MATERIALS MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS: A STUDY OF SELECTED TELECOMMUNICATION FIRMS IN DELTA STATE
ABSTRACT
The study examined the contributions of Materials Management to organizational effectiveness, determined all the areas covered in the materials management functions, ascertained the level of attention given to the materials management functions in the telecom industry, and found out how appropriate materials management strategies could lead to cost savings and profitability. To realize the stated objectives of the study, the researcher sought to answer six research questions. Three hypotheses were formulated to guide this study. Correlation co-efficient and Chi-square were used to test the Null hypothesis. The researcher prepared and distributed a total of fifty five (55) questionnaires comprising of twenty four (24) open ended/close ended questions each. Out of these, fifty (50) ere received and analyzed. At the end of the study, it was found that effective and efficient materials functions contributes to the improvement of performance, leads to a significant reductions in the total materials cost, and helps to enhance the profitability of the telecom industry. It was recommended that the organizational structure of the Telecom industry should be redesigned to consolidate the existing Materials Management department, The Materials Manager should be given the free hand to carry out his functions, He should be made to report to an officer not below the rank of General Manager, The process of competitive bidding should be made more transparent, and various cost reduction strategies should be used where necessary.