An analysis of the inventory management system and controls at Glencore: a case of Rustenburg Smelte

Abstract

This study analyses the inventory management system and controls at Glencore Rustenburg Smelter. The aim of this research is to share practices or/and understanding of employees with regard to inventory management discipline. Though there are many elements of Supply Chain Management, the focus of the study was limited to only inventory management and controls at Glencore operations (Rustenburg mainly, with some attention paid to Boshoek and Wonderkop smelters. The findings of this research provide an insight into employees’ understanding and competence as well as policies and procedures. The results depict that the employees of Glencore Rustenburg Smelter seem to be clear about what they do in inventory management and are well conversant with the control systems. The findings of the study revealed that the employees at Glencore Rustenburg Smelter trust their superiors and believe in their style of leadership, and it is also supported by the fact that they are allowed to work independently. The study also revealed that the personnel employed in the supply chain understand their role within the inventory management and supply chain discipline. The employees are compliant with the policies of inventory and supply chain management and their practices of the inventory management and control system are effective. Furthermore, it was evident that the inventory management and control systems are effective and help Glencore Rustenburg Smelter keep track of their inventory.