Determinant Factors for the Strategic Management of the Supply Chain of the Angolan Cement Industry

Abstract

Purpose: Considerable portion of the countries’ income is invested in the construction and reconstruction of houses, shopping centers, schools, universities, research centers, pavements, bridges, dams, among other infrastructures. Cement is, therefore, a priority consumer good in all modern societies. Given its importance, it becomes relevant to understand, the way its distribution takes place and the determinant factors that influence the supply chain management, because only with this knowledge can appropriate management strategies be developed that support the operation of the cement industry and ensure an agile and/or efficient structure that facilitates the distribution of the products from this industrial sector. Design/methodology/approach: This article presents the results of qualitative research, based on a narrative literature review and interviews, which aimed to identify the determinant factors and barriers in the management of the Supply Chain of the Angolan cement industry. Findings: The main outputs of this research are the identification of a set of determining factors of the strategic supply chain management, and a set of determining factors of the strategic supply chain management of the Angolan cement industry, as well as some barriers that have hindered the supply of cement in the Angolan market. Research limitations/implications: This research has been among the first to identify the determinant factors and barriers to the strategic management of the Angolan Cement Industry Supply Chain. Besides the contribution of this research, some limitations are identified, to be addressed as future research. Since this study is grounded in interviews to some of the Angolan professionals linked to the Cement Supply Chain, the results present their perspectives and might lack generalizations. Also, because the research is focused on a particular geography, its findings may not apply to other Cement Supply Chain belonging to other geographies. Originality/value: The identification of determining factors and barriers that have hampered the strategic management of the supply chain of the Angolan cement industry is a fundamental step that can help public and private entities in making decisions that aim to improve the supply chain of the Angolan cement industry.