Effect of Inventory Management Practices on Effective Service Delivery in BUFMAR, Kigali City, Rwanda
Justine Muhimpundu and Akumuntu Joseph
University of Kigali
Email : muhimpundujustine@gmail.com
Abstract: Effective demand forecasting is important for medical supply organisations because accurate prediction of product requirements supports procurement planning, inventory availability, and timely service delivery. This study focused on assessing the effect of demand forecasting accuracy on effective service delivery in BUFMAR, Kigali City, Rwanda. The study adopted a mixed-method approach using descriptive and explanatory designs. The target population comprised 180 BUFMAR staff and customers, from whom 124 respondents were selected through stratified sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, and documentary review. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression, while qualitative information was used to complement the quantitative findings. The results showed that demand forecasting accuracy was implemented at a high level, with an overall mean of 3.48 and a standard deviation of 0.71. Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive and statistically significant relationship betweendemand forecasting accuracy and effective service delivery (r = 0.630, p < .01). The regression analysis reported a positive and statistically significant coefficient for demand forecasting accuracy (B = 0.242, β = 0.164, t = 2.400, p = .018). The null hypothesis was therefore rejected. The finding indicates that more accurate demand forecasting contributes to improved service delivery by supporting better anticipation of customer requirements, procurement planning, product availability, and reduction of stock-outs and overstocking. The manuscript concludes that strengthening forecasting systems is important for improving effective service delivery at BUFMAR and recommends regular updating of forecasting tools, integration of historical consumption and current market information, and stronger coordination among procurement, warehouse, sales, and management functions.
