Project Abstract

Abstract
Material management is a critical aspect of organizational operations that significantly impacts productivity levels. This research project aims to appraise the material management concept as a strategy for achieving organizational productivity. The study will investigate the various elements involved in material management, such as inventory control, procurement processes, storage, and distribution. By analyzing these components, the research seeks to identify how effective material management practices can contribute to enhancing overall organizational productivity. The research will utilize both qualitative and quantitative research methods to collect and analyze data. Qualitative methods, such as interviews and case studies, will provide insights into the current material management practices within organizations. On the other hand, quantitative methods, including surveys and statistical analysis, will help in measuring the impact of material management strategies on productivity levels. By combining these research techniques, the study aims to offer a comprehensive evaluation of the relationship between material management and organizational productivity. Furthermore, the research will explore the challenges and barriers that organizations face in implementing effective material management strategies. By identifying these obstacles, the study aims to provide recommendations and solutions to enhance material management practices and ultimately drive organizational productivity. The research will also consider the role of technology and automation in improving material management processes and reducing inefficiencies. The findings of this research project are expected to provide valuable insights for organizations looking to optimize their material management practices. By understanding the link between material management and productivity, organizations can make informed decisions to streamline their operations and improve overall efficiency. The research will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on material management and offer practical recommendations for managers and decision-makers seeking to enhance organizational productivity through effective material management strategies.

Project Overview

The need for the production function is to make up with the growing complexity of industrial needs has brought about the concept of material management.

Modern management has expanded the traditional scope of purchasing and procuring to cover the entire material management process. Thus Lee and Dubler (1983) define material management as a confederacy of traditional material activities bound by a common idea, and of intergraded management approach to planning. Acquisition, conversion, flow and distribution of production material from the raw material state to the finished product state.

The concept also provide for delegation of responsibility and authority with regards to procurement and supply of material. The concept also recognizes the importance of the principle of accountability by providing a management approach which is responsible for all decisions.

Through material management, there is relatively recent concept much through has been given to it particularly since World War II, when industries all over the world were awoken to the fact that tremendous economies could be achieved by sufficient material management. The concept is today relevant to business organization because they will have a centralize body responsibility for buying with the overall advantage of procuring standard material at possible bulk. Disco unit and obtaining special vender relation. It means that spending valuable money is in the heart of people who are trained and competent for this job.

Frequently, it is found that material are expensive and in order to reduce overall costs, it require the close cooperation and co-ordination of material and other user department to ensure that material ordered are made to arrive only when they are needed, the benefit of this approach is that of cost reduction and maximization of the company’s profit.

Thus, the growing need for efficient operation of material management is increased in recent time. 1.2  STATEMENT OF THE GENERAL PROBLEM As earlier indicated, the significance of material management has been recognized by most industries in Nigeria, now a days, in most companies in Nigeria, attempts have been made towards operating on intergraded approach to their material problems thus, one often finds in such companies such position. As supplier materials manager, material controller etc yet often is critical analysis of this system of operation. One often discovers that the actual practice of material management is not ready carried out. More often than this material management functions are handled by any individual without acquiring the necessary skills, giving the impression that even accountants administrators, engineers and lawyers etc have the knowledge to perform the material management function. This is wrong as they do not have at their disposal all the knowledge and expertise they acquired to fulfill there duties effectively. There is also ignorance on the past of most top management of the maximum benefit that will be derived from applying the concept into an organization to maximize the company profit. Improper planning is another area of problem which entails effective and efficient requisition handling instruction of the finished products.

1.3  OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY The motivating factor that led the researcher to choose the research topic is that, apart from the project been one of the prerequisites for the award of higher diploma in production and operations management, the researcher has always seen the essence of material management in an organization.