This study examines the effect of inventory management strategies on project management performance in a

Nigerian project consulting firm. Specifically, it evaluates the influence of safety stock on stock availability and

just-in-time (JIT) on service reliability. A survey research design was adopted, covering a population of 69 staff

using a census approach. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, and reliability was confirmed

using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.84. Regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses.

The findings reveal that safety stock significantly improves stock availability (β = 0.492, p < 0.05), while JIT

significantly enhances service reliability (β = 0.192, p < 0.05). The study concludes that inventory management

strategies are critical drivers of project performance. It recommends the adoption of a hybrid inventory strategy

that balances efficiency with risk mitigation to improve operational outcomes and customer satisfaction.

Over the years, inventory management has evolved from manual stock-taking methods to sophisticated digital

systems incorporating automation, forecasting, and real-time monitoring. Despite these advancements, many

organizations—especially in developing economies—continue to face challenges such as inaccurate inventory

records, overstocking, stock-outs, and inefficient supply chain coordination.

In project consulting firms, these inefficiencies can lead to poor service delivery, increased project costs, and

reduced client satisfaction. Given the competitive nature of modern business environments, firms must adopt

effective inventory strategies to remain viable and efficient.

This study therefore investigates the role of inventory management strategies in enhancing project management

performance, with a focus on safety stock and just-in-time systems.

customer dissatisfaction.

Inventory management strategies are systematic approaches used to control stock levels and ensure efficient

operations.

Safety stock refers to extra inventory held to mitigate uncertainties in demand and supply. It acts as a buffer

against unexpected fluctuations and helps prevent stock-outs.

Maintaining adequate safety stock is crucial for ensuring continuous operations, especially in environments

characterized by demand variability and supply chain disruptions. However, excessive safety stock can increase

holding costs and reduce operational efficiency.

achieved. It can be measured using both financial and non-financial indicators such as cost efficiency, timeliness,

quality, and customer satisfaction.

Stock Availability: The ability to meet demand without stock-outs

Service Reliability: The consistency and dependability of service delivery

This study is anchored on Deterministic Inventory Theory, which assumes that demand and supply conditions

are known with certainty. The theory emphasizes the optimization of inventory levels to minimize total costs,

including ordering, holding, and shortage costs.

The relevance of this theory lies in its ability to guide decision-making in inventory control by providing a

and reduce waste, while safety stock improves service continuity.

context.

The study adopted a survey research design to examine the relationship between inventory management

strategies and project performance.

Population: 69 staff

Sampling Technique: Census approach

Data Collection: Structured questionnaire

Reliability: Cronbach’s alpha = 0.84

Data Analysis: Regression analysis

The use of regression analysis enabled the researcher to determine the strength and direction of relationships

maintaining buffer inventory is essential for preventing disruptions in project execution.

Similarly, just-in-time was found to significantly improve service reliability. This indicates that lean inventory

systems enhance operational efficiency and ensure timely service delivery.

Expanded Discussion (Key for Journal Quality)

The results highlight the importance of adopting a balanced inventory management approach. While safety stock

provides protection against uncertainties, JIT ensures efficiency by minimizing waste. The integration of these

strategies enables organizations to achieve both reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Furthermore, the findings underscore the need for organizations to invest in inventory management technologies

and data-driven decision-making processes. Without accurate data, the effectiveness of inventory strategies may

be compromised.

Firms should adopt JIT systems to reduce inventory costs and improve efficiency.

Firms should adopt data-driven forecasting techniques.

The study provides valuable insights for managers seeking to improve operational efficiency and customer

satisfaction through effective inventory management.

The study extends the application of deterministic inventory theory to project consulting firms in developing

economies.

Future studies should explore additional inventory strategies and include larger samples across multiple