Mapping the Internal Supply Chain for Educational Institutions. A Case Study of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Abstract

Tertiary education plays a major strategic role in national development and economic growth. Public universities now have to manage their institution efficiently in line with limited funding and growing competition from the growing private universities. Universities therefore have to find the best business practices to improve on its internal operational efficiencies. Identifying and understanding the Internal Supply Chain (ISC) Frame work of an organization is an effective management tool. The study is an exploratory one mainly because of scanty literature on supply chain management in the education sector.  The study adopted the case study method, using the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. Data collected through semi-structured interviews for specific academic and administrative staff. The study revealed that a value chain existed for the internal operations of KNUST and also an ISC framework for KNUST’s processes was possible and a map also identify that the ineffective flow of information within the university seems to affects its operations.  It was recommended that for efficient operation of the Internal Supply Chain (ISC) of KNUST, there needed to be optimal information flow as well as materials (Human, Financial and Physical resources) flow throughout the university.

Keywords: Supply Chain Management, Internal Supply chain, Education, Value chain.