an overall improvement in the performance of the organization, this is also in line with Winkelhaus, & Grosse, (2020) who indicates that it is imperative to ensure that the organization plans  well for both its human resource and LMIS to enable better resource utilization the authors further indicated that; efficient logistics is about planning. It involves procuring the goods, storage facilities, and delivery of products to the final destination. The purpose of planning is to attain maximum work in the least possible time, as well as aim at maximizing the profits. a good logistics manager will, therefore, make sure to plan well ahead in order to eliminate any delays in the supply chain and on the same note Hewitt, (2009) further calls for Compensation on employees and also indicates that motivational effect and therefore implies that having a compensation structure in which the employees who perform better are paid more than the average performing employees is vital to enhancing organizational performance.

On the analysis of the competence of the human resource it was revealed that majority of the respondents stated that they can fill and update inventory tools, this view therefore indicates that the organization has made an effort in training the human resource to gain some knowledge on the critical issues of filling and updating inventory tools this therefore has improved on the performance the quality of Human resource as regards to performance of logistics management information system.

On regarding the staff who were knowledgeable in the area of inventory management it was revealed that some few staff had knowledge however majority did not poses this critical knowledge therefore it is imperative to train the human resource to gain knowledge in the key areas which is a pre-requisite in logistics management information systems, this view was also indicated by Opatha (2012) who indicated that organizations should design the job specification that is easy for employees to interpret.

On regarding the question if the staff can categorize expenditure it was revealed that majority of the staff indicated that they cannot categorize expenditure. The respondents further indicated that on the question if LMIS can maintain optimum stock levels it was revealed that majority of the respondents disagreed.

5.1.2 To explore the logistics management information systems tools availability factors that influence the performance of logistics management information systems in public health facilities in Lira district.

According to the findings in the study it has been revealed that LMIS reports generated and sent anywhere as it has been revealed by the fact all of the respondents indicated that LMIS reports are generated and sent anywhere. This view also further indicates that the LMIS reports are generated and sent anywhere. This also further points to the fact that Information systems technology of Lira district are effective as they are generated and sent any were. From the study results it has been revealed that the ARV order and report is one of the different ways of enhancing the performance of logistics management information systems. This is also in line with Ma’sum, & Aripin, (2020) who indicates that automation enables faster collection, transmission, and aggregation of data, and helps to eliminate human error in calculations, it will not solve every supply chain challenge. Often other interventions are needed prior to automation. As a case in point, automating bad management practices can waste money and make poor processes operate faster while achieving no performance improvement. As another example, if there are data quality issues at one level of the supply chain, automation will not improve the data quality without appropriate efforts in quality assurance, management, supervision, and data collection training. If strong business practices are not present prior to automation, the commitment of time and resources for process improvement will be necessary to ensure that the automation will successfully address the identified supply chain challenges and not exacerbate them.

• To explore the implementing partners activities that influence performance of logistics management information systems in public health facilities in Lira district.

The study findings shows that Inventory management is the main activity that affects performance of the LMIS in Lira regional referral Hospital and also on the same note majority of the respondents also disagreed that Budgeting, waste management and scheduling visits have little influence of LMIS and other factors with the main influence on LMIS are redistribution, this was also further in line to the Economic Policy Research Centre (2010) who states that the stock outs of the antibiotics were not common with only 14.3 percent and 15.6 percent of the facilities with up dated stock cards for septrin and amoxicillin respectively. Most of the health facilities in Uganda lack gloves and syringes; patients are required to buy such items to enable medical personnel to examine or treat them. Lack of gloves poses health risks for the medical staff.

In analyzing the budget situation of LMIS. It was revealed that on regarding the question of availability of the budget for LMIS majority of the respondents disagreed this also indicated that there was no budget for LMIS. On another note the respondents also disagreed that there was government funds.

From the table results it can be noted that the respondents indicated that Inventory data quality mean value of 3.20 indicating that majority of the respondents stated that the Inventory data quality is good. Regarding the LMIS report quality it can be noted that majority of the respondents indicated that LMIS report quality was good. The table further indicates that LMIS utilization level is good.

5.2 Conclusion

The study made the following conclusions;

The human resource of lira district lack proper knowledge eon key areas of stores and inventory management like stores management, Inventory filling and update inventory lists. This should also be accompanied by acquiring modern inventory management techniques to enhance the proper management of the system.

Inventory management systems in lira district is still at a low scale and this has thus affected the performance of the organization in many different ways.

There systems is so manual and this has a lot of inefficiencies in the inventory and stores management cycle there by affecting the performance of an organization.

5.3 Recommendations

Lira district should increase more investments in improving the quality of Human resource in key areas like stores management, Inventory filling and update inventory lists. This should also be accompanied by acquiring modern inventory management techniques to enhance the proper management of the system.

Lira regional referral Hospital should also adopt modern methods of managing inventory this will help in enhancing the performance of the district logistics management systems.

There is need to automate the entire process of logistics management systems of lira district to reduce on the inefficiencies.