ABSTRACT

 The broad objective of this study was to analyze the effects of manpower planning on the growth of manufacturing firms. A study of selected firms namely Nigerian Breweries Plc., Champions Breweries Plc. and Glass Force Pie. cited at Aba and Uyo, Abia State and Akwa-lbom State in Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study, were to assess the effects of manpower planning on the performance of manufacturing firms, to examine the relationship between the manpower planning of manufacturing firms and employees retention, to ascertain the impact of manpower planning on the achievement of manufacturing firms objectives and to examine the relationship between manpower planning and educational advancement of the employee in manufacturing firms. Four hypotheses were tested in this study through the primary and secondary source of data. A population of one thousand six hundred and eighty four (1684) staff comprised the four firms. Using Taro Yamane sample size formula 323 staff was determined. Cronbach Alpha reliability test was used to test the reliability of questionnaire distributed to the three selected manufacturing firms a result of 98.7% was derived which shows very high reliability after the validity test using experts opinion. The data collected through primary and secondary data was analyzed using both Llikert Scale analytical tool and Pearson Correlation to test the hypotheses. The study showed that manpower needs to be integrated in organizational plan to achieve organizational goals as well as manpower planning plays a vital role in achieving organizational goals and sustenance of the firm. The study concluded that manpower planning is in general, the efficient utilization of organizational resources, human capital and technology. It does not just happen without the continual estimation of future requirement and development of systematic strategy designed towards accomplishment of organizational goals. Finally, the study recommended that industries should endeavor to inculcate manpower planning in their policies, procedures and plans; since it has been proven that manpower planning has a positive effect on the growth of firms.