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 GENERAL 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 su 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
QUESTION
Ø Do
changes in the percentage composition of deteregent 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.
H0:
changes in the components of detergents do not 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
Ø 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.
REFERENCE
Claw, Spencer. "The Soap Wars: A Strategic
Analysis." Fortune 67 (1963).
Lief, Alfred. "It Floats": The Story of
Procter and Gamble. New York: Rinehart, 1958.
Swasy, Alecia. Soap Opera: The Inside Story of Procter
and Gamble. New York: Times Books, 1993.
Wilson, Charles. The History of Unilever: A Study in
Economic Growth and Social Change. 3 vols. New York: Praeger, 1968.
The original edition was published in 2 vols., London: Cassell, 1954.
roze, Guy, (ed.). Handbook
of Detergents, Part A: Properties. Surfactant Science Series. New York: M.
Dekker, 1999. ISBN 0824714172.
Garzena, Patrizia, and
Marina Tadiello. Soap Naturally: Ingredients, Methods and Recipes for
Natural Handmade Soap. Mayfield, N.S.W.: Programmer, 2004. ISBN 0975676407.
Kleinschmidt,
Harald. Understanding the Middle Ages: The Transformation of Ideas and
Attitudes in the Medieval world. Boydell & Brewer, 2000. ISBN 085115770X.
Lange, K. Robert. Surfactants:
A Practical Handbook. Munich: Hanser Publishers, 1999. ISBN 1569902704.
Maine, Sandy. The
Soap Book: Simple Herbal Recipes. Loveland: Interweave Press,
1995. ISBN 1883010144.
Stache, Helmut
(ed.). Anionic surfactants: organic chemistry. CRC Press,
1996. ISBN 0824793943.
Urban, David G. How
to Formulate & Compound Industrial Detergents. BookSurge Publishing,
2003. ISBN 1588988686.