| 1 |
Author(s):
Dr. Ahmed Gharira, Dr. Ahmed Gharira, Dr. Kalim Siddiqui.
Page No : 1-20
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The Impact of Psychological Capital on Entrepreneurship in Agriculture
Abstract
The aim of this study is to identify the psychological capital characteristics of agricultural entrepreneurship. Different factors influencing entrepreneurial behaviour were gathered from the relevant literature and were formulated as hypotheses to be tested based on an analysis of data obtained from a survey of 516 respondents, directly involved in agricultural ventures. These psychological capital factors, considered to be important in early-stage entrepreneurial activity, were evaluated using Partial Least Squares (PLS). The results show that Hope, Self-efficacy and Resilience were significant factors influencing Entrepreneurship, although the influence of resilience was indirect rather than direct. To the researcher’s knowledge, no previous study has specifically adopted an integrated approach demonstrating the effects of psychological capital on agricultural entrepreneurship.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Njeri M. Nancy, Musau Enock, Nyaoga B. Richard, Ngacho Christopher.
Page No : 21-46
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The Relationship Between Sensor Technology and Performance of Shipping Lines in Kenya: The Moderating Effect of International Maritime Regulations
Abstract
Over time, firms have adopted various measures to enable them to improve their performance; one such measure is the adoption of technology. Shipping lines’ performance, just like any other organisation’s performance, is highly pegged on proper implementation and use of the right technology. The need for technology adoption arises from the fact that Kenya’s shipping sector has been characterised by low logistics efficiency due to high transportation costs, delayed delivery, clearance at the port, the influx of substandard goods into the country as well as poor tracking and tracing. If well utilised, the sensor technology can help solve these problems. The objective of this study, therefore, was to assess the relationship between sensor technology and the performance of shipping lines in Kenya and the moderating effect of international maritime regulations. The main theory of the study was the technology acceptance model supported by the task technology fit theory, institutional theory and theory of the firm. The positivist research philosophy and explanatory survey research design were utilised in this study. The target population was all the 2835 respondents who are logistics, IT, sales and marketing and finance staff of the 53 shipping lines listed in Kenya business directory 2021. The study sample size was 438 respondents who were staff from four departments and was determined by the use of the Yamane formula. A random stratified sampling design was utilised to arrive at specific respondents. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to the respondents. A pilot study was conducted in Mombasa from six shipping lines using 10% of the sample size; 50 questionnaires, but only 44 were filled and returned. The questionnaire was tested for both validity and reliability. Reliability was tested using Cronbach's alpha index at 0.7, while the use of factor analysis ascertained validity. Quantitative data was appropriately coded and entered into SPSS version 20 for analysis to generate descriptive statistics (minimum, maximum, mean, standard deviation kurtosis and Skewness) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation coefficient, multiple linear regression and hierarchical regression model), which was then be presented in frequency tables and graphs. Results showed that there was a significant and positive relationship between sensor technology and the performance of shipping lines in Kenya. Also, international maritime regulations had a statistically significant moderating effect on the relationship between sensor technology and the performance of shipping lines in Kenya. It was concluded that shipping lines in Kenya utilised localisation technology to help in locating cargo during transportation, forecasting lead time accurately, mapping the route, eliminating delay, checking route deviation and tracking vessels. The study recommends that in order to enhance the shipping line's performance through efficient operations, the managers of these companies need to adopt and make use of the sensor technology.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Lindiwe Sibanda, Njabulo Ndlovu, Elton Vakira.
Page No : 47-68
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Enhancing Human Resource Functions through Digital Information Management Systems: The Moderating Role of Organisational Commitment
Abstract
The adoption and implementation of digital information management systems is largely viewed as a means for promoting efficiency in organisations. Conversely, the realisation of the benefits derived from full utilisation of integrated digital information management systems still remain distant, pointing to lack of efficiency for some universities, particularly in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa. This lack of efficiency on the part of some universities suggests the need for accelerated incremental or adaptive digital innovations which are regarded as antecedents for the full utilisation of digital information management systems. Owing to this, the purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of digital information management systems as an antecedent for human resource functions in promoting efficiency. The hypotheses are tested using a sample size of 202 comprising senior managers, heads of sections and human resource personnel. The authors identify enterprise resource planning and human resource information systems as factors that bring efficiency to human resource functions. Organisational efficiency is associated with sound human resource functions driven by full utilisation of digital information management systems. Furthermore, the realisation of efficiency requires commitment of resources by the organisation. The empirical outcomes suggest that the digital information management system in place is predominantly used for recruitment, training and development processes while performance management processes are largely done manually. This paper contributes to the research literature on the significance of digital information management systems utilisation particularly from Sub-Saharan Africa. Also, the study provides a new empirical test using a data set of 202 decision makers such as senior managers and heads of sections.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Glory Sunday Etim, Edim Eka James, Inyang Bassey Inyang, Eko Hodo Anna.
Page No : 69-85
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Word-of-Mouth Communication and Customer Patronage Behaviour Towards Smartphones
Abstract
Words are perceived to be powerful, especially in the viral digital age of today. This study focused on investigating the effect of word-of-mouth communication on customer patronage behavior towards smartphones. The specific factors examined were customer referral, celebrity endorsement, and social media. A cross-sectional survey research design was employed to gather primary data from 276 smartphone users, who responded to a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. The collected data underwent analysis using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, specifically multiple linear regression, conducted in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 23). The results indicated that customer referral, celebrity endorsement, and social media exerted significant positive influences on customer patronage behavior towards smartphones. Consequently, we suggest that smartphone marketers should implement incentive programs, capitalize on celebrity endorsements, and utilize social media platforms to attract new customers and foster positive recommendations for smartphone brands. From the limitations of this study, we proposed theoretical directions for future research.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Yakubu Abdullahi Yarima, Aishatu Ibrahim Gamawa, Auwal Ladan.
Page No : 86-96
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Survey of the Impact of Social Investment Programs Toward Beneficiaries’ Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Development in Nigeria
Abstract
In Nigeria, several governments have embarked on a number of social investment programs aimed at poverty reduction, job and wealth creation, economic growth, and positive social development. However, the extent of the impacts of these programs on the beneficiaries’ economic empowerment and entrepreneurship development is not yet ascertained in many parts of the country. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the extent of the impact present administration’s social investment program (N-SIP) towards beneficiaries’ economic empowerment and entrepreneurship development in Nigeria. This study's population comprised a total of 10,267 beneficiaries of the program from nine selected local government areas in Bauchi state. However, a total of 630 beneficiaries were chosen using a proportionate random sampling technique to serve as the sample of the study. Structured questionnaire forms on the impact of social investment programs on entrepreneurship development were used as the instrument for data collection in the study. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, and a t-test was used to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The results of the study revealed that there is a positive and significant relationship between N-SIP and beneficiaries’ economic empowerment. Furthermore, the results showed a significant relationship between N-SIP and entrepreneurship development in the country. These imply that social investment programs have significantly impacted the beneficiaries economically and also helped in the development of entrepreneurship in the country. This study provides valuable insights to numerous stakeholders in the area of social investment and entrepreneurship development. Finally, future directions of the study are also provided.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Nnabugwu Obiageli Chinwe, Dr. Ibekwe Ikechukwu Anthony.
Page No : 97-119
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Entrepreneurial Culture and Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Anambra State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study examines the role of entrepreneurial culture on performance of small and medium enterprises in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study aims to investigate the effect of entrepreneurial mindset, entrepreneurial leadership and entrepreneurial values on financial performance, marketing performance, and environmental performance. Relevant literature were reviewed. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The survey instrument used for data collection for the study was a structured questionnaire with 5 Likert scale responses. The population of study was 2093 made up of registered small and medium scale enterprises in Anambra State, Nigeria. The statistical formula by Borg and Gall was employed to determine the sample size of 408. The instruments were subjected to face and content validity. The reliability of the questionnaire was established through the test-retest and Cronbach Alpha. Simple percentage analysis was used in the analyzing research question. Hypotheses for the study were analyzed using Linear Regression Analysis (MRA). The study revealed that entrepreneurial mindset has a significant positive effect on financial performance, entrepreneurial leadership styles have a significant positive effect on sales performance of small and medium enterprises, and entrepreneurial value has a significant positive influence on marketing performance of small and medium enterprises. The study therefore concluded that entrepreneurial culture has a significant positive effect on the performance of small and medium enterprises in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study recommended that entrepreneurship education in universities should consider teaching techniques that require students’ to have hands-on enterprise experience as well as to practice entrepreneurial directed approach in improving entrepreneurial mindset. Government should encourage the facilitation of workshops and seminars for SMEs operators in order to help their improved entrepreneurial leadership styles for better organizational performance.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Isaac A. Power (Ph.D), Professor J.S. Oboreh.
Page No : 120-132
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Employee Training, Service Quality and Customers’ Patronage of Satellite Products and Services: Evidence from South-South, Nigeria
Abstract
This study investigated whether employee training and service quality influence customers’ patronage of satellite products/services companies in the South-South region of Nigeria. To do this, 400 questionnaires were administered, out of which 373 were completely retrieved and found usable. Data obtained in the survey were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. Findings indicated that there is a significant relationship between employee training, service quality and customer patronage of satellite products. The implication is that employee training and service quality serve as means of improving or enhancing the patronage of customers. Given that service quality positively affects customers’ patronage, there is a need for the management of satellite products/services to sustain their service quality mechanisms in order to attract more customers further. As a matter of fact, they should further strengthen their product by seeking more outlets or well-trained individuals who are capable of installing and repairing their products (decoders) when customers seek their attention. This study contributes to knowledge by using hybrid theories to describe employee training and service quality effects on customers’ patronage of satellite products/ services in Nigeria.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Ibobo Bridget Imuetinyan, Nzewi Hope Ngozi.
Page No : 133-148
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Strategic Thinking and Competitive Advantage: Evidence from the Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industry
Abstract
The focus of this study is on strategic thinking and competitive advantage in the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry. Competition is now based on knowledge, technology and the ability to serve customers fast and repeatedly. These are functions of strategic thinking in an organisation. We disaggregated strategic thinking into systems thinking, reflective thinking and creative thinking to ascertain their level of impact on the competitive advantage of firms in the pharmaceutical industry. Using data obtained from 91 employees drawn from three pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria, we adopted the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) technique in analysing the data. The analysis found significant effects of systems and creative thinking on the competitive advantage of pharmaceutical firms in Nigeria. In contrast, reflective thinking was not a significant component of the firm’s competitive advantage. The extraction effects of the components revealed that encouragement of individual employees through seeking their ideas on key decisions, leaders being part of the feedback process in the organisation, participative discussions and enhancement of practical skills of employees accounted for high variance in the firm’s strategic thinking and competitive advantage. The study concluded that companies in the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry have more attachment to systems thinking and creative thinking than reflective thinking. Part of the recommendations was adopting the strategic thinking process of plan, act, observe, reflect and plan again to enhance their competitive advantage in the pharmaceutical industry.
| 9 |
Author(s):
Dr. Gold Leton Kpurunee, Dr. Kingsley I. Amadi, Dr. Kabari Kpurunee.
Page No : 149-162
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Competitive Strategies and Organizational Performance of Corporate Enterprises in Nigeria
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between competitive strategies and organizational performance in corporate enterprises in Nigeria. The survey was based on five selected entrepreneurial companies with a sample size of 15 staff. Questionnaires were administered to the staff of the selected companies. Two hypotheses were formulated and tested, and the statistical tool Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to test the strength and direction of the relationship between the variables. Findings revealed that there is a relationship between competitive strategies and organizational performance. Therefore, it was concluded that to thrive in today’s business environment, corporate enterprises must adopt suitable competitive strategies, as these make up the life wire of an organization to create value, outwit competitors, and increase market share. Thus, we recommended that corporate enterprises should focus on strategies that improve their profit margins, quality of service and customer satisfaction; they should invest in customer relationship management to retain existing customers and upsell additional products or services; and they should leverage technology to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs and improve product/service quality.
| 10 |
Author(s):
Onwuegbuzie H.N., Agboola O.W..
Page No : 163-189
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Temporal Effects on Perception of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from Nigeria
Abstract
Purpose: The motivation for this study stemmed from inconsistent attribution of sources of business challenges by entrepreneurs at the beginning and the end of a 3-month entrepreneurship development programme. While the entrepreneurs' general perception was that Nigeria's business environment was not conducive to entrepreneurship, some opinions shifted from inadequate funding to A lack of entrepreneurial skills by the end of the training. This study uses Nigeria as a case study to investigate the role of temporal effects on entrepreneurs’ perception of entrepreneurial ecosystems in Sub-Saharan Africa. Methodology: Quantitative time series analysis was deployed to analyse variables that are representative of the elements of the entrepreneurship ecosystem within the frameworks of the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and mixed data sampling (MIDAS) models. Findings: The study provides evidence that temporal effects may confound entrepreneurs’ assessment of the impact of certain entrepreneurial ecosystem elements on entrepreneurial outcomes. Originality: The study contributes to the attribution theory of entrepreneurial learning by providing evidence that temporal effects have the potential to influence entrepreneurs’ attribution of business failure and the entrepreneurial learning that may arise from there.
| 11 |
Author(s):
Dr. Daniel Dare Joseph , Dr. Chukwuemeka Emeka Joshua.
Page No : 190-209
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Appraisal of Leadership Styles on the Organisational Performance of National Agricultural Seeds Council, Abuja Nigeria
Abstract
The study examined leadership styles on the organisational performance of the national agricultural seeds council, Abuja. The focus of the study is to get rid of the market of fake and adulterated seeds and to see how leadership style could influence organisational performance optimally considering various leadership styles available and which of them could motivate the employees to work enthusiastically in achieving the desired result in National Agricultural Seeds Council, Abuja (NASC). The study adopted survey research design and with a structured questionnaire as the research instrument. The population of the study was 176 respondents. And the whole population was adopted since it was not too large. Out of 176 copies of questionnaire administered, 156 were returned which represented 88.6% of the return rate and was used for analysis. It was analysed using frequency distribution and simple percentages, while the multiple regression and correlation were used to test the hypotheses formulated. The results revealed that there exists a positive relationship between leadership styles and organisational performance. This showed that there is a significant positive effect of leadership style on the performance of the organisation. The study concludes that all leadership styles show a positive relationship to performance. Based on the findings, the study recommended that organisations should rather use a combination of different leadership styles depending on the organisation as no one leadership style is superior to the other.
