JUST-IN-TIME AND MANUFACTURING EFFECTIVENESS OF PAINT FIRMS IN PORT HARCOURT

Abstract

The study examined just-in-time (JIT) and manufacturing effectiveness of Paint Firms in Port Harcourt. The objectives of the study were to determine the relationship between dimensions of just-in-time (frequent deliveries, small lot production and continuous improvement) and measures of manufacturing effectiveness (performance, cost effectiveness and flexibility) of Paint Firms in Port Harcourt. The study adopted the Contingency Theory of Management as its theoretical foundation. The study adopted explanatory cross-sectional survey research design. The population of the study consists of nineteen (19) registered Paint Manufacturing Firms in Port Harcourt. The above information was obtained from Rivers State Yellow Page Directorate. Since the population is small, the sample of the study consisted of the entire population. This is obtainable because the study adopted census sampling techniques. In terms of respondents, two managers were purposively selected because of their perceived organizational phenomenon investigated in this study. Structured questionnaire was used as the main instrument for the collection of primary data. To establish the validity of the instrument, copies of the questionnaire was submitted to an expert in Management for face ad content validity. Cronbach alpha via SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) was used to ascertain the reliability of the instrument. In line with the sample size, thirty-eight (38) copies of the validated questionnaire was distributed to the targeted audience. The researcher was able to retrieve twenty-nine (29) copies. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20.0 was used for the analysis. It was found that there is a significant positive relationship between dimensions of just-in-time (frequent deliveries, small lot production and continuous improvement) and measures of manufacturing effectiveness (performance, cost effectiveness and flexibility) of Paint Firms in Port Harcourt. It was concluded that Paint Manufacturing Firms that fall short of adopting the dimensions of just-in-time as used in this study, might really find it challenging in attaining an effective manufacturing organization. Consequently, it was recommended that management of Paint Manufacturing Firms should ensure they retain employees who are competent in following stipulated firms’ approach of production as well as delivering services at the right time.