The Impact of Supplier Relationship on the Quality of Products

Abstract

The study was carried out from Harris International Limited, Kampala among employees. The main purpose of the study was to provide insights that can help companies to develop effective supplier relationship management practices that can improve product quality and enhance their performance. The research methodology for the study was both descriptive and cross-sectional research design. The sample size was 144 respondents and simple random sampling technique was applied in selecting the respondents who were included in the sample. The researcher used questionnaires to collect data and data was analysed using SPSS version 25 at univariate and multivariate levels. The study findings showed that Harris managed quality through practicing quality conformance, assurance and leadership. Using multiple linear regression model, the study also found out a significant overall relationship between supplier relationship management and quality of the products (F= and p=0.000). The findings also found out that supplier development significantly predicted quality of products, ß = 0.255, t = 2.007 and p = .0047). More so, the study found out supplier involvement significantly predicted quality of the products, ß = 0.267, t =0.2.081 and p = .0039) and also supplier selection significantly predicted quality of the products, ß = 0.505, t =3.701and p = .0000). The study concluded that quality of the products was influenced by supplier development, supplier selection and supplier involvement. The study also concluded that Harris International Limited majorly faced challenges of buyer-seller communication, cost management, ensuring quality and also a challenge of supply chain disruptions. The study recommended that Harris International Limited should create a data base on supplier activities such as delivery schedules, complaints and quality management processes and also the study could be replicated in other companies, both public and private at national and international levels.