| 1 |
Author(s):
Odiri V.I.O. (Ph.D).
Page No : 1-21
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Workplace Incivility and Firms’ Productivity in Nigeria: Evidence from Governmental Enterprises
Abstract
This study examined workplace incivility and firms’ productivity in Nigeria with evidence from governmental tertiary institutions. The specific objectives were to find out the effects of discrimination and sexual harassment on firms’ productivity as well as if organizational culture is a moderating factor affecting the relationship between workplace incivility and firms’ productivity. Survey research design was adopted and the study population comprised 306 employees of selected tertiary institutions in Delta State. Taro-Yemane formula was used to arrive at a sample size of 176 respondents and the data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The results indicated that discrimination and sexual harassment has significant effects on firms’ productivity. It was also revealed that organizational culture served as a moderating factor affecting firms’ productivity. Based on the findings, the study concluded that workplace incivility affects firms’ productivity. It was recommended among others that the management of governmental tertiary institutions need to protect workers against discrimination and encourage them to respect each other’s differences in order to reduce labour turnover and increase employees’ retention in the organization. They should also ensure that policies against discrimination are enacted and enforced; allegations of discrimination need to be fully investigated and handed over to employees’ disciplinary committee if any exist for appropriate actions.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Egrinya Francis Ogabo (Ph.D), Omang Cornelius Etianghe, Gududgu Emmanuel Tersugh.
Page No : 22-52
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Innovation as Change Strategy and The Diversification of Manufacturing Firms in North Central Nigeria
Abstract
The study sought to determine the impact of innovation as change strategy and diversification of manufacturing firms in North Central, Nigeria. The imperativeness of innovation in the manufacturing sector has made the strategy impeccable for any organization to do without. The specific objectives of the study were : (i) To a large extent technological innovation effect the quality of goods produced by manufacturing firms in North Central, Nigeria; (ii) Determine the extent to which process innovation techniques enhances competitive advantages of manufacturing firms in North Central, Nigeria; (iii) To what extent does marketing innovation enhances large market shares of manufacturing firms in North Central, Nigeria. The study adopted the survey design, were the researcher selected a total of 18 manufacturing firms with a population of 60 respondents made up of CEO and management staff of the manufacturing firms in North Central, Nigeria; as the study population as well as the sample size. Primary data was used for the study and collected through the use of structured five-point likert scale questionnaire and interview method. The hypotheses were tested using simple linear regression for hypothesis one and two; meanwhile hypothesis three was tested using Pearson product moment correlation technique. The findings revealed that: to a large extent there is significant positive effect of technological innovation on the quality of goods produced by manufacturing firms in North Central, Nigeria (r = .724, p < 0.05). To a large extent process innovation techniques enhances competitive advantages of manufacturing firms in North Central, Nigeria (r = .738, p < 0.05). Marketing innovation enhances large market shares of manufacturing firms in North central, Nigeria ( r= .741, p<0.05 ). Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that innovation strategy should be enhanced by manufacturing firms as a means for their survival and diversification. More so, the proponent strategy should be embed as it tends to enhance efficiency of systems, goods produced and service delivery in a coherent and tactical manner. More importantly managers should embark on innovation training of their employees as this tends to ensure optimization of resource allocation, by prioritizing the areas that have the most significant impact on their target market that would bring about diversification of manufacturing process.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Samuel G. Etuk, Unyime E. Udonde.
Page No : 53-75
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Mobile Marketing and Consumer’s Purchase Decisions among Students of Tertiary Institutions in Akwa Ibom State
Abstract
This study was carried out to assess the relationship between mobile marketing and purchase decisions of students in the tertiary institutions. The researchers adopted a survey research technique in the study. The population size was students of three tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom State and a sample size of 366 employees was studied. The mobile marketing variables (independent variables) considered in the study were Short Message Service, Mobile Website and Social Media Marketing. The dependent variable was Consumer’s Purchase Decision. Research questions were answered using frequency, mean and standard deviation. The hypotheses stated were tested using Spearman Correlation Coefficient at a 5% level of significance. From the data analysis, the major findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between the dimensions of mobile marketing variables (Short Message Service, Mobile Website and Social Media Marketing) and consumer’s purchase decision of Nigerian students in the tertiary institutions. From the findings, it was concluded that there was a positive and significant relationship between mobile marketing and consumer’s purchase decision of Nigerian students in Akwa Ibom State. In line with this, it was recommended that companies should endeavor to influence their customers’ purchase decisions by making their products accessible through mobile devices platforms to interact with their customers and keep them informed of new product features.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Ifekanandu Chukwudi Christian, Renner Blessing Awaji-ima.
Page No : 76-89
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Innovation Strategies and Sales Performance of Food and Beverages Firms in Rivers State
Abstract
The study examined the relationship between Innovation Strategies and Sales Performance of food and beverage firms in Rivers State. The study adopted descriptive survey design using a quantitative approach; the population comprised of 25 Food and Beverages Firms in Rivers State. Sequel to the population of the study, which is 25 food and beverages firms, the study adopted a census study with a focus on the managerial staff (production manager, quality control manager, marketing manager and procurement manager). The questionnaire was distributed in the frame of four (4) copies per firm. A total of one hundred (100) copies of the questionnaire were distributed. The reliability of the instrument was determined using the Cronbach's alpha test. The data collected for this study were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The Spearman Rank Order Correlation Technique was employed to test the various hypotheses formulated. It was confirmed that innovation strategies via its dimensions showed a significant relationship with sales performance of food and beverage firms in Rivers State. The study concluded that innovation strategies are significant predictors of sales performance of food and beverage firms in Rivers State. The study recommends amongst others that food and beverage firms in Rivers State that are experiencing low sales performance should embark on incremental innovation as this would increase their level of performance and that they should adopt radical innovation strategy by making some major adjustments to their existing products as this would attract more customers to the firm and increase their sales.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Christian Amadi, Mpuon Joseph Akam, Nneoyi Nnana Arikpo, Robert Owoade.
Page No : 90-105
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The Effect of Warehousing in Logistics Performance of Shipping Firms in Nigeria
Abstract
The demand for businesses to develop new methods to generate value and distribute it to consumers is rising in the highly challenging global market in recent times. This has forced the development of more effective and efficient warehousing techniques in the shipping industry. This study empirically investigated the role of warehousing in the logistics performance of shipping companies in Nigeria. Data were obtained from registered shipping enterprises and warehouse operators in Nigeria to test the hypotheses. Descriptive and inferential statistics were tools for data analysis. The conclusions of the investigation indicated that warehousing impacts shipping Companies' logistics performance significantly. Based on the findings from the results, it was established that if warehousing activities are successfully implemented in shipping companies, their logistics performance will be improved rapidly. Therefore, it was recommended that logistics managers and warehousing operators should devise strategies for improving their warehousing activities to achieve effective and efficient logistics performance.
| 6 |
Author(s):
OBAFEMI Olumuyiwa Olugbenga (Ph.D.), AKANBI Paul Ayobami (Prof.).
Page No : 106-123
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Effect of Customer Rewards and Incentives on Organizational Performance in Some Selected Publishing Companies in South-Western Nigeria
Abstract
In today's dynamic business landscape marked by rapid changes in customer preferences and market dynamics, organizations acknowledge the crucial importance of fostering lasting relationships with their clients. This study examined the relationship between customer rewards and organizational performance within selected publishing companies operating in the vibrant business environment of South-Western Nigeria. This research utilized a cross-sectional survey methodology, engaging a sample of 401 employees representing 40 publishing companies situated in Oyo State, Nigeria. The selection of participants was meticulously conducted through a straightforward random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire, incorporating Likert scale questions, served as the primary tool for data collection. This instrument was designed to gather comprehensive data encompassing demographic characteristics, customer rewards and incentives (independent variable), and organizational performance (dependent variable). The study found a significant and positive impact of customer rewards and incentives on organizational performance, with real-life implications for strategic decision-making. The research emphasizes the need for tailored rewards programs, considering factors like word-of-mouth marketing, customer loyalty, and financial impact. This study contributes valuable insights for businesses seeking to optimize customer relationships and enhance organizational success.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Edim Eka James, Uguru Anthony Inyang, Roberts Owoade David, Glory Sunday Etim, Udoh Blessing Kuseme.
Page No : 124-145
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Determinants of Consumer Purchase Behaviour Towards Fairly-Used Smartphones among Nigerian University Students
Abstract
The study examined the determinants of consumer purchase behaviour towards fairly-used smartphones among Nigerian University students. It sought to determine the effects of product price, socio-economic status, product quality, brand attributes and sellers’ credibility on students’ purchase behaviour towards fairly-used smartphones. Cross-sectional survey research design was adopted to guide the collection of primary data from 357 undergraduates through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were applied for data analysis and interpretation, while the hypotheses developed for the study were tested using multiple linear regression. The findings of the study revealed that in order of relative importance, sellers’ credibility, product quality, product price, brand attributes and consumers’ socio-economic status had significant positive effects on students’ purchase behaviour towards smartphones in a university context. On this basis, we recommended that marketers of fairly-used smartphones should align prices with product quality, consider socio-economic factors when targeting students, and prioritize consistent delivery of high-quality standards, including phone age, ease of repairability, and functionality, to enhance appeal and attract increased patronage. From the limitations of this study, we proposed theoretical directions for future research.
