Strategic Materials Management and Production Efficiency in Flour Mills Company, Calabar, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between strategic materials management and production efficiency in Flour Mills Company, Calabar. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, targeting a population of 259 employees involved in procurement, inventory control, warehousing, production, and logistics. Using Taro Yamane’s formula at a 5% margin of error, a sample size of 157 respondents was determined and selected through stratified random sampling to ensure fair departmental representation. Data were collected through a structured five-point Likert scale questionnaire and supported by secondary sources such as company records and relevant literature. The validity of the instrument was confirmed through expert review, while its reliability yielded a Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient above the acceptable 0.70 threshold. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used to summarize responses, and multiple regression analysis was conducted using SPSS to test the influence of strategic materials management variables on production efficiency. The findings revealed that procurement planning, inventory control, and timely material availability each had a significant positive impact on production efficiency. The study concludes that effective materials management practices are critical to enhancing operational performance and sustaining competitiveness in the manufacturing sector.