1116 research outputs found
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FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI) AS AN INTERVENTION TOOL FOR OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF SMES IN LAGOS STATE
Full text linkCountries in the 21st century globally depends on the operational success of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). However, the sector, particularly in the developing countries like Nigeria has not been able to copiously take advantage of FDI to enhance the operational performance of SMEs sector. On this backdrop, the study hinges on the resource-based theory to examine the influence of foreign direct investment as an intervention tool on operational performance of SMEs in Lagos State. A cross-sectional and random sampling techniques were employed to gather data from 382 SME owners/operators in Lagos State from the population of 8,395 out of which 377 were validly filled and returned via snowballing approach representing 98.7% response rate. The primary data were further subjected to statistical analysis using frequency, Pearson Product Moment correlation coefficient, and regression. The study found out that foreign direct investment is an intervention tool which can deliver production capacity utilization, customer satisfaction, and process improvements as components of operational performance of SMEs. However, the study established that FDI has more effect on production capacity utilization than customer satisfaction, and process improvements. The study further recommends the need for CEOs or managers of SMEs to embrace FDI that encourages investing in training and development initiatives that equip employees to effectively operate foreign technologies and integrate new processes, thereby optimizing production capacity utilization and process improvements
Capital Market - Manufacturing Sector Relationship Revisited in Nigeria
Full text linkBased on the financial intermediation theory, this study examined the impact of capital market on the manufacturing sector performance in Nigeria from 1985 to 2023. Market capitalization (MKT), all-share-index (ASI), and total value of trades (TVT) were used to measure capital market. The auto regressive regression showed that TVT had positive and significant relationship, ASI only had a positive relationship but market capitalization had negative and insignificant relationship on the manufacturing sector performance. The results imply that manufacturing sector can perform better if capital market reduces borrowing constraint, improve capital allocation efficiency, and appropriately absorbs foreign advanced technologies. Policymakers should guarantee capital market liquidity and timely channel of funds for manufacturing sector performance
SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABLE PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED LISTED FIRMS IN THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY IN LAGOS STATE
Full text linkThis study investigated the effect of supply chain resilience on sustainable performance of selected listed firms in the food and beverages industry in Lagos State. A cross-sectional survey research design was employed by the study. Three companies- Nestle Foods Nigeria Plc, Guinness Nigeria Plc, and Dangote Flour Mills Plc were purposively selected for the study. Of the 4,829 employees of the companies, a sample size of 369 was purposively chosen and used by the study. Primary data were collected from the respondents using questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics to determine the frequency, percentage and mean distribution of the data collected. On the other hand, inferential statistical tool (multiple regression analysis) was employed to test the study's hypotheses with the aid of SPSS version 26. Results of study show that Supply Chain (SC) flexibility, SC agility, and SC collaboration have individual and collective effect on sustainable performance of firm. Sequel to the findings, the study recommends that managers of food and beverage firms implement supply chain flexibility strategy to mitigate risks, proactively redesign their supply chain networks strategy to swiftly respond to emerging market opportunities, foster trust and strong relationships with key suppliers and adopt strategies that minimise supply chain disruptions. These lead to better responds to customer demands and ultimately enhance sustainable performance
Workforce planning and access to higher education in Nigeria: The missing links
Full text linkSince the 1960s, successive Nigerian governments have focused on improving workforce planning and access to higher education as key drivers of national development. However, the national workforce planning policies do not align with access to higher education in Nigeria. This article examined the gaps between workforce planning and access to higher education in Nigeria. The study’s data were drawn from a thematic review of relevant literature and a theoretical framework comprising social stratification and human capital theories. Evidence from the literature indicates that the Nigerian government has shown significant interest in promoting workforce planning for national development by establishing the National Manpower Board and higher education institutions. Unfortunately, the objectives of the National Manpower Board remain largely unachieved. At the same time, the higher education institutions primarily operate in isolation from labour market demands, leaving many graduates unemployed or underemployed in Nigeria. The Nigerian government should ensure that the National Manpower Board fulfils its mandates. In addition, all applicants to higher education institutions in Nigeria should choose courses that align with their talents and reflect an understanding of labour market demands
Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Land Management and Sustainability: Strategies, Challenges and Opportunities
No full textAs climate change creates consequences, ravaging parts of Africa in somewhat irreversible ways, countries across the world continue to initiate and adopt strategies to combat the menace. Today, ecosystems and socioeconomic conditions are being impacted in ways that heighten the pressure and challenges on land use. These challenges have both short- and long-term impacts requiring a holistic approach for mitigating them. Using the purposive sampling technique, data was collected from 29 respondents drawn from Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates to compare perceptions on land use in underdeveloped, developing and developed communities. Secondary data published online from different countries was randomly selected from different regions of Africa south of the Sahara. The qualitative data was taken from randomly selected African countries, including South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Niger. This study explores the strategies, challenges and opportunities faced in integrating climate change adaptation and mitigation into land management sustainability in parts of Africa, as well as the opportunities that can be leveraged locally through indigenous cultural knowledge. The study offers valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners and stakeholders on the integration of climate change adaptation and mitigation into land management
EXPLORING THE GENDER INFLUENCE ON JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STEM TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF IN-SERVICE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
No full textThe paper evaluated the gender influence on junior secondary school STEM teachers’ perceptions of in-service professional development programs. A survey approach was employed for the study; three research questions were raised and answered in the course of the study. The population of the study comprised all STEM teachers in the Oyo metropolis, consisting of four (4) local Governments with one hundred and seventy-two (172) STEM teachers. From this population, only one hundred and forty-seven (147) turned up and participated in the in-service training organized by the researchers served as a sample for the study. A self-developed closed-ended questionnaire named STEM Teachers’ Perceptions of In-Service Professional Development Program (STPISPDP) was used as the instrument to collect data. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, t-test, and one-way ANOVA. The findings reveal that the perception of STEM teachers regarding in-service professional development training is generally positive; gender differences show no significant effect on STEM teachers’ perceptions of in-service professional development training, and finally, teaching experience on perceptions of in-service professional development training reveals no significant differences among different experience levels. It was therefore suggested, among others, that a longer time/duration be allotted for in-service training, and all staff, irrespective of gender or experience level, should be mandated to attend the in-service development training
PERCEIVED EFFECT OF COMPUTER BASED ASSESSMENT FOR CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT IN A STATE UNIVERSITY
No full textChallenges of education are in diverse form. Nonetheless, there is relatively no challenge without solution(s). This paper examined the conditions of digital system in the implementation of the school curriculum. Specifically, it assessed method of implementing examination exercise in the university system of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo. This is with the view to effectively improving the use of digital as a method of assessing the students/teachers theoretical learning outcomes. Population for the study was the whole of 200L and 100L students of Common Education of the university. Sample for the study comprised of twenty-five students (25) and five (5) examiners, using oral interview for data collection. The interview centres on: Students and Examiners Perceptions of Method of Assessing Common Education. Data collected were analysed with the use of thematic approach. Findings revealed that approximately 90% of the research participants were not pleased with the unfortunate scenario of digital malfunctioning. However, the examiners were of the opinion that it was just a matter of circumstance that needed patience and cooperation. It was concluded that although the majority of the students were disappointed and displeased with the ugly situation of the method of the continuous. However, the assessment took place, and all was well concluded. Recommendations were suggested thus; the institution representatives’ hands should be on deck for accurate preparation to for store future occurrence of similar event. Examiners with the ICT officials should work hand in hand for smooth digital examination success
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE INFLUENCE ON COLLEGE STUDENTS’ ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE INTERACTIONS IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA.
No full textThis study examined the influence of emotional intelligence (EI) and cultural intelligence (CI) on English language development, interaction, and academic performance among Nigerian college students. Recognizing that linguistic proficiency extends beyond cognition to encompass socio-emotional and intercultural competencies, a structured questionnaire was administered to 100 students randomly selected from three Colleges of Education. The analysis of data employed descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and multiple regression to evaluate five hypotheses. The findings indicated substantial positive correlations between cognitive intelligence (CI) and English language development, CI and interaction, as well as emotional intelligence (EI) and language development (p < 0.05). The combined influence of EI and CI was also significant, indicating that students with greater emotional stability, empathy, adaptability, and cross-cultural awareness demonstrate stronger communicative competence. Additionally, cultural exposure was found to enhance language fluency, confidence, and engagement. The study concludes that embedding emotional and cultural intelligence frameworks into English language pedagogy can advance holistic learning. It recommends developing affective instructional models that integrate emotional regulation and intercultural understanding for sustainable linguistic growth
ASSESSMENT OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE KNOWLEDGE AND REFUSAL SKILLS ABILITY AMONG NEWLY ADMITTED UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, NIGERIA
No full textThe transition from secondary school to university marks a critical period in a student’s life as a result of exposures to new environments, and experiences outside the watch of parents including early independence and attachment to peer and friends as a stop gap. Based on these challenges being faced constantly by undergraduates, there is an increased likelihood of engaging in risky behaviours such as substance abuse. This study therefore aimed to assess the level of knowledge of substance abuse, and refusal skill ability among the newly admitted undergraduates in the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Using a descriptive research design, data was collected from a randomly selected 1200 sample of first-year university students across different academic disciplines. A validated and pretested self-structured questionnaire was administered to the participants. The results obtained revealed knowledge gaps in areas related to the potential consequences and the harmful effects associated with the use of substances, as well as the effects and workings of psychoactive substances on the brain. Lack of refusal skills ability was also discovered to be significant in the study with a significant number of the participants indicating their needs for a comprehensive drug education. Therefore, this study concluded that substance abuse knowledge and refusal skills ability are crucial components in the prevention of substance abuse among the young ones, and should be adequately developed through a comprehensive health education program among newly admitted undergraduates of various institutions to promote a safe and substance abuse free campus environment
Service Quality and Customer Retention of Deposit Money Banks: The Mediating Effect of Customer Satisfaction in North-western Nigeria
Full text linkThis study examined the service quality and customer retention of deposit money banks in North-western Nigeria, with customer satisfaction as a mediating variable rooted in the Expectancy-Disconfirmation Model (EDM). A cross-sectional survey was employed to collect data from respondents. This study addresses a gap in the literature by investigating how service technology and trust influence customer retention in Nigeria's banking sector, which faces intense competition and shifting customer preferences. The study population comprised 384 retail bank customers from seven (7) banks in four metropolitan states—Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and Sokoto — in North-western Nigeria. The study utilised primary data collected on the sample using a 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests, along with multiple regression and a PLS-SEM approach, were used to analyse the data. The results showed that customer satisfaction has a strong, positive, and significant effect on customer retention; service trust has a substantial, positive effect on customer retention, while service responsiveness has a negative, insignificant impact on customer retention. In the banking sector, service responsiveness positively mediates customer satisfaction, which in turn positively mediates the relationship between service trust and customer retention; customer satisfaction also has a moderately negative but statistically significant mediating effect on customer retention. This study recommends that banks focus on acquiring reliable, secure digital platforms (mobile apps, ATMs) with simple interfaces, robust encryption, and biometric authentication to enhance system quality and security, ensuring customers feel safe and confident. Additionally, customer engagement can be improved through AI-driven chatbots, self-service portals, and interactive mobile banking features. This will strengthen competitive strategies and increase the firms' market share and profitability