| dc.description.abstract | Supplier quality management is one of the very many simple concepts that make a lot of
sense to any well meaning organization. Unfortunately, implementing the concept is not
very simple and over the years, companies have crumbled due to failure to master the
best practices in supplier quality management. Practices such as measuring the
performance of suppliers, engaging suppliers in quality management systems, supplier
audits, supplier development, integration and competitive supplier selection are a great
opportunity to improve organizational performance in terms of customer service delivery
levels and operational costs reduction. However, it is worth noting that there are
numerous challenges encountered in having such practices accepted by all the
stakeholders. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of supplier quality
management on organizational performance, covering all the supermarkets in Kakamega
town. The study employed a descriptive survey design and the study population was the
procurement managers of the supermarkets. Data was collected using structured
questionnaires which were administered by the researchers through a drop and pick
technique and it was descriptively analyzed. The study also explored the potential
integration of supplier quality management practices into an organization’s operations,
focussing on the currently available applications. The study recommended that suppliers
should maintain reliable records, errors to be identified early, supermarkets to
decentralize their management structures, suppliers should conform to specifications and
that senior level management should be fully committed especially in supplier
development programmes so as to overcome the challenges faced in supplier quality
management. Finally, suggestions for further research were given.
Key words: Organizational performance, Supplier, Supplier Quality Management | en_US |