Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
Not a member yet
5579 research outputs found
Sort by
A Decision Methodology for Six-Sigma Implementation in the Nigerian Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (SME)
No full textBusinesses are in a constant quest for solutions to their organizational needs, and many enterprises have adopted Six Sigma (SS) as the most suited approach for adequately matching cost, quality, and delivery. However, researchers in the last two decades have thus been trying to overcome difficulties and constraints associated with SS implementation. In Nigeria, SS is unpopular, and there is a shortage of studies on the implementation of SS in SMEs. The present research was motivated by the lack of research on SS critical success factor (CSF) appraisal in Nigeria, and none in the literature has discreetly described the criticality of the SS implementation factors in Small-Medium Enterprise (SMEs). Therefore, this study proposed to develop a suitable hierarchical model and illustrate the interrelationships between factors that facilitate SS implementation in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) using an integrated approach that consists of interval-valued neutrosophic analytical hierarchy process (IVN-AHP) and criteria importance through inter-criteria correlation (CRITIC). The investigated success factors were conceptualized into four aspects and verified with the aid of the inputs of experts within the small and medium enterprises in Nigeria. Primarily, the content of the work is structured and streamlined perfectly to awaken curiosity among researchers who intend to explore the SS implementation success factors furthe
Economic analysis of poultry meat production process for maximum profitability: A case study approach
No full textThe study investigates the optimization of poultry meat production strategies at X Farms Ltd, evaluating three production strategies: dressed chicken carcasses only, four chicken parts/sets only, and a mixed strategy. The research strategy employed is a combination of qualitative, quantitative, and mathematical models development methods. The results show that while the dressed chicken carcasses strategy yields the highest total profit (N527,515,639), the mixed strategy offers the highest return on unit investment (N3828/N1000). The study highlights the importance of considering factors such as waste management, profitability, and return on investment in choosing a production strategy. The findings suggest that farmers can optimize their production strategies and ensure sustainability of their business by prioritizing their resources and market conditions. Besides, by improving efficiency and reducing meat waste, farmers can increase profitability, enhance product quality, and reduce their environmental footprint. Moreso, application of economic analysis in poultry meat production can help poultry farms respond better to changing market conditions, consumer preferences, and environmental regulations. It can as well help poultry farms improve their overall performanc
Comparative study of shaking table and dense medium separation for improved lithium recovery from Udawa ore, Kaduna state, Nigeria
No full textThis study aims to optimize lithium recovery from Udawa Pegmatite using two beneficiation techniques: gravity separation with a Wilfley shaking table and dense medium separation (DMS). The ore, containing 3.03% Li₂O, was processed across three particle size ranges: -500 +250 μm, -250 +125 μm, and -125 +90 μm. The results from the Shaking Table tests indicated that the -250 +125 μm range provided the best recovery, with the concentrate assay improving to 4.25% Li₂O from 3.03% in the feed. The -500 +250 μm range showed a moderate recovery with a concentrate assay of 3.61% Li₂O, and the -125 +90 μm range produced a higher concentrate weight, but the assay dropped to 3.75% Li₂O, with a greater lithium loss in the tailings (2.05% Li₂O). For DMS, the -250 +125 μm range again yielded the best recovery with a concentrate assay of 3.70% Li₂O and minimal lithium in the tailings (1.04% Li₂O). The -500 +250 μm range produced a moderate concentrate assay of 3.63% Li₂O, while the -125 +90 μm range showed a 3.68% Li₂O concentrate, with higher lithium content in the tailings (1.14% Li₂O). This research highlights the -250 +125 μm sieve range as the optimal range for both methods, offering the best trade-off between lithium recovery, concentrate grade, and particle size. Shaking table performed slightly better for coarser materials, while DMS showed better performance with finer particles. The study provides essential insights for developing a more efficient and sustainable lithium beneficiation process in Nigeria, contributing to the country’s economic growth and the global transition to renewable energy solution
Performance and Emission Analysis of Biodiesel Blends in Diesel Engines: Comprehensive Review
No full textThis review takes a closer look at how biodiesel blends perform in diesel engines, with a focus on their potential as cleaner and more sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. Biodiesel, which is made from renewable sources like vegetable oils and animal fats, offers key environmental advantages most notably, lower greenhouse gas emissions and better biodegradability. Drawing from both experimental research and simulation studies, the review explores how various blend ratios (B10 to B50) affect engine behavior, including fuel efficiency, combustion characteristics, and overall performance. It also compares emissions of major pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and particulate matter (PM) with those from conventional diesel. The results generally show that biodiesel blends help reduce CO, HC, and PM emissions, although they tend to increase NOₓ emissions, likely due to higher oxygen content and combustion temperatures. At lower blend levels, engine performance stays close to that of pure diesel, with only slight drops observed at higher blends. The review also discusses practical concerns like oxidation stability, cold weather performance, and long-term effects on engine parts. Overall, the findings suggest that biodiesel blends are a promising step toward cleaner transportation, though there are still technical challenges to overcome and areas that call for further study and innovation.
 
DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION AND PROFIT GROWTH OF SMALL SCALE ENTERPRISES IN EBONYI STATE
No full text The study examined the relationship between disruptive technological innovation and profit growth of selected small scale enterprises in Ebonyi state. The specific objective was to ascertain the extent to which the adoption of artificial intelligence and the adoption of blockchain technology influence profit growth of small scale enterprises in Ebonyi state. This study adopted a survey research design. The population of the study consisted of 1,206 small-scale enterprises registered and operating within Ebonyi State. The sample size of 300 small scale business operators was determined using the Taro Yamane formula, which is commonly employed for calculating sample sizes in large populations. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, specifically frequency and mean, were used to analyse the research questions while Spearman\u27s correlation analysis was employed to test the hypotheses at a 5% level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that: the adoption of artificial intelligence significantly and positively influences the profit growth of small-scale enterprises in Ebonyi state (rho= 0.215; p-value = 0.000); the adoption of blockchain technology significantly and positively influences profit growth of small-scale enterprises in Ebonyi state (rho= 0.234; p-value = 0.000). In conclusion, the adoption of disruptive technological innovations as they are increasingly reshaping traditional business models also improve profit level of small-scale enterprises in Ebonyi State by creating opportunities for small businesses to thrive in a competitive environment. The researcher’s therefore recommend that small-scale enterprise owners in Ebonyi state should invest in more advanced AI tools and training programs to enhance their understanding and application of artificial intelligence in business operations to achieve greater profit growth
CLOUD-BASED ACCOUNTING AND FIRM EFFECTIVENESS: PERSPECTIVE STUDY OF ACCOUNTANTS IN ANAMBRA STATE
No full text The study examined the relationship between cloud-based accounting and firm effectiveness from the accountants\u27 perspective in Anambra State. The research utilized a survey-based descriptive research design. Seven hundred and seventy-two professionally affiliated accountants in Anambra State made up the study population. Taro Yamane\u27s (1967) formula was used to determine the sample size of 130 professionally affiliated accountants in Anambra state. A structured questionnaire was used as the research instrument. Descriptive analysis was performed using frequency distribution. Given that the data were ranked, Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation Analysis was utilized to test the hypothesis. It was found that cloud-based accounting has a significant positive relationship with firm effectiveness from the perspective of accountants in Anambra State (rho = .284; p-value = 0.001). In conclusion, the efficiency, real-time access to data, enhanced collaboration, and improved financial control provided by cloud-based accounting systems are key factors that drive this relationship. The study recommends that department heads should encourage and promote collaboration across teams by utilizing the collaborative features of cloud-based accounting system
ENTREPRENEURIAL INNOVATION AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA, NIGERIA
No full textThis study examined entrepreneurial innovation as an effective tool for poverty alleviation in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. A survey research design was adopted, and a structured questionnaire was used to elicit response from a sample of 109 respondents, selected through a purposive sampling technique to ensure the inclusion of individuals with relevant experiences in entrepreneurship. The data sourced was subjected to analysis in both descriptive statistics using percentages, and inferential statistics using regression tool from Statistical Product for Social Science (SPSS) version 27. The findings indicated that entrepreneurial innovation significantly contributes to creating employment opportunities for residents of FCT Abuja. The results of the one-sample t-test demonstrated a substantial mean difference from the assumed mean of zero, with a t-value of 23.650 and a significance level of p<0.001. Additionally, the study found that entrepreneurial innovation improved access to basic services for residents, evidenced by a t-value of 19.499 and a mean difference of 89.000. The t-test results supported this assertion, with a t-value of 17.504, indicating that innovative practices fostered economic resilience and reduced vulnerability among residents. The findings highlighted that entrepreneurial ventures were crucial in diversifying income sources and promoting sustainable economic growth, thereby contributing to poverty alleviation in FCT Abuja. Policymakers and stakeholders are encouraged to support initiatives that promote entrepreneurial innovation, as these efforts could lead to sustainable development and improved living standards for residents in the regio
EFFECT OF BANK CHARGES ON CUSTOMERS SWITCHING BEHAVIOUR IN SOME SELECTED DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN DRAMATURG
No full textThe general objective of this study was to assess the effect of bank charges on customers’ bank switching behaviour in Nigerian banking industry. The study is descriptive in nature and data were collected through structured questionnaire and face to face interview. 200 questionnaires were administered to the respondents but only 185 questionnaires were completed and returned to the researcher for data analysis. However, the populations of the study were drawn from five deposit money banks in Damaturu randomly which they are; First Bank Plc, GT Bank Plc, Keystone Bank, Polaris Bank, Jaiz Bank. Hypotheses were formulated and tested using Pearson Correlation Analysis instrument. The research findings confirmed that the level of interest rate on a bank loans, the cost of bank transactions, and unfair bank charges were positively affecting customer switching behavior in deposit money banks in Damaturu. Therefore, based on the findings drawn from this study, the following recommendations are propounded in order to achieve the main objective of the study; the banks management should review their levels of interest rates on loans, transactions cost and unfair bank charges if the banks are to retain their existing customers and attract new ones because high transaction fees and charges have a negative impact on customer switching behavior in banking sector. And finally CBN should also review the policy of banks charges imposing on banks as it was also contributing toward banks losing customers and customers losing confidence in banks.
 
