Towards digitalization and the mitigation of supply chain risks in the pharmaceutical industry in Zimbabwe
- Author
- Mathe, Nkulumandla
- Title
- Towards digitalization and the mitigation of supply chain risks in the pharmaceutical industry in Zimbabwe
- Abstract
- This study was driven by the limited digitalization of the pharmaceutical sector in Zimbabwe that is characterized by its inclination towards legacy systems. The study was structured around four objectives that aimed at exploring the effect of artificial intelligence systems, machine learning systems, blockchain technology and dynamic pricing on the ability of the pharmaceutical sector in Zimbabwe to lower supply chain risks. The study applied the diffusion of innovations and the UTAUT theory in framing the theoretical focus relating to the intensity of technology infusion in organizations. The research methodology was premised on a quantitative approach culminating in the survey method in data collection through a closed ended and standardized questionnaire distributed across supply chain partners in the pharmaceutical sector in Zimbabwe. Research results suggested that emphasis was being placed on legacy systems in reducing supply chain risks in the pharmaceutical sector in Zimbabwe. Resultantly, the pharmaceutical sector in Zimbabwe is failing to deal with the threats to supply chain sustainability posed by the proliferation of contraband and counterfeit drugs that are disrupting the sustainability of the local pharmaceutical supply chain. The weak integration of artificial intelligence systems in the pharmaceutical sector in Zimbabwe reduces its conceptual appeal towards limiting supply chain risks in the sector. Otherwise, leveraging machine learning systems, blockchain technology, and automated dynamic pricing has been associated with a reduction in the supply chain risks. The main conclusion was that the pharmaceutical sector in Zimbabwe has to leverage digitalization to counter the disruptions caused by counterfeit drugs along the supply chain.
- Date
- May 2025
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Digitalization
- Supply chain risk
- Supervisor
- Dr. F Chari
- Item sets
- Department of Economics
- Media
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Mathe Nkulumandla.pdf