VARIETY REDUCTION AS A TOOL FOR EFFECTIVE MATERIALS CONTROL (A CASE STUDY OF NIGERIA BOTTLING COMPANY PLC)

Abstract
This research study is based on variety reduction as a tool for effective material control, a case study of Nigeria Bottling Company Plc. To understand the research work better, efforts was made at the introductory stage to explain the general importance of variety reduction with special consideration being placed on company especially Nigeria Bottling Company Plc, Kaduna. Also the general problem was also emphasized on such non recognition of the role of variety reduction on storage of different articles that can serve the same purpose. Effort was also made to identify the purpose of the study such as the degree of importance attached to variety reduction, areas covered by variety reduction and its operational activities. It also focused on its significance to the organization, the academics, the populace and the researcher. Research question were also generated to determine the importance the organization placed on variety reduction and how variety reduction facilitate the organization operational efficiency. The survey research design is employed; also simple random sampling procedure was employed. The researcher used questionnaire and documentary sources. The likert four rating scale technique is used to analyze the data, findings made among which are, that the organization considered variety reduction to facilitate the organizational efficiency and that the variety reduction minimizes cost and avoid storing the same item that can serve the same purpose in making material available in the store. However, the researcher summarized and concluded the research study and made recommendations to the company, amongst which are formulation of variety reduction policy to align with the vision and mission of the organization, always employed a competent hand to handle variety reduction activities, to strive as much as possible to create a variety reduction unit to be controlled by a qualified store manager, purchasing and supply officer and engineer.
 
Table of Contents
Titlei
Approvalii
Declaration iii
Dedicationiv
Acknowledgementv
Abstractvii

Chapter One: Introduction
1.1Background of the Study1
1.2Statement of the Problem2
1.3Objectives of the Study3
1.4Significance of the Study4
1.5Scope of the Study5
1.6Research Question6
1.7Definition of Terms7

Chapter Two: 
Literature Review
2.1Conceptual Framework of Variety Reduction9
2.2Stages of Variety Reduction18
2.3Areas covered in Variety Reduction19
2.4Reasons for Variety Reduction21
2.5Benefits/Advantages and Disadvantages of Variety Reduction21
2.6Why should the variety be controlled 24  
2.7How does Variety Reduction tend to Increase24
2.8How to Control Variety Reduction25
2.9Materials Control26

Chapter Three: 
Research Methodology
3.1Area of Study27
3.2Research Design28 
3.3Population of the Study29
3.4Sample for Data Collection29
3.5Instruments for Data Collection30
3.6Administration of the Instrument30
3.7Techniques for Analyzing Data31

Chapter Four: 
Presentation and Analysis of Data
4.1Presentation of Results33

Chapter Five: 
Summary, Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendation
5.1Summary of Procedure43
5.2Discussion of Finding44
5.3Implication of Finding46
5.4Conclusions47
5.5Recommendations48
5.6Suggestion for Further Study49
Bibliography 50
Appendix