Caribbean Examination Council (CXC)

School-Based Assessment Submitted for the partial fulfillment of the subject,

Principles of Business

Prepared for Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC)

Presented to:

The Business Education Department

Topic: Distribution

Title Statement: To investigate the effectiveness of Grace Kennedy Company limited

Distribution method and determine how the method used affects sales locally.

Candidate Name: Candidate Number:

Diandra Holland 1003851247

Davia Pike 1003851808

Devonte Bloomfield 1003850356

Junior Bell 1003850240

Presented to: Teacher Dania Carty

Year: 2021 - 2022

Centre Number: 100385

Centre: The Cedar Grove Academy

 Territory: Jamaica

Table of Contents

Acknowledgment ............................................................................................................................ 3

Research Topic................................................................................................................................ 4

Objectives ....................................................................................................................................... 5

Background ..................................................................................................................................... 6

Methodology ................................................................................................................................... 7

Presentation of Data ...................................................................................................................... 10

Analysis of Data ............................................................................................................................ 23

Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 26

Recommendations ......................................................................................................................... 28

References ..................................................................................................................................... 30

Appendix ................................................................................................................................... 31
 Acknowledgment

The researcher would like to acknowledge the following persons who assisted in the

completion of this research: the parents for their enthusiasm and encouragement throughout

this research. Classmates for their dedication and contribution in this research and the teacher

Dania Carty for her vision and for her insightful teaching skills. Lastly the members of staff

and customers at the Grace Kennedy Company limited at the Spanish Town branch for their

assistance in this research.

 Research Topic
Topic: Distribution

Title Statement: To investigate the effectiveness of Grace Kennedy Company limited

Distribution method and determine how the method affects sales locally.
 Objectives

The researcher used the following objectives to guide the research:

1. to identify the effectiveness of the transportation used by Grace Kennedy Company limited.

2. to determine how the distribution method impacts sales.

3. to evaluate the distribution method used by Grace Kennedy Company limited locally.
 Background

Olivia Mariane Gunawan's (5 March, 2022) article entitled "Distribution | Definition, Types,

Stages, and Examples," states that distribution is the process of sending goods from one party to

another. Distribution is a key factor that helps determine the success of a business. This is

supported by the fact that many businesses find it difficult to adopt their own distribution method

to satisfy customers’ needs. In an article posted by Grace Kennedy Company Limited entitled

"Distribution," they claim to be the Caribbean’s leading distributor of food and non-food

consumer products. The company was established on February 14, 1922, by Dr. John J. Grace

and Mr. Fred William Kennedy. Through the distribution of canned items tailored to the

requirements and desires of customers, Grace Kennedy has played an important part in the lives

of Jamaicans over the years. The researcher aims to investigate the effectiveness of the Grace

Kennedy distribution method and determine how the system affects sales locally. As an

ambitious young business executive, the researcher hopes to gain a better understanding of

distribution in general and how important it is to a business. As this field of study is critical to a

company's predisposition, the knowledge gained can aid budding entrepreneurs in developing

their distribution channels.

 Methodology
Research Design:

The researcher chose to undertake both qualitative and quantitative research. The researcher

decided that questionnaires and interview schedule to the participants would provide them with

promising knowledge given the degree of the research. Also, to compute the problem by way of

producing numerical data that was transformed into usable statistics. This allowed the researcher

to extrapolate convey a satisfactory solution to the issue.

Research Sampling:

The instruments used to collect the data for this research were a questionnaire and an interview

schedule. Participants in this study voluntarily participated in a survey to learn about the

distribution effectiveness of the selected company. The researcher use of a questionnaire to help

in gathering further information from the stakeholders of Grace Kennedy Company Limited. Also,

an interview schedule was used. The researcher was able to interact with individuals and got

feedback to the questions asked. The researcher selectively chose individuals that were willing to

participate in the investigation. This contributed to the success of the research. The investigation
was conducted using both primary and secondary data gathering methods. The Primary method

used were the interview and the questionnaire. The Secondary methods used were online articles

which helped in the gathering of background information.

Data Collection:

Questionnaires were distributed to randomly selected stakeholders of the Grace Kennedy branch

in Spanish Town, Jamaica. A total of thirty (30) respondents were selected for the questionnaire.

The interview was conducted with five (5) individuals of Grace Kennedy. Ten (10) preplanned

questions were based on the objectives were in the questionnaire and delivered via online

platforms. The interview was conducted with five interviewees. The interviewees were asked five

(5) questions about the given objective and was provided clarifications for any ambiguities that

occurred.

Limitations:

The researcher encountered challenges in collecting and compiling data for the research in an effort

to finish the research. The main issue encountered by the researcher was that participants were

hesitant to complete the questionnaire that was presented to them. As a result, the researcher had

to do a lot of persuading to get respondents to participate. The unprecedented times also limited

the ability to question the participants face to face. The data was collected using the online

platforms which posed a challenge since the researcher had issues obtaining the internet access to

prepare the collection of data. Also, the interview took a longer time complete. The data received

from interview schedule was inadequate to be placed on a graph.

 Presentation of Data

Question #1: What modes of transportation do you find most effective for delivering your

only land goods to retailers?

Figure 1: Pie Chart representing the responses of the best transportation used in delivery of land

goods.

PIE CHART SHOWING RESPONESES OF THE BEST

TRANSPORTATION USED IN DELIVERY OF LAND
GOODS
Other
17% Truck
23%

Truck
Company Cars
Bus Bus
20%
Other

Company Cars
40%

The analysis of the data received from the respondents indicated that in figure 1 seventeen percent

(17%, 5 participants) selected "other," which is the least selected. Twenty-three percent (23%, 7

participants) selected truck. Twenty percent (20%, 6 participants) selected bus and, cars which are

agreed upon by forty percent (40%, 12 participants) as the most selected transportation.
Question #2: What are some challenges you experience regularly while distributing goods?

Figure 2: Bar Graph representing the challenges participants experience while Distributing

goods.

BAR GRAPH SHOWING THE CHALLENGES

PARTICIPANTS EXPERIENCE WHILE DISTRIBUTING
GOODS
Responses

Other
Ineffective Communication
Misdirection of Goods
Delayed Shipment

0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Number of responses

The research showed as seen in Figure 2 that thirteen percent (13%, 4 participants) selected

"other" as the least selected challenge. Ineffective communication chosen by thirty percent (30%,

9 participants) and Misdirection of goods selected by thirty-three percent (33%, 10 participants)

as the most selected challenge. Delayed shipment was selected by twenty-three percent (23%, 7

participants).
Question #3: Does the company have its own vehicles for distribution?

Figure 3: Pie Chart representing responses of participants if the company has its own

transportation.

PIE CHART SHOWING RESPONSES OF PARTICIPANTS

IF THE COMPANY HAS ITS OWN TRANSPORTATION
No
0%

Yes
No

Yes
100%

In Figure 3, all participants (100%) came to the conclusion that the company has its own

vehicles. While none said the company doesn’t own any.

 Question #4: What is ONE major advantage you experience from using your own

transportation?

Figure 4: Bar Graph representing the major advantages participants face from using their own

transportation.

BAR GRAPH SHOWING THE MAJOR ADVANTAGES

PARTICIPANTS FACE FROM USING THEIR OWN
TRANSPORTATION

Other

Assurance in the delivery of goods

Responses

Cheaper cost of distribution cost

Working at your own pace

Working at your own pace Assurance in the delivery of goods

Other

Cheaper cost of distribution cost

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Number of Responses

Figure 4 shows that thirteen percent 13%, chose Assurance in the delivery of goods and forty

percent ( 40%, 12 participants) and cheaper cost of distribution was selected by twenty percent

(20%, 6 participants). While Others was selected by twenty-seven percent (27%, 8 participants).
Question #5: What measures are taken place to correct sudden break down in the local

distribution of goods?

Figure 5: Column Graph representing the measures that are taken to correct sudden break down

in the local distribution of goods.

COLUMN GRAPH SHOWING THE MEASURES ARE

TAKEN PLACE TO CORRECT SUDDEN BREAK DOWN IN
THE LOCAL DISTRIBUTION OF GOODS
12

10
Number of reponses

6 Build up inventory
Diversify supply base
4 Adopting risk evaluation tools

2 Other

0
Build up inventory Diversify supply Adopting risk Other
base evaluation tools
Responses

Figure 5 of the research, it showed that Buildup inventory was selected by twenty percent (20%,

6 participants) and Diversify supply base selected twenty percent (20%, 6 participants).

Adopting risk evaluation tools was the most agreed upon with thirty-three percent (33%, 10

responses) and twenty-seven percent (27%, 8 participants) responded with Other.

Question #6: What do you think is your biggest strong suit when it comes to transporting

goods?

Figure 6: Line Graph representing the biggest strong suit participants have in transporting goods.

LINE GRAPH SHOWING THE BIGGEST STRONG SUIT

PARTICIPANTS HAVE IN TRANSPORTING GOODS
16

14
Number of Responses

12

10

8 Proper Security Measures

6 Effective Communication
Adequate Warehousing Facilities
4
Other
2

0
Proper Security Effective Adequate Other
Measures Communication Warehousing
Facilities
Responses

Figure 6 indicated that Proper Security Measures was the least selected strong suit with ten

percent (10%, 3 participants) and Adequate Warehousing Facilities was the most agreed upon

with fifty percent (50%, 15 participants). Effective Communication selected by twenty-three

percent (23%, 7 participants) and Other was selected by seventeen percent (17%, 5 participants).
Question #7: What do you do when your distribution route is interrupted?

Figure 7: Pie Chart representing the responses of what participants do when distribution schedule

is interrupted.

PIE CHART SHOWING THE RESPONSES OF WHAT

PARTICIPANTS DO WHEN DISTRIBUTION ROUTE IS
INTERRUPTED
Other
10% Call it a day
17%

Call it a day
Implement a fast pick-up plan
Just continue on Just continue on
33%
Other

Implement a fast pick-up

plan
40%

In addition, Figure 7 showed that thirty-three percent (33% of responses, 10 participants)

selected Just continue on and Implement a fast pick-up plan was the most selected with forty

percent (40%, 12 participants). Ten percent (10%, 3 participants) selected Other and seventeen

percent (17%, 5 participants) selected Call it a day.

Question #8: Which of the following limitations can you relate to regarding your

distribution method?

Figure 8: Line Graph representing the limitations that participants relate to regarding the

distribution method.

COLUMN CHART SHOWING LIMITATIONS THAT

PARTICIPANTS RELATE TO REGARDING THE
DISTRIBUTION METHOD.
14

12
Number of responses

10

8 Not enough transport

Constant late delivery due to badroutes
6 Increase in cost to transport product
Other
4

0
Responses

In Figure 8 twenty percent (20%, 6 participants) selected Not enough transport and thirty-three

percent (33%, 10 participants) chose Constant late delivery due to bad routes. Increase in cost to

transport product is the most agreed upon by forty percent (40%, 12 participants) while Other is

the least selected response with seven percent (7%, 2 participants).

Question #9: Do you believe that the distribution method used improve sales locally?

Figure 9: Pie Chart representing if participants believed that the distribution methods used
improve sales locally.

PIE CHART SHOWING IF PARTICIPANTS BELIEVE

THAT THE DISTRIBUTION METHODS USED IMPROVE
SALES LOCALLY.

No
27%

Yes
No

Yes
73%

In the question if distribution methods used improve sales locally twenty-seven percent (27%, 8

participants) responded with no, while seventy-three (73%, 22 participants) said yes as shown in

Figure 9.
Question #10: How does your distribution method impact sales?

Figure 10: Line Graph representing how Grace Kennedy’s distribution method impact sales.

LINE GRAPH SHOWING HOW THE DISTRIBUTION

METHOD IMPACT SALES

16
14
Number of Responses

12
10 Making a considerable amount of
8 money using it

6 Doesn't affect sales

4
Other
2
0 There are more expenses than there
Making a Doesn't affect Other There are more are sales
considerable sales expenses than
amount of there are sales
money using it
Responses

Figure 10 shows that forty-seven percent (47%, 14 responses) were Making a considerable

amount of money using it and other was selected by twenty-three percent (23%, 7 participants)

and with 3%, 1 participant, selected Doesn’t affect sales. Twenty-seven (27%, 8 participants)

selected There are more expenses than there are sales.

 Analysis of Data

The analysis of the data received from the respondents indicated that in figure 1 seventeen

percent (17%, 5 participants) selected "other," which is the least selected. Twenty-three percent

(23%, 7 participants) selected truck. Twenty percent (20%, 6 participants) selected bus and, cars

which are agreed upon by forty percent (40%, 12 participants) as the most selected

transportation.

The research showed as seen in Figure 2 that thirteen percent (13%, 4 participants) selected

"other" as the least selected challenge. Ineffective communication chosen by thirty percent (30%,

9 participants) and Misdirection of goods selected by thirty-three percent (33%, 10 participants)

as the most selected challenge. Delayed shipment was selected by twenty-three percent (23%, 7

participants).

In Figure 3, all participants (100%) came to the conclusion that the company has its own

vehicles. While none said the company doesn’t own any.

Figure 4 shows that thirteen percent 13%, chose Assurance in the delivery of goods and forty
percent ( 40%, 12 participants) and cheaper cost of distribution was selected by twenty percent
(20%, 6 participants). While Others was selected by twenty-seven percent (27%, 8 participants).

Figure 5 of the research, it showed that Buildup inventory was selected by twenty percent (20%,

6 participants) and Diversify supply base selected twenty percent (20%, 6 participants).

Adopting risk evaluation tools was the most agreed upon with thirty-three percent (33%, 10

responses) and twenty-seven percent (27%, 8 participants) responded with Other.

Figure 6 indicated that Proper Security Measures was the least selected strong suit with ten

percent (10%, 3 participants) and Adequate Warehousing Facilities was the most agreed upon

with fifty percent (50%, 15 participants). Effective Communication selected by twenty-three

percent (23%, 7 participants) and Other was selected by seventeen percent (17%, 5 participants).

In addition, Figure 7 showed that thirty-three percent (33% of responses, 10 participants)

selected Just continue on and Implement a fast pick-up plan was the most selected with forty

percent (40%, 12 participants). Ten percent (10%, 3 participants) selected Other and seventeen

percent (17%, 5 participants) selected Call it a day. An interviewee also mentioned that in the

event of a sudden breakdown in delivery, a quick contingency plan would be implemented.

In Figure 8 twenty percent (20%, 6 participants) selected Not enough transport and thirty-three

percent (33%, 10 participants) chose Constant late delivery due to bad routes. Increase in cost to

transport product is the most agreed upon by forty percent (40%, 12 participants) while Other is

the least selected response with seven percent (7%, 2 participants).

In the question if distribution methods used improve sales locally twenty-seven percent (27%, 8

participants) responded with no, while seventy-three (73%, 22 participants) said yes as shown in

Figure 9. An interviewee also agreed that the distribution method used affects sales because of

how efficiently it is used, while it also improves them.

Figure 10 shows that forty-seven percent (47%, 14 responses) were Making a considerable

amount of money using it and other was selected by twenty-three percent (23%, 7 participants)
and with 3%, 1 participant, selected Doesn’t affect sales. Twenty-seven (27%, 8 participants)

selected There are more expenses than there are sales.

An interview question was asked: Does your method of distribution have an impact on the

number of products your organization can create in a certain time frame for sales? The responses

were mostly no, due to the fact that, whatever the number of products that are produced, the

company will have adequate resources to distribute them.

The interview question: Does the frequency of your products are supplied in a given location

affected by the number of sales in that location? The interviewees concurred, and concluded that

if the products supplied in a location were not at an adequate demand, then the distributing of the

product in that area would stop.

The interview question: When distributing products to a different location, what elements do you

consider? Cost of the product and the demand for the product are two elements that were

collectively agreed upon by the interviewees.

 Conclusion

Objective 1: To identify the effectiveness of the transportation used by Grace Kennedy.

In conclusion, the researcher has concluded that Grace Kennedy's transportation was indeed

required to disperse productions across the island. The efficient use of the transportation used by

Grace Kennedy has helped them in making a considerable amount of money using it.

Objective 2: To determine how the distribution system impacts sales.

Based on the findings, the researcher concluded that Grace Kennedy’s distribution system does

impact sales. The increased distribution of goods throughout the island will increase the quantity

of products sold, which increases the profit of the business.

Objective 3: To evaluate the distribution method used by Grace Kennedy locally.

This research has highlighted that the Grace Kennedy Company limited uses land transportation

to distribute their goods locally. It was shown that the distribution method used by Grace

Kennedy Company limited improves sales and can be concluded to be highly effective.

However, it is expensive due to cost incurred though the distribution.

 Recommendations

This research was coined from researcher wanting to know whether Grace Kennedy’s distribution

method impact sales. After analyzing the gathered data, the researcher thought to recommend some

points that Grace Kennedy Company limited should take into consideration to better their

distribution processes. The recommendations listed below outline how Grace Kennedy should

have a more effective distribution system with little to no limitations.

The researcher gave the following recommendations:

1. Grace Kennedy should develop an effective budget for the distribution of goods to aid in
transportation to minimize cost.

2. Develop a contingency plan in case of interruption to schedule and processes of the

company’s distribution method.

3. Grace Kennedy maintain good relations with their customers so that their sales continue
to do well.
 References

The following sites listed below helped in the organization of this research:

Grace Kennedy Distribution. Retrieved on April 5, 2022, from

https://www.gracekennedy.com/thegroup/food-services/distribution/

Olivia Mariane Gunawan (March 5, 2022). Distribution | Definition, Types, Stages, and

Examples. Retrieved on April 5, 2022, from https://www.hashmicro.com/blog/distribution-

definition/
 Appendix
Research Instruments

Questionnaire

1. What modes of transportation do you find most effective for delivering your only land goods
to retailers?

Bus

Car

Train

Other

2. What are some challenges you experience regularly while distributing goods?

Delayed shipment

Misdirection of goods

Ineffective communication

Other

3. Does the company have its own vehicles for distribution?

Yes
No

4. What is ONE major advantage you experience from using your own transportation?

Cheaper cost of distribution cost

Working at your own pace
Assurance in the delivery of goods
Other
5. What measures are taken place to correct sudden breakdown in the local distribution of goods?

Build up inventory.

Diversify supply base

Adopting risk evaluation tools

Other

6. What do you think is your biggest strong suit when it comes on to transporting of goods?

Proper security measures

Effective communication

Adequate warehousing facilities

Other

7. What do you do when your distribution route is interrupted?

Call it a day

Implement a fast pick-up plan

Just continue on

Other

8. Which of the following limitations can you relate to regarding your distribution method?

Not enough transport

Constant late delivery due to bad routes

Increase in cost to transport product

 Other

9. Do you believe that the distribution method used improves sales locally?

Yes

No

10. How does your distribution method impact sales?

Making a considerable amount of money using it

There are more expenses than there are sales

Doesn’t affect sales

Other

Interview Questions

1. Does your distribution method affect sales? (If so, explain how.)

2. Does your method of distribution have an impact on the number of products your

organization can create in a certain time frame for sales? (If so, explain how.)

3. Does the frequency of your products are supplied in a given location affected by the

number of sales in that location? (If so, explain how.)

4. When distributing products to a location, what elements do you consider?

5. What methods are taken in place to address a sudden breakdown of delivery on a local
level?