CHAPTER 1INTRODUCTION1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDYHuman resource has been subject of thought and reflection in the field of management for a long time, only recently, however that the link between organizational competitiveness and human resource development issues, seem to have received attention, where human development has developed different approaches, in identifying the benefit of the perception against the traditional human resource management, which is a drive towards a development Aniagbo (1984).Human resource is now evolving approach that promotes the use of human, natural and financial resources to improve the economy, the environment and society in an integrated way for the benefit of current and future generations.Human resource can be defined as the practice of reserving resources for future generation without any harm to the nature and other components of it. Apple (1998) human resource development ties together concern for the carrying capacity of natural systems with the social, political, and economic challenges faced by humanity human resource science is the study of the concepts of human resource development and environmental science. There is an additional focus on the present generations responsibility to regenerate maintain and improve planetary resources for use by future generations.The greatest asset of any organization is its human resources that ensure that achievement of the company’s goals and objective (source: Human resource Article 2012) it is unfortunate that most company’s organization have neglected the development and management of their chief asset which is human resource

Ogbodo (2007). According to Ubeku, (1995) human development is the function within an organization that focused on recruitment of management and providing direction for the people who work in the organization. It is also a strategic and comprehensive approach of managing people and the work place culture and environment Ubeku, (1995). Effective human resource management enables employees to contribute effectively and productively to the overall company direction and the accomplishment of the organization’s goals and objectives Fatunla, (2000). Human resources development is administrative activities associated with human resources planning, recruitment selection orientation training appraisal motivation and also a functions within an organization that focuses on people Graham, (1994).Organizational competitiveness is a recurring theme examined by academicians, consultants and practitioners. The frequent and uncertain changes, greater competition between firms, the need for continuous innovations, quality enhancement and cost reduction force companies to face the challenge of improving their competitiveness and consequently their performance. This realization has propelled human resources development as a major field of study and the renewed interest has facilitated the development of newer approaches in managing organizations and human resource (HR), (Wright, 2005).In recent years, it has been noted that good number of business establishment are having poor productivity as a result of lack of effective and efficient human resource. Business is full of uncertainty and the understanding of labour contribution or human resources development is vital for management especially in the areas of boosting organizational competitiveness, productivity and as well its profitability Ubeku, (1995).1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEMSBoth public and private organizations in Nigeria contribute to the wrong utilization of available human resources. This is because graduates are employed in areas where they lack expertise. The management of some organization does not seem to know the importance of training and development on organizational competitiveness, Ubeku, (1995). Some management believes that if workers have acquired education, there is no need to train again. Provisions of welfare facilities are not given adequate attention in some organization despite many policies being put in place to ensure workers productivity and efficiency and to possibly stamp out ethical practices in the public sector especially.Problems identified in the study are Poor staff training, Lack of staff development and Inadequate employee coaching. Therefore, this study intends to solve the problems of human resources development and organizational competitiveness which many researchers has tried to look into over the years.1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDYThe main objective of the study is to examine human resources development and organizational competitiveness. The specific objectives are as follow:i. To examine the relationship between staff training and organizational competitiveness.ii. To examine the relationship between staff development and organizational competitiveness.iii. To examine the relationship between coaching and organizational competitiveness.iv. To examine the relationship between organizational culture and organizational competitiveness.1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONSThe following question shall be use in the course of this research study.i. What is the relationship between staff training and organizational competitiveness?ii. What is the relationship between staff development and organizational competitiveness?iii. What is the relationship between coaching and organizational competitiveness.iv. To what extent does organizational culture influence the relationship between human resource development and organizational competitiveness?1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESESHO1: There is no significant relationship between staff training and organizational competitiveness.HO2: There is no significant relationship between staff development and organizational competitiveness.HO3: There is no significant relationship between coaching and organizational competitiveness.HO4: There is no significant relationship between organizational culture and organizational competitiveness.1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDYThis research has determined to examine human resources development and organizational competitiveness.The significance of this work lies on the fact that it will help human resources managers improve organizational competitiveness in their organizations.The study is focused towards gaining a detail insight on human resources development and organizational competitiveness. This research project will be beneficial to the business organizations, government, and people in the society who have quest for more knowledge on human resources development and organizational competitiveness.The study is also intended to provide a benchmark for business managers in Rivers State. Finally, this study will be of benefit to the students of Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic and other institutions of higher learningon the insight oo human resources development and organizational competitiveness.1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDYThe study has examined human resources development and organizational competitiveness. The study limit scope to some selected soft drink firms in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State which include Pabod Breweries, 7ups Bottling Company and Coca Cola all in Port Harcourt.1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUDYThe study is limited to the following limitations:The level of frankness in response to questions by the respondents is quite doubtful.Finance: Accessing fund for the research work as difficult and this to a great extent limited the quality of research activity.Time: The time allocated to the research work was not sufficient to give room for further intensive work on the field of study.Organization Policy: Policies of the organization limited the level of information received. The personnel of the firms were not willing to give information, stating that it was against the organization’s policy.1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMSThe researcher took the pains in giving the definitions of some uncommon terms used in this study; this is done in order to make it possible for the project work to have the full of human resources development.The following are some of the related terms used in the study:Organization: An organization or organization (see spelling differences) is an entity, such as an institution or an association that has a collective goal and is linked to an external environment.Human Resources Development: It is the framework for helping employees develop their personal and organizational skills, knowledge, and abilities.Competitiveness: The quality of being as good as or better than others of a comparable nature.