RESEARCH TITLE

ST.MARY UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDY
MASTER'S OF BUSINESS ADMINSTRATION
TITLE WRITING FORM
NAME--------------------------------- ID.NO. --------------- SEMESTER----------------------------------

1. THE FACTORS INFLUENCING EXPORT SUCCESS OF ETHIOPIAN LEATHER FOOTWEAR

MANUFACTURERS IN ADDIS ABABA: A CASE STUDY ANALYSIS

Background of the Study:

The Ethiopian leather footwear manufacturing industry in Addis Ababa has experienced significant
growth in recent years, positioning itself as a key player in the global market. However, achieving
export success requires navigating various factors that influence market competitiveness, product
quality, branding, government policies, and international trade relationships. Understanding these
factors is essential for sustaining and enhancing the competitiveness of Ethiopian leather footwear
manufacturers in the global marketplace.

Justification and Rationale of the Study:

This research aims to provide valuable insights into the dynamics of the footwear industry in Addis
Ababa by investigating the factors that contribute to the export success of Ethiopian leather
footwear manufacturers. By conducting a case study analysis, this study will shed light on the
critical factors influencing export success, offering practical recommendations for manufacturers,
policymakers, and industry stakeholders to enhance competitiveness and facilitate growth.

General Objective:

The general objective of this study is to examine the factors influencing the export success of
Ethiopian leather footwear manufacturers in Addis Ababa.
Specific Objectives:

1. To analyze the market competitiveness of Ethiopian leather footwear manufacturers in

international markets.

2. To assess the impact of product quality on the export success of Ethiopian leather footwear
manufacturers.

3. To examine the role of branding strategies in enhancing the export performance of Ethiopian
leather footwear manufacturers.

4. To evaluate the influence of government policies on the export success of Ethiopian leather
footwear manufacturers.

5. To explore the dynamics of international trade relationships and their effect on the export
performance of Ethiopian leather footwear manufacturers.

Significance / Contributions of the Study:

This study holds significant implications for Ethiopian leather footwear manufacturers,
policymakers, and industry stakeholders. By identifying and analyzing the key factors that
influence export success, this research will provide actionable insights for manufacturers seeking
to enhance their competitiveness in global markets. Additionally, policymakers can use the
findings to formulate targeted policies and initiatives aimed at supporting the growth and
expansion of the Ethiopian leather footwear industry on the international stage.

Conceptual Framework:

The conceptual framework of this study will revolve around the dependent variable, "Export
Success of Ethiopian Leather Footwear Manufacturers," and several independent variables related
to supply chain management. These independent variables may include:

1. Market Competitiveness: Assessing factors such as pricing strategies, market positioning, and
distribution channels.

2. Product Quality: Evaluating the quality control processes, compliance with international
standards, and customer satisfaction levels.

3. Branding Strategies: Examining brand reputation, marketing efforts, and the perception of
Ethiopian leather footwear in global markets.
4. Government Policies: Analyzing trade regulations, export incentives, and government support
for the leather industry.

5. International Trade Relationships: Investigating partnerships, trade agreements, and market

access opportunities in target export markets.

Methodology:

The study will utilize a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research
techniques. Quantitative data will be collected through surveys and analysis of industry reports,
trade data, and market trends. Qualitative data will be gathered through interviews and focus
group discussions with key stakeholders. Data analysis will involve both statistical techniques and
thematic analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing export
success.

2.: The influence of Lean Supply Chain Management on Organizational Performance: The Case of
JJ Food Processing Complex P.L.C

Background of the Study:

The global business landscape is witnessing a paradigm shift towards lean principles in supply
chain management, aimed at enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and optimizing performance.
Within this context, JJ Food Processing Complex P.L.C, as the largest family-owned food
manufacturer in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, operates within a competitive market where supply chain
effectiveness is crucial for sustained success. However, the specific impact of lean supply chain
management on the organizational performance of JJ Food Processing Complex P.L.C remains
understudied. This study seeks to fill this gap by investigating how the adoption of lean principles
within its supply chain operations influences overall organizational performance.

Justification and Rationale of the Study:

In today's dynamic and competitive business environment, organizations are continually seeking
ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs while maintaining or enhancing product quality and
customer satisfaction. Lean supply chain management has emerged as a promising approach to
achieve these objectives by streamlining processes, minimizing inventory, and increasing
responsiveness to customer demands. Understanding the rationale behind implementing lean
practices and assessing their effectiveness in enhancing organizational performance is critical for JJ
Food Processing Complex P.L.C to remain agile, competitive, and sustainable in the long term.
General Objective:
The general objective of this study is to examine the effects of lean supply chain management on
the organizational performance of JJ Food Processing Complex P.L.C.

Specific Objectives:
1. To assess the current state of supply chain management practices within JJ Food Processing
Complex P.L.C.
2. To evaluate the level of implementation of lean principles within the supply chain processes of
JJ Food Processing Complex P.L.C.
3. To analyze the impact of lean supply chain management practices on key performance
indicators (KPIs) such as operational efficiency, cost reduction, lead times, and customer
satisfaction at JJ Food Processing Complex P.L.C.

Significance / Contributions of the Study:

This study holds significant implications for both academia and industry. By empirically examining
the effects of lean supply chain management on organizational performance within the specific
context of JJ Food Processing Complex P.L.C, this research will contribute to the existing body of
knowledge on supply chain management and lean practices. Furthermore, the findings of this
study will provide actionable insights and recommendations for JJ Food Processing Complex P.L.C
and other similar organizations aiming to enhance their supply chain efficiency and
competitiveness.

Methodology:
The study will adopt a comprehensive mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and
qualitative research techniques. Quantitative data will be collected through surveys and analysis of
operational metrics related to supply chain management practices and organizational
performance indicators. Qualitative data will be obtained through interviews and observations to
gain deeper insights into the implementation and impact of lean principles at JJ Food Processing
Complex P.L.C. Statistical analysis, including regression analysis and correlation, will be conducted
to examine the relationship between lean supply chain management practices and organizational
performance. Additionally, qualitative analysis techniques such as thematic analysis will be used to
identify patterns and themes emerging from the qualitative data, providing a holistic
understanding of the research phenomenon.
3: Effect of Warehousing Practices on Organizational Performance: A Case Study of [Company
Name] P.L.C.

Background of the Study:

Efficient warehousing practices play a critical role in the overall performance of organizations,
impacting factors such as inventory management, order fulfillment, and customer satisfaction.
With the increasing complexity of supply chains and the growing importance of logistics
operations, understanding the effect of warehousing practices on organizational performance has
become essential for businesses to maintain competitiveness. This study aims to explore the
relationship between warehousing practices and organizational performance, focusing on
[Company Name] P.L.C. as a case study.

Justification and Rationale of the Study:

Despite the recognized importance of warehousing in logistics and supply chain management,
there is a lack of comprehensive research on how specific warehousing practices influence
organizational performance, especially within the context of specific companies. By conducting a
case study at [Company Name] P.L.C., this research seeks to bridge this gap and provide actionable
insights for businesses aiming to optimize their warehousing operations for improved
performance.

General Objective:
The general objective of this study is to examine the effect of warehousing practices on the
organizational performance of [Company Name] P.L.C.

Specific Objectives:
1. To identify and analyze the warehousing practices currently employed by [Company Name]
P.L.C.
2. To assess the impact of warehousing practices on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as
inventory turnover, order fulfillment cycle time, and customer satisfaction.
3. To explore the relationship between specific warehousing practices and organizational
performance outcomes at [Company Name] P.L.C.

Significance/Contributions of the Study:

This study holds several significant implications. Firstly, it provides valuable insights into the role of
warehousing practices in enhancing organizational performance, thereby contributing to the
existing body of knowledge in logistics and supply chain management. Secondly, the findings of
this study can offer practical recommendations for [Company Name] P.L.C. and other
organizations to optimize their warehousing operations for improved efficiency and effectiveness.
Thirdly, by highlighting the link between warehousing practices and organizational performance,
this research can inform strategic decision-making processes related to supply chain management
and logistics.

Methodology:
The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative
research techniques. Quantitative data will be collected through surveys and analysis of
operational metrics related to warehousing practices and organizational performance indicators.
Qualitative data will be gathered through interviews and observations to gain deeper insights into
the nuances of warehousing operations at [Company Name] P.L.C. Statistical analysis, including
regression analysis and correlation, will be conducted to examine the relationship between
warehousing practices and organizational performance. Additionally, qualitative analysis
techniques such as thematic analysis will be used to identify patterns and themes emerging from
the qualitative data.

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