Forces and trends affecting distribution channels and visibility within pharmaceutical manufacturing companies : a perspective whether similar Maltese companies are experiencing the same fate

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to identify and examine the major forces and trends that are affecting Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Companies` distribution channels and visibility. Such focus by the author was due to the limited volume allowed for this dissertation in terms of in depth research, the consequence of which the researcher couldn`t expand his research on other key supply chain participants, such as third party logistics (3PLs), wholesalers and retailers, companies. To complete this study, qualitative research methods were used, with which data collection was carried out by means of the literature collected by the author and by face to face interviews held with the respective local companies` representatives.