CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION 

1.1  Background To The Study 

The effective management of stock is essential for the smooth running of an organization. This is because without enough stock, health services rendered to patients may be obstructed as a result of lack and insufficient drugs. According to (chopra and mendi 2007) many organization stock constitute one of the largest single investment in assets and to some extent some organizations have maintained high level of stock to enhance the continuous availability of stocks for the employees. Stock is also referred to as inventory which is defined as comprising of .raw materials, work-in-progress, finished goods and supplies used for the production of an organizations goods and services Coyle et al (2003). Stocks also consist of the number of units and value of stock of goods held by the organization. The holding of stock by organizations is to avoid the problem arising as a result of stock out. The Level of stock holding is determined by the organizations operational needs, availability of capital, cost of storage, the need for detailed records through the use of store records and the time required to obtain deliveries of stock. With each of this factors considered, stock level can be determined for each item of stock which should be recorded in the stock records and as a policy no stock item should be released without an approved materials requisition form. On the operational level of business it is pertinent to institute policies on stock to address issues of uncertainty and variations. This is because the uncertainty and variability of the timing and content of information flow and goods flow leads to uncertain planning, which leads to stock outs, and delays and increased costs,. Gudum (2002). Consequently it is necessary for strategies to be applied at both the tactical and strategic levels of organizations which will stimulate their supply chain strategy to attain competitive strategy and excellence in order for this to be effective.. Financial performance is the determination of the firms effective utilization of its assets from its primary mode of business to generate revenues .It is the firm's overall financial health over a given period of time. Financial performance is expressed as revenue from operations, operating income or cash flow from operations and sales. Also the firm’s financial statement can be used to determine the margin growth rates or any declining debt. The research therefore seek to investigate the effect of inventory management on financial performance of quoted pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria 
1.2  Statement of the Problem
Financial performance is the determination of the firms effective utilization of its assets from its primary mode of business to generate revenues .It is the firm's overall financial health over a given period of time. Financial performance is expressed as revenue from operations, operating income or cash flow from operations and sales. Keeping accurate records help firms reduce pilferage and theft as well as maintain ideal levels without distracting operations. Nyabwanga (2013) stated that both excessive and inadequate inventories are not desirable because excess inventories results in high stockholding costs and reduces the firm’s profitability while inadequate inventories disrupt firms operations (Atrill, 2006). According to Ashok (2013) the adequate and timely flow of inventory is imperative for the success and growth of any firm. Therefore the problem confronting the research is to appraise the effect of inventory management on financial performance of quoted pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria 
1.3   Objectives of the Study
To determine the effect of inventory management on financial performance of quoted pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria Financial performance is the determination of the firms effective utilization of its assets from its primary mode of business to generate revenues .It is the firm's overall financial health over a given period of time. Financial performance is expressed as revenue from operations, operating income or cash flow from operations and sales. Keeping accurate records help firms reduce pilferages and theft as well as maintain ideal levels without distracting operations 
1.4   Research Questions 
What is the effect of inventory management on financial performance? What is the effect of inventory management on financial performance of quoted pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria? 
1.5   Significance of the Study 
The study indicates the need for proper inventory management of the firm so as to facilitate in the attainment of financial objectives consequently it proffers an appraisal of The effect of inventory management on financial performance of quoted pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria.

1.6   Research Hypotheses 

Hypothesis 1

Ho: There is no significant relationship between the value of stock carried and the cost of goods sold in pharmaceutical companies. 

H1: There is a significant relationship between the value of stock carried and cost of goods sold in pharmaceutical companies.

Hypothesis 2

Ho: There is no significant impact of inventory management and control policy on the performance of quoted pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria.

H1: There is a significant impact of inventory management and control policy on the performance of quoted pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria.

1.7  Scope of the Study 

The study focuses on the appraisal of the effect of inventory management on financial performance of quoted pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria 

1.8   Limitations of the Study 

The study was confronted with some constraints such as logistics and geographical factors. 

1.9   Definition of Terms

Financial statements of firms include income statements, balance sheets, statements of retained earnings and cash flows.

Balance Sheet shows the record of the firm’s assets and liability for a given period of time. Income Statement provides the gross profit margin, the cost of goods sold, operating profit margin and net profit margin.

Cash Flow Statement The cash flow statement shows is the reconciliation between net income and cash flow. It also states the source and uses of cash flow from investment, financing, and operations.

Financial performance is the determination of the firm effective utilization of its assets from its primary mode of business to generate revenues .It is the firm's overall financial health over a given period of time.