| 1 |
Author(s):
Obiakor Ugochukwu Jude, Prof. Anah Stanley Arinze, Udodiugwu Michael Ikenna, Obiakor Juliet Ngozi.
Page No : 1-18
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Job Satisfaction and Organizational Citizenship Behaviour of Academic Staff in Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, Nigeria
Abstract
The pattern in which work is structured plays a significant role in deciding how motivated, satisfied and committed an employee will be. The workers at the polytechnic are not left out of this continuous and repetitive approach in carrying out their daily routines. The study was centred on examining the relationship between job satisfaction and organizational citizenship behaviour, with a view to proffering strategies to Nigerian polytechnics on the acceptability and adoptability of job satisfaction initiative. The specific objectives are to examine the relationships between employees’ skill variety and employees’ altruism, and employees’ commitment and employees’ conscientiousness. The study was anchored on Job Characteristics Theory. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The population comprises 120 academic staff of the School of Business Studies in Federal Polytechnic, Oko. Data were collected through the use of a five-point likert style questionnaire. With the aid of IBM SPSS version 25, Spearman correlation was employed to test the hypotheses, while One sample test model was applied to determine the level of significance between the independent and dependent variables. From the test of hypotheses, the first finding of the study revealed that skill variety had a significant positive relationship with employees’ altruism (t-value of 66.715 and p-value = 0.000** at 0.05 level of significance and low positive value of r = 0.338), and the second test revealed that employee commitment had a significant positive relationship with employees’ conscientiousness (t-value of 65.591 and p-value of 0.000** at 0.05 level of significance and a moderate positive correlation value of r = 0.638) of the polytechnic. The study recommended that the management of the polytechnic should invest in training programmes for their employees to improve their skill variety on their job for sustainable organizational citizenship behavior, and reward employees who possess the act of conscientiousness in the workplace so as to increase their commitment to the organizations.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Dr. Bandar Khalaf Alharthey.
Page No : 19-34
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Influencing Smartphone Choices: The Interplay of Social Media Marketing and Brand Image on Purchase Intentions
Abstract
This research study endeavors to shed light on intricate dynamics between Social Media Marketing, Brand Image, and Purchase Intention within unique socio-cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia. The primary aim of this investigation is to explore and analyze how social media marketing strategies deployed by businesses operating in Saudi Arabia impact brand image and, in turn, influence consumers' purchase intentions. While extensive research has explored these relationships in various global settings, a significant research gap exists regarding their specific manifestation in the Saudi Arabian context. In order to address this gap, we conducted a quantitative study employing PLS-SEM Smart PLS software as our data processing tool. We focused on Millennial Smartphone Consumers in Saudi Arabia, a crucial demographic known for its active engagement on social media platforms. Data were collected through online questionnaires distributed to 234 Millennial Smartphone Consumers in Saudi Arabia. The research design addresses several key objectives: first, the exploration of direct relationship between SMM and BRI; second, the examination of the relationship between SMM and PIN; third, the analysis of the relationship between BRI and PIN; and fourth, the assessment of the relationship between SMM and PRI, with BRI serving as a mediator. However, it is vital to recognize certain limitations in our research. This study's focus on a specific demographic, namely Millennial Smartphone Consumers, may not fully represent the broader consumer population. The implications of our findings are significant for businesses operating in Saudi Arabia. By tailoring social media marketing strategies to resonate with local consumer base and considering influence of culture and societal norms, marketers can enhance brand image and influence purchase intentions effectively. Our study has practical implications for businesses and provides a valuable reference for future research and the development of targeted marketing strategies in this region.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Baridam Letam (Ph.D.).
Page No : 35-46
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Job Security and Employee Engagement in Teaching Hospitals in South-South Nigeria
Abstract
This research investigated the relationship between job security and employee engagement in teaching hospitals in South-South Nigeria, assessing the extent to which measures such as dedication, vigour and absorption are influenced or impacted by job security. The correlational design was adopted as the research design for the research, and data was obtained using the structured questionnaire from 124 staff in 7 teaching hospitals in South-south Nigeria. The Spearman’s rank order correlation coefficient was utilized in the test for the hypotheses of the study, with all relationships observed to be significant and positive in nature. The findings showed that job security significantly contributes toward improving employee engagement, enhancing the extent to which workers are dedicated, vigorous and also absorbed in their roles and the organization. Going by the findings, it was concluded that the perceptions and assurance of job security positively drive the engagement of the employees. It was in this vein recommended that work arrangements and the structuring of such emphasize on the workers’ significance and relevance to the organization.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Warunyu Srichiangrai, Raphassorn Kongtanajaruanun, Weena Nilawonk, Koblap Areesrisom, Pinnapa Muakyod.
Page No : 47-68
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Role of Advanced Transportation Management Systems in Enhancing the Distribution of Frozen Food from Thailand to Japan
Abstract
The frozen food industry plays a significant role in the economic relations between Thailand and Japan. This study addresses two research inquiries; (a) what are potential impacts of modern transportation management systems (TMS) on the optimization of frozen food delivery between Thailand and Japan; (b) what are the challenges and benefits associated with the adoption of such technologies within this particular context? This study elucidates the role of advanced TMS in optimizing the distribution process, overcoming challenges, and maximizing benefits for stakeholders. The research used a narrative review approach, whereby data was collected from reputable academic publications, industry reports, and regulatory papers. The selection criteria were established by considering variables such as relevance, timeliness, and trustworthiness. Advanced TMS provides several benefits, such as enhanced route optimization, the ability to monitor operations in real-time, automated documentation procedures, and increased communication with relevant parties involved. These solutions have resulted in financial savings, decreased transportation durations, and enhanced product excellence. Although the implementation of sophisticated TMS offers evident benefits, there are still persistent hurdles related to technology integration, training, and initial investment expenses. Nevertheless, the enduring advantages, such as enhanced financial gains and heightened client contentment, surpass the early obstacles. Advanced TMS has emerged as a catalyst for significant changes in the frozen food distribution industry between Thailand and Japan. These systems provide innovative solutions to long-standing obstacles, therefore facilitating a more streamlined and environmentally conscious trading partnership. The stakeholders, including producers, distributors, and policymakers, have the opportunity to use the findings from this evaluation in order to make well-informed choices pertaining to the implementation and enhancement of TMS within their respective operations.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Christabel D. Brownson, Imaobong A. Usoro.
Page No : 69-77
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Creative Thinking, Adaptability and Entrepreneurial Development in Nigeria
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between creative thinking, adaptability and entrepreneurial development. Using a survey research design, a sample of 361 small scale enterprise owners from a population of 3751 were examined through a random sampling technique. Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to analyze the Data. Findings revealed that there is a positive relationship between creative thinking (r = 0.777; p = 0.000)), adaptability (r = 0.589; p= 0.000) and entrepreneurial development. It was concluded that creative thinking and adaptability have a positive relationship with entrepreneurial development. It was recommended that creative thinking skills should be integrated into businesses as it empowers an individual for entrepreneurship development.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Ramon Macaraig Jr. (Ph.D.), Soun Hong (DBA), Sau Lay (DBA).
Page No : 78-102
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Factors Affecting Employee Retention of Private Companies in Cambodia by Qualitative and Quantitative Approach
Abstract
Employee turn-over is often associated with “employee retention”. Employee retention plays an important role to keep up with other companies amidst the rapid evolvement of global economic environment. The objectives of the study are to understand the importance of employee retention, assess the factors affecting retention of private employees in Cambodia such as compensation, promotion and opportunity and growth; work environment, training and development and work-life balance and job satisfaction thus provide suggestions to private companies on what to undertake to retain its employees. The researcher employed model synthesis to determine the factors affecting employee retention from previous researches. Then, the researcher applied Delphi method technique to identify the significant factors according the experts. Pilot testing was conducted with 43 sample size. After pilot testing, the researcher surveyed 420 respondents using disproportionate stratified random sampling technique equally distributed to financial services, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality industry; education, retails and others (professional services, hospital, construction etc.). However, there were only 410 samples qualified to the analysis. The research model and research hypothesis were successfully tested by Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using SPSS and Amos 26. Based on the study “job satisfaction” is driven by compensation and work-life balance. They are the significant and the most influencing factors that make private employees stay in a company. Work environment, promotion, opportunity and growth; and training and development are the least significant factors affecting employee retention. However, according to the experts during in-depth interview, the factors vary from one person to another individual needs.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Achara Ogochukwu Larry, Ezichi-Obasi Judith, Eberechi Ruth Ufomba.
Page No : 103-118
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The Impact of Performance Appraisal System (PAS) on Employee Performance in Banks Operating in South East Nigeria Post-Covid-19 Pandemic
Abstract
This study examined the impact of the performance appraisal system (PAS) on employee performance in banks operating in South East Nigeria post the Covid-19 pandemic. The study's broad objective was to examine the impact of performance appraisal on employees' work performance in South East Nigeria. This research also looked into the important components of performance appraisal, such as setting performance criteria, communicating those goals, measuring actual performance against those standards, discussing the appraisal with employees, and providing feedback. The required data for this investigation was acquired using a closed-ended structured questionnaire. Many related studies were used to create the questionnaire, which was then modified. The following approaches were used to select the comprehensive sample from a total population of 1745 employees: The target demographic was first determined, and then the sample size was calculated using a formula. Basically, 325 questionnaires were distributed to the employees that were sampled, and 260 of them were returned, representing 80% response rate. The 260 completed surveys were then analysed with smart PLS, a programme designed specifically for Structural Equation Modeling, path analysis, and confirmatory component analysis. It is also known as causal modelling software or analysis of covariance software. Correlation analysis and descriptive statistics were used. The study's findings revealed that performance appraisal had a primarily favourable impact on employee performance in Nigeria's banking sector. There was some positive and a negative (very significant) relationship between performance appraisal and employee performance, according to the correlation study.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Paul Ayobami AKANBI (Prof.), Olumuyiwa Olugbenga OBAFEMI (Ph.D.).
Page No : 119-133
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Impact of Customer Loyalty on Organizational Performance in Some Selected Publishing Companies in South-Western Nigeria
Abstract
In the dynamic realm of publishing enterprises, the intricate interplay between customer loyalty and organizational performance stands as the fundamental cornerstone for long-term prosperity, exerting a pivotal influence on driving notable commercial achievements. This research delved into the nexus of customer loyalty and organizational performance within publishing companies situated in South-Western Nigeria. The research population encompassed employees of publishing companies randomly selected from 40 establishments in both the bustling metropolises of Lagos and Ibadan. Employing a survey design method, the study enlisted four hundred and one (401) respondents as subjects. Primary data collection occurred through a meticulously structured questionnaire, designed to capture a comprehensive range of information, including demographic characteristics, independent variables such as customer loyalty, and the dependent variable of organizational performance. The gathered data underwent analysis using Pearson's Correlation. The study's findings revealed a significant correlation between customer loyalty and the organizational performance of publishing companies in South-Western Nigeria, as evidenced by a Pearson's Correlation coefficient (r) of 0.715, significant at p < 0.01. In light of these results, it is recommended that publishing companies tailor marketing strategies that align with customer expectations, prioritizing transparency in pricing and delivering exceptional customer service. Additionally, strategic investments in programs fostering customer retention, repeat patronage, and resistance to switching to competitors are advised. This study contributes valuable insights to businesses aiming to optimize customer relationships and elevate organizational success within the ever-evolving landscape of the publishing industry.
| 9 |
Author(s):
UDEOGU Arinze Christian, ONYEIZUGBE Chinedu Uzochukwu.
Page No : 134-150
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Workplace Conflict and Employees’ Performance in Public Universities in Anambra State
Abstract
The continuous strike activity and the apparent discord between lecturers and other unions within the university system made it necessary for this study's main objective to investigate the connection between workplace conflict and employee performance at Anambra State's public universities. 3492 academic employees from the public universities that were chosen for the study made up the population, and the Krejcie and Morgan formula was used to determine the sample size, which came out to be 344. The data was collected using a standardized questionnaire that underwent reliability and validity testing. Simple regression analysis was used to examine the data, and tests of the hypotheses were done at the 5% significance level. The results showed that workplace conflict has a statistically significant and positive relationship with employees' performance in public universities in Anambra State, Nigeria, with (R =.989, R-Square =.978, F statistics = 13017.646, P-value.000 <.05). 98% of the variations in employees' performance are explained by workplace (interpersonal) conflict. Therefore, among others, it was recommended that the management of the universities need to go extra mile to find out lecturers that are having interpersonal issues in other to wade in and settle it and not just allowing the people involved to handle the issues themselves and there is need for a strong conflict resolution committee in various departments.
| 10 |
Author(s):
JAKPA Grace Ufuoma.
Page No : 151-157
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Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Organizational Performance in Nigeria
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of customer relationship management (CRM) on banks’ performance in Nigeria. To do this, 220 questionnaires were administered to employees of 5 selected commercial banks out of which 212 were fully retrieved. Data obtained via the questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive and parametric tests (regression). Based on the analysis, we found a significant relationship between CRM and profitability. Also, a significant relationship was found between CRM, asset base and turnover of the selected commercial banks. Based on the results, it was recommended that efforts should be made by commercial banks towards enhancing their CRM practices so as to heighten their profitability, asset base and turnover. This can be achieved by ensuring sustainability of CRM initiatives by commercial banks. Additionally, commercial banks should redesign their CRM frameworks for effective and efficient implementation of customer relationships in order to further curtail any current and future challenges they may face due to poor CRM implementation. This study contributes to knowledge by filling the lacuna in management literature on what is known about CRM and organizational performance in the Nigerian context.
| 11 |
Author(s):
Ifekanandu Chukwudi Christian, Ihuoma Chukwudi Ifekanandu, Rennner Blessing Awaji-ima (Ph.D.), Lawrence Tochukwu Obalum (Ph.D.).
Page No : 158-167
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Supply Chain Management and Business Performance of Shipping Firms in Port Harcourt
Abstract
The study examined the relationship between supply chain management and business performance of shipping firms in Port Harcourt. The study adopted quantitative research design using a correlational method of investigation. The population consists of 16 shipping firms in Port Harcourt. The study adopted census sampling and studied the entire 16 firms with focus on managers. The reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach's alpha test with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 and it stood at 0.88 higher than the benchmark of 0.7. The data collected for this study were analyzed through inferential statistics. The Spearman Rank Correlation Technique was employed to test the various hypotheses formulated through the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results revealed that supply chain management is significantly and positively related with business performance of shipping firms in Port Harcourt. Based on the findings, it was concluded that supply chain management with its dimension of supply chain integration and reverse logistics will improve business performance of shipping firms in Port Harcourt on the basis of the results obtained from the analysis. The study recommends that shipping firms should adopt reverse logistics as this would ensure customer after-sale satisfaction which in turn results in improvement in business performance, and also, shipping firms should integrate their supplies as this would enable them to improve business performance.
| 12 |
Author(s):
Udo Edidiong Udo, Udonde Unyime Emmanuel, Udo Agnes Umana.
Page No : 168-184
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Career Training and Employee Performance in Money Deposit Banks in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between career training and employee performance in money deposit banks in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The strategies of career training employed by Money Deposit Banks in equipping their employees were used as pre-determined factors in measuring career training. These strategies of On-the-job Training and Career Mentoring formed the independent variables for the study. The dependent variable was employee performance. The study adopted a descriptive research design and the population of the study consisted of 200 employees of Money Deposit Banks in Akwa Ibom State. A purposive sampling technique was adopted by the researchers. Data for the study were collected using structured copies of questionnaire from two hundred (200) employees. The research hypothesis were tested using the Pearson Moment Correlation Coefficient (PMCC) analysis technique to establish the nature and degree of relationship between the critical variables of career training and the dependent variable, employee performance at a 5% level of significance. From the data analysis, findings revealed that there is a positive and significant relationship between on-the-job training and career mentoring on employee’s performance in Money Deposit Banks in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. From the findings, it was concluded that there is a positive and significant relationship between the critical variables of career training (on-the-job training and career mentoring) and employees’ performance in Money Deposit Banks in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Based on this, it was recommended that the management of Money Deposit Banks in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria should recruit and train employees who are likely to become actively associated with the objectives of the organization to bring about adequate growth. Also, the banking industry should set aside a department, unit or set of individuals to check and encourage mentoring of staff and make recommendations to management in different years of operation.
| 13 |
Author(s):
Ajayi Omobola M. (Ph.D).
Page No : 185-195
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Determinant of Brand Preference among Young Consumers of Mobile Phones in Ekiti State and Lagos State, Nigeria
Abstract
The study examined the determinants of brand preference among young consumers in Ekiti State and Lagos state. The population comprised four Universities in Lagos state and Ekiti State while the total population consists of 136,000 in the four government owned Universities in both Lagos State and Ekiti State, Nigeria. The total sample size for this was 382. Descriptive statistics, such as frequency distributions, percentages and frequency tables, were used to summarize and relate variables which were obtained from the study. Simple regression analyses were used to determine the association between the variables and to test the hypotheses, with results for brand popularity (p = 0.000 < 0.05) and product attributes (p = 0.000 < 0.05). These results showed that brand popularity has a positive relationship with mobile phone brand preference in Ekiti State and Lagos State. The study concluded that customers will consider brand popularity when choosing a mobile phone; customers consider mobile phone features like durability, reliability and portability user friendliness; and size and color influence the choice the customers made of the mobile phone.
| 14 |
Author(s):
Okokon B. Attih (Ph.D.).
Page No : 196-208
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Pricing Strategies and Consumer Purchase Decision of Products in Department of Marketing, Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa Campus, Nigeria
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the relationship between pricing strategies and consumer purchase decision of products in the Department of Marketing, Akwa Ibom State University, Nigeria. The survey research design was used in the study. Data for the study were obtained through questionnaires administered to the respondents. The entire 220 respondents of the Department of Marketing were studied using a census sampling technique. Three hypotheses were formulated and tested at the 0.05 level of significance. Data obtained were analyzed using the descriptive and inferential methods. Descriptive statistics including mean, standard deviation, kurtosis and skewness were computed for all research variables while Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to examine the bivariate relationship between research variables. To test the stated hypotheses, multiple linear regression was used and statistical significance was established at 0.05. The findings of the study revealed a significant negative correlation between skimming pricing and consumer purchase decision (r = -.175, p<.05) while both penetrating pricing (r = .326, p<.05) and discount pricing (r = .781, p<.01) were found to have significant positive relationship with consumer purchase decision. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that manufacturers and marketers of products should continuously use a type of pricing strategy that is favorable to consumers to attract repeat purchases and patronage.
| 15 |
Author(s):
Didiugwu Sandra Chinecherem.
Page No : 209-225
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Group Cohesion and Workers’ Diversity in Selected Manufacturing Companies in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria.
Abstract
In the current competitive and global conditions, it is assumed that organizations with a diverse staff outperform those without. Diversity in the workforce broadens the pool of talent available to a business and allows its individuals to benefit from each other's backgrounds, experiences, and points of view. The workforce is varied because of diversity. This study examined the effect of worker diversity on group cohesion in selected manufacturing companies in the Enugu metropolis. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population of the study consists of the staff of two selected manufacturing companies in Enugu state namely; Innoson Group and Nigerian Breweries Plc. They are made up of two hundred and eighty-seven (287) respondents. Cochran sample size derivation statistic was used to derive the sample size of the study and the value yielded one hundred and sixty-four (164). A simple random sampling technique was used as the sampling technique for the reason that the method ensures an equal chance of selection among the respondents. The data for the study was collected with the aid of a questionnaire that is properly designed using the 5-scale Likert system. Data collected from the questionnaire were analyzed and interpreted accordingly with the aid of descriptive statistical techniques such as simple percentages and regression analysis. The major findings of the study showed that age diversity contributes positively and significantly to group cohesion in selected manufacturing companies in Enugu metropolis, ethnic diversity contributes positively and significantly to group cohesion in selected manufacturing companies in Enugu metropolis and gender diversity contributes positively and significantly to group cohesion. It is the recommendation of the study that the management of companies should ensure there are no internal forms of discrimination based on the diversity of the workforce and sometimes, diverse groups will start forming cliques of sameness in the organization. The management of these companies should watch out for these developments.
| 16 |
Author(s):
Idongesit Joshua Essien, Dr. Aniediabasi James Udom, Udoyiu Edem Udoyiu, Martin Ubong Christopher.
Page No : 226-237
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Food Quality and Customer Loyalty of Eateries in Uyo Metropolis, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study was necessitated by the quest to unravel the effect of food quality on customer loyalty at eateries in Uyo metropolis. The main objective of the study was to investigate the effect of food quality on customer loyalty at eateries in Uyo metropolis. The researcher adopted survey design as the main research design. The study was conducted in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Structured questionnaire was use as the main instrument of data collection. 296 customers were respondents for the study. The data from the field was analyzed using simple linear regression. The result revealed a significant relationship between food quality dimensions and customer loyalty. The researcher concluded that the variables of food quality do enhance customer loyalty to a very large extent and recommended that Mechanism should be put in place by management to provide instant fresh meal for customers rather than storing them for days and that food should be presented in an enticing and hygienic manner.
