The RUTF survey included the following questions

Name, organization, and role within the supply chain

Using a scale of Strongly disagree/Disagree/Neither agree nor disagree/Agree/Strongly agree, questions were asked in the following categories:

 Cost
  • The RUTF supply chain is run efficiently
  • The transportation/logistics costs have been reduced as much as possible
  • The production costs have been reduced as much as possible
  • The procurement costs have been reduced as much as possible
 Planning
  • Forecasting for demand for RUTF works fairly accurately across all seasons
  • The budgeting control for purchasing RUTF is localized where it should be
  • Information needed for effectively planning for RUTF delivery in the field is available
  • A deeper understanding of the supply chain is urgently needed
 Time
  • RUTF is available at the time when it is needed
  • Order fulfillment time for RUTF is optimal
  • RUTF is procured on time
  • RUTF is delivered on time
  • Raw material for RUTF is procured on time
  • Raw material for RUTF is delivered on time
 Alignment
  • The objectives of various players in the RUTF supply chain are perfectly aligned
  • All players in the RUTF supply chain have been adequately trained to perform their functions
  • All players in the RUTF supply chain are prepared for the functions that they are required to perform
 Resilience and  Responsiveness
  • The RUTF supply chain can respond quickly to shortages of supply
  • The RUTF supply chain can respond quickly to surges in demand
  • The responsiveness of the RUTF supply chain varies with the season
  • The RUTF supply chain can expedite orders effectively when needed
  • The RUTF supply chain has the ability to replace or reroute shipments in case of in case of damages or shortages of supply
 Procurement
  • The procurement process for RUTF ingredients is well planned
  • The ingredients for the RUTF product are available in adequate supply
  • The ingredients for the RUTF product are affordable
  • The RUTF product is available in adequate quantity
  • Changes in demand can be effectively handled
Wastage, Damage and Theft
  • The pilferage of the product is minimal
  • Pilferage is not a major hindrance in ensuring adequate supply of the product
  • The wastage of the product due to damage is minimal
  • The wastage of the product due to expired shelf life is minimal
  • The wastage of the product is a cause for concern
  • The wastage of the product is not accounted for in the supply calculations
  • Wastage creates shortages in RUTF provision
Meeting Humanitarian Needs
  • The RUTF supply chain is well suited to meet UNICEF’s goals of delivering RUTF to treat severe malnutrition
  • All stages in the supply chain are able to effectively meet UNICEF’s goals of delivering RUTF to treat severe malnutrition

 

Using open-ended essay format, questions were asked in the following categories:

  • What issues are currently presenting the greatest challenge to the performance of the RUTF supply chain?
  • What risks/threats to the RUTF supply chain are the most concerning in the near future?
  • What would make you feel that the RUTF supply chain was working effectively?
  • Are there issues specific to the RUTF supply chain in the Horn of Africa compared to elsewhere? If possible, please offer specific examples or contrasts.
  • What are other food commodities, besides RUTF, that you see as key in ensuring the nutrition supply chain in the Horn of Africa?
March 15th, 2012 | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment