UBS Journal of Business and Economic Policy
UBS Journal of Business and Economic Policy, is a multi disciplinary journal published quaterly by UNIZIK Business School, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. It is an open access, online, and peer-reviewed international journal, indexed in Google Scholar and published quarterly. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Editorial Team but of individual authors. The Editorial Team of UBS Journal of Business and Economic Policy (UBSJBEP) appreciates all those who subscribe to the journal, Reviewers and the Consulting Editors for their contributions. Authors are to send their articles via info.ubsjournal@journals.unizik.edu.ng The editors of this journal enforce a rigorous peer-review process together with strict ethical policies and standards to ensure high-quality scientific works that advance the frontiers of knowledge through this field of scholarly publication. However, there seems to be such unfortunate cases of plagiarism, data falsification, image manipulation, inappropriate authorship credit, and the like, we do not condone such acts. The editors of the this journal take such publishing ethical issues very seriously and maintain a zero-tolerance policy. Plagiarism is strictly NOT acceptable in this journal and that includes copying text, ideas, images, or data from another source, even from your own publications, without giving any credit to the original source. Reuse of text that is copied from another source must be between quotes and the original source must be cited. If the design of a study or the structure of a manuscript or language has been inspired by previous works, these works must be explicitly cited. If plagiarism is detected during the peer review process, the manuscript may be rejected. If plagiarism is detected after publication, we may publish a correction, disclaimer or retract the paper.
UNIZIK Business School, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
Institutional Risk Factors and the Sustainability of Construction Projects: Empirical Evidence from Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
The main objective of this study is to assess institutional risk factors and the sustainability of construction projects in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. The construction industry in developing countries faces severe socio-political and institutional challenges that threaten project sustainability. The study specifically examined the effect of insecurity, policy inconsistencies and regulatory enforcement on project sustainability. Drawing on the Triple Bottom Line framework, the study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Primary data were collected through a structured Likert-scale questionnaire administered to 317 construction professionals (project managers, site engineers, quantity surveyors) selected via random sampling from construction firms. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rank correlation, and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) multiple regression. The results revealed that both risk factors have significant negative effects on project sustainability. Insecurity has a significant negative effect on the sustainability of engineering projects (β = -.231, p < .001). Policy inconsistencies and regulatory enforcement also have a significant negative effect (β = -.168, p < 0.001). The full model explained 92.2% of the variance in sustainability outcomes (R² = 0.922). These findings confirm that such institutional risk factors have become central threats to the economic, environmental, and social sustainability of engineering projects in the South-East region. The study concludes that the identified risk factors collectively and individually affect the sustainability of engineering projects in Awka. The study recommends site-specific security protocols, policy stability advocacy, and strengthened regulatory enforcement.
EMERGINGN TREND OF ELECTRONIC PAYMENT SYSTEM IN NIGERIAN
This study investigated the economic benefits, challenges and evaluation of electronic payment system in the Nigeria economy. The study is quantitative by its nature and the study utilizes secondary data from various scholarly articles, journals, government report and periodic of similar researches conducted in the recent past. The study reveals that e-payment system makes our life better and has significant impact on the overall economic growth and individual living standard in Nigeria. The study also reveals that e-payment system in Nigeria is characterized by couple of challenges such as security, poor infrastructures, legal and regulatory issues and other socio-economic issues. The study recommends that the Nigerian Government should provide much needed support for e-payment system to be effective and convenientin order to make economic activities in the country safe and reliable to consumers, firms, enterprises and government establishments.
IMPACT OF SERVICE RECOVERY ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AMONG COMMERCIAL BANKS IN EKITI STATE
The study examined the impact of service recovery on customer satisfaction among commercial banks in Ekiti State. Specifically, the study investigated the effect of distributive justice, procedural justice and interactional justice on customer satisfaction among commercial banks in Ekiti State. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised the customers of four commercial banks were sampled which are First Bank, Wema Bank, Polaris Bank and Heritage Bank. The sample size was 147. Primary data used for the study were gathered through the administration of structured questionnaire. Data gathered were analysed using multiple regression. The study found that distributive justice has significant effect on customer satisfaction; Furthermore, the study found that procedural justice significant effect on customer satisfaction; finally, the study found that interactional justice has significant effect on customer satisfaction. The study concluded that service recovery is significantly and positively related to customer satisfaction among commercial banks in Ekiti State.
NAVIGATING NIGERIA’S NATIONHOOD CRISIS IN A HATE-DRIVEN DIGITAL MEDIA SPACE
Digital media has transformed various aspects of human life, including communication and societal dynamics. In developing countries like Nigeria, the younger generation, particularly youths, has embraced digital media, often competing in its usage. While digital media has facilitated significant positive advancements, it has also exacerbated negative phenomena, notably the rise of hate speech. This conceptual study, titled Navigating Nigeria’s Nationhood Crisis in a Hate-Driven Digital Media Space, examines the prevalence of hate speech in Nigeria's digital media landscape. The study identifies contributing factors such as the advent of digital technology, widespread social media usage, activities of citizen journalists, ethnic consciousness, secessionist agitations, hero worship, poor leadership, nepotism, corruption, and political discontent. The unregulated and often irresponsible use of portable digital devices has enabled individuals to express themselves without regard for human dignity, decency, or societal harmony. To address this growing issue, the study recommends fostering a culture of self-accountability, self monitoring, and self-regulation among users. Encouraging individuals to act as their own gatekeepers can help mitigate hate speech, promoting a healthier digital environment and fostering true nationhood in Nigeria.
THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE NIGERIAN PIZZA AND RESTAURANT INDUSTRIES
The objectives of this research is to investigate the role of social media in the Nigerian Pizza and Restaurant Industry. The study used qualitative and quantitative methods. The research used structured questionnaire and is divided into two section. Section (A) goes to Fast Food and Restaurant Businesses while section (B) goes to their customers respectively. The size of the study sample are 20 Fast Food and Restaurant Businesses and 500 customers in Jigawa State of Nigeria. The study drawn 25 customers from each Fast Food and Restaurants using stratified random sampling technique making a total of 500 customers. The findings of this study reveals that social media play significant roles in the Nigerian Pizza and RestaurantIndustry toward marketing their products due to its powerful influences among GSM users and it gives a number of benefits to marketers which includes arousing customers interest to a product, convenient, cost advantages, user friendly and served as a source of information in the Nigerian restaurant industry. Finally, the study reveals that sales volume in the Nigerian Pizza and Restaurant Industry increases as a result of adverts made in social media networking sites.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AS A DRIVER FOR CORPORATE GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY: A VIEW OF OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA
The objectives of this research is to make known to the Multinational Companies (MNCs) in Oil and Gas Industry to understand the effects of environmental degradation in the Nigerian Niger Delta and support the region in the following areas(a) Resources and effort should be committed to the promoting of environmental sustainability in Nigerian Niger Delta. (b) MNCs should identify strategic ways of improving the standard of living of the people of Nigerian Niger Delta. (c) MNCs should not prioritized profit making only but should include social philanthropy in their host communities. Journal articles and books relevant to and in the field of Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) from previous researches were combined and used in this research work.
ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITY AND THE IMO STATE CIVIL SERVICE
The Imo State Service has existed since the creation of the state in 1976, yet it does not enjoy a favourable image in the estimation of the people of the state due to the poor attitude to work exhibited by many civil servants.This work, therefore, focused on determining the level of Administrative Responsibility exhibited by civil servants in the Imo State Civil Service in the period 2011-2023. The Public Choice Theory was the framework of analysis for the study. The questionnaire and interviews were the major sources of data collection, while data generated were analyzed by descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that the level of Administrative Responsibility in the Imo State Civil Service within the period of the study was low. To stem this trend, the researcher recommended that the Imo State Civil Service should strictly uphold the statutory measures for the enforcement of rules and regulations in the service. It should also adopt appropriate measures to provide satisfactory service to thepublic.
THE ROLE OF BUSINESS EDUCATION IN ENHANCING EFFECTIVE BUSINESS MANAGEMENT FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA
In the quest for sustainable economic growth and national development, business education has emerged as a pivotal force in shaping managerial competence, entrepreneurial drive, and productivity. This study investigates the role of business education in enhancing effective business management for economic growth and national development in Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design to capture a broad understanding of how business education influences management practices. The population of the study was 610 respondents, comprised of business education lecturers, final-year students of business education, and managers of selected small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) across five Nigerian state institutions. A sample of 320 respondents were selected using purposive and stratified random sampling techniques to ensure adequate representation of business education lecturers, students, educational institutions, business education stakeholders and managers of the selected business sectors. Data was collected using a validated structured questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.83 (Cronbach’s Alpha). The instrument was administered physically and electronically, depending on institutional accessibility. Analysis of data was conducted using descriptive statistical tools. Findings revealed among others that business education contributes significantly to effective business management through enhanced administrative skills, strategic planning abilities, innovation capacity and fosters economic growth. However, the study identified challenges such as limited funding, obsolete curricula, and inadequate industry academic collaboration. The study concluded that business education, when properly structured and supported, is a vital tool for national development and economic transformation. It recommends among others that stronger partnerships between educational institutions and the private sector could be strategic pathways for maximizing its impact for effective business management. maximizing its impact for effective business management.
DR.ABUMCHUKWU IFEANYICHUKWU NZEKWE (Ph.D)
HEALTHY AND SUSTAINABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENT: THE ROLE OF ARCHITECTS
In the face of escalating climate change, rapid urbanization, and growing public health concerns, the need for healthier and more sustainable built environments has become increasingly urgent. Architects, as central actors in the shaping of physical spaces, are uniquely positioned to influence not only the environmental footprint of buildings but also the physical and psychological well-being of their occupants. This study critically examines the multifaceted role of architects in promoting a healthy and sustainable built environment, emphasizing their capacity as designers, innovators, policy influencers, and community advocates. Drawing upon a qualitative research approach, the study synthesizes insights from scholarly literature, architectural frameworks, case studies, and sustainability guidelines sourced from reputable academic databases, professional associations, and international organizations. The research explores the intersection of architectural practice with key dimensions of sustainability—including energy efficiency, material selection, waste reduction, biodiversity preservation, and climate responsiveness—as well as core health considerations such as indoor air quality, natural lighting, acoustics, ventilation, and spatial wellness. Through content analysis of influential documents and exemplary projects from both global and local contexts, the study identifies patterns, best practices, and persistent challenges in embedding health and sustainability into architectural design processes. Findings reveal that while there is growing awareness and technical capacity among architects, their efforts are often constrained by weak regulatory enforcement, inadequate interdisciplinary collaboration, limited client education, and gaps in sustainability-focused architectural curricula. The study concludes that achieving truly healthy and sustainable environments requires a paradigm shift in how architects are trained, supported, and engaged across the project lifecycle. It calls for systemic interventions including policy reforms, incentive structures, curriculum development, and greater synergy between architecture and public health disciplines. Ultimately, this research contributes to the evolving discourse on sustainable development and positions architects as critical stewards of human and environmental well-being. The insights generated are intended to inform professionals, educators, policymakers, and communities striving to build a healthier and more sustainable future.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DATA DRIVEN TARGETED ONLINE ADVERTS AND INCREASE QUALITY LEAD GENERATION FOR MSMES IN ANAMBRA STATE
The relationship between data driven targeted online adverts and increase quality lead generation for MSMEs in Anambra State was examined in this study. This study made use of a survey research design and the population consisted of 1399 MSMEs from the study area and a sample size of 301 was arrived at using Krejcie and Morgan's formula. The questionnaire used for data collection was validated using face and content validity while the reliability was ascertained using the Cronbach Alpha technique (.873). The data analysis was carried out using both descriptive and inferential statistics and the hypotheses were tested at a 5% level of significance. The findings showed that there is a statistically significant positive relationship existing between data driven targeted online adverts and increase quality lead generation(r = .977; p-value = .000 < .05). Based on the findings, it was recommended that the owners and managers of MSMEs in Anambra state need to take seriously the issue of running online adverts using a targeted strategy so as to reach the desired audience and get quality leads without wasting resources and time in running non-target or open adverts.
Customers’ Complaints from Self-Inflicted Errors: Evidence from Deposit Money Banks in Abeokuta Metropolis
This study investigates customer complaints in the banking sector, focusing on grievances that stem from customers’ own errors. Such complaints often create frustrating situations for customer service officers. The paper explores the nature and dimensions of these complaints to suggest policy insights for improved bank-customer relationships. A literature review identifies key drivers of increasing complaints, including technological advancements, heightened customer expectations and economic factors. Employing a survey of 33 customer service officers in banks across Abeokuta, the study’s findings reveal demographic patterns and highlight the prevalence of customer-driven mistakes as a distinct facet of complaint dynamics in the banking sector. Main sources of customers’ errors include transaction input errors, documentation mistakes and authentication challenges. Over one-third of respondents identified transaction errors as most common, with authentication failures and compromised credentials also prevalent. The major causes include lack of financial literacy, technological challenges, and communication gaps, which are influenced by factors such as age and education level. Consequences include financial losses, operational inefficiencies and strained relationships. Solutions recommended by customer service officers include enhancing financial literacy, improving digital banking interfaces and fostering clearer communication and proactive support. Stakeholders, including banks and governments, should collaborate to implement financial literacy initiatives, enhance digital platforms and provide proactive support. Emphasizing active listening and empathy in handling complaints can foster trust and better customer relationships. Overall, integrating these insights can lead to a more supportive environment, reducing errors and turning complaints into opportunities for banks to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty
EFFECTS OF CASHLESS POLICY ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED SECTORS OF NIGERIA ECONOMY (2009-2023)
This study examined the effect of Nigeria’s cashless policy on various sectors of the economy, with emphasis on the banking, industrial, service, and agricultural sectors. The objectives are to assess how mobile banking, internet banking, and POS transactions influence sectoral performance under the cashless policy framework. Secondary data were sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin 2023 and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), covering relevant periods. The results show that mobile banking has a positive but insignificant effect on the banking sector’s performance (ROA). In the industrial sector, internet banking exhibits no significant effect on output. For the service sector, POS transactions have a positive but insignificant effect. Conversely, in the agricultural sector, mobile banking demonstrates a negative and statistically significant effect. The study concludes that while the cashless policy has contributed positively in some sectors, its benefits remain unevenly distributed. It recommends targeted expansion of digital infrastructure, sector-specific sensitization programs, and tailored interventions for agriculture to ensure inclusive and sustainable gains from Nigeria’s cashless initiative
CLIENT CONFIDENTIALITY, DATA PRIVACY AND SUSPICIOUS TRANSACTIONS REPORTING: THE ACCOUNTANT’S ETHICAL DILEMMA IN THE NIGERIAN PROFESSIONAL SPACE
The need for foreclosing illicit funds flow has become a prime policy trust for nations and the global community. This has resulted in the enactment of legal measures and institutional frameworks for combating money laundering. In the twist of that, the accountant finds himself often caught between implementing anti-money laundering laws and client confidentiality as an ethical expectation. Hence, this study interrogated the issue of the ethical dilemma of the accountant, given the requirements of client confidentiality and data privacy, juxtaposed against the anti-money laundering requirement of suspicious transactions reporting (STR). From a theoretical literature prism, the study observed that the accountant faces a major ethical hurdle in complying with STR requirements, against the background of losing face before clients. This is because data privacy and client confidentiality are cardinal pillars of professional ethics. Following, the study concludes that both responsibilities can never be performed optimally because they are conflicting demands. The mutually exclusive nature of the accountabilities creates an ethical dilemma for the accountant. It is therefore imperative that both regulatory authorities and the accounting professional bodies synergize towards evolving alternative ways of delivering on both expectations, without destroying client trust and as well foreclosing financial crimes for overall societal wellbeing.
COMMUNICATION GAP AND ROLE AMBIQUITY AMONG LECTURERS IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN ANAMBRA STATE
Communication is very important in achieving any organizational roles effectively. However, communication gap can create role ambiguity as employees would find it unclear to know the task assigned to them. This can jeopardize the set goals of any organization. Thus, the study investigated the relationship that exists between communication gap and role ambiguity, selecting the two public universities in Anambra State, Nigeria. Data were collected using questionnaires on sample size of 344. 245 was allocated to Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK), while Chukwuemeka OdimegwuOjukwu University, Uli (COOU) got 99. The analysis was done using descriptive method and simple regression of analysis of variance (ANOVA). The key findings show that communication gap is statistically and positively related to role ambiguity in the selected universities. It is therefore suggested that the culture of effective communication should be adopted so that employees would know their responsibilities, as this would help the growth of the organizations.
THE INFLUENCE OF TEMPORAL AND BEHAVIOURAL BOUNDARY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES ON EMPLOYEE WORK-LIFE BALANCE: EVIDENCE FROM DELTA STATE CIVIL SERVICE, NIGERIA.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of temporal and behavioural boundary management strategies on employees work life balance in Delta state civil service. Cross sectional survey research design method was adopted in this study and this study focused on Delta state civil servants with a total population of 39,648. Applying Taro Yamane’s formula of sample size determination, the sample size was 396 respondents. The instrument of data collection was questionnaire while stratified random sampling was the sampling technique used in this study. Out of the 396 copies of questionnaire administered, 324 copies were properly filled and returned accounting for 81.82% retrieval rate. The data collected was subjected into statistical analysis using both descriptive and multiple regression. The findings showed that temporal boundary management strategy has positive and significant influence on employees’ work life balance with regression coefficient values, (β = 0.117, t =4.563, P = 0.000< 0.05). Results equally revealed that behavioural strategies is positively and significantly related to employees’ work life balance with regression coefficient values; (β = 0.880, t =34.465, P = 0.000< 0.05). It was concluded that civil servants who practice temporal and behavioural boundary management strategies would inevitably achieve work-life balance. Job autonomy, work flexibility and permeability were recommended
RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION AS A PANACEA FOR HIGHER EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY IN AN ORGANIZATION: A STUDY OF JEZCO NIGERIA LTD, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA
This study examined recruitment and selection as a panacea for higher employee productivity in an organization: A study of JEZCO Nigeria Ltd, Anambra State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study are; to investigate whether effective recruitment and selection process will aid employee retention in organization, and to examine how the recruitment and selection process/practices influences employee’s productivity and growth of the organization. Survey research design and descriptive design was used with a sample size of 97 obtained using Yaro Yamane’s formula out of the population of 130 employees in the organization of the study. 130 copies of questionnaire were distributed to the respondents and 97 was returned, which was used for the analysis using correlation. The result of the analysis shows that an effective recruitment and selection process have a significant effect on employees’ retention in organization and that recruitment and selection practices affects employee productivity and organization's growth. This study recommends that human resource practitioners should utilize both external and internal recruitment and selection practices in securing human element and to always use professional association in recruitment. Also, recruitment and selection process be objective as much as possible.
Characterization of Determinants of Economic Growth in Nigeria.
Central to public discourse and aspirations across economies is the economic progress of such societies often referred to as economic growth. However, the determinants of growth across economies (developed or developing), remain vague or unsustainable. Several growth theories sufficiently emphasize different determinants or factors andthis trendsand have shaped economic policies and literature in different countries but there are(is) yet no consensus on the key determinants of growth especially in Nigeria. This study is attempts to add to the narrative with focus on Nigeria by explanatory method thereby characterizing retinue of factors as elicited in literature are related to Nigeria. The study try to offer a subjective and stylized characterization of the determinants to Social and Political, Economic and Financial , and New Emerging Factors. It was found that found that agriculture and oil and gas which fall within the Natural resources factors class, appear to be the main determinants of growth in the Nigerian economy. It is recommended that formulating new and improved theories and models around these determinants and other emerging factors of information technology in order to promote economic growth.
EMERGING TREND OF ELECTRONIC PAYMENT SYSTEM IN NIGERIA
AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE CHALLENGES AFFECTING THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF RESEARCH COMPENDIUMS FOR ENHANCING PROJECT WRITING AMONG ACCOUNTING AND BUSINESS EDUCATION STUDENTS IN NIGERIAN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.
This study investigates the challenges affecting the development and implementation of research compendiums for enhancing project writing among Accounting and Business Education (A&BE) students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Research compendiums serve as vital academic resources that provide organized research materials and methodological guidance essential for quality project work. Despite their importance, various challenges hinder their effective development and use across Nigerian colleges and universities. Employing a descriptive and exploratory research design, the study population comprised 1,800 respondents, comprising of 1,600 final-year Accounting A&BE students and 200 lecturers from selected Nigerian tertiary institutions. A purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 300 respondents (220 students and 80 lecturers). Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interviews, with the instrument’s validity confirmed through a Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.82. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and means. Qualitative data from interviews were analyzed thematically to complement and deepen understanding of the quantitative findings. The study identified major challenges such as inadequate funding, limited access to digital and library resources, insufficient training and motivation among academic staff, and lack of institutional support. Additionally, limited research skills and poor utilization of compendiums by students were noted. These challenges collectively impede the quality of project writing and negatively impact academic outcomes. The study recommends among others that increased investment in research infrastructure, comprehensive training for lecturers, enhanced ICT facilities, and integration of research methodology into the curriculum. Addressing these challenges will enable Nigerian tertiary institutions to better utilize research compendiums, thereby improving project writing standards among A&BE students.
Interrogating the causes and motivations of IPOB’s armed struggle in Meridional Nigeria 2012-2024
The intrinsic drivers of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) movement in Southeastern Nigeria are examined in this study through a mixed-methods approach. By combining the methods, the study integrates both contextual viewpoints and statistical analysis. Qualitative data were obtained via semi-structured interviews with stakeholders to comprehend their motivations and experiences. Quantitative data were gathered through structured surveys measuring public feelings concerning injustice and self-determination, utilizing a Likert scale for nuanced responses. The study, grounded in social identity theory, included a sample of 385 respondents, determined via Cochran's formula to ensure statistical validity. Data analysis combined thematic analysis with quantitative methods, employing the Karl Pearson’s correlation coefficient and the modified student’s t-test to assess correlations and significance. Findings indicate strong links between historical narratives, security dynamics, and ideological motivations. The study emphasizes the need for dialogue and community development to promote stability in Southeastern Nigeria
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE AND CUSTOMER REACH FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES IN ANAMBRA STATE
The relationship between social media usage and customer reach for micro, small and medium sized enterprises in Anambra State was examined in this study. This study made use of a survey research design and the population consisted of 1399 MSMEs from the study area and a sample size of 301 was arrived at using Krejcie and Morgan's formula. The questionnaire used for data collection was validated using face and content validity while the reliability was ascertained using the Cronbach Alpha technique (.873). The data analysis was carried out using both descriptive and inferential statistics and the hypotheses were tested at a 5% level of significance. The findings showed that social media usage has a statistically significant relationship with customer reach (r = .952; p-value = .000 < .05). Based on the findings, it was recommended that the usage of social media should no longer be taken unserious as it is assumed to, or seen as an avenue to only make friends, while away time and have fun, but needs to be taken as a place to meet new customers, close deals and expand the reach of the products and services of MSMEs in Anambra state
HUMAN CAPITAL INVESTMENT AND PERFORMANCE OF QUOTED MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN NIGERIA
The study investigates the influence of investment in human capital on the listed manufacturing firms' financial performance in Nigeria. Adopting an ex-post facto design, the study examined the experience of 38 listed manufacturing firms during the period 2014-2023. The study specifically examined the influence of the efficiency of human capital and employees' compensation on the return on assets and the operation expenses. The firms' annual reports provided the source of the data that were analyzed using descriptive correlation analysis and least square regression analysis. The findings of the study identify that HCE has a positive and significant influence on the ROA (β = 1.5329, p < 0.05), indicating that firms with higher human capital efficiency experience good financial performance. The employees' compensation also has a positive and significant influence on the ROA (β = 1.0265, p < 0.05), indicating that higher compensation yields higher profitability possibly with the aid of higher productivity and employees' staff retention rates. HCE also has a marginally significant influence on the OPEX (β = 0.0631, p < 0.05), indicating that companies that invest in human capital might record higher operation expenses with the inclusion of training and staff development expenses. The findings emphasize the significance of strategic investment in human capital in influencing the performance of the firm while offsetting the associated expenditure. The study advises that manufacturing companies optimize human capital efficiency with the development of skills and the use of performance-based compensation schemes and adopt the use of optimization of expenditure strategies to enhance profitability.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND E-COMMERCE IN POST-COVID ERA: EXPLORING A NEW PARADIGM FOR BUSINESS SURVIVAL IN AFRICA
It is a truism that humanity is steeped into the new normal; no thanks to the COVID-19 Pandemic, which was not only a global phenomenon but a devastating one as that, with humongous implications across every field of human endeavour. As nations and nationalities grapple with the effects of the Pandemic, new economic and business models have evolved; one such is the interface of e-commerce with social media. Anchored on the Technology Acceptance Model (Davis, 1989), the study design is conceptual with the aims of exploring social media in the light of e-commerce for a developing economy and proposing a new business model as a means of survival in an unpredictable environment. The study therefore recommends constant and real-time engagement of customers and potential customers through social media as many online buyers more often than not, reach purchase decisions after consulting friends online and reading recommendations, reviews and comments of others on a particular product or service. Furthermore, due to the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic and its concomitant resurgent waves, e-commerce should be the model of choice for business survival in Nigeria, the African continent and the world at large.
The Impact of Non-Oil Revenue on the Economic Growth: Evidence from Nigeria.
This study investigates the impact of non-oil revenue on the economic growth of Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the effect of customs and excise duties on the GDP of Nigeria; evaluate the effect of value-added tax on the GDP of Nigeria, and ascertain the effect of company income tax on the GDP of Nigeria. An ex-post facto research design was employed, and the study made use of secondary data obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) statistical bulletins, spanning from 1993 to 2022. A sample regression (error correction model) analytical tool was employed. The error correction model technique was used in estimating all the models in order to investigate the relationship between the dependent variables and independent variables. A Unit root test was conducted to show whether a time series variable is non-stationary and possesses a unit root and to validate the data used in the study's analysis to prevent erroneous regression findings. This research concluded that company income tax has a significant effect on GDP in Nigeria, while value-added tax (VAT) and customs and excise duties have no significant effect on GDP in Nigeria for the period under review (1993–2022). The study recommends, among others, that the government should look for ways of introducing policies that will improve non-oil revenue, especially the value-added tax (VAT) and customs and excise duties (CED), in order to boost our gross domestic product.
TALENT MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA
This study examined the nature of the relationship that exists between talent management and organizational performance in manufacturing firms in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study was anchored on Resource Based Theory (RBT). The research used the cross-sectional research design to plan for the study. The population of the study were selected from different departments in the organizations. The sample size was one hundred and seven eight (178) workers which was arrived at using Taro Yamane (1967) formula. Data were collected using structured questionnaire from the random sampled workers of the selected manufacturing firms in Anambra State. The reliability of the measuring instrument was tested using Cronbach Alpha. The data were presented using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation co-efficient and regression analysis) were used in testing the hypotheses. The study revealed that there was a positive significant relationship between the dimensions of talent management (talent attraction, talent development, talent retention) on organizational performance dimensions (job satisfaction, employee loyalty, and employee commitment) respectively. The study recommended that manufacturing firms should exhibit objectivity in recruitment process, offer the right reward, provide job security, and invest in staff welfare so as to increase the chances of attracting highly talented employees.
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ETHICS IN THE NIGERIAN PUBLIC SERVICE: A DISCOURSE
The objective of this paper is to highlight the indispensability of ethics or sound ethical conduct as a basis for effective service delivery in the Nigerian public sector. If Nigeria must get development initiative/efforts right in the 21stcentury, then the transformation agenda of this present administration must be anchored on sound public service values and enduring ethical practices. This work relied on the utilitarian theory as the theoretical framework while using mostly secondary sources of data by way of content analysis. The paper concluded that the march towards an ethical based public service must continue and be regarded as series of “work in progress”. The paper recommends among others that there is an urgent and continuous need to remould the thought and conduct of civil servants and the entire public service and its officials through the development of ethics and value reorientation that is based on probity, accountability and transparency in the public service. It further recommended strong commitment to implementation of laws, enforcement of sanctions and strengthening of institutions of governance on a continuous basis.
DARK TETRAD PERSONALITY TRAITS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL PERFORMANCE: MEDIATING EFFECT OF COLLABORATION
Personality traits are known to influence entrepreneurial performance. As such, entrepreneurship is presented as a positive endeavour; neglecting the dark aspect and the collaborative efforts of entrepreneurs in industries such as the real estate. The dark entrepreneurial practices of real estate agents in Abuja have engendered unprecedented increase in rentage fees, scarcity of affordable houses for low- and middle- income earners, and polarisation of the city on the basis of highbrow and underdeveloped areas. This study therefore seeks to investigate the mediating effect of collaboration on dark tetrad personality traits and entrepreneurial performance nexus. The study adopts a cross-sectional survey design. Criterion sampling technique was employed to screen the 233 registered real estate agents with the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) in Abuja to 121 based on predetermined criteria. Linear and multiple regression were employed to analyse the generated data via questionnaire based on Baron and Kenny’s (1986) four step approach for testing mediating variable. The result shows a significant and positive mediating effect. The study concludes that despite the unethical nature of these traits, the real estate agents still thrive in their businesses because of the corrupt and unstructured business environment in the city. Hence, a stiffer control of the activities of REDAN, a more concerted fight against corruption and sensitisation of existing and would-be real estate agents on the grave consequences of wholly possessing and exhibiting dark tetrad personality traits in the conduct of dark entrepreneurial activities are recommended.
ETHICS AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE NIGERIAN PUBLIC SERVICE: ISSUES, CHALLENGES AND THE WAY FORWARD
The Nigeria’s Public Service is bedeviled with plethora of ethical issues ranging from bribing, embezzlements of funds, meant for developmental projects, falsification of government’s documents for selfish motives, over-voicing of contracts’ figures etc. Conversely, this widespread of lack of ethics and accountability in the public service are part of the causative agents for the poverty, deprivations, and inequalities facing the generality of Nigerians, especially in the face of abundant natural and human resources. The blatant looting of palliative materials meant for the vulnerable during the Covid-19 pandemic era and lockdown periods, by public officials, points to the fact that, there exist ethical problems and gaps in our public service, which is saddled with the responsibility of implementing programs and projects of the government. The article therefore, sought and explored the causes of the widespread unethical behaviour in the public service. The study employing mainly secondary data, adopted the content analysis method where findings and relevant information from textbook, newspapers, magazines, journals, government publications, specific empirical studies etc., as they relate to the issues of ethics and accountability. Arising from the analysis, the article identified as constraints to ethical behaviour in Nigeria’s public service generally are general poverty, corrupt practices, lack of accountability culture, unethical culture from the erstwhile colonialists, weak regulatory instruments, politicization of the service, nepotism, amongst others. Based on the identified problems, recommendations such as; creation of practical anti-crimes tools and instruments in the service, the use of the public service occupational associations to institutionalize professional values, creation of enabling environment and more realistic condition of service, strengthening public institutions responsible for ensuring accountability devoid of selective justice, are suggested as practical ways of promoting ethics and accountability in the public service.