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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Detergents are generally known for its washing power and the ability to remove though stains. Detergents are harder on dirt and stain that soaps as this explains its massive use in Nigeria. One of the largest applications of detergents is for washing clothes. The compositions of detergents are complex, reflecting the diverse demands of the application and the ever increasing consumer market. Generally, detergents contain water softeners, surfactants, bleach, enzymes, brighteners, fragrances, and many other agents that help in its easy removal of tough stains. The composition of detergents is strongly affected by the temperature of the cleaning water and varies from country to country.

The major components of detergents are anionic surfactants, alkaline builders, water softening agents and anti re deposition agents. Higher end detergents contain enzymes and optical brighteners. Some liquid detergents contain non-ionic surfactants. For a detergent to be very active, certain components of this detergent has to be added in its right measure. This emphasis on the measure is to prevent wastage of raw materials on one hand or the production of under active detergents which may affect productivity. Akiro 2009:13 opined that for multi active detergents to be effective in the removal of stains, certain crucial components that make up these detergents have to carefully studied and applied accurately to maximize profit and at the same time minimize cost of production.

1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

A major problem confronting the manufacturing of detergents is the confusion on the right measure of components to be included when producing detergents. This has led to the production of diverse standard quality of detergents.

1.3   OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

This research work seeks to achieve the following aims and objectives.

Ø To study the effect of the percentage changes on the component of detergents on market profitability.

Ø To study the quality of omo detergents with a special interest in their component analysis.

Ø To advice detergent producers on the effect of changes in its components on profitability and market dominance.

Ø To advice producers on the appropriate percentage components to use in the production of detergents.

1.4   SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study is important in maintaining a standard detergents market in Nigeria by advising detergents producers on the best component analysis for maximizing profit and at the same time minimize cost. Another significance of this research is to study the quality component of omo multi active detergent.

1.5   SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This research work is limited to the statistical study of the effects on the percentage of active components in multi active detergents having a case study of Omo multi active detergent.

1.6   RESEARCH QUESTIONS

Ø Do changes in the percentage composition of deterergent influence their productivity and marketability?

Ø How can the quality of detergents be improved?

Ø Can the quality of detergents improve marketability?

1.7   RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

H0: changes in the components of detergents do not significantly influence the marketability and profitability of multi active detergents.

Hi: changes in the components of detergents significantly influence the marketability and profitability of multi active detergents.

1.8   LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.9   DEFINITION OF TERMS

DETERGENT: a water-soluble cleansing agent which combines with impurities and dirt to make them more soluble, and differs from soap in not forming a scum with the salts in hard water.