INVENTORY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS IN PUBLIC RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS: A CASE STUDY OF THE NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGY, NIGERIA

Abstract

Effective inventory management is fundamental to organizational productivity, service quality, and efficient utilization of resources, particularly in public institutions where accountability and prudent resource management are essential. Despite the growing importance of inventory optimization, many public-sector organizations in developing countries continue to experience operational inefficiencies arising from poor inventory control systems, inadequate documentation, limited automation, and weak inventory monitoring mechanisms. This study assessed inventory management practices and their influence on operational effectiveness at the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria, Nigeria. A quantitative research design was adopted using structured questionnaires administered to 144 purposively selected staff members involved in inventory-related activities. Descriptive statistical techniques were employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed that inventory management within the institution remains largely dependent on manual documentation, periodic stock verification, and conventional reorder procedures with minimal deployment of computerized inventory management systems. Physical inventory verification was conducted mainly through quarterly and annual stock-taking exercises, while inventory records were not updated regularly, thereby increasing the risk of stock inaccuracies and operational delays. The study further established that ineffective inventory information management negatively affects procurement efficiency, stock availability, service delivery, and institutional responsiveness. The paper concludes that integrating modern inventory management technologies, strengthening inventory control procedures, implementing continuous stock monitoring, and enhancing institutional inventory policies will significantly improve operational performance. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on inventory management in public research institutions and provides practical recommendations for improving inventory governance within similar organizations across developing economies.