UBS Journal of Business and Economic Policy

LEASE ACCOUNTING AND VALUE RELEVANCE OF LISTED NON-FINANCIAL FIRMS IN NIGERIA

Emmanuel I. Okoye, Ugochukwu J. Nwoye, Femi J. Falope — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The broad objective of the study is to examine the effect of lease accounting on the value relevance of listed non-financial firms in Nigeria. The study specifically examined the effect of lease accounting on the book value per share and price-earnings of listed non-financial firms in Nigeria. The study adopted the expost facto research design. The population was comprised of non-financial firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). A total of ninety - five (95) non-financial firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group were identified as of 31st December 2022. The study employed a purposive sample of seventy-four (74) non-financial firms. The study relied on secondary data from annual reports and accounts covering a period of 11 years (2012 – 2022). The data were analysed using Ordinary Least Square (OLS) with the aid of IBM SPSS Ver. 25 statistical software. The results showed that lease accounting has a significant effect on the book value per share; but, does not have a significant effect on price earnings of listed non-financial firms in Nigeria. Based on this, the researcher recommends that managers should be mindful of excessive lease liabilities for their negative effect on BVS. This accounts for the negative effect of lease accounting on the book value per share and shareholders should constantly evaluate the degree of lease liabilities in the annual financial reports of a company. This is because the recognition of lease assets and liabilities on the SoFP results in an increase in the company’s total assets and total liabilities.

ANALYSES OF NIGERIA’S KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY: DOES PUBLIC EXPENSES ON EDUCATION MATTER IN EDUCATION OUTCOME?

Christopher I. Emehelu, Lucky E. Oboreh — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Following the critical role of education in the development of human capital base of a nation, the quest to building a knowledge economy is largely hinged on the efforts of the government in guaranteeing the provision of educational opportunities. Initially, education in Africa was of high quality and standard during the time of our colonial masters and their early successors, then following the corruption in the 20th century and this millennium period, African leaders twisted education system into an unimaginable condition in their quest to achieve their selfish political interest which made education to dwindle in both political transition and economic development of Africa. Therefore, it is expected that finance to the education sector would translate to improvement in educational outcome in the country. Motivated by this, the study re-examined the public sector financing on education and educational outcome in Nigeria from 1981 to 2022. The study was hinged on human capital theory. The study adopted the Autoregressive Distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach in estimating the relevant relationship while the ECM captured the speed of adjustment to long run. The result of the study showed a positive, but insignificant relationship between public education expenditure and educational outcome in Nigeria. Arising from the findings, the study recommends for an adequate and prudent financial policy for the educational sector as it will guarantee increased educational outcome in the country.

EFFECT OF BLOCKCHAIN DISTRIBUTIVE TECHNOLOGY ON THE QUALITY OF FINANCIAL REPORTING IN NIGERIA

Kenneth T. Johnson, Emmanuel I. Okoye — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The mention of blockchain technology alludes to a picture of cryptocurrency in the minds of most finance professionals and accountants but blockchain technology has preceded cryptocurrency. It has been relied upon to create a financial system that entrenches transparency, reliability, and timeliness in financial reporting which are intrinsic values of quality of financial reporting, yet little is known about its potential. This is why the current study examined blockchain technology distributive elements and the quality of financial reporting in Nigeria, using a survey of professional Accountants in Abia and Enugu State. The population of the study consist of 600 Registered Professional Accountants out of which 105 were conveniently sampled to source data through the issuance of a questionnaire (5 Likert scale). Data collected from the survey are analyzed by way of the Simple Multivariate Regression Method. Findings from the study reveal that blockchain distributive element significantly affects the transparency, reliability, and timeliness of financial reports in Nigeria. As a result, the study concludes that the blockchain distributive element is considered by professional Accountants as a disruptive technology that will change the course of traditional financial reporting. Thus, it is recommended that there is a need to encourage companies to adopt the distributive elements of blockchain technology. Doing so will help companies automate various financial processes, such as payments, compliance checks, and reconciliations. By eliminating manual intervention and reducing human errors, blockchain contributes to financial reports' accuracy and reliability. With blockchain, financial transactions can be recorded and validated in near real-time. This provides stakeholders with up-to-date and accurate information about financial activities, enhancing timeliness by reducing the time lag between transactions and their inclusion in financial reports.

STAKEHOLDERS’ PRESSURE, IT GOVERNANCE AND TRANSPARENCY OF SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING: EVIDENCE FROM NIGERIA

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Access to information and technology (IT) have evolved over the years which has resulted in increased pressure from stakeholders on businesses to be more transparent in reporting the influence of their actions on the society beyond financial metrics. However, there is lack of beneficial information on sustainability reporting due to lack of transparency in the reporting requirements and application of the reporting requirement. The objective of this paper is to examine the impact of stakeholders’ pressure and information technology governance on the transparency of sustainability reporting of listed Nigerian financial services firms. The 49 financial services companies listed on the Nigerian stock exchange make up the study's population, and information was gathered from 41 companies' annual reports and sustainability reports. Random effect regression was employed and the results showed that stakeholders' pressure and IT Governance have a positive and significant influence on the transparency of the sustainability reporting of the listed Nigerian financial services firms at 1% and 5% respectively. The study concluded that stakeholders’ pressure and IT governance influence the transparency of sustainability reporting of listed Nigerian financial services firms and therefore recommended that diverse stakeholders’ like consumers, employees, environmental organisations, investors and governments should continue to exert pressure on companies so that they will not relent in reporting the impacts of their activities as it affect different stakeholders. In addition, the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) should continue to ensure good corporate governance practices especially as it relates to IT Governance in Nigerian companies.

DIGITALIZATION OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES’ OPERATIONS IN THE POST COVID-19 PANDEMIC ERA FOR SUSTAINABLE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN IMO STATE

Christian O. Njoku, Ogwuche G. Shaibu — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The research examined the digitalization of small and medium enterprises’ operations in the post COVID-19 pandemic era for sustainable national development in Imo State. Two research questions were raise inline with the two specific purposes to guide the study. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The population of the study consisted 2,500 operators of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Imo State. The sample of the study was 750 operators of SMEs determined through stratified random sampling. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire developed by the researchers. The instrument was face and content validated by two experts in Measurement and Evaluation Department, Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri Imo State. The reliability of the instrument was ascertained through a trial test. The application of the Cronbach Alpha reliability method for the two clusters yielded coefficient values of 0.82 and 0.88 for the two clusters with an overall reliability co-efficient of 0.85. Data for the study was analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed that workers require some skills like ability to work with technology, good communication skills, ability to work in a team, taking responsibility for action and being proactive in decision making. Specific skills knowledgeable about trends in the business and ability to manage the business online environment et cetera, for digitalization of SMEs in the post COVID-19 pandemic era in Imo State. Further findings revealed that expanding adoption of digital consumer tools like e-commerce and digital payments, funding digital research and development, facilitating access to financial services, improving mobile internet affordability, fostering environments friendly to innovation in new technological areas and training and retaining of professionals with digital skills are some of the conditions necessary for promoting the digitalization of SMEs operations in the post COVID-19 pandemic era in Imo State. The researchers recommended among others that operators of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) should organize training and retraining programmes that would equip workers with the necessary digital competences needed to conduct businesses with digital tools in the post COVID-19 pandemic times.

MASS MEDIA EXPOSURE AND THE UTILIZATION OF MATERNAL HEALTH SERVICES IN NIGERIA

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Reducing the depth and burden of maternal mortality, improving the quality of health, and making health services accessible for women is highly desirable particularly for developing countries such as Nigeria. And, one of those factors that can be used as a tool to spur the adoption of maternal health care is health information. The rationale for this research was to determine if and how the availability of Mass Media affects the uptake of maternal health care in Nigeria. Poisson regression was employed to choose the focus of the research in accordance with accepted statistical principles. The Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (2018) provided the data that was that was utilized by the study. The usage of maternal health care was proxied by the average number of antenatal care visits. The result showed that those who owned a television, a radio and used the internet had significantly higher antenatal care visits than those who did not, showing that exposure to mass media significantly influences the adoption of maternal health care. However, the research concluded by emphasizing the need of understanding the ideas being sent by modern media, particularly with regard to health concerns. Additional suggestions are provided as well.

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND THE NATURE OF IMPACT ACHIEVED

Nnaemeka C. Ubani, J.M. Kaduru, Nnamdi O. Duru — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The society most pressing needs all over the world has raised concerns which are comprehensives, deep and quick. The development of any national depends on its social and economic strength as well as the contributions of her citizens. Their contribution now has an important place, but is only relatively recently that this contribution has been recognized by writers outside mainstream economic thinking. As attention has become more focused on the importance of entrepreneurship for economic security and creation of employment opportunities, so greater attention has been directed at social enterprise sector. Thus, the new innovative culture has additionally spread to the social area. Progressively higher expectations are being set on social entrepreneurship in ameliorating social issues facing the world at large. Social entrepreneurship is a concept that covers the individual motivation and leadership behind the pursuit of social objectives. This can be best represented as the activity of pursuing social objectives through entrepreneurial. Accordingly, social business venture can include a somewhat expansive scope of associations and organizations those which acquires assets to implement social objectives. Therefore, the main purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of social entrepreneurship in addressing social issues facing the world. It will explain the importance of the social entrepreneurship, concepts, social issues as well as impacts of social entrepreneurship. Additionally, Nigeria was cited in most cases as an example of such impact.

FISCAL DEFICIT EXPANSION AND DEBT SERVICE COSTS: DEFAULT RISK AND AN ALTERNATIVE PARADIGM

Gbalam P. Eze, Tonprebofa W. Okotori — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The study examined the growth in fiscal deficit and the impact of increasing total debt service costs that might increase default risk; and the adoption of an alternative paradigm. The estimated model was tested by ARDL and ECM a well a Granger econometric methodologies. The nominal exchange rate, oil price, balance of payments, total debt servicing cost, and fiscal deficit were the regressors, while the fiscal deficit was chosen as the dependent variable. The results from the estimated model demonstrate that, except for the price of oil, all other variables point to a causal relationship between changes in the fiscal deficit value, which is a crucial step in Nigeria's journey toward increasing debt and the adopted regressors. The link between the budget deficit and the exchange rate and overall cost of debt payment is notably negative. The fiscal deficit and the overall cost of debt servicing as well as the balance of payments have a one-way causal link, according to the Granger causality test. It follows that a rising fiscal deficit will only make the debt problem worse. Therefore, a rising debt service cost raises the total debt service value. Debt accumulation raises the fiscal deficit, and the fiscal deficit increases lead to a spike in the overall cost of debt servicing, which fuels further debt accumulation and ultimately results in possible default as the country’s revenue falls further. The country has to plug the loop holes in the generation of revenue through oil exports and increasing tax revenue. By demonstrating that the flow of causality is unidirectional and that increases in the budget deficit further fuel growth in debt payment costs, this study contributes to the body of knowledge already available in Nigeria on the subject. It shows that further borrowing by the Federal government can only lead to greater spikes in the budget deficit and a worsening depreciation of the naira as well asa continuous negative balance of payment situation. The alternative paradigm is the debt service cost in relation to actual revenue.

QUALITATIVE TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY ENTREPRENEURSHIP SKILLS: A NECESSITY FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Christian O. Njoku — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

An entrepreneur is someone who has an idea and who works to create a product or services that people buy, as well as an organization to support those efforts. Entrepreneurship is the science and process of creating, establishing, organizing and managing ventures with a view to satisfying human needs and desires, assuming the accompanying financial, psychological and social risks and receiving the resulting rewards of monetary and personal satisfaction and independence. Technology entrepreneurship is a style of business leadership based on the proofs of identifying high potential technology – intensive businesses opportunities, gathering resources such as talents and cash and managing rapid growth using principled, real time decision making skills. Technology entrepreneurship has inclination to technology education skills initiatives in Nigeria, as encapsulated in the National Policy on Education which outlined the goals and objectives of the Nigerian education generally and technology education in particular for sustainable national development. Technology education was introduced as part of the 6-3-3-4 system of education to address or response to outcry among beneficiaries of Nigeria education pertaining to the non-functionality of such educational system. However, owing to poor approach or poor implementation of technology education in terms of absence of standards, quality and performances holistically and simultaneously embraced in the course of implementation, technology education, appears to not have met the required expectation. This paper examines and suggests some instruments of qualitative technology education for national development as well as introduces technology entrepreneurship skills education as part of further innovations in Nigerian educational processes for sustainable national development.

X-RAYING EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE THROUGH THE LENSES OF VARIOUS LEADERSHIP STYLES

Chinonso C. Ojimba, Peter I. Idigo, Nnenna D. Okafor, Fabian C. Osita — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

An effective leader is one who can direct the efforts of his subordinates towards organizational efforts. It is based on this that the study x-rayed employee’s performance through the lenses of different leadership styles. The study was narrowed down to Seplat energy Plc. Sapele, Delta State, Nigeria. The research adopted a survey design, and with a population 230 senior and junior staff of Seplat energy Plc. that were randomly selected for the study. Copies of questionnaire that were distributed, 207 copies were retrieved and were certified fit for the study. A Likert structured questionnaire format was deployed for data collection, which was tested for validity using face and content method while its reliability was assessed using Cronbach Alpha reliability test for internal consistency, and an alpha level of .999 was obtained signaling a good consistency level. The data generated was analyzed using Mean, and hypothesis was tested using simple regression on Statistical packages for Social Science at 5% level of significance. The findings reveal that, democratic leadership style has a significant positive effect on employee performance in Seplat energy Plc. (r= 0.728, n=207-1=206 and p=0.25). Thus, since p value is less than 0.05, hence, democratic leadership style has a positive effect on employee’s performance. The study therefore recommended that employees should be allowed to participate in decision-making, especially in that which affects them directly. Leaders should also place emphasis on the understanding of subordinates, employee motivation, self-development and employee development, cultivating appositive employee work attitude, and problem solving.

GROSS FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Boloumbele Yalah, Stanley Ogoun — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

It is clear that industrialization is the backbone of the economic progress of any country, be it a capitalist, socialist, or mixed economy. Anchored on this premise, gross fixed capital formation and its bearing on industrial development was explored in this work. Relying on secondary data spanning twenty years (2001-2021) sourced from the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) statistical bulletin, the ex post facto research model was adopted. The aggregate data obtained was analyzed via the inferential statistical tool of regression. Following, it was observed that the current level of Nigeria’s gross fixed capital formation has not contributed to industrial growth. This finding aligns the poor performance of the real industrial sector over the years as reported by National Bureau of Statistics. Therefore, it is suggested that policymakers should craft and implement investor-friendly policies to boost capital inflows towards boosting the fixed capital stock that will stimulating industrial growth.

ANALYSIS OF SMALL SIZE GOODS AS DETERMINANTS OF IMPULSE BUYING AMONG FEMALE LECTURES

Christian O. Njoku — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The study was carried out in six Universities in the North East Nigeria. The study was a descriptive survey design and involved a population of 218 female Lecturers drawn from six Universities in the North East Nigeria. No sample was drawn for the study as the entire population of 218 was surveyed. The instrument for data collection was face validated by three experts, two from the department of vocational teacher education, University of Nigeria Nsukka and one from the department of technology education Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi. The instrument was tested for reliability using the Cronbach Alpha formula and obtained a coefficient of 0.81. The research questions were answered using Mean while the Null hypotheses were tested using t-test at 0.05 level of significance. The major findings were that small size goods, constitute to a high extent, determinants of female lecturers’ impulse buying. It was therefore recommended, among others, that retailers should utilize the findings of the study to develop better strategies to attract significant share of consumers’ impulse purchases. It was also recommended that advertising agents or practitioners should utilize the findings of this study as the focal point in both advertising campaign, and production of advertisement materials. Furthermore, it was recommended that impulse buying should be regarded as a recognized marketing concept and normal buying behaviour widely practiced worldwide

APPRENTICESHIP ORIENTATION AND ENTREPRENEURIAL RESILIENCE AMONG MICRO BUSINESSES IN ABAKALIKI METROPOLIS, EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA

Maureen C. Anyalor, Emmanuel Arisi-Nwugballa, Magnus Ugwa — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In view of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs Vision 2030) which aimed at eradicating poverty in Nigeria by the year 2030, the Federal government has designed measures to lift 100 million people out of poverty by 2030. However, these interventions are towards the financial needs but financial interventions may have insignificant impact, if it not entrepreneurially oriented. It is against this backdrop the researcher intends to ascertain the effect of Apprenticeship orientation on Entrepreneurial Resilience among Micro businesses in Abakaliki Metropolis, Ebonyi state. The study is anchored on Cognitive apprenticeship theory. The study adopted Descriptive Research Design and Multiple Linear Regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses. The population of the study focused on the entrepreneurs and apprentice of Micro businesses. The sample size of two hundred and fifty entrepreneurs was gotten by the use of Multi-staged sampling technique. The study adopted the use of questionnaire and 250 copies of the questionnaire were distributed while only 224 copies were responded to. The questionnaire was subjected to Content validity while Cronbach Alpha method was used to ascertain the internal consistency and reliability coefficient of 0.948 was obtained and judged adequate for the study. The result reveals that Apprenticeship orientation has a positive and significant influence of on Entrepreneurship resilience. Based on the findings, the study recommends that potential entrepreneurs of Micro business can increase their entrepreneurial agility and ability to cope with business turbulence by undergoing proper apprenticeship.

ASSESSMENT OF MATERIAL MANAGEMENT ON PROJECT PERFORMANCE OF DEUX PROJECT LIMITED

Gbenga O. Eretan — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The study examined the assessment of material management on project performance of Deux Project Ltd. Previous researches have shown that materials account for more than fifty percent of the annual turnover in the construction firms. This shows clearly that priority should be given to Materials Management in construction firms in order to achieve significant cost saving, improvement in construction efficiency, and increase in profitability, reduces waste of materials and competitiveness. The aim of this research was to examine the assessment of material management on project performance of Deux Project Ltd. The study adopted a survey research design. The population of the study comprises the staff of Deux Project Ltd. The total population is sixty (60). The sample of the study comprises of the total population due to the population size. The study used a close-ended, well-structured questionnaire which was administered within the timeframe of three weeks. The study tested two hypotheses which were analysed using relevant descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings from the study revealed that material requirement planning account for majority of the improvement in project completion at agreed schedule in Deux Project Ltd. The findings also shows that the material requirement planning account for 30.6% of the improvement in automated purchasing process in Deux Project Ltd. Based on the empirical results, the study concludes that through efficient management of materials, an organisation can achieve significant completion of project at agreed schedule in construction firms, improvement in automated purchasing process, and improved the meeting of emergent demand. It is, therefore, recommended that materials management department should be established to effectively shoulder the responsibilities of sending or organising training programmes for materials management personnel as well as performing research and development in materials management.

EFFECTS OF TAX EVASION ON REVENUE GENERATION

Nura Isah, Rabiu Iliya, Ahmed Hassan, Abubakar S. Dalha — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The main objective of this study is to identify the effects tax evasion on revenue generation in Jigawa state. A case study of Jigawa state Board of Internal Revenue Service. The study employed survey design. The population of the study comprised of twenty five (25) staffs in Jigawa state Board of internal revenue service, Dutse head office. The study sample size comprises of fourteen (14) staff out of the total population under the study. Questionnaire method was used in collecting data from the respondents and the data was presented and analyzed using five point linker scales. The result of the findings reveals that tax evasion has significance effect on government revenue generation in Jigawa state. The study also reveals that inequitable distribution of amenities among citizens, high tax rate, lack of strict penalty on tax evaders, low transparency and accountability of public funds are the main causes of tax evasion in Jigawa state. Finally, the study recommended that Jigawa state government should block all loopholes which lead to tax evasion so as to promote increase in revenue generation that will boost the economic growth in the long run.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MECHANISM ON VOLUNTARY RISK MANAGEMENT DISCLOSURE AMONG LISTED NON-FINANCIAL FIRMS ON THE NIGERIA EXCHANGE GROUP

Emmanuel I. Okoye, Obioma N. James, Femi J. Falope — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The purpose of this study is to examine corporate governance mechanism and risk management disclosures in the annual reports of listed non-financial service firms in Nigeria exchange group from 2012 to 2021 and also to find the effect corporate governance has led to full disclosure of asset quality. Expost facto research design was adopted. The study utilized data from capital market fact book with an average report on shareholders fund, board size, board composition, audit size, risk ratio in evaluating the magnitude of risk management disclosure by the firms in this study. Data were analyzed using descriptive and multiple regression method of analysis. From the results obtained, the study revealed that there is a high disclosure intensity of risk management practice by the sampled firms. Though the board composition usually does not determine the extent of risk disclosure however, the board size, audit size, shareholders influence the disclosure level. Based on the findings, it is hereby recommended that Nigeria's regulatory agencies come up with further strategies to ensure that publicly traded companies are actively involved in exposing their risk management methods, particularly with regard to operational, environmental and policy risks that may affect their asset quality.

ROLE OF INNOVATION PRACTICES ON SUSTAINABILITY OF MANUFACTURING SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN NIGERIA

Chinenye A. Onyemaobi, Adeola S. Abdul-Hameed, Simeon E. Ifere — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

As the global business climate becomes more competitive, manufacturing SMEs faces an increasing challenge, necessitating a critical appraisal of conventional models and the development of innovative practices and strategies to respond to the dynamic and demanding market conditions. The goal of this study is to look into the impact of innovation practices on the sustainability of manufacturing Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos State, Nigeria. The sample size is 114 manufacturing SMEs, drawn from a total of 57 registered manufacturing SMEs located in Isolo and Amuwo Odofin Industrial estates in Lagos State. The Statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 23 was used to test three hypothesis employing correlation and regression analysis. This study discovered that innovation strategy have a significant positive effect on sustainability (r=.627; p>0.01), and same significant positive influence on the effect of organizational culture on sustainability(r=.605; p>0.01). The regression analysis revealed that the model account for 45.2% of the variance in organizational Sustainability. The findings however, revealed the importance of Innovation Strategy and Organisational Culture in fostering sustainability among manufacturing SMEs in Lagos. Practical consequences include the proposal that firms strategically implement new methods and build a good corporate culture in order to improve sustainability. Policymakers may utilize these findings to develop measures that help SMEs encourage innovation and favorable cultural environments, therefore contributing to the region's overall economic sustainability.

MONETARY POLICY AND PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED SECTORS OF NIGERIA ECONOMY

Kenechukwu O. Chukwu — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

This study examined the effect of monetary policy on selected sectors of Nigeria economy (2000-2021) using secondary data from Statistical bulletin of Central Bank of Nigeria. The research work selected Nigeria as its sample and used the ARDL Auto-regressive Distributed lag models to test the effect of the independent variables (Cash Reserve Ratio, Monetary Policy Rate and Liquidity Ratio) on the dependent variable (Nigeria manufacturing sector, Nigeria Agricultural sector and Banking sector).The study found that monetary policy has insignificant effect on manufacturing and agricultural sector but significant effect on banking sector in Nigeria. The study therefore recommends among others the need to improve communication channels between the central bank and stakeholders in the manufacturing, agriculture, and banking sectors. Tailor monetary policy instruments to address specific challenges faced by each sector. Adopt a flexible monetary policy framework that recognizes the unique needs and characteristics of each sector. Coordinate monetary policy with fiscal policy to ensure a comprehensive and synergistic approach.

REVISITING REAL EARNINGS MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE NEXUS IN NIGERIA: A PANEL ARDL MODELING OF LISTED OIL AND GAS COMPANIES

Victor Utor, Henry Yua, Simon O. Epor — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The study aimed to assess the impact of real earnings management on the financial performance of Nigerian oil and gas firms using the Panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PARDL) modeling technique. The research involved 12 years of panel data from 2011 to 2022, focusing on eight firms: Ardova, Coinoil, Eterna, Japaul, MRS, Total, Rakunity, and Seplat. Data on real earnings management was gathered from their annual reports. The dependent variable was net profit after tax, while the independent variables were abnormal cash flow level, abnormal production cost level, and abnormal discretionary expenses. The study analyzed the relationship between real earnings management and the financial performance of Nigerian oil and gas firms. The Pedroni Cointegration showed a higher than average proportion, indicating cointegration. The ECM result confirmed a long-run relationship, with all indicators of real earnings management positively influencing the financial performance of these firms. However, only abnormal cash flow and discretionary expenses had statistically significant effects. The dynamic side revealed no evidence of causality between real earnings management and the financial performance of these firms, indicating that real earnings management is not a long-term predictor of their financial performance.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE MANAGEMENTAND SUSTAINABILITY OF MICRO, SMALL, AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN NIGERIA

Obinna M. Ogbuanya, Obianuju M Chiekezie — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

This paper interrogated foreign exchange management and sustainability of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria. The small business sector in Nigeria has been characterized by high mortality within its first five years of existence, and this situation provided the motivation for the analysis in this paper. The literature for the study was reviewed from both conceptual and theoretical standpoints. The methodology for the paper was content analysis that relied on secondary sources of materials in the analysis of information for the paper. The theoretical framework for the study is the Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) theory. The paper argued that while foreign exchange management continues to suffocate small and medium enterprises, appropriate, deliberate and consistent policy frameworks from the government will go a long way to arrest the situation. The paper recommended that the government should fashion out deliberate and comprehensive policies that will encourage the manufacturing sector in order to reduce import dependence, revive the nation’s industrial sector, stimulate economic growth and help the country to leverage on its God given comparative advantage among the comity of nations.

EFFECT OF SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS ON CUSTOMER CARE SERVICE DELIVERY IN GSM INDUSTRY: INSIGHTS FROM KATSINA METROPOLIS

Jibrin N. Shagari, Mohammed A. Dantsoho, Tochukwu Okafor — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

This research examined the effect of social media on customer care services in the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) industry. It acknowledges that customers often resort to posting complaints online instead of directly contacting the organization. With the rising popularity of social media as a means of communication, customers expect prompt responses from banks and other service providers. This study specifically focuses on the influence of social media platforms, namely Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp, on customer care services in the GSM industry, using data gathered from respondents in Katsina metropolis. A survey research design was employed, and a multi-stage sampling technique was utilized to gather data. A structured questionnaire was administered, and 390 valid responses were received. Multiple regression analysis was conducted, with customer care services as the dependent variable and Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp as independent variables. The findings reveal that Facebook and Twitter have a positive impact on customer care services, while WhatsApp demonstrates a negative influence. As a result, this study recommends that marketers prioritize their attention on Facebook to enhance customer relationships. When engaging in customer services, utilizing Twitter is advised. However, caution must be exercised when using WhatsApp for customer services, as it was found to have a detrimental effect on customer satisfaction. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the significance of social media in shaping customer care services in the GSM industry. Marketers and service providers should recognize the importance of leveraging Facebook and Twitter effectively while exercising prudence in the utilization of WhatsApp for customer service purposes.

MALIAN CONFLICT: INTERROGATING THE SECURITY IMPLICATIONS ON AFRICAN REGION (2012-2022)

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

It is a qualitative study on the security implications of the recurrent uprising cum conflict between the Northern-Malians (dominated by the Tuaregs) and Malian authority on Malian residents and African region at large. Specifically, study examined the security effects of the Malian conflicts on African region. It is documentary in typology and built on Structural Theory of Conflict. Based on data presented and analyzed, findings from the study revealed that various evidence of marginalization and exploitations have fuelled the prolonged uprising in Mali. The study also established that the menace of Malian conflict has posed serious security threats to Malian territory and African region at large. For this reason the study strongly recommended, the urgent need for the Malian central government and the African Union to address the root causes of marginalization and social exclusion by adopting social policies; encompassing eradication of poverty, provision of jobs as well as equal representation of all ethnic groups/regions in government; restructuring of Malian political system in a way that every region (particularly the marginalized Northern-Mali) would have fair and equitable allocation of resources. More so, the international bodies, particularly the United Nations should collaborate with the African Union and Malian authority to ensure that peace deals are properly implemented among parties to the conflict.

TELECONFERENCING AND PERFORMANCE OF ACADEMIC STAFF OF UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA

Robert I. Odia, Chinedu U. Onyeizugbe — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

This study examined the relationship between teleconferencing and performance of academic staff of universities in South-South region of Nigeria. The multi-stage sampling technique was employed in selecting the samples. The universities were the primary units with a population size of eighteen (18) universities, while the academic staff of the universities consist the secondary units (M_i) which vary from institution to institution, with a population of 12,158. The Cochran’s sample size determination method was used to select a sample size m = 384. The 384 academic staff was then proportionally allocated to the 18 universities using Bourley proportion allocation technique. The data for the study was collected via the quantitative method, using the questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed using google forms and distributed online (social media). The Median and the spearman’s correlation technique as nonparametric methods were used since the data generated failed to meet the assumption of normality. Results showed that there is a moderate positive relationship between teleconferencing and the innovative research output of academic staff of universities in South-South Nigeria, and it was recommended that improved innovative research output of university authorities should provide subsidized internet data bundle for staff and make policies that will favour the implementation of teleconferencing.

EMERGING TREND OF ELECTRONIC PAYMENT SYSTEM IN NIGERIA

Rabiu Iliya, Abubakar S. Dalha, Ahmed Hassan, Nura Isah — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

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 convenient in order to make economic activities in the country safe and reliable to consumers, firms, enterprises and government establishments.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT: IMPLICATIONS ON EMPLOYMENT CREATION IN ANAMBRA STATE

Chioma I. Eni, Juliet A. Onwuchekwa, Chinenye M. Nuel-Okoli — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

This study examined the implications of entrepreneurship development on employment creation in Awka Metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design. The study population involves all the youth in Awka Metropolis Anambra State, while the sample size was one hundred and eighty (180) arrived at using Taro Yamane formula. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaire from the randomly sampled workers. Descriptive statistics like distribution tables, mean and standard deviation were used to present the data collected, while inferential statistics was used for data analysis. The test of hypotheses was done using Chi-Square. The research revealed that entrepreneurship development has a significant positive effect on employment creation in Awka South L.G.A. Anambra State. The study concluded that without a proper and articulated plan to further enhance the development of entrepreneurial activities in the state, the task of creating jobs for the teaming unemployed populace will remain a mirage. The study recommended that government need to organized continuous entrepreneurial training programmes in the area of entrepreneurship skills and also government need to formulation effective policies and programmes for the development and channeling of entrepreneurial talents towards the overall development of the nation.

UNLOCKING ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION ON SMEs PERFORMANCE IN ANAMBRA STATE

Nnenne I. Adani, Chioma I. Eni — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

This study unlocked the influence of entrepreneurial orientation on performance of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in Anambra State, Nigeria. Five specific objectives, research questions and hypotheses were formulated with the decomposed variables of the study. A descriptive survey design was carried out using the sampled managers and business owners in the selected SMEs. The study population was 350 while the sample size was 312. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaire. The data using descriptive statistics (distribution tables, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation co-efficient and regression analysis) were used in this study. The study revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between entrepreneurial orientation dimensions (entrepreneurial risk-taking, entrepreneurial proactiveness, entrepreneurial competitive aggressiveness, entrepreneurial innovation, entrepreneurial autonomy on SMEs performance in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study concluded that entrepreneurial-oriented firms have a tendency to be an industry leader with innovations, by doing things in better ways that better satisfy customers and give the company a competitive edge. The study recommended that Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) should critically review business opportunities before committing the firm’s resources. Also, small and medium enterprises should use social network to identify new uses for their products, and to ascertain the best way to serve the interest of the target customers.

STRATEGIC MARKETING PRACTICES AND CORPORATE PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISES IN IMO STATE

Promise C. Oparah, Kanayo C. Nwosu, Jane N. Anene — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

This paper investigated the influence of strategic marketing on the corporate performance of selected small business enterprises in Imo State. Specifically, this study was set out to find out the nature of relationship between Strategic Marketing tools such as Product, Price, Promotion, Place (Distribution), Packaging and After Sales Services and the Performance of SBEs. The population of this study consists of SBEs owners and managers across all levels who have successfully engaged in small business activities in Imo State, Nigeria. The firms were selected based on the criteria that they started and/or expanded their businesses with the help of strategic management practices in Imo, Nigeria which is 103, according to the Imo State Ministry for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative. The Likert Scale Method of Summated Ratings was used in the assessment of the Population of the Study. It contains the respondents’ marketing strategies on a five-point scale going from Strongly Agree to Disagree. Findings show that there was a significant positive relationship between marketing strategy and corporate performance as follows: (r=0.422; df=6, 97; p.05; r=0.449, df=6, 97, p.01; r=0.603, df=6, 97, p.01; r=0.603, df=6, and a huge negative connection between strategic marketing and SBEs (r=-0.030; df=6, 97; p.01). Following that, it was recommended that SBEs should produce quality goods; charge competitive prices based on consumers ability to pay, place (distribute) accordingly, ensure that products have attractive package, participate in after-sales services and provide the consumer with other distinctive operational benefits.

REPEAT PURCHASE INTENTION AND BRAND LOYALTY VERSUS CUSTOMER LOYALTY TO HAND HELD PHONES IN OWERRI, NIGERIA

Ikechukwu I. Abonyi, Irenus C. Nwaizugbo, Promise C. Oparah — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

This paper investigated the effect of customers’ intention to repeat purchases and brand loyalty on customer loyalty/ sales of selected hand-held phones in, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The population of this study was derived from customers of four selected brands. Simple Random Sampling technique was used to reach out to eighty (80) customers of four brands studied. This resulted in 320 respondents. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection, and 320 copies of the questionnaire were distributed, out of which 268 (84%) was returned and useful for the study. The analysis was performed with the multiple correlation technique. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0, was used to do the analysis, and findings indicated that attributes such as brand awareness, brand association, perceived quality and brand loyalty, are all important in customers’ loyalty. The study concludes that repeat purchase is positively affected by brand equity. This study recommends that management of the companies studied need to do more on creating brand awareness as a way to increase brand equity. They should also, explore other efforts aimed at increasing service levels, in order to increase repeat purchases.