Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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MARKET PENETRATION TECHNIQUES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY APPROACH
No full textThis study explored market penetration techniques employed by small businesses in Delta State, Nigeria, focusing on pricing strategies, promotional activities, and distribution channels. Using a descriptive case study design, the research examined how these strategies impact market penetration. The study was conducted in three major cities—Warri, Asaba, and Sapele—representing the commercial, administrative, and semi-urban areas of Delta State. A sample of 150 participants, comprising small business owners and managers, was selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected via structured questionnaires distributed electronically using snowball sampling, leveraging networks through WhatsApp and email. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis, facilitated by SPSS software. The findings revealed that pricing strategies significantly enhance market penetration, with penetration pricing contributing the most (R² = 0.581). Promotional activities also play a critical role, with public relations strategies emerging as the most effective (R² = 0.511). Distribution channels significantly impact market access, with direct channels being the most influential (R² = 0.465), while e-commerce platforms show potential but remain underutilized due to infrastructural limitations. Hypothesis testing confirmed the significant influence of all three strategies on market penetration. These findings underscore the importance of adopting innovative strategies tailored to local market dynamics. Practical recommendations include adopting penetration pricing, leveraging digital marketing, and enhancing distribution infrastructure. Policymakers are urged to support small businesses through digital infrastructure development and financial incentives for marketing and distribution innovations. The study highlights the critical need for strategic management to ensure the sustainability and growth of small businesses in competitive markets.
 
MODERATING EFFECT OF FIRM CHARACTERISTICS ON PROJECT FINANCING REQUIREMENTS AND PROJECT DELIVERY DELAY IN THE NIGERIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
No full textThe timely completion of construction projects is a global challenge, with project delivery delays resulting in significant economic losses and reputational damage. Firm characteristics and project financing requirements are critical factors influencing project delivery outcomes. Therefore, this study investigated the moderating effect of firm characteristics on the relationship between project financing requirements and project delivery delay in the Nigerian construction industry. Employing a survey research design, primary data was collected through a cross-sectional survey of 423 construction project stakeholders in Kaduna State. The data collected was analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with PLS 3.0 software. Findings of the study revealed that firm characteristics - including age, experience in obtaining construction project financing, and robust financial record-keeping - play a pivotal moderating role in mitigating construction project delivery delays. Notably, the study highlights the strategic importance of forming alliances with reputable partners to bolster firm characteristics, thereby unlocking favourable financing terms and expedited project delivery. To optimize project outcomes, construction firms are advised to forge strategic consortiums with esteemed organizations, enhancing their firm characteristics and ultimately reducing construction project delivery delays
LEAN PRACTICES AND HEALTHCARE SUPPLY CHAIN PERFORMANCE: AN INTEGRATED DEMATEL-ANP APPROACH
No full textSimilar to what is obtainable across the globe, the Nigeria healthcare supply chain system has been faced with increasing risks, cost pressure, and complex governing regulations on the basis of its products’ uniqueness, complexity, and cost. Thus, this has continuously made medications to fail in meeting the needs of the right end-user at the right time, right cost, and right quality. To address the challenges identified, this study assessed the influence of lean practices on healthcare supply chain performance. To achieve this, the study employed a quantitative and survey-based research design with the aid of Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory and Analytical Network Process (DANP). Using the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) as the unit of analysis, the supply chain practitioners which totalled forty-two were engaged as the unit of observation. The findings revealed that to improve healthcare supply chain performance, compared to other lean practice, the value stream mapping is of upmost importance followed by the standardization of supply chain processes. Moreover, at the performance metric, the cost factor within the healthcare supply chain system is positioned most important by experts for aiding improved supply chain performance on both sides of the analytical procedure followed by service level. Among the key performance indicators, waste reduction is positioned most important as against inventory cost. However, the indicator inventory cost needs not to be negated in decision making, as DEMATEL analysis of expert opinion ascribe it as the most important and influential within the key performance indicators
CAREER PLATEAUING AND EMPLOYEE COMMITMENT AMONG THE ACADEMIC STAFF OF THE UNIVERSITY OF UYO
No full textEmployee commitment remains a cornerstone of organisational success, particularly within academic environments where productivity and morale directly affect educational quality. In many universities, however, staff members often face limited growth opportunities, leading to career plateauing, a psychological state in which individuals perceive stagnation in their professional development. This phenomenon can hinder motivation, engagement, and long-term organisational commitment. Against this backdrop, this study examined career plateauing and employee commitment among academic staff in the University of Uyo. Specifically, the study investigated the influence of structural, job content, and personal plateauing on continuance, affective and normative commitment. A survey research design was adopted, and a structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of 288 employees.A total of 288 copies of the research instrument were distributed to selected respondents across the study population. Of these, 244 completed instruments were successfully retrieved, yielding a response rate of 84.72%. This high rate indicates strong participant engagement and enhances the reliability and generalisability of the study findings. The returned instruments were then reviewed for completeness and consistency prior to inclusion in the data analysis. The data collected were analysed using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, and the hypotheses were tested at the 5% significance level. The findings revealed that all dimensions of career plateauing exert a significant negative influence on employee commitment, as measured by continuance, affective, and normative commitment. Based on findings, it was concluded that career plateauing negatively affects employee commitment among academic staff in the University of Uyo. Therefore, the study recommends that the University adopt proactive career development and internal mobility strategies such as clear advancement pathways, continuous skill development, and role diversification to mitigate the effects of career plateauing
DOES SCOPE-BASED CARBON DISCLOSURE DRIVE SHAREHOLDERS’ VALUE? A MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF NIGERIAN FIRMS
No full textThis study investigates the impact of scope-based carbon emissions (Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3) and sustainability reporting on the market valuation of firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX). Using multivariate regression on panel data covering nine firms from 2012 to 2023, the findings reveal that Scope 2 emissions have a statistically significant positive effect on firm value, measured by Tobin’s Q, indicating investor sensitivity to indirect emissions linked to operational efficiency. In contrast, Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions, as well as sustainability reporting, showed no significant influence, suggesting challenges related to the credibility or materiality of these disclosures in Nigeria. The results reveal the need for improved standardization and verification of emissions and sustainability disclosures to enhance their relevance for investors
REMOTE WORK SYSTEM AND LECTURERS’ PERFORMANCE IN ABIA STATE UNIVERSITIES, NIGERIA
No full textThis study examined the relationship between remote work systems and lecturers’ performance in Abia State universities, Nigeria. Specifically, it investigated the relationship between technological infrastructure and service delivery, as well as between flexible work schedules and employee commitment. A survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from lecturers at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, and Abia State University, Uturu. The study population comprised 2,246 lecturers, and a sample size of 340 was determined using the Taro Yamane formula. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while hypotheses were tested with the Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Findings revealed a significant positive relationship between technological infrastructure and service delivery, and between flexible work schedules and employee commitment. The study concludes that effective implementation of remote work systems can enhance lecturer performance if supported by adequate technological and institutional frameworks. It recommends that university management invest in digital infrastructure, training, and support systems to strengthen remote work practices and improve staff performance.
 
STRATEGIC INTEGRATION OF GREEN HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT: A FRAMEWORK FOR ENHANCING SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYEE INNOVATIVENESS IN GLOBAL FOOD RETAIL SUPPLY CHAINS
No full textThis study examines the relationship between strategic integration of green human capital development (GHCD) and employee innovativeness in the context of global food retail supply chains with selected Spar retail outlets in Lagos State as a case study. The research focuses on the roles of green performance management and appraisal and green compensation and rewards in fostering employee innovativeness. A quantitative research design was adopted, utilizing a survey method with a structured questionnaire. The study\u27s population consisted of 122 employees of selected Spar retail outlets. Using the Taro Yamane (2004) sample size model, a sample size of 93 was determined. Data was collected via convenience sampling technique. The result of the hypothesis one shows t-value is 5.279, and the p-value (Sig.) is 0.000, which is highly significant (p < 0.05). The unstandardized coefficient of hypothesis two which is 0.687 with a standard error of 0.089, and a t-value of 7.680 with the corresponding p-value is 0.000, which is less than 0.05. This indicates that the relationship of the two hypotheses tested are statistically significant. The study concludes that green human capital development proxy with green performance management and appraisal and green compensation and rewards has significant relationship with employees’ innovativeness. The findings provide practical recommendations for retail outlets to formally integrate green performance indicators into the standard performance management and appraisal systems for all employees by ensuring that objectives related to energy conservation, waste reduction, recycling initiatives, and resource efficiency are clearly defined, measurable, and weighted in the appraisal process.
 
NEWSPAPER COVERAGE OF WOMEN`S PARTICIPATION IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP: ANALYSIS OF DAILY TRUST AND GUARDIAN NEWSPAPERS
No full textWomen\u27s participation in entrepreneurship and business activities in Nigeria significantly contributes to the nation’s economic, agricultural, and food production growth. However, their efforts remain underrepresented in the media compared to their male counterparts. Media coverage tends to highlight women entrepreneurs only when they are prominent public figures, while the majority of women making substantial contributions to national development receive little attention. This study examines the coverage of women’s participation in entrepreneurship in Daily Trust and The Guardian newspapers. Anchored on the agenda-setting theory, the study adopts content analysis to assess the frequency, prominence, and framing of reports related to women entrepreneurs in the selected newspapers. Findings reveal that women’s participation in entrepreneurship is largely underreported and accorded minimal prominence compared to other business-related issues. The study recommends that media organizations should enhance the visibility and representation of women entrepreneurs by giving adequate publicity, priority, and prominence to their stories. Such efforts can encourage greater women participation in entrepreneurship and attract support from both governmental and non-governmental bodies
 
Drug Involvement among Undergraduate Students: Age and Gender Differences
No full textThis study investigated drug use among undergraduate students, looking at age and gender disparities and if these factors affect drug use differently among undergraduate students. Two research questions and hypotheses guided the study. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. A sample of 360 students were selected using multi-stage random sampling technique from a population of 47,233 undergraduate students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam campus Anambra State to ensure the representation of age and gender differences. The instrument for data collection was the adolescent drug involvement scale. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Mean scores were utilized to answer the research questions while t-test was used to test the hypothesis at significant level of 0.05. The result of the findings revealed that there are no significant age differences in undergraduate students’ drug involvement and that male undergraduate students are more involved in drug than female. It was recommended that there should be implementation of Age-Specific and Gender-Sensitive Prevention Programmes that will develop prevention programs that cater to the unique needs and vulnerabilities of different ages; Provision of Access to Counseling and Mental Health Services ensuring that undergraduate students have access to confidential counseling and mental health services, including substance abuse treatment and support groups etc
Parenting Styles as Predictors of Self-Esteem among Secondary School Students in Awka Education Zone, Anambra State
No full textThe development of self-esteem among secondary school students relies on supportive parenting and positive peer interactions, which together foster confidence, resilience, and emotional strength to handle academic and social challenges. This study investigated parenting styles as predictors of self-esteem among secondary school students in Awka Education Zone of Anambra State. The study was guided by three research questions and tested three null hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level using a predictive correlational survey research design. A multi-stage sampling method was employed to draw a sample of 840 students from a population of 5,028 senior secondary two (SS2) students from public secondary schools in Awka Education Zone of Anambra State. Two research instruments were adapted and used: Parenting Styles Questionnaire (PSQ) and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES). A pilot test conducted with 40 SS2 students in Onitsha Education Zone produced strong internal consistency values: PSQ (α = 0.87), PPPS (α = 0.85), and RSES (α = 0.83). The instruments were administered directly to the participants. Regression analysis was applied to examine the predictive relationships between the variables and test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that parenting styles (authoritative p = 0.795 (p > 0.05), authoritarian, p = 0.796 (p > 0.05) and permissive, p = 0.359 (p > 0.05) were not a significant predictor of the secondary school students’ self-esteem in Awka Education Zone of Anambra State. Based on these findings, it was recommended that school counsellors should adopt holistic strategies that take into account a range of other factors that influence self-esteem. These may include academic performance, emotional resilience, social competence, and mental health