Background of the Study
Lean supply chain practices are widely recognized for their potential to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve profitability by eliminating waste and optimizing resources throughout the supply chain (Ibrahim & Adebayo, 2024). These practices are derived from lean manufacturing principles, which focus on delivering value to customers while minimizing unnecessary processes, time, and materials (Adamu & Adeyemi, 2023). The adoption of lean supply chain practices has become increasingly important for organizations aiming to remain competitive in today's global market, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, where economic conditions demand greater efficiency.
Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), one of the leading manufacturers of soft drinks and beverages in Nigeria, has implemented lean supply chain practices to improve operational efficiency and profitability. In Jigawa State, where NBC has significant production and distribution facilities, lean practices are essential for maintaining competitive advantage. Lean practices at NBC include inventory optimization, just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing, and the reduction of non-value-added activities (Afolabi et al., 2023). The company’s focus on reducing waste and streamlining processes is expected to have a direct impact on its profitability by lowering operational costs and improving customer satisfaction through timely deliveries and better product availability.
While lean practices have been extensively studied in manufacturing settings globally, there is limited research on their effects in the Nigerian beverage industry, particularly in regions like Jigawa State. This study seeks to fill this gap by examining how lean supply chain practices implemented by NBC influence its profitability. The findings will contribute to the understanding of lean supply chain practices in the Nigerian context, especially in the manufacturing sector, where operational efficiency is crucial to sustaining growth and profitability.
Statement of the Problem
Although lean supply chain practices have been proven to enhance profitability in various industries, there is limited empirical evidence regarding their impact on organizational profitability in Nigeria’s beverage manufacturing sector. Nigerian Bottling Company in Jigawa State has adopted lean practices to streamline operations, yet there is a lack of comprehensive research examining how these practices influence its profitability. The absence of such studies presents a challenge for other companies in the region, as they may be uncertain about the actual benefits of lean practices in improving profitability. This study seeks to investigate the relationship between lean supply chain practices and profitability at NBC, providing valuable insights for managers and policymakers in the Nigerian manufacturing sector.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focuses on Nigerian Bottling Company’s operations in Jigawa State, specifically its implementation of lean supply chain practices. The research does not extend to other companies or regions in Nigeria. Limitations include the availability of detailed financial data and potential biases in self-reported data from NBC, which may impact the findings. Furthermore, the study’s focus on a single company may limit the generalizability of the results to the broader Nigerian beverage industry.
Definitions of Terms
Beverage Manufacturing: The production of drinks such as soft drinks, juices, and bottled water.
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