Journal Details
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Pages: 1074-1086
Abstract
This article aims to assess the impact of lead time activities on customer satisfaction, using the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority as a case study. This article is geared towards establishing the intricacies of lead time processes within Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, ascertaining the contributions of lead time towards augmenting customer satisfaction, and pinpointing the obstacles that impede lead time reduction. The article employed a case study methodology and a descriptive design, with a purposive sampling technique involving thirty-five (35) respondents. The study illuminated that the organisation tends to prioritise short-term needs at the expense of long-term considerations, potentially impacting its overall effectiveness. Furthermore, delays in management decisions regarding lead time regulations were identified as a significant factor impeding operational efficiency and decision-making. The findings also revealed that a majority of respondents acknowledged that lead time enables the organisation to outpace competitors more efficiently, resulting in improved customer satisfaction. However, most respondents expressed concerns that lead time does not necessarily lead to flexibility during rapid market shifts. Additionally, a consensus emerged that a lack of workforce planning skills poses a challenge in managing lead time effectively. In conclusion, this study offers recommendations for the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, suggesting a need for consistent use of effective lead time techniques to enhance customer service delivery. It also underscores the importance of treating lead time as a critical aspect of purchase order preparation and promoting employee satisfaction with the organisation's lead time procedures. These measures are vital for ensuring customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.