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Impact Of Effective Working Capital On The Profitability Of Manufacturing Firms

(A Case Study Of Nigeria Breweries Aba)

5 Chapters
|
99 Pages
|
13,547 Words

The efficient management of working capital plays a critical role in shaping the profitability of manufacturing firms. By optimizing the balance between current assets and liabilities, firms can minimize unnecessary costs associated with excess inventory, outstanding payments, and idle cash, while ensuring smooth operational processes. This optimization enhances liquidity, reduces financial risks, and enables firms to seize opportunities for investment or expansion. Additionally, effective working capital management enables firms to negotiate better terms with suppliers and customers, thereby improving profit margins. Moreover, a streamlined working capital cycle accelerates cash flows, providing firms with the necessary resources for strategic initiatives such as research and development or technological upgrades. Consequently, manufacturing firms that implement robust working capital strategies can enhance their profitability, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability in the market.

ABSTRACT

The study under investigation bothers on effective working capital management. It is aimed at finding what impact effective working capital management has on the profitability of manufacturing firms. This project is arranged into five chapters, it highlighted some critical issues such as the statement of problems, research questions, research hypothesis, the purpose of the study, the significance of the study and the scope of the study. The work also gives the overview of effective working capital management by considering five major components of working capital of manufacturing firms. The research methodology of this work aims at revising methodology used in collecting data for the study. The techniques used in analyzing the collected data are also highlighted in this chapter. The data collected were analyzed by using statistical techniques such as chi-square and correlation coefficient. Finally, the summary of findings from the data analysis as well as summary and recommendation including areas for further study enclosed this credible work.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title Page
Approval Page
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Abstract
Table of Contents

CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction 1
1.1 Background of the study 2
1.2 Statement of the problem 2
1.3 Objective of the study 4
1.4 Research questions 5
1.5 Statement of hypothesis 6
1.6 Significance of the study 7
1.7 Scope of the study 8
1.8 Definitions of terms 8
1.9 Historical background of the case study 9

CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Review of related literature 10
2.1 Introduction 10
2.2 Components of effective working capital 18
2.3 Stock (inventory) management 18
2.4 Debtors (accounts receivable) management 25
2.5 Marketable security management 31
2.6 Cash management 34
2.7 Trade credit (accounts payable management) 38

CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Research methodology 47
3.1 Introduction 47
3.2 Research design 47
3.3 Nature and sources of data 47
3.4 Population and sample size 49
3.5 Data analsysis techniques 50
3.6 Validity and reliability of the measuring instrument 52
3.7 Method of data analysis 53

CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Data presentation and analysis 54
4.1 Introduction 54
4.1 Presentation and analysis of data according to
research questions 56
4.3 Testing hypothesis 70
4.4 Data presentation of the effective working capital and
Profitability position 76
4.5 Correlation analysis 77

CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 Summary of findings, Conclusion and
Recommendations 79
5.1 Summary of findings 79
5.2 Conclusion 81
5.3 Recommendations 83
5.4 Area of further research 84
Bibliography 85
Appendices 87-93

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
From time to time manufacturing firms and organizations have been making tremendous efforts in the administration of their working capital. Many of them have adopted various survival strategies to maintain sustenance.
This primacy reposed on adequate recognition by financial experts of the importance of maintaining an optimum level of working capital and obviate the claim that greater importance is attached to profitability than the management of working capital.
Effective working capital management of all aspect of current assets which includes cash, marketable securities, debtors and stock (inventories) and current liabilities. The two most important aim of the working capital refers to the firm’s ability to generate the maximum profit from the available resources for its owners.
While solvency means the firms continuous ability to meet maturity obligations. Effective management of working capital is areas of great concern to every business organization.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Business organization exists in a rapidly changing environment which threatens the survival.
Many of them have adopted various survival strategies to maintain sustenance, hence this, has become the control philosophy of most manufacturing business concerns. For business to survive, it must make a sustainable profit in order to experience growth and to meet their financial obligations as they fall due. This aspect of survival objectives form the central focus of their research work which bothers on the impact of working capital management on the profitability of manufacturing firms.

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Effective working capital management can make a different between the survival and death of business endeavour. Liquidity, insolvency and general demise of business firm particularly the manufacturing firms have becomes an increasing problem facing business firms. Therefore, this study aims at addressing such problem.

1. The misappropriate management of working capital
2. Establishment of relationship between working capital management and profitability.
3. The liquidity and insolvency of manufacturing firms..
4. Non-implementation of an adequate working capital management policy.
5. The problem of not meeting the required production and sales level by the manufacturing firm.
6. Increasing inefficiency in working capital financing
7. The problem of maintaining optimum financing policy
8. Unplanned and non-negotiable sources of fund and granting of credit unnecessary by the manufacturing firm.
Generally, the problem at state is to identify the difficulties encountered by the manufacturing firms in realizing that profit is made at the expense of running an inefficient working capital.
However, effort would be made to analyze the above state problems and to offer useful suggestions on how they would be solved in order that profitability of manufacturing firms would increase.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
Effective working capital management in most manufacturing firms has gained the firm’s survival objectives as a going concern. However, there has been inherent inefficiencies effective working capital. This has resulted to the liquidation of many firms.
Considering the foregoing, the purpose of this work includes the following:
1. To identify the dangers of shortage or excess of effective working management.
2. To obviate the claim that greater importance is attached to profitability than the management of working capital.
3. To create awareness of the optimum level of current assets and to maintain so as to avoid liquidity which invariably affect of profitability.
4. To emphasize the need and goals of establishing a sound and credit policy.
5. To emphasize the need for investing surplus cash in marketable security.
Above all, the researcher has the ultimate objectives of lighting the best possible ways of enhancing the profitability of manufacturing firms through proper and efficient management of working capital.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The following are the research questions:
1. What is waking capital management?
2. Is adequate attention paid to working capital management?
3. Are there needs for stock (inventory) management?
4. Are there dangers stick mismanagement?
5. Does effective cash management and control achieve and ideal for business unit?
6. Does the marketing policy of a company permits credit sales
7. Is legal actions taken against defaulting debtors?
8. Are bad debts normally written off?
9. What factors are considered in investing excess cash in marketable security?
10. Is there any relationship between working capital management and profitability?
11. Does effect working capital management increase profitability?
12. Does working capital management enhance the growth of a firm?
The response given by the staff of Nigeria Breweries to the above questions will be analyzed in chapter four of this work.

1.5 STATEMENT OF HYPOTHESIS
Ho: Effective working capital management does not increase the profitability of manufacturing firms.
Hi: Effective working capital management increases the profitability of manufacturing firms.
Ho: Effective working capital management does not enhance the growth of the manufacturing firms.
Hi: Effective working capital management enhances the growth of the manufacturing firms.
Ho: There is no direct relationship between effective working capital management and profitability
Hi: There is direct relationship between effective working capital management and profitability.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
It is essential that at any time, a business should be in a position of stabilized solvency, in order to pay its debts, as they fall due and to take advantage of such business opportunities such as discount and implementation of venture plans.
Therefore, on completion of this research work, it will contribute immensely to the effectiveness of working capital management in Nigeria Breweries Plc Aba. The manufacturing firms will be made to understand that excessive and inadequate working capital positions are dangerous from the form point of view.
The study will also make suggestions for the improvement on the control system of firms in managing their working capital and in making a proper balance between cost of liquidity and liquidity.
In addition, the study will make manufacturing firms understand the need and goals of establishing sound credit policy and the possible ways of implementing it.
Lastly, the study will make remain a source of reference for a related subject matter in the future. Also, it will provide a bearing material for students business, organization and the society in general that will be studying about working capital management for a development purposes.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
Working capital management is a global concern. It posses problem to both big and small entities, even the government is involved in this great concern. However, the researcher has decided to limit the working to a manageable scope.
On this note, this research work deals with working capital of Nigeria Breweries Plc Aba. The working capital components which are identified and analyze in this study are stock (inventory), debtors (accounts receivable) marketable security, cash and current liability account payable.

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Some definitions of terms that may impede readers understanding are enumerated below for their understanding and appreciation of this research work.
Working Capital: This is the gross investment in current assets.
Impact: This is defined as positive or negative effect over something.
Effectiveness: This is seen as achieving your set goals and objectives
Manufacturing Firm: This is a firm or company where all goods and products are manufactured and made ready for the consumer use or consumption.

1.9 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE CASE STUDY
Nigeria Breweries is a Public Limited Liability, company with many branches all over Nigeria. It has a total shareholders fund (equity) of N26,186,746,000 as at 2013 financial year. The company became a full fledge incorporated company in 1946 as Nigeria Breweries Limited (NBL) as at 1960, the company was wholly owned by foreigners who founded it.
Consequently, upon the Nigeria enterprises, promotion degree 1972, 40% of the Nigeria Breweries shares became assessable to Nigeria.
Nigeria Breweries was founded to address the difficulties witnessed in the production of larger beer, cruder, larger beer, star larger beer, maltina, legend beer, Kristi, schweppes, tonic water, ginger alo and lemonade. In order to achieve the goal of maximum satisfaction to consumers, the company established Lagos head quarter and branches in Kaduna, Ibadan, Benin City, Enugu and Aba.

 

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Effective working capital management plays a crucial role in the profitability of manufacturing firms. Working capital refers to the capital a company uses to fund its day-to-day operations, and managing it effectively can have a significant impact on a company’s bottom line. Here are some key ways in which effective working capital management can influence the profitability of manufacturing firms:

  1. Optimal Cash Flow Management: Efficient working capital management ensures that a company has enough cash on hand to cover its short-term obligations while minimizing excess cash that is not earning a return. By optimizing cash flows, a manufacturing firm can reduce the cost of holding excess cash and improve profitability.
  2. Reduced Financing Costs: Maintaining an appropriate level of working capital can help reduce the need for short-term borrowing or lines of credit. This, in turn, lowers interest expenses and financing costs, positively impacting profitability.
  3. Improved Inventory Control: Manufacturing firms often have significant investments tied up in inventory. Effective working capital management involves optimizing inventory levels, reducing carrying costs, and ensuring that products are not overstocked or understocked. This can free up capital for other profitable activities.
  4. Accounts Receivable Management: Efficient management of accounts receivable involves collecting payments from customers promptly. Reducing the average collection period can help improve cash flow, reduce bad debt expenses, and enhance profitability.
  5. Supplier Negotiations: Having a strong working capital position can give manufacturing firms more leverage when negotiating with suppliers. They may be able to secure better terms, discounts, or credit, which can lower costs and increase profitability.
  6. Ability to Seize Opportunities: Adequate working capital provides the flexibility to take advantage of opportunities such as bulk purchasing of raw materials at lower prices or investing in new technology that can enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
  7. Stability During Economic Downturns: During economic downturns or unexpected crises, having a healthy working capital cushion can help manufacturing firms weather the storm. They can continue operations, meet their obligations, and potentially gain market share as weaker competitors struggle.
  8. Improved Return on Assets (ROA): Effective working capital management can lead to a higher return on assets by ensuring that assets are used efficiently to generate revenue. When assets are tied up in excess inventory or accounts receivable, ROA tends to be lower.
  9. Enhanced Investor Confidence: Effective working capital management reflects prudent financial stewardship. This can boost investor and creditor confidence, potentially leading to better access to capital and lower financing costs.
  10. Sustainable Growth: A manufacturing firm with effective working capital management can sustain growth without overstretching its resources. This controlled growth can be more profitable in the long term compared to rapid expansion that strains working capital.

In conclusion, effective working capital management is essential for the profitability and sustainability of manufacturing firms. By optimizing cash flow, reducing financing costs, and efficiently managing assets and liabilities, these firms can enhance their financial health and ultimately increase their bottom line. However, the specific impact may vary depending on the industry, market conditions, and the individual circumstances of each manufacturing company.