TITLE:
Analyzing and Optimizing the Logistics Chain of National Examinations in Cameroon: A Case Study of the BTS Process in Douala Using Pareto, Ishikawa, and FMEA Methods
AUTHORS:
Henri Thaddée Mba, Alim Hamadou, Jean Marie Sama, Marcel Rodrigue Ewodo Amougou, Armel Cheunteu Fantah, Prosper Gopdjim Noumo, Flavian Emmanuel Sapnken, Dieudonné Emmanuel Pegnyemb, Jacques Étamé, Jean Gaston Tamba
KEYWORDS:
Logistics Chain, National Examinations, BTS, Pareto Analysis, Ishikawa Diagram, FMEA, Educational Governance
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Applied Sciences,
Vol.15 No.6,
June
30,
2025
ABSTRACT: Logistical disruptions in the organization of national examinations present critical risks to fairness, operational efficiency, and educational governance. In Cameroon, where examination processes span diverse and complex operational contexts, limited research has been conducted on systematically analyzing and mitigating logistical incidents. This study addresses this gap through an empirical investigation centered on the Brevet de Technicien Supérieur (BTS) in Douala, a city whose examination candidate population increased by over 50% between 2015 and 2024, exacerbating logistical challenges. A mixed-methods approach was employed to collect and analyze data from 164 stakeholders (correctors, invigilators, secretariat members, and administrators). Quantitative data were gathered using a structured questionnaire aligned with 12 key logistical phases. Incidents were classified and prioritized through Pareto analysis to identify the critical 20% that generate 80% of disruptions. Root causes of major incidents were explored using Ishikawa diagrams (5M approach), while Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) was applied to quantify risk levels (Severity, Occurrence, Detectability). Qualitative insights were supplemented by the author’s direct experience as a participant in the BTS logistical chain. The analysis revealed six major recurring incidents responsible for more than 80% of disruptions: delays and disparities in payments, regulatory weaknesses, poor geographical staff allocation, errors or missing documents, insufficient invigilation ratios, and ineffective incident management. Root cause analysis highlighted significant issues in processes, human resources, documentation, technological tools, and environmental constraints. FMEA results emphasized high risk priority levels, particularly for financial and regulatory issues, underscoring their urgent need for corrective action. The study proposes actionable strategies, including regulatory harmonization, enhanced financial process automation, optimized staff allocation, improved document control, robust incident management protocols, and the institutionalization of feedback mechanisms. Together, these measures aim to strengthen the resilience, traceability, and efficiency of examination logistics at national scale. This work constitutes an original contribution to the literature by introducing an integrated methodological framework (Pareto–Ishikawa-FMEA) adapted from industrial risk management to the educational logistics domain. It offers both theoretical insights and practical guidelines to improve the governance of national examination processes in Cameroon and comparable contexts in Sub-Saharan Africa.