Research Project on Warehouse Stock Storage Barriers and Solutions

This research project investigates the barriers to efficient storage of warehoused stock within a kitchen factory, aiming to identify factors hindering optimal space utilization and operational efficiency. The project begins with a research proposal outlining the research aim, objectives, and questions, fo...Read More

Research Project

Contents
TOPIC: What barriers are preventing efficient storage of warehoused stock.................................1
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................1
1.1 Research Proposal..................................................................................................................1
(I) Research project description...................................................................................................1
(II) Research aim and objectives.................................................................................................1
(III) Reasons for choosing this research project..........................................................................2
(IV) Activities and Timescales....................................................................................................2
CHAPTER 2: Literature Review.....................................................................................................4
2.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................4
2.2 Literature review....................................................................................................................4
CHAPTER 3: Methodology............................................................................................................6
3.1 Research Approach................................................................................................................6
3.2 Methodologies:......................................................................................................................6
(I) Sampling.............................................................................................................................6
(II) Data analysis......................................................................................................................6
(III) Cost, access and ethical considerations............................................................................6
CHAPTER 4: Data Collection and Analysis...................................................................................7
4.1 Data collection.......................................................................................................................7
4.2 Data analysis, presentation and discussion............................................................................9
CHAPTER 5: Conclusions and Recommendations.......................................................................18
5.1 Conclusions..........................................................................................................................18
5.2 Recommendations................................................................................................................18
CHAPTER 6: Personal Reflective Statement................................................................................19
6.1 Reflect on the research methods used in your project.........................................................19
6.2 Consider research methods that could have been used........................................................19
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................20

TOPIC: What barriers are preventing efficient storage of warehoused stock.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Research Proposal
(I) Research project description
The current project is about identification of the factors that prevent efficient storage of
warehoused stock within kitchen factory. It is serious in nature and must to identify the solution
because business size of an organisation is increasing every year. In year 2011, the capacity of
warehouse is fixed for 24000 panels where the production till the date of November reached the
mark of 28000 panels. It will be forecasted that this will increase more in next year and reached
to the limit of 32000 panels (Bogue, 2016). Here, needed to identify the other options regarding
optimum utilisation of available space within warehouse. The issue of space not only effects
warehousing capacity but impacts free movements of goods within the different department. This
also restricts the working of researcher who works as goods-in-administrator and part of
replenishing team within kitchen factory. For effective performance, must needed free and easy
movement by researcher.
(II) Research aim and objectives
Research Aim
To determine the numerous barriers that prevent efficient storage of warehoused stock. A
case study on Kitchen factory.
Research Objectives
 To increase current space in warehouse
 To save money on lost stock
 To help free and easy movement of arriving goods
 To action upon outstanding overstock reports
Research Questions
 What ways help to improve the current space at warehouse?
 What ways help to prevent stock losing at warehouse along with money saviour?
 What ways help in free and easy movement of goods at warehouse?
 What actions are needed to take upon overstock reports?
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(III) Reasons for choosing this research project
The main reason of doing this research project is to identify the barriers that prevent
efficient storage of warehoused stock. This will also help to ascertain the negative impact of this
issue over the productivity and performance of other working departments within kitchen
factory. This will also provide the opportunity to researcher in identification of the restriction
regarding free and easy movement within warehouse along with low performance in own work
related to goods-in-administrator and replenishing team part (Laosirihongthong and et al., 2018).
(IV) Activities and Timescales
Gantt chart is the best tool to identify the time period associated with each different activity
of research project (Amjad and et. al., 2018). This will also provide the opportunity to know
about the sequence of activities needed to perform after completion of its earlier.
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CHAPTER 2: Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
This is about the systematic identification and location of documents that provides the
information about research topic. All the ascertained information has the aim to review critical
points related to the current aspects of particular topic. This is considered as base report for
creating path for primary scholarship. This does not include any new information that have
relation with primary research (Hofstra and et al., 2018).
2.2 Literature review
Increase current space in warehouse
According to the Kumawat, Ranjan and Ajmal, (2017), warehousing is important exercise
within an organisation that will provides the opportunity about stocking of goods and meeting
consumer needs in market. It is the duty over warehouse controller to use different approaches
for improving the efficiency of warehouse. These will aid in improvement of current space
where possible to stock more goods. These approaches include use of software’s, training to
staff, regular audit, application of lean warehousing technique, adoption of organised stocking
approach and timely decisions. All these have their own role in improvement of the spacing
along with delivering other associated benefits. For ex., application of software helps to
safeguard against the situation of overstocking and understocking. This will provide the
opportunity to maintain the level of stock so they can easily meet the needs of consumers.
Save money on lost stock
As per the view presented by Jung and Jeong, (2018), the activity of stock loss is
common in warehouses where appropriate approaches are not adopted and handled in very
organised manner. The loss of stock or damage resultants into financial loss to an organisation. It
is the duty over warehouse controller to adopt various approaches that will help in maintenance
of effective controlling over the stocks. This includes the use of approaches or methods like
regular updating in planograms, training, determination of capacity, usage of visible product
labelling, use of technology in their storage etc. All these have their own importance and
associated with their different functioning’s that improves the working ability of warehouse
controller. For ex., determination of capacity has two benefits that provide safeguard against
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damage and losing of product. This further ensures the use of technology in meeting the market
demands through ascertain knowledge about demand cycle.
Free and easy movement of arriving goods
According to the Gerini and Sciomachen, (2019), it is must to effectively work within
warehouse that space is available regarding easy and free movement of goods. This will not only
help in improving the working efficiency of warehouse controller but positively impacts the
productivity or working of different departments. The availability of space has multiple benefits
as help to provide safe environment against damage and working of audit functions. The
approaches which are must to consider or done for maintaining space at warehouse includes
segregation of products as per different categories, use of technology and software’s that keep
records, clear labelling and storing as per demand cycle in market. All have their own
contribution towards maintenance of spacing within warehouse. For ex., adhering demand cycle
provides the opportunity to store the similar amount of stock in accordance to the demand exist
in market during the specified period of time. This has two benefits i.e. saving of money and
space.
Action upon outstanding overstock reports
As per the opinion of Grob and Bley, (2018), Overstock reports are the situation when the
organisation is not able to sold their existing products and ordering the new in accordance to
normal demand cycle of market. It is the duty of warehouse controller to check the reports on
quarterly basis and provide the information sales or marketing department. In this regard, the
controller also provides the suggestions about the removal of this situation because it hampers
the process of stocking of products which are actually needed in market. The end impact of this
situation will be ascertained by an organisation as loss from the both sides. The suggestions will
be in the form of using better promotional tactics, discounts, online selling and product bundling.
All have their own way of making space within warehouse and getting resolution from the
situation of overstocking. For ex., discounts help in improving the amount of sales those
resultants into decrement in load over warehouse.
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CHAPTER 3: Methodology
3.1 Research Approach
There are mainly three approaches of research such as qualitative, quantitative or mixed.
According to the current project, mixed approach will be applied because it helps in collecting of
qualitative and quantitative information within lesser time period (Aoyama, Hoshika and Honda,
2018).
3.2 Methodologies:
(I) Sampling
There are two techniques of selecting sample which are probability and non-probability.
Within a study probability sampling will be applied. For questionnaire 40 stock controllers will
be recruited randomly and 10 purchasers will be selected for interview.
(II) Data analysis
Inductive and deductive are two approaches of data analysis. Within a current study both
approaches of data analysis will be applied. In order to analysis qualitative data, inductive
approach will be used and for analysis quantitative information about the study, deductive
approach will be applied (Gaur and Kumar, 2018).
(III) Cost, access and ethical considerations
In order to gather qualitative and quantitative information appropriate amount of capital will
be require by investigator. Along with this, to gather information about the topic from
respondents, researcher has full access because it supports them in gathering of information
systematically. There are three main principles of research ethics such as confidentiality,
informed consent and autonomy (Wu and et. al., 2018). These principles must be following by
researcher at the same time as it support in completion of full report in ethical manner.
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CHAPTER 4: Data Collection and Analysis
4.1 Data collection
For collection of information on current research topic, two different methods are using
includes questionnaire and interview. Both of these help to grab the primary information upon
the topic i.e. number of barriers that prevent efficient storage of warehoused stock. The form of
questionnaire is close ended where it helps to grab the quantitative data i.e. in numerical form.
Whereas, interview falls under the category of qualitative research where opinions are
ascertained in qualitative form (Gjesfjeld and et. al., 2020).
Questionnaire
Age
Name
Gender
Q1. What will be the most common barrier that prevent efficient storage of warehoused stock?
a) Activity of delaying decisions
b) No audit of space in warehouse
c) Unorganized placing of inventory
d) Lack of knowledge in staff
Q2. What will be most specific technique to improve current space within warehouse?
a) Adopting lean warehouse operation practices
b) Adopt enabling technology
c) Through employee training
d) Audit of warehouse
Q3. How to ensure free and easy movement of goods within warehouse?
a) Segregation on different categories
b) Use of software’s
c) Clear labelling
d) Storing as per current needs
Q4. How to resolve the situation of overstocking?
a) Setting up minimum and maximum inventory levels
b) Practice of adopting proven inventory management technique
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c) Using single system for inventory recording
d) Regular inventory audits
Q5. How to deal with overstock reports?
a) Promoting
b) Discounts
c) Online selling
d) Product bundling
Q6. How can stock losses be reduced in warehouse?
a) Plan according to capacity
b) Usage of visible product labelling
c) Train staff in safe handling practices
d) Keep planograms updated
Q7. How to save money in stocking exercise within warehouse?
a) Build objectives
b) Protect inventory
c) Reduce labour cost
d) Purchasing of used materials
Q8. What will be the good warehouse practices?
a) Receipt of incoming goods
b) Assembling orders and issues goods
c) Security
d) Use of proper equipment’s
Interview Questions
Q1. What ways are important to consider for improving warehouse efficiency?
Q2. What are good warehouse practices?
Q3. What will be the role of technology in effective warehousing activities?
Q4. What kind of barriers needed to resolve for easy and free movement of goods at warehouse?
Q5. How to stop stock loos at warehouse?
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4.2 Data analysis, presentation and discussion
Data Analysis: This is known as effective process for the purpose of ascertaining
information on current research topic. This report includes the use of both techniques of research
i.e. quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative method helps the researcher in easy collection of
information on consumption of less period of time. The method of content analysis is used for
analysis quantitative information. This includes the development of different themes where
information is presented in simplified form. This process also aids in easy determination of end
results from presented information Güven, 2018). Here, frequency table is built by researcher for
effective allocation of different views of respondents upon various closed ended questionnaire
questions. The end result of this presentation help in accurate collection of data. On the other
hand, qualitative analysis includes the use of interview questions from respondents. Here,
information gathered in opinion or on their view form. This is qualitative information which will
be more deep in nature.
Frequency Table
Q1. What will be the most common barrier that prevent efficient storage of
warehoused stock?
Frequency
a) Activity of delaying decisions 7
b) No audit of space in warehouse 10
c) Unorganized placing of inventory 15
d) Lack of knowledge in staff 8
Q2. What will be most specific technique to improve current space within
warehouse?
Frequency
a) Adopting lean warehouse operation practices 8
b) Adopt enabling technology 15
c) Through employee training 10
d) Audit of warehouse 7
Q3. How to ensure free and easy movement of goods within warehouse? Frequency
a) Segregation on different categories 10
b) Use of software’s 10
c) Clear labelling 12
d) Storing as per current needs 8
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Q4. How to resolve the situation of overstocking? Frequency
a) Setting up minimum and maximum inventory levels 9
b) Practice of adopting proven inventory management technique 11
c) Using single system for inventory recording 10
d) Regular inventory audits 10
Q5. How to deal with overstock reports? Frequency
a) Promoting 10
b) Discounts 13
c) Online selling 7
d) Product bundling 10
Q6. How can stock losses be reduced in warehouse? Frequency
a) Plan according to capacity 8
b) Usage of visible product labelling 9
c) Train staff in safe handling practices 10
d) Keep planograms updated 13
Q7. How to save money in stocking exercise within warehouse? Frequency
a) Build objectives 8
b) Protect inventory 15
c) Reduce labour cost 12
d) Purchasing of used materials 5
Q8. What will be the good warehouse practices? Frequency
a) Receipt of incoming goods 10
b) Assembling orders and issues goods 10
c) Security 10
d) Use of proper equipment’s 10
Interview questions and answers
Q1. What ways are important to consider for improving warehouse efficiency?
There are many ways that will help in improvement of warehouse efficiency like using of
technology and inventory control software’s, training to controller, determination of demand
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cycle and regular audit.
Q2. What are good warehouse practices?
There are many that help to improve exercise of warehousing includes receipt of
incoming goods, assembling of orders, security and application of proper equipment’s.
Q3. What will be the role of technology in effective warehousing activities?
The role of technology is to provide accuracy and reliability in information through
which effective decisions can be taken that never creates the situation of under and over
stocking.
Q4. What kind of barriers needed to resolve for easy and free movement of goods at warehouse?
There are many barriers required to remove for easy and free movement includes use of
organised practices, regular audit, proper training and effective of timely decision makings.
Q5. How to stop stock loos at warehouse?
There are many ways through which stock loss will be controlled includes keeping
pangrams updated, training, clear labelling and owing about warehouse capacity.
Data Presentation
For presentation of quantitative data, number of tables and graphs are prepared (Kelly
and et. al., 2018). These are presented below:
Q1. What will be the most common barrier that prevent efficient storage of
warehoused stock?
Frequency
a) Activity of delaying decisions 7
b) No audit of space in warehouse 10
c) Unorganized placing of inventory 15
d) Lack of knowledge in staff 8
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Q2. What will be most specific technique to improve current space within
warehouse?
Frequency
a) Adopting lean warehouse operation practices 8
b) Adopt enabling technology 15
c) Through employee training 10
d) Audit of warehouse 7
Q3. How to ensure free and easy movement of goods within warehouse? Frequency
a) Segregation on different categories 10
b) Use of software’s 10
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c) Clear labelling 12
d) Storing as per current needs 8
Q4. How to resolve the situation of overstocking? Frequency
a) Setting up minimum and maximum inventory levels 9
b) Practice of adopting proven inventory management technique 11
c) Using single system for inventory recording 10
d) Regular inventory audits 10
Q5. How to deal with overstock reports? Frequency
a) Promoting 10
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b) Discounts 13
c) Online selling 7
d) Product bundling 10
Q6. How can stock losses be reduced in warehouse? Frequency
a) Plan according to capacity 8
b) Usage of visible product labelling 9
c) Train staff in safe handling practices 10
d) Keep planograms updated 13
Q7. How to save money in stocking exercise within warehouse? Frequency
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a) Build objectives 8
b) Protect inventory 15
c) Reduce labour cost 12
d) Purchasing of used materials 5
Q8. What will be the good warehouse practices? Frequency
a) Receipt of incoming goods 10
b) Assembling orders and issues goods 10
c) Security 10
d) Use of proper equipment’s 10
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Discussion
This is done on the basis of both primary and secondary information. This is the section
where researcher identifies the relation between primary and secondary presented or gathered
information (Page and et. al., 2019). It is presented below:
Theme 1: Common barriers that prevent efficient storage of warehoused stock
It has been ascertained from the above graph that the most common barrier as per the
views of respondents is unorganised placing of inventory. It is supported by 15 respondents.
Afterwards, the barriers identified and supported includes delayed decisions by 7, no audit by 10
and lack of knowledge by 8. The same is ascertained from author views in LR and interview
answers where unorganised placing is the main barrier.
Theme 2: Most specific technique to improve current space within warehouse
It is determined from the above graph that best technique to improve spacing is
technology implementation as supported by 15 respondents. Other techniques include learn
warehousing, training and audit supported by 8, 10 and 7 respondents. The same is ascertained
from authors view where technology told as best medium.
Theme 3: Ensure free and easy movement of goods within warehouse
It is determined from the above graph that clear labelling is best for easy movement of
goods and also supported by 12 respondents. The other are segregation, software and storing said
by 10, 10 and 8 respondents. As per the information secondary source, labelling is the best for
easy recognition.
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Theme 4: Resolve the situation of overstocking
It is determined from above presented information that inventory management technique
is best towards resolving overstocking as supported by maximum 11 respondents. Other includes
and supported are inventory levels by 9, single system of recording by 10 and audit by 10. The
authors under LR also have same view about inventory management technique as best method
towards resolving issue of overstocking.
Theme 5: Deal with overstock reports
It is determined from the above graph that overstocking reports minimised with the aid of
discounts. It is supported by 13 respondents. The includes promoting, online selling and product
bundling supported by 10, 7, 10 respondents. Authors under secondary source also in support of
discounts.
Theme 6: Stock losses be reduced in warehouse
It is ascertained from the above report that planogram updating is best to reduce stock
loss and supported by 13 respondents. Other technique includes plan as per capacity, visible
labelling, training. These are supported by 8, 9, 10 respondents. Information attained from
secondary source also support the technique of planograms updating.
Theme 7: Save money in stocking exercise within warehouse
It is ascertained from the above information that protect inventory is best to save money
under warehousing as supported by 15 respondents. The other technique includes and supported
are building objectives by 8, reducing labour cost by 12 and purchasing of used materials by 5.
The authors in secondary source also have the view to inventory protection to save maximum
money in warehousing.
Theme 8: The good warehouse practices
It is gathered from the above graph that all four activities are good warehousing and
supported by equal number of respondents 10 includes receipt of incoming goods, assembling
orders and issues of good, security and use of proper equipment. The authors under secondary
source also provide equally importance to all techniques in their own area.
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CHAPTER 5: Conclusions and Recommendations
5.1 Conclusions
It has been concluded from the above research outcomes and gathered information that role
of technology in improving warehousing efficiency is important. There are many other aspects
that have equal importance towards improving warehousing practice like training, regular audit,
use of planograms and knowing warehouse capacity.
5.2 Recommendations
It is recommended to Kitchen factory that they must focus over the use of technologies,
software’s and methods like ERP and EOQ. This will help to control stock as per market needs
and demands.
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CHAPTER 6: Personal Reflective Statement
6.1 Reflect on the research methods used in your project.
In order to gathered information about the numerous barriers that prevent efficient storage
of warehoused stock, I used to make questionnaire and interview techniques of primary data
collection. Both techniques are effective for me because these supported in collection of valid
and reliable information in minimum time duration and without any difficulties.
6.2 Consider research methods that could have been used.
Observation and focus group are considering alternative research methods that could have
been used by researcher if they get another chance for doing this investigation further. Main
reason for considering these alternative as it support in gathering of actual data about the topic in
systematic manner (Schoonderbeek, 2018).
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