LEAN SIX SIGMA AND THE PERFORMANCE OF FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN SOUTH-EAST, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study evaluated Lean Six Sigma and the performance of Food and Beverage Manufacturing Firms in South-East, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: evaluate the effect of the continuous improvement process on profitability; and ascertain the effect of leader development on the operational safety of food and beverage manufacturing firms in South-East, Nigeria. A survey design was adopted for the study. Instruments used for data collection were an interview guide and a questionnaire. The hypotheses were tested using the Z-test statistic tool with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The study revealed that the Continuous improvement process had a significant positive effect on the profitability; Z = 7.098 < 10.089, P =   05; Leader development had a significant positive effect on the operational safety, Z = 7.098 < 10.089, P =   05. The study concluded that the continuous improvement process, leader development, customer focus, eliminating waste, and control processes had a significant positive effect on the profitability, operational safety of food and beverage manufacturing firms in South-East, Nigeria. The study recommended among others the food and beverage manufacturing firms should encourage Continuous improvement, as this will help individuals and organisations to constantly enhance their performance and achieve better results