Lead Time Management Strategies and Performance of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of lead-time strategies on performance in pharmaceutical manufacturing firms in Kenya. Methodology: The study employed a cross sectional survey approach and concentrated on 30 Kenyan registered pharmaceutical companies. Officials working in production, distribution, logistics, and warehouse functions in all pharmaceutical registered enterprises in Kenya would be the unit of observation. The study employed census and purposive sampling methods. The data was obtained through the use of a questionnaire. The pilot data was validated for completeness, consistency, and reliability. The collected data was sorted, coded, and then put into the Statistical Package For social sciences (SPSS version 28). Tables were used to present the study's findings. Results: The findings revealed that lead time management strategies namely customer integration, supplier rationalization, product standardization, and inventory optimization had a positive significant influence on performance of pharmaceutical manufacturing firms. The study concluded that Pharmaceutical Manufacturing firms in Kenya had implemented the aforementioned lead-time strategies with the aim of improving their firm performance. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Supply chain management theory is advanced by studying lead-time methods and pharmaceutical manufacturing performance. It adds to current understanding by providing Kenyan-specific theoretical and empirical insights. The research also advances operations management theory by studying how lead-time strategies affect pharmaceutical manufacturing organizations. It fills a literature gap by providing insights into Kenya's pharmaceutical sector's operations and results. Kenyan pharmaceutical manufacturers may consider the study's lead-time strategy. With the research's insights, managers can improve supply chain operations, lead times, and operational performance. The study's findings can inform government plans to enhance Kenya's pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. By examining lead-time plans and performance, policymakers can target actions to improve the sector's competitiveness, efficiency, and public health. The report underlines the importance of industry standards for pharmaceutical lead time management. The study's findings can help industry groups and regulators set lead-time standards and best practices, improving performance and competitiveness. Scholars, legislators, and businesspeople share knowledge through the project. By spreading research findings through conferences, workshops, and publications, it encourages stakeholders to work together to tackle pharmaceutical production lead-time strategy difficulties and possibilities.