Research proposal sample

QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND PROCUREMENT EFFECTIVENESS: A CASE STUDY OF UGACOF LTD

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction
This chapter outlines the background of the study, its purpose, research questions, scope, significance, and definitions of key terms.

1.1 Background to the Study
Quality management has become essential for the survival of organizations in today’s global market. Companies that adopt quality management practices often experience improved corporate performance, including better employee relations, higher productivity, greater customer satisfaction, increased market share, and enhanced profitability (Lysons, 2006). In highly competitive markets, organizations must adapt their quality programs, often hiring consultants and implementing training programs to ensure quality becomes a strategic priority (Ford et al., 2010).

The prominence of quality management stems from the understanding of the high costs associated with poor quality, which affects all aspects of an organization. Poor quality leads to dissatisfied customers, loss of business, and increased operational costs. To mitigate these risks, organizations adopt quality management techniques such as Six Sigma, widely used by multinational companies (Handfield et al., 2006).

According to Farrington et al. (2006), organizations cannot achieve quality independently. They must collaborate with suppliers to ensure raw materials meet quality standards, as the quality of inputs directly impacts the output. This highlights the importance of procurement in achieving quality management objectives.

In Uganda, quality management has gained importance due to increased competition from foreign manufacturers and consumer protection regulations enforced by government bodies like the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS). UGACOF Ltd, a coffee processor and exporter since 1994, has faced challenges such as procurement inefficiencies, high costs, and customer dissatisfaction. This study investigates the influence of quality management on procurement effectiveness at UGACOF, located at Plot No. 236, Kireku Zone, Bweyogere, Kampala, Uganda.

1.2 Statement of the Problem
Procurement inefficiencies in organizations lead to high costs, poor-quality purchases, customer dissatisfaction, and loss of market share to competitors (Rendon, 2006). This study aims to explore the impact of quality management on procurement effectiveness.

1.3 Purpose of the Study
The study seeks to establish the impact of quality management on procurement effectiveness in organizations.

1.4 Objectives of the Study
The objectives are:
I. To examine methods and techniques of managing quality in organizations.
II. To evaluate the steps, benefits, and challenges of managing quality.
III. To analyze indicators and measurements of procurement effectiveness.

1.5 Research Questions
I. What are the methods and techniques of managing quality in organizations?
II. What are the steps, benefits, and challenges of managing quality?
III. What are the indicators and measurements of procurement effectiveness?

1.6 Scope of the Study
1.6.1 Content Scope: The study focuses on quality management and procurement effectiveness, specifically methods, steps, benefits, challenges, and indicators.
1.6.2 Geographical Scope: The study is conducted at UGACOF Ltd, Kampala, Uganda.
1.6.3 Time Scope: Data from 2012–2015 will be analyzed, with literature reviewed from 2000–2015. The study will be conducted from February to July 2015.

1.7 Significance of the Study
The study will:

Enable future researchers to assess quality purchase methods.
Help academicians explore procurement effectiveness strategies.
Analyze the relationship between quality management and procurement effectiveness.

1.8 Definition of Key Terms
1.8.1 Procurement: The acquisition of goods, services, or works through purchase, rent, lease, or other legal means, ensuring the right place, time, price, quantity, and quality (Lysons & Farrington, 2006).
1.8.2 Procurement Effectiveness: The procurement of goods, services, and works that meet present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet theirs (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1989).

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction
This chapter reviews literature related to the study objectives, drawing from company documents, government reports, newspapers, magazines, textbooks, and journals.

2.1 Overview of Key Concepts
2.1.1 Quality Management: Defined as a management approach centered on quality, aiming for long-term success through customer satisfaction and organizational benefits (Dale, 2009). Techniques include Six Sigma, ISO 9000, and Total Quality Management (TQM).
2.1.2 Procurement Effectiveness: Involves acquiring goods, services, and works at the right time, place, and quantity to meet organizational needs (World Commission on Environment and Development, 2002).

2.2 Methods and Techniques of Managing Quality
2.2.1 Methods: Participative management, developing organizational vision, communication, customer inclusion, and rewards.
2.2.2 Techniques: Process mapping, Poka-Yoke, statistical tools, tree diagrams, and prioritization matrices.

2.3 Steps, Benefits, and Challenges of Managing Quality
2.3.1 Steps: Understanding business processes, developing performance indicators, and testing measurement systems.
2.3.2 Benefits: Improved supplier performance, reduced cycle times, and cost savings.
2.3.3 Challenges: High financial costs, labor intensity, and dependency on suppliers.

2.4 Indicators and Measurements of Procurement Effectiveness
2.4.1 Indicators: Proper specification development, purchasing planning, and coordination between end-users and procurement staff.
2.4.2 Measurements: Level of trust, financial capability, and information sharing.

2.5 Conclusion
The literature highlights the importance of quality management in improving procurement effectiveness, emphasizing methods, benefits, and challenges.

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction
This chapter outlines the research design, study area, population, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and analysis procedures.

3.1 Research Design
A cross-sectional design with qualitative and quantitative approaches will be used. The qualitative approach focuses on understanding human behavior, while the quantitative approach emphasizes numerical data for accuracy.

3.2 Population and Area of Study
The study population includes employees from UGACOF’s procurement, accounting, marketing, and administration departments.

3.3 Sampling Design
3.3.1 Sample Size: 38 respondents from various departments.
3.3.2 Sampling Techniques: Purposive and stratified random sampling will be used.

3.4 Data Collection Methods and Instruments
3.4.1 Questionnaires: Close-ended questionnaires will be administered to collect quantitative data.
3.4.2 Interviews: Structured interviews will be conducted to gather qualitative data.

3.5 Data Sources
3.5.1 Primary Data: Collected through questionnaires and interviews.
3.5.2 Secondary Data: Sourced from literature, reports, and documents.

3.6 Data Quality, Validity, and Reliability
3.6.1 Data Quality: Pretesting will ensure the instrument measures what it is intended to.
3.6.2 Validity: Content and face validity will be ensured through expert consultation.
3.6.3 Reliability: Internal consistency will be checked through pretesting.

3.7 Procedures of Data Collection
The researcher will seek permission, administer questionnaires, conduct interviews, and review documents.

3.8 Data Analysis and Presentation
Quantitative data will be analyzed using tabular and percentage calculations, while qualitative data will be interpreted thematically.

3.9 Anticipated Limitations
Potential challenges include delayed responses and time constraints, which will be mitigated through proper planning and persuasion.