Poor productivity is a global problem that besets organizations. As a result, the research was set out to ascertain the effects of strategic planning through the effective use of manpower in the strategic planning development and the right choice of technology for strategic planning implementation on organizational productivity. To solve the problem of the study, three hypotheses were formulated. The statistical tools applied for testing the hypotheses are mean, standard deviation and T- test. The major findings are the need for adopting a systematic strategic planning process, choosing the appropriate technologies for strategic planning implementation and engaging professionals / experts in the strategic planning development. The major recommendations employed the organizational management to scan the environment and evolve a systematic strategic plan that would checkmate the effects of the business environment, equip the organization with appropriate technologies for strategic planning implementation and assign professionals / experts in their respective area of specialization during strategic planning development. This would increase productivity and effectiveness in the organization. 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY 

Strategies and Strategic planning in the context of business organization refer to major programmes used by organizations to achieve their missions and goals.

Strategic planning is a systematic process which influences the choice of the long term goals that define the corporate strategy of every firms. The corporate strategy, if adequately implemented, through projects, policies and budgets, helps to determine whether an enterprise achieves its objectives even if it survives (Onwuchekwa, 2000: 66).

Since strategic planning is perceived as a mediating force between the organization and its environment, it has become highly imperative for business organizations to adopt it so as to enhance their productivity.

For any business organization to operate in the present turbulent environment as well as survive the swift competition therein, adequate strategic planning is necessary. This will define fundamental goals and objectives in specific terms and determine the means to achieve them. Strategic planning can therefore be said to have a strong influence on the survival and growth of an organization, most especially in a volatile environment.

Since strategic planning aims at finding how a company or organization competes successfully within its turbulent environment, strategic planning is based on effective use of manpower in the strategic planning development and choosing appropriate technologies for effective implementation of the strategic plans. This is necessary for the survival and growth of organizations under competitive condition.

Considering the numerous challenges faced by business organizations, strategic planning is designed to increase productivity as well as ensure survival and growth.

It is against this background that this study is being carried out.

1.2 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK 

 The purpose of strategic or long range planning is to assist the organization in establishing priorities and to better serve the needs of the organization and the customers.

 Strategic planning, if implemented properly, increases organization”s effectiveness and productivity (Robison, 2003:204).

A strategic plan must be flexible, practical and serve as a guide

to implementing and evaluating programs and making adjustments when necessary.

Strategic planning must follow a systematic process and its implementation should depend on appropriate technology (Yip, 2002:200). Technology has come a long way in the life of every organization. The rapid pace of technological change and innovation has created a significant barrier to improving the implementation of strategic plan. With the rapid pace of innovation and technology, the identification and acquisition of technology is highly necessary to achieve increased productivity in the organization (Lee, 2001:750).

Human resource commitment towards strategic planning makes strategic plans to be highly successful (Foster, 2001:151). The staff recruited to the strategic planning team should come from both the business and information technology division and require a strong working knowledge of the business activities.

A significantly related issue, according to Gibson (2004:29), is that while staffs are working on the development of strategic plan, they are unable to conduct other organization work. For this reason, it is often difficult to secure top management commitment for the protracted use of resources under their

control.

Strategic plans, which ensure the effective use of manpower and appropriate technology for its implementation, must be closely aligned to achieve organization”s productivity (Yip, 2002:100). It is vital that strategic planning process moves with the times and employs new and innovative techniques. 

1.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

 Poor productivity in most industries, after the euphoria of the Nation”s Independence, could be seen from the indices of denial of strategic planning, technology and effective use of manpower most basic to an organization”s performance. 

The non-systematic strategic planning process, the inability to acquire the necessary technology due to inadequate fund and the non-effective use of manpower in the strategic planning development can be seen to have serious militating hurdles to contend with. The formulation of the strategy of an organization involves elaborate analysis of technological, environmental and organizational human resources in particular.

Therefore, output per unit of a factor of production should be planned in such a way that it follows the systematic process, identifies the opportunities and threats in the environment, evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the organization, acquires the necessary technologies, hires appropriate people and develops appropriate incentives that will motivate the employees to higher performance.

1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

 In an attempt to proffer solution to the problem of this study, the following objectives were set:

1.         To find out the effect of strategic planning on the level of productivity.

2.         To ascertain the effect of choosing appropriate technology in the implementation of strategic planning.

3.         To examine the impact of effective use of manpower on the strategic planning of the organization.

4.         To make adequate recommendation based on the findings of the research. 

1.5 RESEARCH QUESTION 

            The research questions are as follows:

1. To what extent does strategic planning lead to the increase of organization”s productivity?

2.         How does appropriate technology guarantees the implementation of strategic planning?

3.

            How can the effective use of manpower affects the strategic planning process of the organization?

1.6       RESEARCH HYPOTHESES 

            The hypotheses of this study are:

Hi1:      There is significant relationship between strategic planning and the enhancement of the level of productivity.

HO1:    There is no significant relationship between strategic planning and the enhancement of the level of productivity.

Hi2:      Appropriate technology does significantly guarantee the implementation of strategic plans.

HO2:    Appropriate technology does not significantly guarantee the implementation of strategic plans.

Hi3       Sound strategic planning does significantly depend on effective use of manpower. 

HO3

            Sound strategic planning does not significantly depend on effective use of manpower. 

1.7 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY 

The significance of this study hinge around its contribution to the world of knowledge. 

 The study will help managers to achieve a quick and positive result in the organizations productive efforts by adopting the systematic process of strategic planning. It will assist the management of every organization in reviving their various policies and introducing appropriate technologies which will ensure effectiveness within the organizations.

The students will equally benefit by using the information gathered from the research for class work assignments,

seminars, lectures as well as for further research work.

On the part of the government, the study can provide the basis for legislative policy decision mostly in this era of democratic dispensation.

This study will also expose the ordinary man to the meaning, importance and effects of strategic planning on corporate productivity.

1.8 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

 The scope of the study is limited to Nigerian Bottling Company Plc Enugu.

1.9 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

 It is always difficult to complete a research without going through a number of factors which constitute impediments. The most prominent factors are: 

a.         Lack of material.

b.         Lack of cooperation.

c.         Financial constraints. 

Most of the libraries visited could not provide current and up-to-date information as most of the textbooks on strategic planning were inadequate. Custodians of the available materials prove grossly uncooperative. Most of the journals from internets are also inaccessible. 

Lack of cooperation on the side of the workers towards filling the questionnaires was nothing to write home about. Most of the workers approached for interviews and questionnaires usually claimed to be occupied.

Finance was another constraint. The researcher had to make frantic efforts by traveling and visiting many libraries and other data banks to gather reasonable materials.