THE IMPACT OF CREDIT MANAGEMENT ON THE PROFITABILITY OF A MANUFACTURING FIRM (A CASE STUDY OF UNILEVER PLC, NIGERIA)

 THE IMPACT OF CREDIT MANAGEMENT ON THE PROFITABILITY OF A MANUFACTURING FIRM (A CASE STUDY OF UNILEVER PLC, NIGERIA)

ABSTRACT

The aim of this research work is to appraise “The impact of credit management on the profitability of a manufacturing firm focused on Unilever Nigeria Plc Aba”.

This is because; trade credit is a short term source of finance and sometimes take the form of bills payable. The statement problem of this research banks about the poor level of credit management and also the problems which the firms encounter as a result of high-rate of bad debts. The objective of this research study is to highlight the effects of the credit management on the profitability of the company as well as to highlight the advantages of effective and efficient management of trade credit amongst others. Furthermore, this research work will be of immense significance to the staff of Unilever Nig. Plc Aba as well as the students and the researcher since it aims at providing effective means of reducing default in collection of accounts. Also, research questions like; could a company’s liquidity problem be attributed to bad debt? On the average, how long do you allow credit to customers? Etc. research instrument used were questionnaires for the purpose of obtaining the desired result. In treating and analyzing the data collected, an extensive use of tabular information and percentages were of great importance. In the light of the findings and conclusions of this work, the following recommendations are put up: that then should be a regular review of credit policies to suit the changes in the business environment and that an enquiry unit should be established to take responsibility for prospective credit’s assessments amongst others.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0           INTRODUCTION

1.1           BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Credit management is a term used to identify accounting functions

usually conducted under the umbrella of accounts receivables. Essentially, this collection of processes involves qualifying the extension of credit to a customer, monitors the reception and logging of payments on outstanding invoices, the initiation of collection procedures, and the resolution of disputes or queries regarding charges on a customer invoice. When functioning efficiently, credit management serves as an excellent way for business to remain financially stable.

Competent credit management seeks to not only protect the vendor from possible losses, but also protect the customer from creating more debt obligations that cannot be settled in a timely manner.

Several factors are used as part of the credit management process to evaluate and qualify a customer for the receipt of some form of commercial credit. This may include; gathering data on the potential customer’s, current financial condition including the current credit score……

 THE IMPACT OF CREDIT MANAGEMENT ON THE PROFITABILITY OF A MANUFACTURING FIRM (A CASE STUDY OF UNILEVER PLC, NIGERIA)