An analysis and review of Eurofood's stock systems and processes with a view to improving stock accuracy.

Abstract

This dissertation aims to review the SME company, Eurofoods, and their stock systems. The company supplies a variety of dry and frozen foods to the Asian market and has grown exponentially in the past 10 years resulting in poor stock routines and book stock accuracy. Such an issue currently costs the business in excess of £100,000 and has increased the importance of this area tenfold. To gather a more in-depth basis of what Eurofoods do and what processes are currently in place a whole range of research methods were deployed. Due to the exploratory nature of the research the observation technique took precedent with other methods supporting. Using the primary research findings a unique use of Porters Value chain was utilised to create a focus from which SSM analysis could be effectively deployed. As the primary technique for analysis within this research, Checkland's Soft System Methodology produced benefits for the company not only in its final deliverables but also during the stage process as staff were brought together and certain aspects of the business revealed. The projects delivered through SSM have the potential to resolve the majority of issues at Eurofoods; however the company does not have any policy on project management and implementation. To increase the success rate of such projects, aspects of Davenport's BPR methodology and change management approaches were provided as recommendations.