ABSTRACT
The primary aim of this study is to investigate and carryout an “Assessment of the
distribution strategies of A-Z Petroleum products Ltd in distributing its products to
her numerous customers nationwide. This study will enable the researcher to
ascertain the degree of product availability, measure its significant effects on the
distribution strategies of the firm and make recommendations towards enhancing
better strategies for the company’s performance. The population of this study were
the management staff of A-Z petroleum products Ltd and the company’s distributors
in Aba metropolis. The researcher collected data from both Primary and Secondary
source. Meanwhile, Pilot survey was carried out among nine distributors in Aba,
eight of the distributors responded positively to the concerned questionnaires given
to them while only one of them responded negatively.
Topman’s formular was used
to determine the sample size of (150) questionnaires used. Out of which 30
questionnaires were given to management staff of A-Z Petroleum Products Ltd, 25
completed and 120 questionnaires were given to A-Z distributors, 92 questionnaires
completed. Stratified sampling technique was used for larger sample of the study.
The research instrument was tested for validity and reliability using test retest
approach in order to ensuring that the research instrument is error free and capable of
measuring what it suppose to measure. The statistical technique used to test the
hypothesis was chi-square at 5% level of significance. The hypotheses were tested to
know whether they are researchable or not. Table and percentages was equally used
to summarize data collected and the option with highest score was favoured. At the
end of the study, the researcher was able to make some findings and recommended
among others that the management of A-Z Petroleum Products Ltd should intensify
their production activities / capacity by ensuring availability of products at every
Depot. Most especially for A-Z crown super 1litre that normally involve rationing,
Strengthening of channel of distribution and motivation of production and field sales
personnel so that product can be made available to customers as at when needed.
Knowing full well that decision on the choice of distribution channel is one of the
cogent and sensitive issues steering at management in recent times.
