Assessing the impact of digital inventory management systems on operational efficiency: a case study of rural electrification fund (ref) in Zimbabwe. (2020-2024) · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Mutendi, Sharon

Title

Assessing the impact of digital inventory management systems on operational efficiency: a case study of rural electrification fund (ref) in Zimbabwe. (2020-2024)

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of Digital Inventory Management Systems (DIMS) on operational efficiency, using the Rural Electrification Fund in Zimbabwe as a case study. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of digital inventory management systems on improving operational efficiency at REF, to analyze the factors influencing the adoption of digital inventory management systems by REF and to recommend ways of enhancing effective adoption of digital inventory management systems and operational efficiency. Although Rural Electrification Fund adopted Systems, Applications and Products data processing (SAP), an advanced Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, persistent inefficiencies in inventory and procurement operations led to the need for this research. Descriptive research design was employed, and data was obtained from a sample of 30 employees of Rural Electrification Fund across various departments which include procurement, IT, stores, and projects. Questionnaires were distributed via Google forms and shared through email to facilitate data collection. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to gauge open-ended responses. The findings showed notable improvements in inventory accuracy, procurement timelines and project delivery due to Digital Inventory Management Systems. The research recommended the Rural Electrification Fund to have targeted investments in infrastructure, stronger leadership involvement, capacity building, and policy alignment to ensure sustained system use. The study concludes that while digital inventory management systems enhance efficiency, long-term gains rely heavily on supportive contextual factors.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Digital inventory management systems

Operational efficiency

Rural Electrification Fund (REF)

Supervisor

Mr. Mandaza