Product planning, management and distribution problems are very vital in the production and distribution of every manufacturing organization. Before ever a manufacturing company could come with good quality product, it must undergo many process from planning for either short range or long ranges forecasting carrying out market research and consumer survey protesting the product and introducing different channels of distribution.

The aim of this study is to describe how the Nigerian Bottling company Enugu is really involved in the process of product planning, distribution and management. This is done by gathering information from staff and distribution channels, operators defining certain problems usually associated with product planning, management and distribution problems in the company and proposing remedial measures after revealing areas of problems. The questions in the questionnaire will be based on the research questions developed for this purpose while analysis developed for this purpose while formula we use percentage analysis to analyze data collected and accept 50% (percent) and above as significant and discharge influences under 50% (percent).

From here, the researcher will make a decision of findings, recommendation and conclusion. It is hoped that this study will aid managers in planning, distribution and managing their products by taking effective efficient decisions in these important areas. For example, the company should recruit highly skilled staff and give them adequate training.

Introducing operational research whereby decisions are taken jointly without each manager relying only on his own decision.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page

Abstract

Dedication

Certification

Acknowledgement

CHAPTER ONE:

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of study

1.2 Definition of problem

1.3 Objectives of the study

1.4 Research Hypothesis

1.5 Significance of the study

1.6 Scope of the study

CHAPTER TWO

2.1 Literature Review

2.2 Product Definitions

2.3 Organizational for new product development

2.4 The product development process

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Research Design

3.1 Area of study

3.2 Population of study

3.3 The sample size & sample technique

3.4 Method of data collection

3.5 Method of data analysis

CHAPTER FOUR

Data presentation and analysis

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION

5.1 Research findings

5.2 Conclusion

Reference

Appendix

LIST OF TABLE

How does the management of the Nigerian Bottling company Plc. Procure their raw material for their products?

Does the distribution of finished products constitute a problem to the Nigerian Bottling Company Plc’s Management? Yes or No

Product planning and development is it a problem to the management of NBC Plc. Enugu” Yes or No

Competition drives out weaker firm from their market share how NBC Plc. Survive does in spite of their numerous competitors.

Bottle breakage’s and pilfering is it a common phenomena in mineral industry especially NBC Enugu? Yes or No

In distribution of the company’s product,. Which of the channel alternative do the company uses most?

Does Nigerian Bottling Company Plc, Enugu, in their channel structure make use of intra – company agents and dealers in marketing their products?

What score would you give to the product in the product line of NBC Company that has more market share?

Which of the season of the year does the company makes its highest sales?

Please it will be highly appreciated if you would advice me on what area of importance you deemed necessary towards improving the competitive stance of the products.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Product planning, distribution and management in the soft drink industry:

Nigerian Bottling Company Plc. Enugu, perspectives. The coca – cola company was established in 1886, Altanta Georgia U.S.A. The first product of the industry, which is coca – cola, was first bottled on 18th May 1886. The head quarter is at Georgia U.S.A hometown of the owner Dr. Johnson styth Pemberton a placist.

The name coca – cola was given by France. M. Robionson, Pemberton partner and book keeper. He also designed the following scripts that distinguish the famous trademark. Coca – cola contents remain a secret as they have been for over 116 years, the formula known as merchandize 7x, is kept in a special security vault in a bank in the united states of America Coca cola is the world leading soft millions bottles are consumed everyday in all part of the word.

(Source)

The Nigerian Bottling Company was established in Nigeria in 1953 (Apapa – Plant). It is today the number one soft drinks sold, more than 7,264, 138 bottles daily throughout Nigeria representing 302,773 crates of 24 bottles; a figure which is still growing with the continuity expansion of the existing 22 plants

The Nigeria Bottling Company Enugu was established in 1974. It is situated / located at 9th Mile Corner Ngwo in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu state. The first plant manager was Mr. Perridis, a white man from Greece. The company has its objective as organized and operated under the marketing concept. Company profit is a function of customer satisfaction.

Marketing concept by Philip Kotler is a management orientation that holds that key of the organization to determine the need and wants of target markets and to adapt the organization to delivery the desired satisfaction more effectively and efficiently its competitors. Current findings or research from the total drinks industry shows that Nigerian Bottling Company Plc has 93% of the total market share while Nigerian mineral water industries (Limca) has 4% market share seven 7 up Bottling company Plc. Has 3% market share. The mere fact that the company (NBC) produces well over six million bottles of soft drinks per day puts upon itself the responsibility of having to effectively and efficiently distribute these drinks so that they get to the consumers at the right place and at the right time.

To have the largest share of the market, NBC has 22 plants scattered all over Nigerian

The Nigerian Bottling Plc has its eastern corner plant. They are manufactures of Coca – cola Fanta, sprite, ginger ale, tonic water, soda water, krest-lemon, and has its depot located at Abakaliki, Nsukka, Ogoja, Ikom in cross River state, Achi, Agbani and Awka in Anambra state.

The Nigeria bolting company plc is currently under the supervisor of motive group o0f foreign firm to see the activities and operations of the company through out the country Nigeria Bolting company has fine department as sales and market departments, production financial ,personnel, and engineering department.

This research work is centered on the product planning, distribution and management of the Nigerian bolting companies product: coca-coda, Fanta, sprite, ginger-ale, tonic water soda water, krest lemon in Enugu plant to find out its strength and weakness in terms or planing distribution and management and suggest ways to reduce or eliminatory weakness found.