AKUEGBU Jennifer Chijindu
OKWANDU Gabriel A.
OGAN Henrietta Ingo
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
Corresponding email: jennyaku3@gmail.com
Abstract
The study investigated the relationship between order management and operational efficiency of food and beverages firms in Rivers State. Order management was used as the predictor variable and was treated unidimensionally, while operational efficiency was the criterion variable and was measured using cost reduction, shorter lead time and reduced energy consumption. The study adopted explanatory research with a correlational investigation type. The population of the study consisted 30 food and beverage firms in Rivers State. Given the small population size, a census was taken. 3 copies of questionnaire were administered to the supply chain manager, operations manager and sales/distribution manager of the 30 food and beverage firms. Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to test the hypotheses with the aid of Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) version 25.0. Analytical outcomes revealed positive and statistically significant relationship between order management and measures of operational efficiency. Thus, the study concluded that order management has significant relationship with operational efficiency of food and beverages firms in Rivers State; and recommends that managers of food and beverage firms in Rivers State that seek improved operational efficiency should adopt order management to enhance cost reduction, shorter lead time and reduced energy consumption.
Keywords: Cost reduction, operational efficiency, order management, shorter lead time, reduced energy consumption.