Vol 3 Issue 5 September 2016-October 2016
CHE KINGSLEY CHENIKWI
Abstract: The presence of distribution centers in manufacturing today cannot be over emphasized. Most supply chains use distribution centers to distribute their products to the final destinations of their customers. On like warehouses that are meant for the storage of goods, a distribution center is not meant for storage rather its meant for receiving, sorting and redistribution of goods to customers according to their specification. It is of vital importance to note that, a distribution’s center location should not be compromised. Vital points that are always considered when considering a distribution centers locations are lead times, transportation networks, proximity to customers, environmental factors, social and cultural factors just to name a few. Companies that mostly use distribution centers are usually manufactures of fast consumable products because the need to reduce logistics cost and satisfy customers requirements are of paramount importance.
This paper seeks to evaluate a suitable location that a distribution center can be established in Cameroon. Cameroon is a Central African country and its geographical location is good for the establishment of a DC that can serve Cameroon including Central and West Africa. Three cities in Cameroon are being considered which are Yaoundé being the capital city and it is located in the Central Region, Douala the economic city which is located in the Littoral Region and Bamenda located in the North West Region. The paper uses the Analytic Hierarchy Process model to evaluate the three cities to determine which city is the best city for any supply chain to establish a distribution center. There are also some factors that were used to evaluate these three cities which include; transportation facilities, skill labor, land cost and proximity to customers.
Keywords: Distribution center, Supply chain, AHP, Customers, Location selection.
Title: An Application of AHP Model in the Selection of a Distribution Center in Cameroon
Author: CHE KINGSLEY CHENIKWI
International Journal of Novel Research in Interdisciplinary Studies
ISSN 2394-9716
Novelty Journals