Responsiveness of Operational Performance to Liquid Asset Management of Industrial Goods Firms in Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the responsiveness of operational performance to liquid asset management of industrial goods firms in Nigeria. inventory, cash and cash equivalents, and account receivables formed the independent variables of the study. While profit for the year was used to measure operational performance. The study adopted an ex-post-facto research design, covering the period between 2011 and 2020. Secondary data were extracted from annual reports and accounts of sampled industrial goods firms listed on Nigeria Exchange Plc. Multiple regression techniques (fixed-effect model) was used for the data analysis. In line with the specific objectives of the study which was to ascertain the effect of inventory, cash and cash equivalents, and account receivables on profit for the year of industrial goods firms in Nigeria, it was revealed that inventory and cash and cash equivalents have a negative and significant effect on profit for the year of industrial goods firms in Nigeria. Account receivables have a positive and insignificant effect on profit for the year of industrial goods firms in Nigeria. This implies that non of the independent variables have a significant effect on the operational performance of industrial goods firms in Nigeria. It is recommended therefore that industrial goods firms should strive to reduce the rate at which they sell their inventory at a loss. They should devise a means to resist sell pressures caused by importations. The government should also help in protecting the firms within these industries by placing importation embargos on industrial goods. Industrial goods firms should reduce the amount of cash and cash equivalents they hold. They should strive to reduce the idle cash at their disposal. Such cash should be invested into the business that will yield good returns. They should always strive to increase their account receivables because of the positive effect it has on operational performance.