PRODUCTION CONTROL SYSTEM (PCS) AND PERFORMANCE OF BEVERAGE FIRMS IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA

This study examined the impact of Production Control System (PCS) on the performance of beverage firms in South East Nigeria, with particular focus on production planning and production operation as indicators of PCS, and customer retention and sales volume as measures of performance. The study adopted a survey research design, using a population of 316 employees drawn from four beverage firms in the region, with a sample size of 177 determined through Taro Yamane formula. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, validated through face and content validity, and tested for reliability with a Cronbach’s Alpha score of 0.72. The data were analyzed using mean statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed strong positive relationships between production planning and customer retention (r = 0.871), production planning and sales volume (r = 0.872), production operation and customer retention (r = 0.851), and production operation and sales volume (r = 0.883). The study concludes that effective production control systems significantly enhance customer retention, sales growth, and overall organizational performance in the beverage industry. It recommends that beverage firms should strengthen production planning, adopt efficient production operations, and ensure continuous improvement in their control systems to remain competitive and achieve sustainable growth.