⬅ Previous Next ➡ Lesson 1: Modes of Transport Transportation is the lifeline of logistics and supply chain management. Even if goods are produced in large quantities, they are useless until they reach the final consumer. Choosing the right mode of transport affects delivery speed, cost, safety, and customer satisfaction. There are four main modes of transport: road, rail, air, and water . Each has strengths and weaknesses, and managers must select the most suitable option depending on the type of goods, urgency, and budget. 1. Road Transport Road transport is the most common in Malawi and many parts of Africa. Trucks, vans, and motorcycles are used to move goods from one place to another. Advantages: Flexible — can reach rural and urban areas. Fast for short and medium distances. Door-to-door service is possible. Disadvantages: Roads may be in poor condition, leading to delays. Fuel prices and traffic increase costs. Risk of accide...

⬅ Previous Next ➡ Lesson 1: Types of Inventory (Raw Materials, Finished Goods, Spare Parts) Introduction Inventory is one of the most important parts of logistics and supply chain management. It refers to the stock of goods and materials that a business keeps to run smoothly and meet customer demand. Without inventory, a business cannot produce, sell, or deliver its products. However, keeping too much inventory can be costly, while keeping too little can lead to shortages and lost sales. This is why understanding the types of inventory is very important for managers, suppliers, NGOs, and even government departments. In practice, inventory can be grouped into three main types: raw materials, finished goods, and spare parts. Each plays a unique role in the supply chain. 1. Raw Materials Raw materials are the basic inputs used to produce a product. Examples: maize for milling companies, fish fingerlings for aquaculture farms, or steel for car man...

⬅ Previous Next ➡ Lesson 1: Principles of Procurement Introduction Procurement is more than just buying goods and services. It is about making smart, fair, and transparent decisions that ensure organizations get the right quality, at the right price, from the right source, at the right time. To achieve this, procurement follows certain principles that guide professionals and protect organizations from waste, corruption, and poor results. In this lesson, we will discuss the key principles of procurement and why they are important for businesses, NGOs, and governments in Malawi. 1. Transparency Procurement must be clear and open . Every step — from announcing tenders to awarding contracts — should be easy to follow and free from hidden deals. In Malawi, government ministries publish tender notices in newspapers or online so that suppliers can compete fairly. If transparency is ignored, corruption grows, leading to overpriced or poor-quality good...