| 1 |
Author(s):
Idongesit Murphy Williams, Christabel Divine Brownson, Kingsley L. Uwa.
Page No : 1-20
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Certification and Entrepreneurial Development in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between certification and entrepreneurial development in Nigeria. The specific objectives were to ascertain the relationship between certification as a cosmetic chemist, certification as Esthetician, and entrepreneurial Development in Nigeria. This study was delimited to three local government areas in Akwa Ibom States, namely Uyo, Eket and Ikot Ekpene. This study adopted a survey research design and utilized primary data collected from a sample of two hundred and forty-two (242) respondents across the three Local Government Areas selected for this study in Akwa Ibom State. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis via SPSS 25.0 statistical package. The study findings revealed that Certification as a cosmetic chemist has an insignificant positive relationship with entrepreneurial development in Nigeria. This suggests that having certifications as a cosmetic chemist does not significantly impact entrepreneurial development in Nigeria while Certifications as an esthetician has an insignificant negative relationship with entrepreneurial development in Nigeria. This result indicates that having certifications as an esthetician is negatively correlated with entrepreneurial development in Nigeria. It was thus concluded that certification exerts a significant effect on entrepreneurial development at 5% level of significance. The study recommended, amongst others, that individuals holding certifications as estheticians should consider supplementing their expertise with additional skills or exploring alternative pathways within the cosmetics industry that align more closely with entrepreneurial opportunities.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Ifekanandu Chukwudi Christian (Ph.D.), Asagba Samuel (Ph.D.).
Page No : 21-35
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Logistics Risk Management and Delivery Performance of International Shipping Companies in South-West Nigeria.
Abstract
This study examined logistics risk management and delivery performance of international shipping companies in South-West Nigeria. The correlational research design and the positivist research philosophy were applied in this study. The population of this study consisted of 12 international shipping companies in South-West Nigeria. The census sampling technique was adopted where all the members of the population were studied. The sampling units consisted of managers of international shipping companies in South-West Nigeria. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire which was structured on a point rating scale. The data collected via the questionnaire were analyzed statistically while the hypotheses were tested using Spearman Rank Order Correlation Coefficient (rho). The SPSS version 24 was used to correlate the data collected on the study variables. The findings revealed that transportation risk management has a significant relationship with accurate delivery of international shipping companies. This study also reported a significant relationship between transportation risk management and on-time delivery of international shipping companies. The study equally revealed that warehousing risk management has a significant relationship with accurate delivery of international shipping companies. The study also found a significant relationship between warehousing risk management and on-time delivery of international shipping companies. Therefore, it was concluded that logistics risk management such as transportation and warehousing risk management significantly improve delivery performance of international shipping companies in South-West Nigeria. Hence, it was recommended that international shipping companies in Nigeria should manage their logistics risks effectively as it would enhance their delivery performance.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Piabari Nordum (Ph.D.), Omona-a Hamilton Horsfall (Ph.D.), Nwidua Lebia Patricia (Ph.D.).
Page No : 36-48
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Sales Agility and Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises SMES in Port-Harcourt.
Abstract
The study examined “sales agility and performance of small and medium enterprises SME in Port Harcourt”. The population of study covered production, internal/quality control managers, sale managers and salesmen for Ever living Products, Mini Penny Enterprises Nigeria Company and Global-Ainsworth Engineering Nig. Limited at Ada George, Port Harcourt. The population was 100 comprising of managers of the selected SME in Port Harcourt. The judgmental sampling technique was used to derive the sample size of the four selected tourism destinations. The sample size of 60 cadres of managers of the selected firms. The study, based on the finding, concluded that there is a significant relationship between alertness, accessibility, swiftness and flexibility and performances of small and medium enterprises in Port Harcourt.
The study recommended that the management of SME in Port Harcourt should build alertness and develop their adaptive capacity to change and respond efficiently and effectively in a timely and cost-effective manner in the internal and external environments. Also, the management of SMEs owners should always provide necessary access to data to encourage changes in the business environment that might impact on businesses to make necessary adjustment for better performance.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Etuk Idorenyin Udo, Vincent A. Onodugo (Prof.), Joseph Akam Mpuon (Ph.D.).
Page No : 49-62
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Supply Chain Integration and Operational Performance of Oil Service Firms, South-South, Nigeria.
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between supply chain integration and operational performance of oil service firms in south-south, Nigeria. The specific objectives therefore were to: examine the relationship between internal integration and product quality; investigate the relationship between supplier integration and improvement in delivery time; examine the relationship between customer integration and increase in market size. The study adopted a cross-sectional study with a population of 522 from six oil service firms. Taro Yamane formula was used to determine the sample size of 226. Data for this study were obtained from primary and secondary sources. Spearman’s rank order correlation coefficient and partial correction technique with Z-test were used to analyze data. Based on the analysis of the findings, it was revealed that that there was a strong and significant relationship between supply chain integration (internal integration, supplier integration, customer integration) and operational performance. Also discovered that information technology significantly moderates the relationship between supply chain integration and operational performance. The study recommended that oil service firms should ensure that information sharing among supply chain partners are timely, completely; there should be a real-time integration and connection among all internal functions in oil service firms from raw internal functions in oil service firms from raw material management, through production to sales so as to deliver quality products to customers.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Ilodigwe Anthonia Onyinye.
Page No : 63-78
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Workplace Diversity and Its Effects on Employee Relations in Nigeria: A Study of Commercial banks in Nigeria’s Geopolitical Zones.
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of workplace diversity on employee relations within Nigeria's commercial banking sector, focusing on gender, age, education, religion, and ethnicity across three major geopolitical zones. The study was hinged on Social Identity Theory. Using a descriptive research design, the study sampled 385 commercial bank staff from the Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest zones. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, and analyzed using SPSS, with hypotheses tested via T-test and one-way ANOVA. The findings reveal that while gender, age, and ethnicity do not significantly affect employee relations, differences in educational background and religious affiliation do. The study also found that employee relations in Nigerian commercial banks are generally positive, with respect, mutual support, and fair conflict resolution present. However, challenges remain, including a reluctance to engage with management and a lack of enthusiasm for teamwork due to hierarchical structures and individual performance pressures. The study concludes that while banking institutions in Nigeria have cultivated a professional and inclusive environment, improving vertical communication and fostering a more collaborative culture could enhance employee relations further. The study recommendations include creating structured feedback systems, integrating cross-functional team-building initiatives, and providing cultural competency training to address relational divides caused by educational and religious differences. These strategies aim to strengthen trust, transparency, and teamwork within the commercial banking sector, ultimately improving overall employee relations.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Piabari Nordum (Ph.D.), Omona-a Hamilton Horsfall (Ph.D.), Kpalap Naagba Linus.
Page No : 79-93
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Social Media Marketing and Marketing Performance of Insurance Companies in Port- Harcourt, Rivers State.
Abstract
The study examined “social media marketing and marketing performance of insurance companies in Port Harcourt, Rivers State". A sample size of 40 respondents comprising of claims department, finance/ accounting department, risk management department, customer service department and regular customers of Leadway Assurance, Custodian & Allied Insurance, Niger Insurance and FBNA Insurance companies in Port Harcourt metropolis. A judgmental sampling technique was used to select insurance companies in Port Harcourt. The finding revealed that Blog marketing, Facebook marketing, Twitter marketing and LinkedIn marketing had significant relationship with marketing performance of insurance companies in Port Harcourt. The study, therefore, recommend among other that, Facebook orientation should equally be used by insurance companies’ managers as a tracking system.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Obabuike Ikeni Nkpurukwe, Rimamnde Rikwentishe, Emmanuel Nwokah, Giwa Arumdeben, Jeremiah Iwasen Mzughulga.
Page No : 94-108
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Green Entrepreneurship Innovation and Women Empowerment in Taraba State.
Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between green entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment in Taraba State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of this research are to determine the relationships between (i) green process and skill acquisition, (ii) green products and eco-friendly training, (iii) green process and workshops, and (iv) green products and skill acquisition among women entrepreneurs in Taraba State. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from a purposive sample of 97 women entrepreneurs in agriculture, crafts, and small-scale manufacturing sectors. A structured questionnaire, based on a 5-point Likert scale, measured variables including eco-friendly packaging, green products, skill acquisition, and participation in eco-friendly training. Reliability and validity of the instrument were tested using Cronbach’s Alpha and expert review. The analysis involved descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and Pearson’s correlation to explore relationships between the variables. The results reveal statistically significant positive correlations: engagement in green process practices correlates with skill acquisition participation (r = 0.532, p < 0.05), while workshops strongly correlate with the adoption of green products (r = 0.817, p < 0.05). A moderate correlation was observed between green process and workshop attendance (r = 0.607, p < 0.05), and green products and skill acquisition is (r = 0.433, p < 0.01), indicating a need for enhanced training on sustainable packaging practices. In conclusion, the study underscores the role of eco-friendly training in driving green entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment in Taraba State, as workshops effectively foster the adoption of eco-friendly practices and green products. To amplify the impact, the study recommends that workshops expand their focus to include sustainable packaging, improve access to eco-friendly resources, facilitate networking among women entrepreneurs, and implement follow-up support programs to ensure the successful adoption of sustainable practices.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Constantinos Mammassis.
Page No : 109-125
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The Role of Digital Marketing in Building Brand Awareness in the Modern Era
Abstract
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, brand awareness has become a crucial factor for business success. Digital marketing encompassing online tools and platforms like social media, content marketing, SEO and influencer collaborations that give brands new ways to reach and engage consumers. This paper examines how digital marketing can help brands build awareness in today’s hypercompetitive environment. Building on current literature and practical examples, it analyses how different digital strategies influence consumer recognition, recall, and perception. It highlights the importance of aligning digital tools with brand identity, creating consistent and engaging content, and leveraging data-driven techniques to enhance visibility. This study contributes to the academic understanding of digital branding while offering practical recommendations for firms aiming to strengthen their position in the contemporary competitive digital environment.
| 9 |
Author(s):
Kalani Rajapakshe Pathirannahelage, Uma Padmini Ema, Francis Chukwuedo Achi, Bilal Zaghmout.
Page No : 126-140
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Breaking the Borders: Marketing Techniques in the K-Pop Industry GOT7 Case Study.
Abstract
Korean Pop music has made a name for itself worldwide within a short time, and the study aims to explore the marketing strategies used by the Korean pop music industry to become a worldwide sensation, focusing on the case of the boy band GOT7. The social identity theory explained fan loyalty, and the Parasocial Interaction Theory clarified fans' single-sided devotion to idols. The Transmedia Storytelling Theory examines how different media channels can be used to communicate with audiences.
The data was collected by an online survey with 500 samples representing global K-pop fans. The study emphasizes that fostering a sense of community and belonging among fans by the industry's use of social networking sites, personalized messages, and fan service to cultivate emotional connections with fans has contributed to the success. Furthermore, excessive parasocial interaction may have drawbacks in the long term; hence, finding more sustainable marketing strategies is a necessity within the industry. The study suggests key strategies for international market success in terms of social identity theory, parasocial interaction theory and transmedia storytelling theory, which collectively promote brand loyalty, audience growth, and sustainable success in the global market.
| 10 |
Author(s):
Emmanuel Juliet Nkechi.
Page No : 141-150
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Conflict Management and Employee Performance of Federal Ministry of Agriculture Enugu.
Abstract
This study examines the impact of conflict management strategies, specifically collaboration and negotiation, on employee performance within the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Enugu. Given the negative effects of unresolved workplace conflicts on productivity, staff morale, and organizational efficiency in public institutions, the research addresses a significant gap in empirical studies on conflict resolution within the Nigerian civil service. Anchored in the Dual Concern Theory, the study employed a descriptive survey design and gathered primary data using structured questionnaires administered to 193 employees, selected from a total population of 371 using Taro Yamane’s formula. Data analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics and the Z test. The results indicate that both collaboration and negotiation strategies have a significant and positive effect on performance metrics such as job efficiency, punctuality, teamwork, and commitment to tasks. The study concludes that adopting inclusive and constructive conflict resolution methods enhances employee engagement and promotes better organizational outcomes. It recommends the formal integration of collaborative practices and structured negotiation processes into the ministry’s administrative procedures to cultivate a more cohesive and productive workplace. This research adds to the body of public sector management literature by offering evidence-based insights into how effective conflict management can improve employee performance in bureaucratic settings.
