Effect of Productivity Drivers on the Performance of Selected Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria

Manufacturing activities have significant impact on the economy of any nation and account for a considerable total economic activities in developed economies. The qualities of such activities have also been traced to disparities in economic growth between developed and developing nations. Academic key success factors driving productivity in manufacturing sectors especially in developing nations are scarce and there effect on manufacturing firms have not been adequately documented. Therefore the study examined the effect of productivity drivers on the performance of listed foods and beverages manufacturing firms in Nigeria.Total of satisfactorily completed copies of questionnaire was two hundred and ninety six. Relationship between technological innovation and performance were examined using percentage score, correlation and regression analysis. Also, both personnel skill and firm competitiveness were examined using both regression and correlation analysis at 5% level of significant.PT (0.0655) and MT (0.8189) had positive influence on MS at p = 0.001 while AIT (-0.1087) had negative influence on MS at p = 1.000. Furthermore, PT (0.560) and MT (0.6134) exhibited positive correlation (p = 1.000 with MS) while AIT (0.7750) exhibited negative correlation (p = 1.000 with MS). EQ (74.0402), EEY (51.01090 and EJS (84.5103) exhibited significant relationship with operational efficiency. The NFI (0.8079), PD (4113), CD (6250) and MD (5540) showed a strong positive correlation with firms’ competitiveness at p = 1.000. NFI (40.6956), PD (66.8501), CD (97.4940) and MD (47.9514) exhibited significant relationship with ROI (p = 0.027).Technological innovation have significant influence on market-share of foods and beverages manufacturing firms. Also, relationship existed between personnel skill and operational efficiency while firm’s competitiveness exhibited a significant positive relationship with ROI in foods and beverages manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The study recommended that operators of manufacturing firms should adequately engage the use of production technology, appropriate marketing technology, and good personnel skill and take advantage of firms’ competitiveness to drive performance positively. Keywords: Productivity Drivers, Technological Innovation, Personnel Skill, Firm’s Competitiveness. DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/13-6-05 Publication date:March 31st 202