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Author(s):
Soad Abdullah Almeshal, May Murdhi Almawash.
Page No : 1-16
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Peer and Parent Influence on Consumer Behavior Buying Decision Making: An Empirical Study among Saudi Female Consumers
Abstract
Purpose – This study examines peer and parents’ influences on buying decisions utilizing social power theory. Design/methodology/approach – The study made use of a survey of 285 participants (young female consumers) who live in Saudi Arabia. Findings – The study serves and provides insights for marketers and producers to understand the way consumers behave taking the influence of parents and peers on buying decisions into consideration. The findings of this study relatively conform to the previous studies and Saudi culture, such as greater parental referent, legitimate, and reward power. However, it shows a high peer influence of expertise, reward, and legitimate power. The theoretical and managerial implications of the results of the study are discussed. Research limitations/implications – The study extends research on social power theory bases by examining their effects on consumer decisions. It helps to gain an insight on how young female consumers make their decisions which leads to a more realistic choice of the decision in consumption. Producers and manufacturers should take the overall importance of parental and social power into consideration; it suggests that marketers have to focus on the role of peers and parents in consumers’ decision as being high on potential parental acceptance. Originality/value –The current study investigates the importance and the influencing factors that affect consumers' behavior regarding parents and peers’ relationships. Other empirical evidence contributes to the study that is applicable to the producers and manufacturers in the Saudi Arabian market.
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Author(s):
Paul Nemashakwe, Alice Z. Zinyemba, Samuel M. Gumbe.
Page No : 17-30
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Predominant Leadership Styles Used by SMEs In Zimbabwe: A Case of Bulawayo’s Central Business Area
Abstract
The growth and success of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is key to the sustainable development of developing countries such as Zimbabwe where deplorable unemployment rates and gigantic gaps between the rich and the poor are widespread. Although SMEs have the capacity to drive economic growth and act as a panacea to the challenges that have bedevilled many African countries, they suffer from high failure rates caused by lack of managerial skills and inappropriate leadership style. The study sought to identify the predominant leadership styles used by SMEs in Zimbabwe by adopting a quantitative research design where a survey was used. Primary data was collected from 241 participants from Bulawayo’s Central Business Area through the use of a closed-ended questionnaire. The study identified two leadership styles namely selective participation style and directional leadership style that were used by SMEs in Zimbabwe. The study concluded that the predominant leadership style used was the directional leadership style. SMEs leaders are encouraged to identify and use a style that will be appropriate for the situation at hand rather than relying only on one style irrespective of the situation.
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Author(s):
Appah Ebimobowei (Phd).
Page No : 31-54
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The Moderating Influence of Intellectual Capital on the Relationship Between Corporate Governance Attributes and Financial Performance in Nigeria
Abstract
Corporate governance and intellectual competencies can provide corporate attractiveness and accomplishment. Hence, this study investigated the moderating effects of intellectual capital on the relationship between corporate governance attributes and the financial performance of listed companies in Nigeria. The study adopted ex post facto and correlational research designs. The population of the study was twenty-one (21) listed consumer goods manufacturing firms as of year-end 2020. The study used a census approach to determine a sample size of twenty-one (21) firms. Secondary data from the published annual financial reports of the sampled firms were used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics, correlation coefficient and multivariate analysis were used. The regression analysis revealed that board size has a positive and insignificant relationship with the return on equity of listed consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria; Board independence has a positive and significant relationship with the return on equity of listed consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria; board compensation has a negative and significant relationship with return on equity of listed consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria; board diligence has a positive and significant relationship with return on equity of listed consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria and intellectual capital positively and significantly moderates the relationship between corporate governance mechanism and return on assets of listed consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The study concludes that intellectual capital moderates the relationship between corporate governance attributes and the financial performance of listed consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The study recommends among others policymakers from listed firms should emphasise good corporate governance practices with quality intellectual input as a means of improving the level of financial performance. Hence, the implementation of corporate governance practices should be in terms of board accountability and transparency through quality human resources for the financial performance of listed firms in Nigeria.
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Author(s):
Appah Ebimobowei (PhD), Tebepah Sekeme Felix.
Page No : 55-83
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Corporate Governance Mechanisms and Financial Performance of Listed Companies in Nigeria
Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and financial performance of listed consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria for the period of 2011 to 2020. The specific objectives were to investigate the relationship between board size on return on equity, and evaluate the relationship between board independence on return on equity, board compensation on return on equity and board diligence on return on equity of listed consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The study adopted ex post facto and correlational research designs. The population of the study was twenty one (21) listed consumer goods manufacturing firms as at the end of 2020. The study used a census approach to determine a sample size of twenty one (21) firms. Secondary data from the published annual financial reports of the sampled firms were used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics, correlation coefficient and multivariate analysis were used. The results disclosed that board size has a negative and insignificant relationship with return on equity of listed consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria; board independence has a negative and significant relationship with return on equity of listed consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria; board compensation has a positive and significant relationship with return on equity of listed consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria; and board diligence has a negative and significant relationship with return on equity of listed consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The study concludes that corporate governance mechanisms influence the financial performance of listed consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The study recommends among others that board sizes should be enhanced as this allows for the appropriate combination of directors. A large board increases the chance of directors having appropriate knowledge, skill and networks. The knowledge, skill and networks of directors may increase the performance of an organization; non-executive directors who act as professional advisers to ensure competition among insiders encourage measures consistent with maximization of shareholder value.
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Author(s):
Dr. Banabo Ekankumo.
Page No : 84-96
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Marketing Mix Elements and Brand Loyalty in the Nigerian Telecommunication Industry
Abstract
This study examined the impact of marketing mix elements on brand loyalty in Nigerian telecommunication firms. The general objective is to examine the impact of marketing mix elements on brand loyalty in Nigerian telecommunication firms. The specific objectives of the study are to examine the effect of price on brand loyalty, to investigate the relationship between distribution and brand loyalty, to determine the effect of promotion on brand loyalty and to examine the effect of product on brand loyalty. The study adopted the descriptive survey design method. The population of the study was one hundred and thirty three (133) from selected telecommunication firms in Asaba, Delta State. A stratified sampling technique was used to select the respondents in each of the selected telecommunication firms in Asaba. Findings revealed the extent to which price, distribution, promotion and product affect brand loyalty. The study concludes that distribution strategy has a significant relationship with product management. The study also concludes that telecommunication firms use integrated marketing communications strategy as their major promotion strategy which is designed to make all aspects of marketing communication such as advertising, sales promotion, public relations, and direct marketing work together as a unified force, rather than permitting each to work in isolation. The study recommends that telecommunication firms should use price promotion strategies, such as uses price discounts, free samples, and bonus packs to increase customers’ intention to purchase their products and hence, increase in sales volume.
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Author(s):
Banabo Ekankumo (Ph.D), Ndiomu, Kemebaradikumo.
Page No : 97-112
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Sales Forcasting and Organizational Performance in Bakery Industry in Nigeria
Abstract
Planning is an integral part of a manager’s job. If uncertainties cloud the planning horizon, it can be quite difficult for a manager to plan effectively. Sales forecasts play such an important role in the planning process because they enable managers to anticipate the future and to plan accordingly. Firms must anticipate and plan for future demand so that they can react immediately to customers’ orders as they are made. The ability to accurately make sales forecast enables firms to control costs by leveling their production quantities, rationalizing their transportation and planning for efficient logistics operations. A great number of organizations have failed in their sales forecast planning and process that provide them the required and accurate sales forecasting result. The problems associated with sales forecasting planning and process, and the activities of the sales people in enhancing the sales forecasting decisions of the organization have been difficult for some organizations to identify. It is on this background that this work is laid. Therefore, this study examines the impact of forecasting on organizational performance in the bread making industry. Both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies were used to analyze data gathered from the field. From the result obtained, conclusions were made to the fact that all the dimensions of sales forecasting have a positive and significant effect on the dimensions of organizational performance. The study thus concluded generally that sales forecasting is a viable and veritable tool in measuring and improving organizational performance in the bread making industry in Nigeria. The study therefore recommended that organizations should have a good sales plan in place as it will not only help them to formulate a strategic plan but it will also put them in control by helping them determine their product’s current status, where they want to take it, and how they will get there. Also, organizations should develop effective and efficient sales process that provides them with data on what is happening in the sales pipeline.
7 |
Author(s):
Mubarra Shabbir, Muhammad Shahzad Mubarik, Qasim Jalil.
Page No : 113-126
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Interplay of Intellectual Capital and Digital Transformation to Enhance Innovation Performance
Abstract
The current era of knowledge economy equipped with technological advancements has intensified the importance of innovation. Firms are seeking ways to upgrade their innovation related performance in order to achieve the competitive advantage as well accomplishing the growth. The innovation performance is heavily focused towards improving existing products or creating new products. Moreover, firms tend to amass their capabilities to enable process innovation as well, in order to gain efficiency, improve service quality, and cost reduction. This study investigates the role of intellectual capital to improve the innovation performance of firms. Moreover, the mediating role of digital transformation is undertaken in this relationship. As a result of performing empirical investigation on Malaysian high-tech firms where data collected was undergone to PLS-SEM. The findings reveal that the dimensions of intellectual capital – including human, structural and relational – improve the innovation performance of firms. Furthermore, results exhibit the full mediation of digital transformation for improving innovation performance of firms. This study contributes novel insights in literature by uncovering the role of intellectual capital and digital transformation towards innovation performance of high-tech firms. The study recommends that firms and policy makers should pay attention to developing the intellectual capital dimensions of firms in order to realize the benefit of digital transformation towards enhancing innovation performance of firms. Future researchers are suggested to perform investigations on medium-tech and low-tech firms as well as across the manufacturing sectors.