FACTORS AFFECTING PHYSICAL DISTRIBUTION OF PHARAMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS: THE CASE OF ETHIOPIAN PHARAMACETICUAL SUPPLY AGENCY

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to find out factors affecting physical distribution pharmaceutical products: The case of EPSA. The study was considered four independent variables. The researcher used descriptive and explanatory (casual) research design. To this objective quantitative approach was used. The data’s were collected from 125 employees who were selected using convenience sampling technique. The sample technique was chosen the respondents were selected particularly which meets a certain criteria. The sources of data were primary and secondary data. The method of data collection was questionnaire. Validity and reliability test were directed to check the consistency between the variables all included variables confirmed to reliable scoring with alpha value greater than 0.7. The method of data analysis was using correlation, multiple regression, frequency, table and percentages. The major findings showed that, there is significant positive relationship between independent and dependent variables. The other was linear combinations of all factors of physical distribution considered under the present study were significantly contributed to the positive variation for effectiveness of physical distribution management. The researcher concluded that in the case of selected branches of EPSA, the different factors which have significant positive impact on effectiveness of physical distribution management. Finally, the researcher recommended EPSA to reexamine the warehouse practice assessment in order to make more space and buy more shelves that are necessary for pharmaceutical products in more effective physical distribution management, agency needs to the reconsider on availability of vehicles in order to increase the physical distribution management effectiveness. The agency needs to update to latest technology for controlling vehicles rather than the manual way of controlling the vehicles and needs to give more emphasis in improving effective supply of medicine since it is a major mandatory in distributing medicine in the country.