Global Journal of Management and Business Research, A: Administration and Management, Volume 22 Issue 8

Inventory Management and Control Systems in Covid-19 Pandemic Era: An Exploratory Study of Selected Health Institutions in Anambra State, Nigeria on examination of IM and profitability of three listed breweries on Nigerian stock exchange from 2005 to 2014. The data for the study were obtained from the annual reports of the companies while analyses were carried out using multiple regression methodology. Evidence revealed in line with most other studies that IM has significant positive effect on profitability. However, the study derived its evidence further emanated from brewery companies and outcome may differ from the health sector. The findings do not fit the realities and peculiarities in the health sector. Agu, Obi-Anike and Eke (2016) in their own study evaluated the effect of ICS on the productivity of Nigerian manufacturing firms using a sample of 285 respondents. The descriptive study generated data using the questionnaire method and statistical analysis were carried out on the data using linear regression coefficients. Findings showed ICS have significant positive relationship with productivity. Also, demand management was found to have a positive relationship with customer satisfaction. Aligning this with our present study, the finding implies that when changes in demands for medical supplies in the COVID-19 pandemic era, are properly managed, patients issues will be well addresses and thus image of the hospital boosted while ensuring continuous patronage. As a limitation however, the evidence emanating from manufacturing firms may need to be re- examined before it can be said to also apply to the health sector. Onikoyi, Babafemi, Ojo and Aje (2017) evaluated the IM practices of a Nigerian cement producing company, Lafarge Africa (WAPCO) plc using the survey design on annual reports from 2005 to 2015. Regression analyses on the gathered data indicated that significant relationship exists between costs of goods sold and value of inventory in stock. This study was however, conducted before the inception of the COVID- 19 pandemic in 2019 and it may have affected the current position. Also, the researchers adopted a case study design where only one firm was studied. This reduced the generalizability of the findings. Still emphasizing on how relevant IM is to corporate success, Bawa, Asamoah and Kissi (2018) conducted an evaluation of IM and performance of 14 companies listed on the stock exchange of Ghana from 2007 to 2016. Regression and correlation co-efficient were used on relevant financial statement information and findings showed no significant effect of IM on selected profitability measures over the period. This evidence even though contradicted earlier views, failed to cover the aspect of IC using optimal stock levels. As a remedy, Sporta (2018) in his study evaluated the IC techniques of medical supply agencies in Ghana using descriptive research design on a population of 100 employees. The result of the correlations and the multiple regression analysis carried out on the qualitative and quantitative data revealed IC techniques significantly affect performance. Thus, the findings are not fittingly applicable to health institutions in Nigeria given the peculiarities. III. M ethodological S teps This study adopted a descriptive research design to enable the researchers have a comprehensive picture of the phenomenon of interest by surveying the opinions of a sample that is derived from our target population. The full time staff of procurement, stores, emergency, accounting and finance departments (PSEAFD) of seven health institutions formed the study population as shown in table 3.1 below: Table 3.1: Population of the Study SN/ Name of Health Institution No of Staff in PSEAFD 1. Izunna Hospital, Amansea Junction, Awka 12 2. Amen Specialist & Diagnostic Clinic, Amaenyi, Awka 11 3. Crest Specialist Hospital, Enweana, Awka 9 4. First Hospital and Maternity, Umuokpu Awka 10 5. Graceland Specialist Hospital & Maternity, Old INEC Road, Awka 12 6. Okoye Specialist Hospital, Emma Nnaemeka Street, Awka 9 7. Eldorado hospital, Awka 11 Total 74 Source: Field Survey, 2022. The study deployed Taro-Yamane (1964) formula for determination of sample size of finite population. The formula is mathematically represented as n = + ( ) , Where: n = Sample size, N = Population size, e = Sampling error (5%), 1 = Constant. From the calculation after approximation, n = 66. For the determination of the stratum size, the formula expressed underneath was applied and calculated in Table 3.2 below. Stratum size = ℎ ℎ × 49 Global Journal of Management and Business Research Volume XXII Issue VIII Version I Year 2022 ( ) A © 2022 Global Journals