International Journal of Business and Management Research

Preliminary Page

Rita Anekwe PhD — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

About the Journal
International Journal of Business and Management Research (IJBMR) is an academic journal published bi-annually by the Department of Business Administration, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. IJBMR aims at providing an
intellectual platform for researchers in Management Sciences, Social Sciences and Allied Areas to publish their scholarly empirical and theoretical research papers with a view to disseminating knowledge across the globe. Interdisciplinary researches are also
encouraged in IJBMR to foster creativity and innovation practices in management and social sciences.
This peer-reviewed journal publishes only original manuscripts that have not been published, or under consideration for publication elsewhere, and once accepted for publication cannot be published somewhere else in whole or part without approval from
IJBMR Editorial Board. Open Access Policy As a fully Open Access journal, IJBMR provides immediate open access to all its contents
to make quality research freely accessible and available to the public thereby boosting greater global exchange of knowledge.

WORK LIFE BALANCE AND EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT OF DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Dr. Anekwe, Rita Ifeoma, Akaegbobi, Grace, Dr. Kekeocha, Mary — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In today’s competitive world, work life balance has become a predominant issue in the workplace. Work-family conflict presents unfavorable consequences such as stress, job dissatisfaction and low performance. The study explores the effect of work life balance on employee engagement of Deposit Money Banks in Anambra State. Descriptive survey research design was adopted and a population of 275 was used from three notable banks branches located in Onitsha, Awka and Nnewi. Taro Yamane formula was used to determine a sample of 163. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire. Bio data of respondents were presented using simple frequency and percentage tables while Hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The result revealed that there is a positive and significant relationship between work scheduling and cognitive engagement of employees; and between leave policy and employee social engagement. The study therefore concluded that balancing work and family life of employees such as leave practice, and work scheduling significantly attracts employee engagement. Therefore, the study recommended that leave policy should be reviewed to grant leave practice to all members of the organization rather than pregnant and nursing mothers.

MANAGERIAL COMPETENCY AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN ALUMINIUM FIRMS IN SOUTH EAST, NIGERIA

Osisioma Hilda, E. (PhD), Ugiagbe, Maxwell — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In the entire ambit of human resources management, nothing has a more disastrous effect on a firm’s performance like managerial incompetence. Thus, this study explored the relationship between managerial competency and performance of Aluminium Firms in
South East, Nigeria. However, the specific objective include: To determine the relationship between teamwork and productivity of Aluminium Firms in South East, Nigeria; The study adopted descriptive survey design. A sample size of 265 respondents was drawn from a population of eight hundred and fifty-two (852) employees in twenty selected Aluminium Firms in South East, Nigeria. The instrument used for data collection was structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to present data generated while Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to test the hypothesis. The results showed that there was a positive significant relationship between teamwork competence and organisational productivity of Aluminium Firms in South East, Nigeria with the values (r = 0.784, and p-value = 0.000). The implication of this finding is that managerial competence is an important managerial tool that influences employee’s commitment to hire organisational performance in Aluminium firms in South East, Nigeria. This shows that managerial competence adopted by the Aluminium firms has helped to secure different degrees of organisational performance. The study concluded that there is a relationship between managerial competency and performance of Aluminium Firms in South East,
Nigeria. The study recommends that owners and managers of Aluminium Firms should adopt team work competence through training for improved organizational productivity.

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE OF ANAMBRA STATE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE

Uzodike, Ngozi Justina, Akaegbobi, Grace Nwanonigwe — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The study is focused on the effect of human resources management on employee’s performance of Anambra State Internal Revenue Service. Human resource management is an integral part of business strategy and the main focus of this strategy is to achieve
organizational objectives. One research question and one hypothesis guided the study. The study made used of descriptive Survey research design. The study was carried out in Anambra State Board of Internal Revenue Service and the data collected through the use
of questionnaire served as primary source of data, while the secondary sources of data were collected through the journals and the internet for the study. The population and the sample size were determined. The research findings revealed that there is a significant
relationship between human resources management and employees’ productivity. It was recommended that effective recruitment and selection attracts the right quality and quantity of people, develops the knowledge, skills, and abilities of employees, and retains employees within the organization.

MANAGEMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY AND ELECTORAL PROCESS FOR SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Dr. Obi, Chioma, Dr. Abara, Chinenye Gladys, Chinyere Seraphine — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

This study examined the relationship between management, accountability, electoral process and economic development. The study was carried out using selected legislative staff from six local government in Imo State; two local government were selected from each
senatorial zones of Imo State. The study formulated three research questions and hypotheses. Data for the study was generated from the primary source as the questionnaire was the major instrument used in generating the data. From a population size of 195 the
researcher derived a sample size of 131 using Yamene’s formula The hypotheses were tested with Theil-Sen regression technique so as to measure the “significance” of the degree of relationships existing between the dependent and independent variables. The
findings showed that there is a significant nexus between management and economic development. Further findings showed that accountability significantly relate to economic development. Also, there is a significant relationship between electoral process and
economic development. Based on the findings, the study recommends that in order to enhance economic development, good governance practices, implementing prudent economic policies, Long-term strategic planning, and innovation should be encouraged.
The study further recommended that establishing transparent processes, accountability mechanisms, and regulatory oversight ensure responsible economic management and reduce corruption risks. The study went further to recommend that free, fair, and
transparent electoral processes are foundational for democracy, political stability, and the protection of individual rights, which are essential for sustainable economic development.

CREDIT RISK MANAGEMENT AND PROFITABILITY OF DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA.

Akinroluyo, Bankole Isaac — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The survival of Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) are largely dependent on efficient management of risk associated with lending that will ensure capital adequacy and resilience to external shocks in order to avoid bank failure. The objectives were to: investigate the impact of non-performing loan, capital adequacy), cost efficiency and lending ratio on profitability deposit money banks in Nigeria. Ex-post facto research design was employed for this study. The population of the study consist of 32 listed deposit money banks on the floor of Nigeria stock market as at December, 2020. A sample of five (5) banks was purposively selected for this study. The study used secondary data obtained from audited annual financial statements of the selected deposit money banks and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) annual reports for the periods between 2005 and 2020. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), which uses SmartPLS for the structural and measurement model and Eviews 9 for descriptive analysis, was employed to analyze data collected. The
findings of this study were that non-performing loan (NPL) has negative significant impact on profitability of deposit money banks in Nigeria with (β = -0.327, t = -3.222 at p-value< 0.05); capital adequacy (CA) has positive significant impact on profitability of deposit
money banks in Nigeria with (β = 0.252, t = 2.612 at p-value < 0.05); cost efficiency(CE) has positive significant impact on profitability of deposit money banks in Nigeria with (β= 0.214, t = 2.153 at p-value < 0.05); and average lending ratio(ALR) has positive significant impact on profitability of deposit money banks in Nigeria with (β = 0.233, t = 2.890 at p-value < 0.05). The study concluded that credit risk management has impact on profitability of Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria. The study therefore recommended that the management of deposit money banks should develop strategies that will reduce the nonperforming loan so as to enhance the profitability of deposit money banks in Nigeria.

E-GOVERNANCE AND PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA

CHIEKEZIE, OBIANUJU MARY, ANIEKWE MARYROSE OBIAGELI — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The seeming absence of contemporary technology in many public sector organisations has affected administrative processes, increased bureaucratic inefficiencies, and reduced the accessibility and quality of public services. This study ascertained the relationship that exist between E-governance and the performance of public sector management in Nigeria. The specific objectives focused on ascertaining the degree to which technology infrastructure relates to policy implementation in the public sector management, determining the extent to which digital service availability correlates with the level of service delivery in public sector management and examining the level to which administrative efficiency relates to transparency and accountability in the public sector
management. The study was anchored on change management theory that originated from the work of Kurt Lewin in the 1940s. The sample size was 20 (2 management staff from 10 public organisations in Anambra State, Nigeria) purposively obtained from the infinite population. Pearson`s Products Moment Correlation was used to test the formulated hypotheses. Findings revealed that technology infrastructure significantly relates to policy implementation in public sector management. Again, digital service availability
significantly correlates with the level of service delivery in public sector management, while administrative efficiency significantly relates to transparency and accountability in public sector management at a 5% significance level. The study concluded that by investing in technology infrastructure, expanding digital service availability, and enhancing administrative efficiency, the government can leverage digital innovations to deliver better services, enhance governance outcomes, and promote inclusive and sustainable
development. The study, therefore, recommended among others that the Nigerian government need to prioritise investments in upgrading and modernising digital infrastructure, including internet connectivity, hardware, and software systems, and support more efficient policy implementation for quality public services.

PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT INDICATORS AND UTILITY MAXIMIZATION OF SELECTED ALUMINUM FIRMS IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Nwankwo, Cathrine Nkechi, Dr. Ajike, Ada Kalu — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The study was designed to investigate Production Management Indicators and Utility Maximization of Selected Aluminum Firms in Delta State, Nigeria. However, the objective of the study was to determine the influence of product count on consumer marginal utility of selected Aluminum firms in Delta State and examine the effect of product rate on consumers' satisfaction of selected aluminum firms in Delta State. A structural administered questionnaire was used as the research instrument. The population of this study was two hundred and ninety-three (293) respondents. The sample size were determined using Krejcie and Morgan, 1970 table of sample
size determination as adopted from (Olannye, 2017) the sample size is One Hundred and Sixty nine (169) questionnaire were administered to the staff of Hi-Tech Alumninum, Nefkon Aluminum Nigeria, Whictech Group Limited, Kimbo Aluminum Nigeria Ltd and Viscalo Aluminum Company. Out of which (157) 93% were submitted and properly filled while twelve (12) 7% were not submitted. The study adopted a descriptive research design the responds gotten from the structural administered questionnaire through Google form was coded in SPSS for data analysis. Data collected for the study will be analyzed using percentages, mean scores and frequencies. A mean value of 2.50 was used as a benchmark for the study. The study reveals that product count has influence on consumer marginal utility in Aluminum Companies as the grand mean obtained was 2.93 which is within judgment as the benchmark is 2.5 mean value. The study recommended that Customer orientation indicates utility maximisation and other marketing orientations play an indisputable role in production management in the modern and turbulent market environment.

ORGANIZATIONAL CLIMATE AND ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOUR IN PLASTIC MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN NIGERIA

Eze, Solomon Uchechukwu, Anoke, Amechi Fabian, Nzewi, Hope Ngozi — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and organizational environment are critical components of Nigerian plastic manufacturing companies' performance and success. In the setting of plastic manufacturing companies in Anambra State, this study investigates the connection between organizational environment and OCB. The study used a descriptive research survey approach and examines information gathered from 156 employees of plastic manufacturing companies who answered a standard questionnaire. The findings show a strong correlation between generosity and job advancement as well as between a positive working environment and sportsmanship. The results indicate that in order to increase corporate citizenship behavior, businesses should concentrate on expanding career development options and creating a pleasant collaboration environment. These techniques will result in higher output, lower employee attrition, and better organizational performance in Nigeria's plastic manufacturing sector.

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND STUDENTS’ SATISFACTION IN FEDERAL, STATE AND PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN ANAMBRA STATE

Akaegbobi, Grace N., Prof. Nkamnebe, Anayo D — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Owing to the dynamic and competitive nature of the present global business environment, organisations are besieged with information overload. Hence, higher institutions of learning must maintain effective Information Management Practices (IMP) in order to keep up with the trend, satisfy customers and increase organisational level of performance. However, it was observed that some students believe that the current information service delivery of the universities is subpar, leading to frustration, confusion, and reduced satisfaction levels. The study focused on information management practices and students’ satisfaction in Universities with the following specific objectives; to ascertain the relationship between information sensing and students’ satisfaction and to examine the
relationship between information Processing and students’ satisfaction. The population of the study is 300 respondents made up of ICT workers and students in 6 universities in Anambra state. The survey research design was employed in the relationship study with a
sample size of 270 respondents gotten using the Yamane’s formula for sample size determination. Two-way ANOVA was employed in validating the hypotheses with the aid of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The findings of the study revealed that there is no relationship between information sensing and students’ satisfaction and there is no significant relationship between information processing and students’ satisfaction. Consequently, it was recommended that the university should reassess information sensing
and information processing within the university context. Also, the university should establish a system for ongoing monitoring and improvement of information management practices.

CUSTOMER-CENTERED STRATEGY AND PERFORMANCE OF IDAH POLY MULTI-PURPOSE COOPERATIVE SOCIETY, IDAH, KOGI STATE

Ibrahim, Audu Mohammed, Hope Ngozi Nzewi, Mary Obianuju Chiekezie — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

This study examined the relationship between Customer-Centered Strategy and Performance of Idah Poly Multi-purpose Cooperative Society, Kogi State. The study’s specific objective was to examine the relationship between customer driven strategy and customer retention, in the Cooperative Society. The study was anchored on the Resource Based View Theory (RBV). To achieve the objective of the study, a survey research design was employed. The population of the study was the Management, staff of the Cooperative
Society and member/customers. The population is 8 members of the management staff and 10 accounting employees and 476 members-customers. Complete enumeration (18 population size) was adopted for the management staff and employees but a sample size of 203. Therefore, a sample size of 221 was statistically drawn for all the respondents. Primary data was used for the study and was collected through self-administered copies of questionnaire. The data collected was analysed with the aid of descriptive and parametric statistical tools. The parametric instrument used to test the study’s hypothesis was simple linear regression. The study found a significant positive relationship between customer driven strategy and customer retention (r=0.8905, P-value < 0.05). Hence, the study concludes that Customer-centered Strategy will improve the performance of the Cooperative Society, if properly implemented in the firm’s strategic horizon. Sequel to the findings, the study recommends that the cooperative society should create a good amount of responsiveness strategy for any possible future change in service design so that introduction of new service and derivatives of existing ones can conveniently be made to match customers’ tastes in terms of service varieties.

EMPLOYEE COMMITMENT AND EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT IN HOSPITALITY FIRMS IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Idigo, Peter Ifeanyi Ph.D, Ngozi Comfort Okeke Ph.D — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The study took a cursory look on the relationship between employees’ engagement and commitment among hospitality industries in Anambra State, Nigerian. In order to comprehend the significance of employees’ engagement and commitment in hospitality
firms in Anambra State, Nigeria, the study examines pertinent literature and evaluates empirical research done in the study area. The study employed quantitative research design.2050 workers of hospitality companies in Anambra State make up the study's
population. Primary data was gathered using a standardized questionnaire. Using the Borg and Gall formula, the study's sample size of 384 was established. Simple random selection was used. Utilizing multiple regression analysis, the gathered data was analyzed.
The results demonstrate the favorable correlation between employee engagement and commitment and a number of organizational variables, including staff retention, profitability, and customer satisfaction. The study recommends that there is a need to boost
engagement and commitment, by fostering a positive work atmosphere, offering chances for growth, and encouraging equitable behavior.

BUSINESS CONSULTANCY SERVICES AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF MICRO, SMALL MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (MSMES) IN AWKA-SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT

IFEANY, Titus Tochukwu, ONWUCHEKWA, Faith Chidi, JOHN, Precious Oluebube — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The study investigates effect of business consultancy Services on financial performance of micro, small and medium enterprises. Specifically, the study examines the extent MSMEs seeks the services of business consultancy, the roles of business consultancy on financial performance of MSMEs, how business consultancy enhance financial performance of MSMEs, the challenges facing business consultancy and the relationship that exist between business consultancy and financial performance of selected MSMEs in Awka-south
Anambra state. The study was anchored on functionalist theory by werr and styhre(2003). The study adopted survey research design and a sample of 204 was determined using Taro Yamane. Primary source of data was generated through structured questionnaire. The
collected data were coded and presented using simple frequency and percentage tables. Data relating to the study were analyzed using mean while hypothesis was tested using simple regression with statistical packages for social sciences. The findings indicated that there is a statistically strong positive significant effect of business consultancy on financial performance of MSMEs in Awka-South Anambra state. The study recommended that there should be concerted efforts to promote the availability and accessibility of business consultancy services to MSMEs. Training and capacity building programs should be organized to enhance the skills knowledge of business consultant. Consultants should customize their services to meet the specific needs and challenges. There should be mechanisms in place to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of business consultancy services in improving the financial performance.

Information Technology Adoption and Sustainability Performance of Manufacturing firms in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects

Dr Joy Ndidiamaka Okoye, Dr. Chidi E. Nwokike, Dr. Ebele Victoria Ezeneme — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

This research explored the current state of information technology (IT) adoption in Nigerian manufacturing firms, focusing on challenges and prospects for sustainable business practices. The study assessed the level of IT adoption, identify integration challenges, and explored potential benefits for sustainable practices. Drawing on a comprehensive literature review, the research employed content analysis and adopted Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory to provide theoretical underpinning. The findings
highlighted disparities in IT adoption among manufacturing firms, with challenges stemming from internal factors, financial constraints, infrastructure limitations, societal influences, and governmental policies. The positive impacts of IT adoption on sustainable practices are evident, including enhanced competitiveness, improved productivity, and positive economic contributions. The study recommends training programs, financial support mechanisms, infrastructure development, cultural awareness initiatives, and strengthened government support as strategies to overcome barriers and promote IT adoption in the Nigerian manufacturing sector. The findings contribute valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers seeking to enhance the
sustainable performance of manufacturing firms through effective IT integration.

DISRUPTION IN IGBO APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME: IMPLICATIONS FOR ENTREPRENEIRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA

Dr. EZINNE M. KEKEOCHA, Prof. Ezimma K. NNABUIFE — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The Igbo ethnic group in Nigeria is known for achieving appreciable success in business and entrepreneurial activities. This study examines possible disruptions, challenges and limitations on Igbo apprenticeship (Igba Boyi) and the implications for entrepreneurial
development in South-east Nigeria. Applying conceptual analysis, the study critically surf the literature and investigate the major areas covering the concept of Igbo apprenticeship (Igba Boyi), various types of apprenticeship, the relationship between apprenticeship and
entrepreneurship, history behind Igba boyi apprenticeship and recent disruptions’ or challenges bedeviling the Igba Boyi in South East Nigeria. Findings revealed that there is dishonesty on the side of the mentor and the apprentice. that it was towards the expiration
of the agreed apprenticeship period in some cases that Masters accuse the apprentice of frivolous crimes and send them away just to avoid their contractual obligations and thus deprive them of the settlement entitlements. In conclusion, dishonesty on the part of the
Master or the apprentice is a source of disruption to the good intentions of the Igba-Boyi apprenticeship scheme. The policy implications to the government and financial institutions in Nigeria are to play mediating roles between the master and apprentice by introducing insurance scheme for “Igba boyi” to enable the apprentice to access start-up capital grants in case their “Oga” (mentor) fails to settle them at the completion of their apprenticeship.

EMPLOYEE PARTICIPATION AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN SELECTED FAST FOOD FIRMS IN AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE

Chukwujama, Ngozi Comfort, Ihim, Maureen Chinenye, Dr Nwangwu, Chinyere Jacinta — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Employee participation and Organisational performance is a crucial aspect of organizational management that has gained increasing attention in recent years. The specific objectives were focused on the relationship between employee engagement and organizational productivity and the relationship between staff innovation and financial performance in selected Fast Food Firms, Awka, Anambra State. This study is anchored on goal setting theory by Edwin Locke 1968. The study adopted Descriptive Survey Research Design and simple random sampling technique was used to select the Fast Food firms in Awka, Anambra State. The population of the study is 150 staff and Taro Yamane’s formula was used to determine the sample size of 109. Findings revealed there is a positive relationship between employee engagement and organizational productivity, there is no positive relationship between staff innovation and financial performance. The study concludes that management should determine what is needed by both the environment and
the sector in which they operate so as to determine the necessary decision making to build so as to ensure timely accomplishment of task. The study recommended that there is need to examine performance for the purpose of identifying employee participation in decision making gap so as to organize necessary developmental programmes for the organization, secondly: there should be enquiry into the necessary tools and technology that facilitates work process so as to incorporate innovation for easy adaptations to changes in the environment.

OPERATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED COMMERCIAL BANKS IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The study examined the effect of system and technology risk on the organizational performance of selected commercial banks in Anambra State, Nigeria. The population of the study was three hundred and twenty (320) employees of the selected banks in Anambra.
300 copies of the questionnaire were returned and certified fit for the study. Census method was employed because of the manageable size of the population. Descriptive survey design was employed in the collection of data which were analyzed using correlation analysis, and the hypotheses were tested at a 5% level of significance A five-point Likert structured questionnaire was deployed in eliciting data from the respondents. The Cronbach Alpha was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. The Cronbach Alpha value of 0.637 and 0.694 respectively were obtained. The study employed Regression method to determine
the effect of operational risk management and performance of selected commercial banks understudy. System and technology risk has a t-statistics of -3.014 and a probability value of 0.003 which is statistically significant. Thus, we reject the null hypothesis and accept the alternate hypothesis which states that system and technology risk has a significant effect on organizational performance of selected commercial banks in Anambra State, Nigeria. Therefore, the study recommended that, the management of banks should institute measures on system access and navigation, as well limit system abuse by staff and bank customers. This could be made manifest by establishing data protocols with authorized access to information on the system.

GOVERNMENT INTERVENTIONIST AGENCIES AND GROWTH OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The study examined the relationship between government intervention programmes and growth of Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Anambra State, Nigeria. The objective of the study was to ascertain the relationship between government intervention programmes and growth of SMEs in Anambra State, Nigeria. The population of the study is 250 owners of SMEs in selected commercial cities in Anambra State, Nigeria; and out of 250 copies of questionnaire distributed for the study, 200 copies were retrieved and used
for the analysis. Descriptive survey design was employed in the collection of data which were analyzed using correlation analysis, and the hypotheses were tested at a 5% level of significance. From the analysis, a correlation coefficient of .998 was arrived at, which
shows that, there is a positive correlation between government interventionist programmes and growth of SMEs in Anambra State, Nigeria. Equally, it was established that the coefficient level between government interventionist programmes and growth of SMEs in
Anambra State, Nigeria is high, and that correlation coefficient is significant at 0.01 levels (.000<0.01). Therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected, and alternate accepted which states that there is a significant relationship between government interventionist programmes and growth of SMEs in Anambra State, Nigeria. Therefore, the study recommended the need for more public private partnerships in programme design, monitoring and evaluation due to political interference in government intervention programmes in Anambra State, Nigeria.

INCREMENTAL INNOVATION AND COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE OF TEXTILE INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA

Ogochukwu Sheila Asogwa, Hope Ngozi Nzewi, Chiedozie Marius Okafor — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The study explored the relationship between incremental innovation and competitive advantage of textile industry in Nigeria. The specific objectives were to determine the extent of relationship that exists between design innovation and price leadership of textile
industry in Nigeria; and to ascertain the nature of relationship that exists between timely delivery of products and channels of distribution of textile industry in Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was employed and Pearson product moment correlation coefficient was utilized to test the formulated hypotheses at 5% (percent) level of significance. Finding revealed that there were statistically significant positive relationships that exist between the variables. It is recommended that the managers of the textile industry in Nigeria need to review their product designs occasionally in order to maintain their price leadership. In addition, the strategic managers need to ensure and sustain the timely delivery of textile materials so as to maintain their competitive advantage. We therefore advocate for regular incremental innovation that serves as positive business disruption which drive competitive advantage of textile industry in Nigeria.

WOMEN SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS ON AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES AND AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Okafor Ifeoma Pethronila, Nwagbala Chinelo Stella, Oranusi Ifeanyichukwu N — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The Nigerian agricultural system has not been living up to expectations, despite the wide range of programs, policies, and approaches that have been formulated for its enhancement and sustenance. Socio-economic factors affecting women's use of agricultural extension services in Anambra state cannot be over-emphasized. This study dwelt on examining the effect of Socioeconomic characteristics on women's agricultural cooperatives and agricultural extension services in Anambra State, Nigeria. A multistage
random sampling technique was employed in the selection of 399 women agricultural cooperative members. Data collected were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics via SPSS version 23. The descriptive statistics used included frequency,
percentage, weighted mean, and a five-point Likert scale while ANOVA was used for the test of the hypothesis formulated. The result of the hypothesis revealed that the socioeconomic factors of the women cooperative members have a significant effect on the use
of extension services. Findings also revealed that women cooperative members were faced with various challenges in the use of agricultural extension services such as low educational background, Insufficient funds, and lack of professionalism and competence
among extension agents. The following recommendations were made; women farmers need education and training for a better understanding of extension services and financial inclusion so that they can use all available sources of credit for the enhancement of
agricultural activities.

THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN SUSTAINING FAMILY BUSINESSES IN NIGERIA

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

This paper dwells on the role of women in sustaining family businesses in Nigeria. It xrayed the significance of family business in Nigeria; the role of women in sustaining family business; family businesses and gender dynamics in Nigeria; the current landscape
of family businesses in Nigeria; types of family businesses in Nigeria; contributions of family businesses to economic growth and development of Nigeria; challenges faced by women in business and women’s role in business succession. The study is exploratory,
experiences and personal observations. Based on our findings, we concluded that women have some critical roles to play in promoting family businesses in Nigeria as exposed in this work. The study, therefore, recommend the fostering of an inclusive business
environment that promotes gender equality, foster innovation, economic growth, empowers women to thrive professionally for more inclusive future.