Using Supply Chain Management (SCM) principles to optimize operations at Pitbulls Rugby Football Club in Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study investigated the use of Supply Chain Management (SCM) principles to optimize operations at Pitbulls Rugby Football Club (Pitbulls RFC) in Harare, Zimbabwe. The purpose of the study was to enhance efficiency in managing the flow of goods and services, streamlining the movement of products, reducing costs and improving customer satisfaction. The study sought to assess the current supply chain management practices at Pitbull Rugby Football Club, identify areas of improvement within the club's supply chain management principles and the impact of SCM implementation on cost reduction, customer satisfaction, and overall performance at Pitbull Rugby Football Club. This study was driven by seeming evidence and research work on the operational challenges and impacts of traditional supply chain management principles being practiced by many start-up sports clubs in Zimbabwe. The study was informed by the pragmatic philosophy and adopted the qualitative methods approach. In the context of the positivist approach, the focus is adopting an objective scientific approach that would be on testing hypotheses and using empirical data to support findings. In the context of Interpretivism, the focus would shift to exploring social phenomena; the subjective experiences and perspectives of individuals within the Pitbull Rugby Football Club supply chain. The study utilized the case study research design and also employed both probability and non-probability sampling to select the participants in the research. Data collection was done through focus group discussions and interview sessions. The Nvivo tool was used in data analysis. The study made the observations that a shift from traditional supply chain management principles to scientific ones be adopted. The research forges the development of a scientific supply chain management principles framework. The study recommends the adoption of advanced methods of supply chain which cater for competitive edge amongst sports clubs