Full Project – THE IMPACT OF SOURCING AS A SUPPLY CHAIN FUNCTION ON THE PROFITABILITY OF A COMPANY
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ABSTRACT
A visit to most production company as shows that sourcing now have a great impact on the profitability of a company. Such as lowering cost structures, maintaining the product quality of a company, ability to meet customer requirements, and lot of other benefits. This study attempts to evaluate the impact of sourcing in the profitability of company using Zartech Limited as a case study. It seeks to examine the responses of the procurement department on how suppliers are selected during the process of procurement of materials, which will eventually help to increase the company’s profit. This study dårew literature on sourcing strategies and its benefits from several sources. Data were gathered from Zartech limited and also from other sources like internet, text books, journal e.tc. Results of analysis of the data collected show that the company contacted are convinced that sourcing is a necessity for the profitability of any company however they agreed that sourcing strategies should be effectively carried out. Other facts were elucidated by the study but generalization of the study findings cannot be total, due to certain limitations.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.0. Background to the Study
Over the years, the procurement function has attracted the attention of many researchers and corporate organizations globally. Traditionally viewed as a back-office operation, procurement is now recognized as a strategic function that significantly contributes to organizational profitability and competitiveness (Monczka et al., 2020). In the past, purchasing was mainly concerned with acquiring raw materials and services necessary for production, but in the modern supply chain environment, it has evolved into a value-adding process that emphasizes sourcing, supplier collaboration, and cost optimization (Lysons & Farrington, 2020).
A supply chain is a network of organizations that are involved, through upstream and downstream linkages, in the different processes and activities that produce value in the form of products and services delivered to the ultimate consumer (Christopher, 2016). Within this network, sourcing plays a vital role as it determines where and how materials, goods, and services are obtained. Effective sourcing ensures the selection of reliable suppliers, cost reduction, quality assurance, and timely delivery, all of which directly influence profitability (Handfield et al., 2019).
In Nigeria, many production companies have come to realize that effective sourcing is essential to achieve competitive advantage and sustain profitability. For instance, Zartech Limited, a leading agro-allied company, invests heavily in procurement and sourcing processes to ensure consistent product quality and cost efficiency. As observed by Ogbo and Ukpere (2014), sourcing now goes beyond purchasing; it involves strategic supplier selection, relationship management, and continuous market research to ensure that the organization achieves its financial goals.
Sourcing decisions answer critical questions such as: Which suppliers should be selected? How many suppliers are required for each product category? How should the available business be allocated? These decisions determine a firm’s cost structure, flexibility, and profitability (Trent & Monczka, 2005). Moreover, supply market research—through supplier evaluation, product testing, and trade analysis—helps organizations identify capable suppliers and anticipate market trends (Arnold & Chapman, 2019).
In many Nigerian manufacturing companies, procurement now accounts for a large portion of total operating costs. According to Ojo and Adebayo (2021), between 50–70% of a firm’s revenue is often spent on materials, supplies, and services. Therefore, effective sourcing practices can significantly influence the profitability of such firms. In the case of Zartech Limited, efficient sourcing ensures the timely acquisition of raw materials such as feed ingredients, poultry products, and packaging materials, which are crucial to its production continuity and profit margins.
Purchasing, therefore, is not limited to buying raw materials; it involves a series of interrelated activities such as determining material needs, identifying potential suppliers, negotiating prices and terms, issuing contracts, and managing supplier performance (Baily et al., 2018). This holistic approach ensures that materials are procured at the right quality, right quantity, right price, right source, and right time—a concept often referred to as the “five rights” of procurement.
Consequently, sourcing has become an indispensable aspect of supply chain management that directly influences organizational success. A well-executed sourcing strategy enhances profitability by minimizing costs, improving product quality, and ensuring customer satisfaction. It is therefore impossible for any business organization to achieve its long-term objectives without efficient sourcing and procurement activities.
1.1. Statement of the Problem
In today’s competitive business environment, profitability has become one of the most important indicators of organizational success. However, many manufacturing companies in Nigeria struggle to maintain profitability due to inefficient sourcing strategies, poor supplier management, and inconsistent procurement practices. Despite the growing awareness of supply chain management as a strategic function, sourcing is often treated as a routine administrative task rather than a value-creating activity (Ogbo & Ukpere, 2014). This neglect leads to increased operational costs, production delays, and reduced competitiveness.
Furthermore, the unstable nature of the Nigerian economy—characterized by inflation, foreign exchange fluctuations, and supply disruptions—has made sourcing even more complex and costly (Ojo & Adebayo, 2021). Many companies depend on imported raw materials and components, and poor sourcing decisions can expose firms to high costs and risks. For instance, when suppliers are selected without proper evaluation of quality standards, reliability, and delivery capabilities, the company may experience frequent production interruptions and quality defects, which ultimately reduce profitability.
Another critical problem is the lack of strategic supplier relationships and collaboration. In many Nigerian firms, procurement activities are transactional rather than strategic, focusing only on short-term price advantages instead of long-term partnerships that could foster innovation, quality improvement, and cost reduction (Lysons & Farrington, 2020). This short-sighted approach often prevents firms from benefiting from economies of scale, supplier expertise, and joint process improvements that enhance profitability.
In addition, inadequate market intelligence and weak sourcing research remain major challenges. Many procurement departments do not engage in systematic supply market analysis to identify capable suppliers or evaluate market trends. This lack of information leads to poor decision-making, reliance on a limited number of suppliers, and exposure to price volatility (Handfield et al., 2019). Without reliable data on supplier performance, firms like Zartech Limited may find it difficult to optimize their sourcing strategies for cost and quality efficiency.
The problem is further compounded by issues of corruption, favoritism, and lack of transparency in supplier selection. Some organizations suffer from unethical procurement practices, where contracts are awarded based on personal interest rather than merit. Such practices compromise quality, inflate costs, and erode profitability (Baily et al., 2018). These challenges indicate that effective sourcing practices require not only technical and analytical skills but also ethical discipline and management commitment.
Given these issues, it becomes necessary to critically examine how sourcing as a supply chain function impacts the profitability of companies, using Zartech Limited as a case study. The study seeks to identify the extent to which sourcing strategies influence profitability, the challenges encountered in supplier selection and management, and how these challenges can be addressed to improve financial performance. Understanding these relationships will help organizations strengthen their sourcing processes and achieve sustainable profitability in a competitive market.
1.2 Objective of the Study
The main objective of this study is to examine the impact of sourcing as a supply chain function on the profitability of a company, with particular reference to Zartech Limited.
The specific objectives are to:
- Evaluate how sourcing decisions influence the profitability of Zartech Limited.
- Examine the relationship between sourcing strategies and supplier performance.
- Identify challenges associated with sourcing and procurement in the company.
- Suggest possible strategies to improve sourcing effectiveness and profitability.
1.3 Research Questions
The study will address the following research questions:
- How does sourcing affect the profitability of Zartech Limited?
- What sourcing strategies are employed by Zartech Limited to enhance efficiency and profit?
- What challenges does the company face in sourcing and procurement activities?
- What measures can be adopted to improve the effectiveness of sourcing in the company?
1.4 Research Hypothesis
The study is guided by the following hypothesis:
H₀: There is no significant relationship between sourcing as a supply chain function and the profitability of Zartech Limited.
H₁: There is a significant relationship between sourcing as a supply chain function and the profitability of Zartech Limited.
1.5 Significance of the Study
This study is significant because it provides a comprehensive understanding of how sourcing strategies influence the profitability of manufacturing companies in Nigeria. In today’s competitive global market, organizations are under increasing pressure to deliver quality products at lower costs and within shorter time frames. This research highlights the vital role that sourcing plays in achieving these goals by linking procurement efficiency directly to organizational performance. It sheds light on how proper sourcing decisions—such as supplier selection, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management—can significantly improve profit margins and enhance a company’s competitive edge.
For procurement managers, the study provides valuable insights into the importance of adopting strategic sourcing practices rather than treating procurement as a routine administrative function. It emphasizes the need to integrate sourcing into the overall corporate strategy by using tools such as supplier evaluation metrics, spend analysis, and performance monitoring. This understanding can help procurement professionals within organizations like Zartech Limited to make data-driven decisions, minimize costs, improve supplier reliability, and ensure the continuous availability of materials needed for production.
Supply chain professionals will also benefit from the study as it explores how sourcing efficiency contributes to the overall performance of the supply chain. The findings can assist them in understanding how sourcing decisions at one end of the supply chain affect operations downstream, such as production scheduling, inventory management, and customer satisfaction. By identifying the best sourcing practices, the study will enable supply chain managers to coordinate effectively with suppliers, reduce lead times, and strengthen the resilience of their supply networks, thereby enhancing organizational profitability.
For policymakers and industry regulators, this study provides empirical evidence that can guide the formulation of policies and frameworks that encourage transparency, competition, and innovation in sourcing and procurement processes. In Nigeria, procurement policies are often influenced by bureaucratic procedures and corruption, which hinder efficiency. The insights from this research can inform policy recommendations that promote ethical procurement, supplier development, and the adoption of global best practices, which, in turn, can improve the competitiveness of Nigerian manufacturing firms.
Additionally, the study holds significant academic value as it contributes to the growing body of knowledge in the fields of supply chain management, procurement, and business strategy. It will serve as a reference point for researchers, students, and scholars who wish to explore further the relationship between sourcing and profitability. By providing both theoretical and empirical insights, the research can inspire future studies to examine new dimensions such as the role of digital sourcing, e-procurement, and sustainability in supply chain performance.
Finally, this study is particularly relevant to Zartech Limited and similar companies in the Nigerian manufacturing sector. It will help management evaluate their existing sourcing processes, identify gaps, and develop strategies to improve efficiency and profitability. In the long run, effective sourcing not only enhances profitability but also strengthens a company’s market position, improves customer satisfaction, and contributes to economic growth. Therefore, the findings of this research are expected to provide practical, actionable recommendations that can drive organizational success and industry development.
1.6 Scope of the Study
The study focuses on Zartech Limited, located in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. It covers the company’s sourcing processes, supplier relationships, and their impact on overall profitability. The study considers data from the procurement department and relevant staff within the supply chain unit.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
The study may face limitations such as limited access to confidential procurement data, time constraints, and respondents’ reluctance to disclose sensitive information. However, these limitations will be minimized through careful data handling and adherence to research ethics.
1.8 Definition of Key Terms
- Sourcing:The process of identifying, evaluating, and engaging suppliers of goods and services (Monczka et al., 2020).
- Procurement:The overall process of acquiring goods and services from external sources to meet organizational needs.
- Supply Chain Management (SCM):The coordination of activities involved in the production and delivery of goods and services from suppliers to consumers.
- Profitability:The ability of a company to generate income relative to its revenue, operating costs, and equity.
- Supplier Selection:The process of choosing suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery performance, and reliability.
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Full Project – THE IMPACT OF SOURCING AS A SUPPLY CHAIN FUNCTION ON THE PROFITABILITY OF A COMPANY
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