The Impact of Manpower Development on Employee Productivity in the Manufacturing Industry in Nigeria: A Case Study of Guinness Nigeria Plc

This study discussed the connexion between manpower development and the productivity of employees in the Manufacturing industry in Nigeria using the case study of the Guinness Nigeria Plc. The study aimed at answering the question of whether structured training and development programmes are relevant to the skills and effectiveness of employees; and their productivity in general. It also covered setbacks related to development of manpower, including misconceptions of training as lexuses and the lack of assessment techniques. Questionnaires and subsequent interviews were administered to a purposive sample of 100 employees in a brewery in Ikeja, Lagos, resulting in a valid sample of 80 employees. We used both descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to assess the data and test the hypothesised statements. Analysis involved the correlation between training exposure and increases in employee performance, job commitment and progression. The result indicated that there existed a strong positive relationship between manpower development and productivity, where 81% of the respondent validated that training enhanced their efficiency. After undergoing training programmes, the employees said that they felt sufficiently equipped in their pertinent skills and felt more dedicated to their jobs and more hopeful about their chances of climbing upwards in their careers. The difference in statistical tests were statistically significant, and it is therefore seen that consequences of manpower development has an illustrable impact on the performance outcomes. However, the study also identified challenges, including insufficient funding, inadequate identification of training requirements, and the perception of training as a time-consuming activity, which hindered its effectiveness in some instances. Finally, development of manpower is crucial in supporting the sustenance of productivity and competitiveness in manufacturing. In the case of companies like Guinness Nigeria Plc, every time investment in personnel growth is necessary including using trainers who are credible, efforts to assess results are organised and systematic. The results suggest that training must be considered an investment in genetic and organisational development instead of a contingent expenditure.