Evaluating The Effectiveness of Supply Chain Management Strategies in Enhancing Local Vendor Participation in Mining Firms: A Case of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM)

This study evaluates the effectiveness of supply chain management strategies in enhancing local vendor participation at KCM. Specifically, the study aims to assess the current supply chain management strategies employed by KCM, establish the factors influencing local vendor participation, and identify key challenges hindering their integration into the supply chain. A mixed-methods research approach was adopted, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The most widely reported strategy was vendor capacity-building programs (75.3%). The most significant challenge reported was limited access to financing, with 78.7% of respondents indicating that local vendors struggle to secure capital for their operations. The most critical factor influencing local vendor participation was access to financing, with the highest priority ranking (1.75). The findings reveal that while KCM has implemented various supply chain strategies, local vendors face significant barriers such as limited access to financing, stringent quality standards, and inadequate technical capacity. Furthermore, vendor participation is positively correlated with competitiveness, although challenges such as compliance with procurement procedures and competition with international suppliers persist. To enhance local vendor participation in the mining supply chain, it is recommended that KCM should adopt and enforce procurement policies that mandate a higher percentage of local vendor participation.