Economic order quantity (EOQ) versus just-in-time (JIT)

Running head: DISSERTATION
Dissertation
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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Abstract
This research project is based on the effectiveness of Economic Order Quantity and Just in
Time in Warehouse Management System. The study applies a primary research method in
which an organization called “Hay Diary Ltd” has been considered. Major purpose of
research is to identify the level of efficiency between Just in Time and Economic Order
Quantity in warehouse management system. When analysing the effectiveness of both the
methods in WMS, findings of existing papers indicate Economic Order Quantity method is an
effective option for large businesses. To perform the study, primary data collection method
has been applied, in which data has been collected by performing an online survey among 50
employees of Hay Diary Ltd in Singapore. As organizational members of the organization
have been engaged in the study, non-probability convenient sampling method was the best
choice for the study. Findings imply that both EOQ and JIT are effective on its own way in
relation to market demands and financial stability but when the small scale company would
rather choose Just in Time, when it comes to managing inventory. Small business does not
take the challenge from a dynamic market environment, where the number of similar business
is growing

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Table of Content
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................4
1.1 Background......................................................................................................................4
1.2 Research Problem.............................................................................................................5
1.3 Research questions and Objectives..................................................................................5
1.4 Research Scope................................................................................................................6
1.5 Research Significance......................................................................................................6
1.6 Summary..........................................................................................................................7
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW...................................................................................8
2.1 Introduction......................................................................................................................8
2.2 Warehouse management system......................................................................................8
2.3 Warehouse management and its elements........................................................................9
2. 3.1 Use of economic order quantity in inventory management system.......................11
2.4 Role of Just-in-time in inventory management..............................................................12
2.5 EOQ and JIT inventory management system.................................................................13
2.6 Inventory management...................................................................................................15
2.7 Inventory management through JIT technique..............................................................17
2.8 Gaps in the literature......................................................................................................18
2.9 Conceptual Framework..................................................................................................20
CHAPTER 3 –RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.....................................................................21
3.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................21
3.2 Research Investigation...................................................................................................21

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3.3 Research Paradigm/ Philosophy.....................................................................................22
3.4 Research Approaches.....................................................................................................23
3.5 Research Designs...........................................................................................................23
3.6 Data Collection method..................................................................................................24
3.7 Research Setting and Instrument....................................................................................25
3.8 Sampling........................................................................................................................25
3.9 Data Analysis.................................................................................................................26
3.10 Ethical consideration....................................................................................................26
CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS...................................................27
4.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................27
4.2 Quantitative Data...........................................................................................................27
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION................................................48
5.1 Conclusion......................................................................................................................48
5.2 Recommendation............................................................................................................49
References................................................................................................................................50

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Title- Measuring effectiveness of warehouse management system in a smaller scale
company between EOQ and JIT
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
This research project is a detailed analysis of measuring effectiveness of warehouse
management system in smaller scale of business between Economic Order Quantity and Just-
in-time system. Thus, the study has considered Hay Dairy Pte Ltd to measure the
effectiveness of the techniques JIT and EOQ in warehouse management system. The major
purpose of the research is to identify effectiveness between EOQ and JIT in warehouse
management system in small business like Hay Dairy Pte Ltd. The study aims to investigate
the factors as well as warehouse techniques to apply and find out how a small business can
gain benefits from a warehouse system between EOQ and JIT. Richards (2017) performed a
study on warehouse management system and mentioned that warehouse management is an
act of organizing as well as controlling everything within the warehouse and ensure it
operates in the most suitable and optimal way. The process may include the arrangement of
the warehouse and its inventory, maintenance of the equipment, managing the new stock,
packing, shipping and many more tasks. When it comes to measuring the effectiveness of
warehouse management with the techniques, EOQ is worth considering.
According to Chen et al., (2013) economic order quantity (EOQ) plays a great role in
inventory management and this model has been a great topic for academic researchers in the
field. The Economic Order Quantity is basically number of units that a business should add to
inventory with each time to reduce the cost of inventory including the holding cost and
shortage cost. Another significant point in this model is that EOQ is a relevant tool for small
business owners who are required to make decisions regarding how much inventory should

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be kept on hand and how many items should be ordered in each time. On the other side,
Chen, Cheng and Huang (2013) emphasized on Just in Time and mentioned that it is a set of
strategic activities which are built to achieve maximum production with minimal or least
maintenance of inventory. Horta, Coelho and Relvas (2016) commented that the major goal
of this system is to reduce the waste by receiving goods only as they are required in the
manufacturing and process. However, there is hardly any study performed on the
effectiveness of warehouse management system in smaller business considering the
techniques of JIT and EOQ. So, present study aims to find out the efficiency of the
techniques between JIT and EOQ in warehouse management system of Hay Dairy Pte Ltd.
1.2 Research Problem
It has been identified that warehouse management system is generally associated with
six major tenants such as accuracy, cost control, efficiency, cleanliness, safety and security.
However, the underlying techniques are complicated as well as dynamic in nature. So, this
process presents major problems for warehouse managers across many nations. Hence, the
distributors are supposed to deal with the trade-off to resources constraints which further
leads to under performance in several key functional areas. Thus, to resolve this issue, the
businesses such as Hay Dairy Pte Ltd in the recent time has started to leverage technology
such as the use of barcode technology streamline, the use of Just in Time method and EOQ
process. However, measuring the efficiency of these process is another challenge. Thus, this
research is required to present a suitable comparison between Just in Time and Economic
Order Quantity system in warehouse management.
1.3 Research questions and Objectives
Research Questions

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1. What is the importance of warehouse management methods in a smaller scale
company?
2. How successfully EOQ and JIT method can create effectiveness for small business in
warehouse management system?
Research Objectives
 To evaluate the significance of warehouse management system in a small scale
company
 To critically examine the core techniques involved in warehouse management system
 To analyse the effectiveness of EOQ and JIT in warehouse management
1.4 Research Scope
The scope of the study is to explore the effectiveness of the techniques EOQ and JIT
in warehouse management system. This means study particularly focuses on EOQ and JIT
when exploring warehouse management system and techniques associated with it. In order to
measure the effectiveness of techniques, primary data analysis has been performed and the
data has been collected by online survey questionnaire which involves the employees of Hay
Dairy Pte Ltd. On the other side, secondary data analysis has been discarded as real-world
experiences of businesses are highly required in the study.
1.5 Research Significance
It is certain that warehouse management is always a significant concern as business
must take care of its stock, inventory, supplies and the end product. However, managing
inventory also counts the wastes, which is always there in the process. So, integrate the entire
process and lead the system effectively, businesses tend to use different techniques in which
some may help to reduce the cost, while some may help to avoid the manufacturing wastes.
Undoubtedly, each technique comes with its own benefits but in a greater scale, measuring

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the effectiveness of the used technique is a context of research of many academic scholars.
Even though, there are many techniques used in the warehouse management system but the
significance of this study in lies in the fact that the investigation in the research helps to learn
how JIT and EOQ are effective in warehouse management.
1.6 Summary
This chapter builds the backbone of the study as it provides a detailed background of
the study with respect to fundamental of warehouse management system, its importance in
small business and techniques used to manage the system. The chapter also provides research
objectives and questions derived from the background which are further reflected in literature
review in the following section.

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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
It has been identified that a solid warehouse operation is at the foundation of every
successful retain brand. It is rather treated as an area which cold either destroy the business or
propel it into something that customers find reliable. This chapter of the dissertation provides
a detailed analysis of warehouse management system and techniques involved to manage the
system. The analysis has been conducted by considering and presenting the findings of the
existing studies that have been conducted on warehouse management system. Papers selected
for review were published after 2012.
2.2 Warehouse management system
When reviewing warehouse management system, it has been identified that many
scholars have emphasized on the importance of warehouse management system. For
example, Singh and Singh (2013) performed a study and mentioned the fact a warehouse
management system help to increase inventory management by decreasing inventory levels,
enhancing order fulfilment as well as minimizing order cycle. Likewise, Fichtinger et al.,
(2015) also mentioned that WMS is necessary because it is designed to management and
control all warehouse activities. Particularly WMS could allow the business track and keep a
record of every unit down to lowest range. Davarzani and Norrman (2015) commented that a
Warehouse Management System enables a business to deal with the inventory in time along
with the data as present as the current shipment and order.
Nonetheless, in the context of importance of warehouse management system, Accorsi,
Manzini and Maranesi (2014) emphasized on the need of the safety of stock, a Warehouse
Management System usually increases present space in the warehouse by locating the product
systematically. The author of this study has also added the fact that this enhanced efficiency

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can need maximize the productivity as well as cut the inventory holding expense on a large
scale. On the other side, Ziukov (2015) commented that the administration of real-time
warehouse management system could greatly reduce the paperwork that is traditionally
associated with warehouse and function. In addition it also ensure on time and the desired
flow of information and work. Unlike other others, Richards (2017) insisted on enhanced
cycle counting; this means business using warehouse management system can make use of a
warehouse management system to collect required data such as per regularity of movements
and specific locations. Therefore, it is easy to assign the staff for a cyclical count in an
organized way.
2.3 Warehouse management and its elements
As put forward by Ross and Kimball (2013), warehouse is one of the major stages of
supply chain where goods and the services are effectively accumulated. Generally, it is
related to real goods and it is often known as the facility in the supply chain to consolidate
products to minimize the cost of transportation, achieve economies of scale in manufacturing
or in purchasing. On the other side, Park and Kim (2013) commented that warehouse can also
be treated as one of the major the fundamental operations where the businesses can deliver
tailored services for the customers and can gain competitive advantages. There are different
types of warehouses such as they can be classified into production warehouse as well as
distribution centres and particularly in supply chain, they can be classified as the raw
materials warehouse, finished goods, distribution warehouse to customer demands. The
following image shows the type of warehouse management system that are usually designed.

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Figure 1: Warehouse management and its elements
(Source: Park and Kim, 2013)
However, when it comes to warehouse management system, García-Alcaraz et al.,
(2015) mentioned that management of a warehouse is the major function in the process.
However, Marodin and Saurin (2013) argued that instead of dealing with the complexity of
the core function, businesses deal with the systems relying on its types. The author of this
study has also mentioned the fact that WMS can deliver prominence into a Corporation’s
inventory at any location and time. WMS comes in an array of varieties, methods of
implementation and which depends on the nature and size of the business. For example, Hill
(2017) mentioned about the Stand-Alone System in a bigger enterprise for resource
arrangement. Some basic features of warehouse management system have been highlighted
by the authors in their WMS in business study.
Warehouse design: According to Richards (2017) warehouse design enables
organization to customized workflow as well finding logic to ensure that the warehouse is
made for maximised location for inventory. García-Alcaraz et al., (2015) critically mentioned
that the design remains as secondary concern because system should be more of efficiency
and flexible in nature.

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Inventory Tracking: This tracking of inventory fundamentally authorises the usage of
modern tracking system with the inclusion of radio-frequency identification (RFID) as well
as barcode scanners to accredit that it becomes easier to find out the goods when they are
required to move (Chen et al.,2013).
Receiving and Put-away: This function particularly allows inventory put-away as
well as retrieval and often helps to pick-to-light to guide warehouse workers locate goods and
services.
2. 3.1 Use of economic order quantity in inventory management system
Tat, Taleizadeh and Esmaeili (2015) mentioned that in order to avoid complexity of
inventory management, economic order quantity model is used by calculating number of
units a business should add to its inventory with each batch order to minimize the net expense
of its inventory. According to the authors, the cost of its inventory typically include the
holding cost; thus, the total cost could be represented by significant equation which is given
in the following.
Total inventory costs= ordering cost + holding cost
On the other side, Nia et al., (2014) mentioned that economic quantity model states
that there is a trade-off between inventory holding costs and inventory ordering cost but total
inventory cost is minimized when both ordering cost and holding cost are reduced. The
author has specified that holding cost may involve warehousing as well as logistic cost,
insurance costs and depreciation but this model tries to minimize the costs these costs by
making sure that the right amount of inventory is ordered with each batch; thus, there is no
excess of inventory sitting on hand as well as incurring these kinds of costs. Inman et al.,
(2013) performed a study on the importance of economic order quality and discussed about
ordering costs can refer to all of the costs related to actually ordering the inventory such as

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the cost of packaging as well as delivery. The findings of this study, EOQ tries to make sure
that the right amount of inventory is ordered per batch; thereby, a business is not supposed to
make orders on a frequent basis.
2.4 Role of Just-in-time in inventory management
Conversely, instead of providing a mere idea of JIT, García-Alcaraz and Maldonado-
Macías (2016) mentions that JIT inventory is a shift away from other just-in case approaches
in which producers may hold a large inventories to have enough products to acquire the
maximum market. For example, the large car manufacturer Toyota in US operates with low
inventory by depending on its supply chain to manufacture the parts it requires to develop
cars. This part is highly required to manufacture vehicles that do not arrive before and after
the manufacturers needs them; rather they arrive just as the manufacturer requires them.
According to Kasemsap (2014), just in time inventory controls have several benefits over the
conventional models and the production runs remain short and this indicates that
manufactures could move from one product to another easily. Thus, the authors has
mentioned that this method could reduce the costs by reducing warehouse needs. Moreover,
organizations could make small investment on the raw materials because they just buy
sufficient resources to make just the ordered products.
Conversely, Chen et al., (2013) mentioned that JIT inventories engage disturbance in
the supply chain process, this means if there is a disruption of the supply of raw materials as
well as lack of production of goods on time, one supplier can shut down the entire process.
This means a sudden order for foods that surpass expectations could delay the delivery of
finished goods to customers. For example, Toyota uses a JIT inventory control as the aspect
of its business model and the company sends off orders for parts only when it receives new
orders from customers. Toyota started this method in 1970 and entirely took over in 15 years
to reach perfection. Multiple elements of JIT manufacturing required to take place for Toyota

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to gain success. Richards (2017) commented that the organization had a steady production,
high-quality workmanship. However, as usual Toyota’s of JIT eventually arriving at crashing
halt in 1997. Particularly, a fire at an Asian-owned brake parts jeopardised its capacity to
manufacture a P-valve for its vehicles. Here, Toyota was the sole supplier of the part and the
most significant fact that the plant remained close for months would have destroyed Toyota’s
line of supply.
2.5 EOQ and JIT inventory management system
The organization’s distribution and logistics are to a great extent affected by
organization inventory management system. Ugarte, Golden and Dooley (2016) commented
that determination of unit order size as well as the frequency of taking those orders are major
decisions that organizations should be embraced to make. On the other side, Nia,Far, and
Niaki (2014) mentioned that Economic Order Quality (EOQ) and Just in Time inventory are
the most general inventory management system in the modern economy. On the other side,
Accorsi, Manzini and Maranesi (2014) commented that EOQ is an inventory related equation
that helps organization to determine the optimum order quantity which is held in an
organization provided a set of cost of production, the degree of demand as well as other
variables. Rachmania and Basri (2013) arguably mentioned that the major objective of EOQ
is about finding an equation that may lead to minimum cost of inventory, while Just in Time
is sort of inventory management system under which the materials or the products are
manufactured as per the demands. The fundamental concept of this approach is to enhance
efficiency as well as reduce wastage by receiving the amount of demands irrespective of the
nature of the supply.
On the other side, Park and Kim (2013) performed a study on inventory management
system and mentioned that business must have to consider the inventory costs involved under
economic order quality. Here, four variables relevant to decision making of inventory include

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purchase price of the item, cost of orders, opportunity cost and carrying cost. Marodin, and
Saurin (2013) mentioned that inventory management system might require that there is a
significant supply of inventory as well as stock outs which need to be avoided at all manners.
The author of this study has arguably mentioned the fact that it is imperative to consider that
EOQ technique might require an appropriate balancing cost with the holding cost of the
inventory for a particular time period. A significant example found in this study, is that a
small business should be able to hold the cost of ordering small quantities on a frequent basis,
which further helps to reduce the holding cost. Pattnaik (2014) stated that EOQ method is
more of finding optimum quantities as well as frequencies that is well understood.
Nonetheless, just in time inventory may require the producers to perfectly anticipate
the demand and the major objective of this prices that it seeks to avoid the situation under
which the inventory could exceed demand and so that it could place the organization in a
more awkward position than before with respect to maintaining excess inventory. However,
Taleizadeh and Nematollahi (2014) mentioned that JIT may require a proper balancing action
where the company could avoid stocks outs and at the same time, it could minimize the
inventory cost. Furthermore, Battini, Persona and Sgarbossa (2014) performed a study and
found that in 21st century, several organizations have adopted Just in time particularly in their
inventory management because the suppliers and retailers tend to remain integrated in their
efforts to control the inventory cost and meet customers’ needs and demands at the same
time.
In addition to this, findings of this study indicate the fact that it is imperative to note
that Just in Time has been instrumental in minimizing the cost of inventory management
through the reduced the holding cost. In spite of the series of benefits with the just in time
inventory system, it needs to be noted that it could pose some challenges particularly on the
side of the suppliers. This means that the suppliers should be dealing with the obligation of

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ensuring that they could coordinate particularly with the retailers to allow maintaining the
required stocks. On an additional note, the author has stated the fact that the organizations
that are particularly adopting this system could be at stack of business failures, specifically
when there is a significant challenge on the side of supplier or unexpected increase in
demand.
2.6 Inventory management
Coelho and Laporte (2014) commented that Inventory management is a significant
aspect of warehouse management system and when defining the concept, author of this study
has mentioned that stocks are generated to perform regular performance of the organization.
This means timely persistence of maximum strategy of inventory control enable liberation of
an important quantity of resources is to be considered as stocks but this eventually enhances
the efficiency of the use of resources. Panigrahi and Kumar (2013) commented that although
there are several products types that are produced, only two fundamental decisions that one
has to consider when dealing with or controlling the inventory. For example, how large
should replenishment of inventory should be and when should an inventory replenishment
order be placed. Piramuthu and Zhou (2013) performed a study and mentioned that the major
objective of this inventory should be about minimizing the problem if there is no benefitted
zone of the process. It is worth mentioning that such strategy could be maximised control of
inventory that could reduce the amount of expenses related to the storage, production, as well
as shortage of inventory per unit. When it comes to inventory management, Yu et al., (2013)
focussed on some fundamental characteristics of inventory management instead of comparing
the process to other variables. The fundamental characteristics of inventory management
system, according to Relvas et al., (2013), include single versus multiple items, time duration,
number of stocking points, nature of product and nature of demands.

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Single versus multiple items: According to Elsayed and Wahba (2013) this extent
examines whether an item should be utilized in segregation for the calculation or several
inter-dependent products should considered. Consequently, as the outcome of the collective
budget or space constraints are there.
Time duration: In some particularly inventory management situation, the selling
period for the goods could be short as well as excess stock should be there at the end of the
season which cannot be implemented to meet the demands of the next period (Yu, Lin &
Wang, 2013).
Number of stocking points: Taleizadeh and Nematollahi (2014) argued that at times,
it is proper to treat a singular stocking point in segregation and several practice cases, the
inventories of similar items are kept at more than a single location. However, when there are
many situations, the orders generated by one location often become the aspect of demand at
another location. On the other side, one might have horizontal multiplicity at many locations
at same level.
Nature of demand: According to Battini,Persona and Sgarbossa (2014), There are
some number of possible choices in modelling the demand the process. According to author,
types of demand can be classified as given in the following picture. This means that
deterministic demands is particularly known and it is not like the probabilistic demands.
García-Alcaraz and Maldonado-Macías (2016) particularly mentioned that nature of demands
could be of two types in which one of them often become statics and can be computed with
certainty, while the other one is dynamic, which could vary in nature. It is certain that type of
demands could differ with time; however, the ways it differ is known as certainty.

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Figure 2: Aspects of inventory management
(Source: Pattnaik, 2014)
Penalty and deficit: As put forward by Inman et al., (2013), any warehouse is usually
developed to prevent a gap of certain type of products which are handled by the system item;
hence, the fact is that lack of time at the right time could lead to losses which are further
associated with the downtime, un evenness of production.
2.7 Inventory management through JIT technique
Mishra and Garg (2013) commented that major challenge of today’s business is to
manufacture quality products or service offerings; it is a certain fact that quality remains as
the market demand and no producer can dare to give it a miss, without ascertaining the
possible loss of the business. Findings of the study has mentioned the fact that consumers’
awareness regarding the quality has maximized in the recent years. Hill (2017) added that
quality is of great importance in the inventory management as it accelerates implementation
of JIT. The author has added the fact that quality should ensure a defect free product as well
as decrease work in progress status inventory drastically. On the other side, Pattnaik (2014)
mentioned that quality should also reduce the cost of inspection, which certainly has a direct
impact on the cost of production.

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Findings of this study indicates the fact that it can reduce the lead time and ensure
speedy delivery of products to a customer. In this context, Nia et al., (2014) commented that a
customer is more closely and easily attracted towards the quality of products due to the
ability to meet the demand to a greater level. According to the author, consumer contentment
through quality is a necessary to an organization to thrive in the market; here good quality is
particularly used as the marketing strategy to grow and develop and simultaneously,
organization registers increase in sales as well as profits because of the increased level of
quality driven customer satisfaction. Conversely, Horta, Coelho and Relvas (2016) mentioned
that poor quality products hold the highest possibility to be rejected as well as could affect the
brand-ability of an organization, which eventually leads to the loss of goodwill of the
customers.
Authors also claim that chances are that products quality could reduce the production
system and make it less productive as they increase machine down tome as well as include a
longer processing time. According to the implication of this study, JIT specifically authorises
the quality which is directly linked to production and the fundamental base of this quality at
the source needs is made use of, where the damages in product can be found out. Davarzani
and Norrman (2015) opined that at the source needs to source with the raw materials quality
and it could result in saving particularly in inspection cost as well as the cost related to
replacing the items that are defective. The author of this study has also mentioned that quality
is required to be continuously enhancing upon to make JIT implementation little easier. The
contemporary trends towards JIT management system as well as ever-increasing pressure to
minimize work-in progress inventories while at the same time pressure on the quality
improvement has forced the organization to install highly integrated computerized
manufacturing system.

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2.8 Gaps in the literature
It is certain that existing studies have provided a broad analysis of warehouse
management and its techniques such as Just in time and Economic order quantity. The studies
have provided different opinions about the techniques and its use in the warehouse
management system. However, the existing papers did not provide any facts on how EOQ
and Just in Time are effective than other methods in the warehouse management system. In
addition to this, studies did not provide any real world facts regarding how economic order
quantity model is used with real world business. Moreover, the existing studies lack the real
world comparison between the economic order quantity and Just in Time practices in the
warehouse management system. Existing studies on warehouse management are performed
with limited real world examples.

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2.9 Conceptual Framework
Comparison between
EOQ and JIT
inventory
management
techniques
Effectiveness of either
technique on
Warehouse
Management system
Necessity of
Warehouse
Management
System
Different types of
warehouse
distribution
supports various
techniques
Use of economic order
quantity in inventory
management system
Role played by EOQ
and JIT inventory
management system
Inventory management
through JIT technique
and EOQ technique and
selection of the better

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CHAPTER 3 –RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
Research Methodology is a significant section of the dissertation as it presents the
research techniques which are used in the study to derive the outcome. According to
Jamshed, (2014) research method is a systematic plan for performing studies and it is rather a
philosophical framework within which the study is performed or the foundation upon which
the study is developed. This chapter describes all sort of research methods that are used along
with justification for each method used in the study. As the current study aims to measure the
effectiveness of warehouse management in a small business with the appropriateness of the
techniques between economic order quantity and Just in time, a primary data analysis best fits
the criteria of research. This is because primary study helps to identity how the businesses
with warehouse management system is able to use the techniques economic order quantity
and just in time. This chapter effectively discusses how primary analysis has been conducted
with data collection and sampling process.
3.2 Research Investigation
This research is determined to investigate the impact or effectiveness of Just in Time
and Economic quantity order method on warehouse management system. This means these
two methods can influence the effectiveness of warehouse management system. Hence, the
independent variables are Just in Time and Economic Quantity Order method and dependent
variable is warehouse management system. Here warehouse management is a process
guarded by software or other technology-based methods to enable organization to control as
well as administer warehouse operation of goods kept in warehouse before they moved out.
However, effectiveness of this system depends on the methods that guard the system entirely.
So, the effectiveness of dependent variable –warehouse management can be influenced by

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how business uses the methods or methods are being used to enhance the effectiveness. Thus,
this study investigates or fundamentally focuses on the independent variables namely Just in
Time and Economic Quantity Order method and determines which method between the two
effectively influences warehouse management system.
3.3 Research Paradigm/ Philosophy
According to Hughes and Sharrock (2016), a research philosophy is a belief about a
particular way in which information regarding a phenomenon need to be gathered, used and
analysed. There are three different types of research philosophies namely positivism,
interpretivism and pragmatism. According to Panneerselvam (2014), positivism considers
that reality is stable as well as it is easy to observe and describe from an objective viewpoint
without tempering the phenomenon which is being studied. Positivism research philosophy
enables the scope for observation on the basis of previously observed as well as explained
realities as well as their relationship. For example, past records and data findings regarding
the effectiveness of JIT and EOQ can help to make a reasonable observation based on which
further implications can be made. On the other side, in interpretivism, phenomena in their
natural environment remains the fundamental element to interpretivist philosophy along with
the acknowledgement that scientists cannot ignore affecting the phenomena. For example,
effectiveness of JIT and EOQ is measured, interpretivism may require a rich and context
sensitive information along with a meaningful action in the context.
Justifying the chosen research philosophy
The philosophy of Positivism has been chosen as it prioritizes numbers, digits and
statistical modelling to manufacture quantifiable and generalizable implications of the
findings. Thus, using research philosophy, effectiveness of economic order quantity and just
in time can be measured with statistical figures in warehouse management. In addition to this,

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research findings are in general judged against the criteria of reliability, validity and
generalizability. So, the outcomes regarding warehouse management can be considered
validated.
3.4 Research Approaches
According to Gioia et al., (2013), research approaches are plans and the procedures for
research that span the steps from broad assumption to intensive methods. There are two
different types of research approaches namely deductive and inductive.
Justifying deductive research approach
Deductive research approach has been selected as it best fits with research
requirements. For example, the outcome will help to learn how EOQ and JIT are relevant to
warehouse management. This means the relation of EOQ and JIT can be explored by testing
the hypothesis. As the hypotheses are required to be tested or verified, deductive research
approach is an appropriate choice for the current study.
3.5 Research Designs
As the name implies, research design can be of different formats remaining under the
choice between qualitative and quantitative research methods. However, to be specific,
research designs usually are of three types namely exploratory, explanatory and descriptive
research design. According to Yilmaz (2013) exploratory research design aims to explore
research questions and it does not intend to provide any final or conclusive solutions to the
remaining problems. On the other side, explanatory research design is fundamentally used for
a problem which was not well investigated properly and so requires priorities. Descriptive
research design is a scientific technique which could include observation and description of
the behaviour of a subject without tempering it or influencing it at all (Creswell and Creswell,
2017). For example, if the present study is required to measure the efficiency of the

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techniques between JIT and EOQ, with descriptive research design, the researcher can only
observe the effect and gain a general overview of the techniques.
Justifying descriptive research design
Descriptive research design has been selected because this research design helps to
analyse non-quantified topics and issues related to warehouse management system in Hay
Dairy Pte Ltd. In addition to this, descriptive research design gives the chance to examine
the matter in question from a natural and unchanged environment. More so, Positivism
philosophy provides opportunity to amalgamate qualitative as well as quantitative data
collection technique.
3.6 Data Collection method
There are two different types of data collection methods namely primary data
collection and secondary data collection.
Primary Data Collection method
Unlike secondary data collection method, primary data collection method is further
divide into two different categories namely quantitative and qualitative data collection
technique. Quantitative data collection as the name indicates is based on mathematical
calculation in different formats. According to Walliman (2017), method of quantitative data
collection include close-ended questionnaire, technique of correlation, regression and other
statistical method. Thus, this method helps to make comparisons of the findings. On the other
side, qualitative data analysis do not include numbers and digits and it is mainly associated
with focus groups and observation as well as some other elements that are non-quantifiable.
Present study follows a quantitative method of data collection. To collect quantitative data, a
close-ended questionnaire has been prepared. An online survey method has been followed to

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collect data from the employees of Hay Diary Ltd, Singapore. The close ended questionnaire
has been used in the survey method.
3.7 Research Setting and Instrument
In order to learn about the warehouse management system, warehouse managers and
personnel have been engaged in the survey process. Present study uses an online survey
method in which a set of same questions are answered by all respondents with respect to how
the organization implements JIT and EOQ methods in their warehouse management system.
Almost, 21 questions have been prepared and distributed to the managers before starting the
survey process.
3.8 Sampling
There are two different types of sampling method namely probability sampling and
non-probability sampling method. Probability sampling method may further include simple
random sampling, while non-probability sampling may include non- probability convenient
sampling. However, in the present study, non-probability convenient sampling method has
been used as this method ensures the availability of the participants. This means this method
involves getting participants wherever one can find them and typically wherever is
convenient for them. On the other side, probability sampling method has not been taken
because under probability sampling, the major method is simple random sampling which
requires a large population; thereby, the sample size has to above 100 which is not possible in
the present study. Involving 100 respondents in data collection requires more time and large
research structure. In the present study, the sample frame is 60 but 50 employees have been
selected from the sampling frame.

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3.9 Data Analysis
In most of the scholarly and business management studies, generally two different
types of data analysis are applied namely quantitative and qualitative data analysis method.
Lewis (2015 commented that in qualitative data analysis method, some particular approaches
are followed namely interview, Focus Group and experiment, etc and the process might
involve the common pattern within the response and eventually analyse them to achieve the
ultimate outcome. However, as online survey method is used in the study. Meaningful
numeral formats has been given to the data and then graphs and tables have been used to
present them. To perform the analysis, findings have been linked to the findings found in the
literature.
3.10 Ethical consideration
Ethical issues are always a significant concern for the researcher and particularly in
academic studies, ethical issues are dealt with the highest concentration. It is certain that
ethical issues can damage the outcome of study and all efforts go wasted if they are not dealt
properly. As the presently study includes a primary data collection method, ethical issues are
addressed on highest priority. It has been ensured that when engaging supervisors and
operational managers of Hay Diary Pte Ltd, their consent has been taken before starting the
process. In fact, the respondents has not been forced participate in the study. Additionally, it
has been made sure that the respondent held the right of withdrawal of their engagement even
after the study has been conducted. Moreover, before reaching the initial stage of data
collection, organizational consent has been taken; specifically, organizational heads are given
an ethical check list form mentioning the details of research purpose and authority of the
university. In addition to this, it has also been ensured that to avoid ethical issues on highest
priority, participants name are withdrawn and anonymity of the respondents are maintained.

27DISSERTATION
CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
4.1 Introduction
This chapter of the dissertation provides primary data findings in which primary data has
been collected by performing an online survey method among the operational managers and
personnel at dairy manufacturing plant of Hay Dairy Pte ltd. The data which is collected by
performing an online survey among the organizational members of selected company. For
performing the data analysis, first the data has been converted to a meaningful format. For
interpretation, the data has been represented by graph, and tables. However, it has been
ensured that all themes are related to effectiveness of Economic order quantity and Just in
Time approaches in the warehouse management system. This chapter provides the data in a
thematic format in the following.
4.2 Quantitative Data
1. What is your gender?
Options No. of Responses Percentage of the
responses
Total respondents
Male 27 54% 50
Female 20 40% 50
Prefer not to say 3 6% 50
Table 1: Employee Demography

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Graph 1: Employee Demography
The graph indicates that a large percentage of the respondents are male employees
meaning that manufacturing plants are quite accustomed to male hiring. This is probability
because of the factor male employees are more exposed to use of technology and heavy work
burden. If the dataset is considered that it can be stated that female employees do not prefer to
work in manufacturing plant because of growing work burden.
2. What is your age?
Options No. of Responses Percentage of the
responses
Total respondents
20 - 30 13 26% 50
31 - 40 19 38% 50
41 - 50 10 20% 50
> 50 8 16% 50
Table 2: Employee Demography

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Graph 2: Employee Demography
The graph number 2 would help to ascertain that almost 38% of the participants
belong to age group between 31 years to 40 years. It can be mentioned that due to efficiency
and advances of technology in the manufacturing plants, people find interest to learn new
things and kills. Consequently, employee tenure increases with time. On the other side,
percentage of young members in the organization also increases (26%) meaning that people
newly employed candidates have prior knowledge in their academic courses.
3. What is your current employment status?
Options No. of Responses responses
Percentage
Total no of
respondents
Full-time 21 42% 50
Part-time 13 26% 50
Self-employed 10 20% 50
Other 6 12% 50
Table 3: Employment status of the respondents

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Graph 3: Employment status of the respondents
The above dataset ensures the fact that nearly 42% of the participants have held that
they are full-time employees and this indicates that when a business relies on core technology
to produce its goods, it usually prefers full time employees to handle the technology based
operation. Thus, a large percentage of the employees in Hay Dairy Firm Ltd. is full time
employed candidates. In addition to this, investment on full time employees for their
enhancing their technical expertise justifies the fact, while investment on part-time employee
for temporary period may not provide desired return on investment. In addition to this, full
time employees could willingly perform their responsibilities for the company because the
core investment of the company is on full-time employees.
4. In which industry do you work before or now?
Options No. of Responses Percentage of the
responses
Total respondents
Aerospace /
Aviation /
6 12% 50

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Automotive
Agriculture /
Forestry / Fishing
6 12% 50
business Services
(Hotels, Lodging
Places)
5 10% 50
Engineering /
Architecture
4 8% 50
Manufacturing 10 20% 50
Pharmaceutical /
Chemical
9 18% 50
Wholesale 3 6% 50
Transportation /
Distribution
4 8% 50
Other: 3 6% 50
Table 4: Industry that employees work

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Graph 4: Industry that employees work
Graph implies a large data set in which it is identified that almost 20% of the
respondents have mentioned that they are employed at manufacturing plant, while almost
18% of the respondents have mentioned that they are working in pharmaceutical company.
So, a considerable percentage of respondents from such agencies where manufacturing or
warehouse management is a major operation. Such data clearly indicates that people are quite
aware of warehouse management system. Although, other sector is having a small percentage
of candidates but it is undeniable that they are not aware of the technology in warehouse
management system.
5. Do you have any previous working experience or currently working in warehouse?
Options No. of Responses Response
Percentage
Total no of
respondents
Yes 27 54% 50
No 23 46% 50
Table 5: Whether the employees have previous experience

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Graph 5: Whether the employees have previous experience
Presentation of primary data indicates that almost 54% of the respondents have
clarified that they have previous experience regarding the use of technology or systems in
warehouse management system, while not least but 46% of the respondents have mentioned
that they do not have previous experience about the systems in warehouse management. If the
percentage is considered, people knowing about the warehouse management system is higher.
It is estimated that since the use of technology and enriched method in warehouse
management has increased, awareness of people regarding the same has also increased.
6. If Yes, what is your working experience level in warehouse management?
Options No. of Responses Percentage of the
responses
Total respondents
Entry 9 18% 50
Intermediate 10 20% 50
Middle 19 38% 50
Senior 12 24% 50
Table 6: Level of experience that employees hold

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Graph 6: Level of experience that employees hold
When the level of experience further measured with categories, it has been learnt that almost
38% of the respondents have mentioned that they have middle level of experience about
warehouse management, while almost 20% of the respondents have mentioned that their level
of experience is intermediate. However, the question is why such difference in experience is
found when the age group of the respondents is found to be similar? Two clear factors have
been derived; use of technology in warehouse management has not been a long old practice.
With the advancement of technology, techniques of warehouse management has been in the
debate. Consequently, candidates are not able to gain high level of experience in the field
while, the percentage of senior level of employees is moderate because it is true that if the
practice is not so older, only a handful people can go or achieve the level.
7. How many employees does your company have?
Options No. of Responses Percentage of the
responses
Total respondents
10 - 50 7 14% 50
51 - 100 34 68% 50
>100 10 20% 50
Table 7: No. of employees that organizations have

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Graph 7: No. of employees that organizations have
The collection of primary data indicates the fact that almost 14% of the respondents
mentioned that the number of employees in their organization is 10 to 15, while almost 68%
of the respondents have mentioned that almost they have employees 50. Such difference
cannot be justified with tenure or any element but it is worth mentioning that if a business is
fundamentally relies on technology for managing its inventory, they will not invest money on
hiring people.
8. Does your company have a warehouse management system?
Options No. of Responses Percentage of the
responses
Total respondents
Yes 35 70% 50
No 15 30% 50
Table 8: Whether the organization has warehouse management system

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Graph 8: Whether the organization has warehouse management system
Primary data indicates that almost 70% of the respondents have mentioned the fact
that their organization does have a warehouse management system, while 30% of the
respondents have a contradictory view regarding the same. As discussed earlier, due to
advances of technology, warehouse management with innovative techniques have been a
popular method. Thereby, warehouse management has been a fundamental method even in
the small and medium size organizations. Consequently, awareness regarding the same
increases in general.
9. What type of system does your company use?
Options No. of Responses Percentage of the
responses
Total respondents
Just in Time 25 50% 50
Economic Order
Quantity
20 40% 50
Others 5 10% 50
Table 9: Type of warehouse management system that organization has

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Graph 9: Type of warehouse management system that organization has
Collection of primary data indicates the fact that almost 50% of the respondents have
mentioned the fact that their organization presently uses Just in Time method in inventory
management system, while almost 40% of the respondents have mentioned that their firms
are reliable to Economic Order Quantity. This data set helps to observe that dataset helps to
observe that use of both the methods are relative high in warehouse management. This is
because businesses often faces loss due to the absent of proper methods in inventory but the
invention of Economic Order Quantity or recently developed method Just in Time have
changed the concept of managing inventory in business.
10. Warehouse Management system (WMS) is important in a smaller scale company
Options No. of Responses Percentage of the
responses
Total respondents
Strongly disagree 13 26% 50
Disagree 10 20% 50
Neutral 2 4% 50
Agree 15 30% 50

38DISSERTATION
Strongly agree 10 20% 50
Table 10: Importance of WMS in smaller scale company
Graph 10: Importance of WMS in smaller scale company
The above table and graph indicate the fact that almost 30% of the respondents have
mentioned the fact that Warehouse Management System can also be adopted to smaller scale
company. This happens because there is no doubt that Just in Time and Economic Order
Quantity are reliable methods, where the possibility of losses is marginal. Particularly, JIT is
one such method, which helps to store inventory on the basis of market needs; so the method
assures the firm that loss of inventory could be marginal.
11. Have you heard of Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) and Just-In Time (JIT)?
Options No. of Responses Percentage of the
responses
Total respondents
Yes 29 58% 50
No 21 42% 50

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Table 11: Awareness of Economic Order Quantity and Just in Time
Graph 12: Awareness of Economic Order Quantity and Just in Time
The primary data indicates the threshold that almost 58% of the respondents have
mentioned that they are well-aware of EOQ and Just-in Time method. As implicated earlier,
warehouse management has now been more convenient and easier in nature due to the
growing use of innovative methods such as JIT and Economic Order Quantity. It is also
estimated that in the coming days, the use of such method will increase, warehouse
management will remain under control. This means business can achieve a control over its
loss and unknown risks in stocking inventory.
12. Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) and Just-in-time (JIT) is beneficial and effective
for the company
Options No. of Responses Percentage of the
responses
Total respondents
Strongly disagree 11 22% 50
Disagree 8 16% 50

40DISSERTATION
Neutral 2 4% 50
Agree 17 34% 50
Strongly agree 12 24% 50
Table 12: Benefits and effectiveness of Economic Order Quantity and Just in Time
Economic Order Quantity (EOQ)
Just-In-TIme (JIT)
Both
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Benefits and effectiveness of Economic Order
Quantity and Just in Time
Graph 12: Benefits and effectiveness of Economic Order Quantity and Just in Time
Responses of the above questions already support the fact that Economic Order
Quantity and Just in Time, both are effective and have the potential to keep the business safe
from possible loss. This fact is well supported with the primary responses where almost 24%
of the respondents agree to the fact it provides considerable amount of benefits to business.
However, when both the methods are judged and analysed individually, effectiveness might
differ on the basis of core functions the methods hold.
13. Should your organization hold inventory or buy as when it is needed?
Options No. of Responses Percentage of the
responses
Total respondents
Hold inventory 22 44% 50

41DISSERTATION
Buy as when
needed
28 56% 50
Table 13: Whether the organization holds inventory or buys as when needed
Graph 13: Whether the organization holds inventory or buys as when needed
14. What is the current practise at your organisation?
Options No. of Responses Percentage of the
responses
Total respondents
Hold inventory 21 42% 50
Buy as when
needed
29 58% 50
Table 14: Current practice of the organization in managing warehouse system

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15. Managing safety stock or inventory can lead to waste
Options No. of Responses response
Percentage
Total respondents
Strongly disagree 9 18% 50
Disagree 10 20% 50
Neutral 3 6% 50
Agree 13 26% 50
Strongly agree 15 30% 50
Table 15: If managing stock or inventory can lead to waste

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Graph 15: If managing stock or inventory can lead to waste
16. Your organisation able to forecast demand or orders from customer
Options No. of Responses response
Percentage
Total no of
respondents
Yes 28 56% 50
No 22 44% 50
Table 16: Whether the organization is able to forecast demand from consumers

44DISSERTATION
Graph 16: Whether the organization is able to forecast demand from consumers
17. Are your company prepared for peak seasons? *
Options No. of Responses response
Percentage
Total no of
respondents
Yes 26 52% 50
No 24 48% 50
Table 17: Whether the company is prepared for the peak season
Graph 17: Whether the company is prepared for the peak season
18. Are your current storage facilities adequate?
Options No. of Responses response
Percentage
Total no of
respondents
Yes 23 46% 50
No 27 54% 50
Table 18: If the current storage facilities of the company is adequate

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Graph 18: If the current storage facilities of the company is adequate
19. Does your warehouse benefit from holding stock?
Options No. of Responses response
Percentage
Total no of
respondents
Yes 21 42% 50
No 29 58% 50
Table 19: Whether warehouse provides benefits from holding stock

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Graph 19: Whether warehouse provides benefits from holding stock
20. Will it be possible to adopt two different strategy within a smaller scale company?
Options No. of Responses response
Percentage
Total respondents
Yes 31 62% 50
No 19 38% 50
Table 20: Adaptability of two different strategy in smaller scale company

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Graph 20: Adaptability of two different strategy in smaller scale company
21. Based on your knowledge and experience, which strategy do you think will be more
effective for smaller scale company?
Options No. of Responses response
Percentage
Total no of
respondents
Economic Order
Quantity (EOQ)
24 48% 50
Just-In-TIme (JIT) 26 52% 50
Both 4 8% 50
Table 21: Effectiveness of the strategy between JIT and Economic Order Quantity
Graph-21 - Effectiveness of the strategy between JIT and Economic Order Quantity

48DISSERTATION
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Conclusion
Even though the findings of existing papers on methods of warehouse management
are quite paradoxical in nature but primary findings confirm the fact that warehouse
management is a fundamental aspect of business when the business is at stake due to poor
management of inventories. Both EOQ and JIT are effective in their own way but it is certain
that small organizations might find it difficult to implement EOQ because holding inventory
could be risky when the number of competitors in the sector is increasing. It is way of more
effective to go with a method that minimizes the risk of losing inventory. Agree to the fact
found in the primary data, Just in Time method in warehouse management system is
relatively effective. A small organization does not have to take the challenge of holding its
inventory for the forecasted demands when the market is inevitably dynamic. The best way to
deal with such market dynamics is to apply method where the possible margin of loss is
marginal. Almost 52% of organizational members of the chosen organization has mentioned
the fact that if the business is small in size, Just in Time helps the firm not to deal with
market odds.
In the literature review, it was found that quality should ensure a defect free product
as well as decrease work in progress status inventory drastically; but when applying a method
to win a control over inventory, quality is bit difficult to ensure. However, it is quite effective
that small businesses may find it easy to maintain both quality and frequent check on its stock
of goods. It is estimated that to manage both the quality of service and win control over the
inventory, organization needs to go for or try more innovative methods. Nonetheless, it is
worth mentioning that when the organization is able to lower its inventory holding cost, it can
spend spared cost on quality. This is because with inventory purchased or produced at the

49DISSERTATION
shortest time, there is no need to have unsold inventory which could take up valuable
warehouse space. So, consequently, cash flow may improve because the business is no longer
storing a large volume of inventory at all times and overall capital expenditure is minimized
as well as cash can be invested elsewhere.
5.2 Recommendation
It is certain that not all warehouse management solution are generated equal, effective
warehouse management system could save time and money of the businesses, which
eventually enhances the level of satisfaction. Thus, although the organization is able to win
controls over its inventory, it also have to focus on developing quality of service. On the basis
of findings found from both primary and secondary sources of data, it can be stated that the
organization is sure about whether it is able to deal with the quality simultaneously managing
the warehouse system. However, suggestions have been provided to enhance the same with
the system.
Maximum Functionality
Organization should pay attention to maximization of productivity and quality. When
applying a warehouse management system, the business is able to streamline business
processes. For example, if the business is having a hard measuring employees’ productivity,
an effective warehouse management solution could help. Thus, when the method, the
organization needs to ensure the fact that method is able to track what activities or tasks an
employee has carried out. It should give a direct visibility in workforce efficiency. Moreover,
the method should have a takeaway point should be about the effectiveness of WMS which
could maximize things while reducing the work on business end.

50DISSERTATION
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