ASSESSING THE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO PRODUCTION INEFFICIENCIES IN BATA NIG. LTD: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS AND REVITALIZATION STRATEGY

Abstract

Production inefficiencies remain a critical constraint to industrial competitiveness in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. This study retrospectively examines the firm-level factors that contributed to operational decline at Bata Nigeria Ltd., formerly a leading footwear manufacturer, to derive actionable insights for contemporary manufacturing enterprises. Grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV) of the firm, the research employs a qualitative documentary analysis. Secondary archival materials, industry reports, corporate communications, and scholarly literature were systematically examined using content and thematic analysis to identify patterns of resource misalignment and operational dysfunction. The findings reveal that production inefficiencies were driven by four interdependent factors: technological obsolescence and reactive maintenance regimes; human resource constraints characterized by skill gaps, inadequate training, and high turnover; raw material and supply chain vulnerabilities marked by quality inconsistencies, procurement disruptions, and cost volatility; and managerial deficiencies in production planning, quality control, and strategic leadership. Critically, these factors operated synergistically, amplifying systemic inefficiencies rather than functioning in isolation. The study proposes an integrated revitalization framework emphasizing technological modernization, workforce development, supply chain resilience, and adaptive governance. By translating historical operational challenges into contemporary strategic insights, this research offers evidence-based recommendations for Nigerian manufacturing firms, industry regulators, and policymakers seeking to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and inform sustainable manufacturing practices in emerging economies.