1.0 Introduction
This chapter covers the background of the study, statement of the problem, objectives of the study, the scope of the study, significance of the study and the operational definition of terms.
1.1 Background To The Study
Many organizations in Uganda that do not have proper stock management systems in their operations face a lot of challenges most of which include dependency on the efficiency of the supplier, missed sales incase of stock outs, high costs of obtaining materials and poor customer service. However, organizations have recently found it as having a great impact on the success of the organizations (Frazelle, 2002; Jessop, 1986). Good stock management by a firm will lower costs, improve efficiency and ensure production while at the same time meet fluctuations in customer demand. It will give the firm a competitive advantage as more efficient production can feed through to lower prices and also customers are always satisfied as products will be available on demand.
Stock management has been defined by different scholars but all drive to the same meaning. The international dictionary of management (1995) defines stock management as the use of management techniques designed to determine and implement the holding of optimum levels of stock, whether raw materials stocks, bought out goods, work in progress, or finished goods. Stock availability is the most important aspect of customer service. The goal of stock management is therefore to increase financial returns on inventory while simultaneously increasing customer service levels (Frazelle, 2002).
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