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Dynamic Capabilities and Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs): A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) through PRISMA Protocol Statement
Get PDFThis paper provided insights on different empirical findings and extant literature on the theory of dynamic capabilities and SMEs performance using systematic literature review through PRISMA Protocol (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). Furthermore, the study also provided conceptual review on the theory of dynamic capabilities and its dimensions for measuring small and medium enterprise (SMEs) performance. The methodology for this study was based on use of systematic literature review through PRISMA Protocol statement to justify the review of related contemporary literature and data collected on the journals reviewed. Based on this methodology, the study indicated that the authors agreed that there is significant and positive relationship between dynamic capabilities and SMEs business performance. Also, the study indicated that Augier and Teece (2007); Teece, & Linden (2017) and Teece, Pisano & Shuen (1997) were the prominent and well referenced work on the theory of dynamic capabilities which has contributed significantly to extant literature. The study recommended that there is need for further studies on the extent of relationship between dynamic capabilities and SMEs performance by considering other dimensions other than those provided in this study and determine if the inconsistencies that exist among authors on this investigation can be model appropriately.
Keywords: Dynamic Capabilities, Environment, SMEs, Performance, Edo Stat
Painting as an Investment Opportunity in a Developing Economy
Get PDFThis paper discusses the potentials of painting as a form of investment opportunities in Nigeria. Painting as an aspect of creativity has emerged since 20th-21st century as a major means of generating income opportunities for art collectors, foreign enthusiast, culture lovers, investors, active business men and future projectors in the business world. However, this business potential in painting is not limited to only business mogul and entrepreneurs, but also to some working middle class-civil servants have acute mercantile acumen engage in buying paintings to secure their future after retirement. Prominent artists are often commissioned to produce quality and interesting paintings that appeals to the public taste in painting which also stands the test of time thus earning unprecedented returns at public auctions, exhibitions, and public bazaars in many parts of the world. Therefore, this paper also mentioned and discussed in details the values found in paintings as artwork - as it relates to investment in a mono economy like Nigeria. It is worthy to note, however, that there is great value in collecting paintings as alternative source of income thereby creating wealth for business men who understands the intrinsic pleasure from creativity of Nigerian cultural traditions in expanding personal and collective prosperity. On the other hand, the paper will also highlight the challenges facing the art industry - which includes low patronage, lack of funding to the artist and the limited sponsor/ art patrons, cost of materials and low public awareness, and the absence of a well-structured art market to engage art lovers and viewers. It further highlights the success stories of notable Nigerian artists and galleries, showcasing the opportunities for economic growth through the art sector. However, it is noteworthy in showcasing the practices of foreign countries where there is need for strategic investment, institutional support, and public-private collaboration to reveal the economic value of painting in Nigeria as well as other climes. Ultimately, the paper interrogates market potentials in arts through the instrument of painting as a tangible asset of cultural prosperity, propagation and appreciation. In the midst of high inflation and unfavorable economic climate, Nigeria can transform its art industry into a significant driver of wealth creation, employment, and cultural preservation. This paper aims to contribute to the discourse on art’s economic potential, particularly painting in inspiring policies and initiatives that position painting as a sustainable investment avenue for populace of Lagos, Nigerians and Sub region of West Africa.
Keyword: Visual Art, Art Industry, Wealth creation, Economy challenges, Investmen
Examination of the Efficacy of International Law in Combatting Trans-Border Environmental Crimes
Get PDFThis Research explores how international law regulates trans-border environmental crimes such as illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, and transboundary pollution. Those crimes pose an exceptional challenge to the usually state-based legal regime at a time of globalization, which further complicated governance over the environment. This research assessed the suitability of international law in addressing trans-border environmental crimes. The doctrinal method is employed in this research through a review of international treaties, conventions, and enforcement mechanisms in order to assess their effectiveness in controlling these illicit activities. Case studies from different regions in the research point out the deficiencies in the current legal structure, besides corruption, weak governance, and lack of capacity to enforce them in source countries. The research suggests improvements in international cooperation, capacity building, and enforcement. The findings could help construct more efficient legal responses for the protection of global ecosystems from trans-border environmental crimes
Criminal Behaviour Tendencies: Concepts, Prevalence, Consequences and Compassion-Focused Therapy
Get PDFCriminal behaviour tendencies are global phenomenon that affects individuals, families and societies at large. People are born innocent with a clean mind but as the individual interacts with the environment, they learn different behaviour, both bad and good. Hardly a day passes without hearing disturbing news about criminal activities. Not only do people get involved in criminal behaviour, but their actions also pose risks to their victims as well as the society. A crime-free society promotes incredible growth and development, whereas crime-ridden communities suffer from oppression, poverty and underdevelopment. Factors like dysfunctional families, parenting, peer influence, economic deprivation, and substance misuse exacerbate these tendencies. Sutherland's Differential Association Theory and Routine Activity Theory revealed criminal behaviour's learned nature, influenced by social interactions, motivated offenders, attractive targets, and inadequate guardianship. Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), developed by Gilbert, is a psychological intervention that counteracts negative thought patterns and reduces criminal thinking, promoting rehabilitation among offenders, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies. This study therefore reviews the concept, prevalence, consequences of Compassion-Focused Therapy on criminal behaviour tendencies.
Keywords: Criminal Behaviour Tendencies, Differential Association Theory, Routine Activity Theory, Compassion-Focused Therap
Examining the Nigerian Hire Purchase Act: Addressing Monetary Limitations and Imbalances in Legal Protection to Enhance Commercial Development
Get PDFA hire purchase agreement is intended to make goods available to customers through installment payments and automatic transfer of ownership upon full payment after the specified time, thereby facilitating trade and commerce. This, however, proves that the act, now obsolete, hinders growth commercially. It is specifically Section 1(a), which places monetary limits on goods except motor vehicles, whereas Sections 9(2) and (5) protect the hirer excessively at the expense of the firm owner. None of these provisions reflects the modern economic realities. In this regard, hire purchase transactions have associated inefficiencies. This study is a critical appraisal of the Nigerian Hire Purchase Act and the limitations and imbalances therein. Specific objectives include an evaluation of monetary limitations contained in Section 1(a) to assess the implications of Sections 9(2) and (5) and propose reforms to bring this act in tandem with the sharply changing economic realities. The research adopts qualitative methodology and doctrinal analysis of statutory provisions and case law along with using secondary data sources from legal and commercial literature. Findings show that monetary limits under Section 1(a) are not at all realistic in light of inflation and changing market conditions, while Sections 9(2) and (5) put off owners from entering into hire-explore agreements. The study, therefore, concludes with recommendations for legislative amendment to address these, as a balanced and progressive framework for hire purchase in Nigeria is thereby formed.
Keywords: Nigerian, Hire Purchase, Act, Legal, Commercia
Exploring the Relationship Between Employee Casualization and Workplace Productivity in Selected Manufacturing Firms in Edo State, Nigeria: A Contemporary Sociological Analysis
No full textThe essence of organization productivity is profits maximization. Achieving this requires the efficiency of staff output and in cases where more hands are needed, casual workers are engaged to increase production output and this can only be sustained when there are good relationships within the organization space. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the relationship Between Employee Casualization and Workplace Productivity in Selected Manufacturing Firms in Edo State. The Labour Market Segmentation theory by Michael Piore and Peter Doeringer were adopted for the study. Been a cross-sectional study, a sample size of 405 respondents were systematically selected for the study and both qualitative and quantitative instrument were used complementarily for the study. Finding from the study revealed that employee is associated with generally high levels of perceived productivity, largely sustained by supervisory support, motivation, and cordial management–employee relations. Motivation and harmonious relations enhance efficiency but persistent concerns about job security and unequal treatment remain. Based on this, conclusion and advocacy were deduced.
Keywords: Casual Workers, Casualization, Management, Productivit
Structural Drivers and Democratic Consequences of Political Violence in Nigeria: A Systematic Literature Review
No full textPolitical violence remains a central threat to democratic stability in Nigeria since the return to civil rule in 1999. It manifests through voter intimidation, armed thuggery, ballot snatching, targeted assassinations, sectarian mobilization, and institutional manipulation. This systematic literature review synthesizes empirical evidence and theoretical contributions across political science, governance, and security studies to identify the structural drivers and democratic consequences of political violence in Nigeria. Data were derived from peer-reviewed journals, policy documents, books, and institutional reports published between 1999 and 2024, selected based on methodological rigor and thematic relevance. Findings reveal that political violence in Nigeria is driven by entrenched poverty, mass youth unemployment, corruption, prebendal political culture, weak state institutions, identity politics, and an entrenched “sit-tight” elite behavior. Political violence undermines democratic consolidation by reducing voter turnout, distorting electoral outcomes, weakening governance institutions, and enabling the emergence of incompetent leadership. The study concludes that political violence in Nigeria is a systemic governance challenge, not an episodic event, and proposes multidimensional reforms involving institutional strengthening, electoral governance reforms, peacebuilding, youth empowerment, and civic reorientation
Demographic Drivers of Environmental Pollution Perception in Nigeria: A Quantitative Analysis
No full textThis study investigates the relationship between demographic factors such as age, education level, gender and geographical factors-location in terms of rural and urban, and people's perceptions of pollution in Nigeria, using data from Afro barometer Round 9. Employing descriptive and inferential statistical analyses (independent t-test, analysis of variance, and the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient), the study reveals significant regional disparities in pollution perception (F (5,1599) = 26.676; p <.01) with no notable age-based differences. Key findings include positive correlations between pollution concern and male gender (r = .058, p < .001), higher education levels (r = .051, p < .001), urban residence, and regions such as the Northeast and Southeast. Sanitation (26.1% and plastic waste (26.6%) emerged as the most pressing environmental issues. The study underscores the need for tailored policies and community-specific awareness campaigns to address pollution effectively in the country. The implications of the findings for better pollution management were highlighted, and necessary recommendations were made based on these findings
Keywords: Environmental Pollution, Demographic Factors, Public Perception, Regional Disparities and Nigeri
Social Media and the Historical Trajectory of Political Violence in Aramoko-Ekiti, Ekiti State
No full textThe intersection of communication networks and political violence has a long history in the Nigerian nation, where practices of information sharing have often informed collective action and conflict. In the Aramoko-Ekiti community, Ekiti State, Nigeria, community narratives, rumour networks, and partisan mobilisation have traditionally influenced political violence. The older channels have now gained new forms and terms with the emergence of social media, which has redefined the nature of political contestation. This paper is a critical assessment of how social media has contributed to the current phenomenon of political violence in Aramoko-Ekiti, especially with emphasis on the youth. Using a qualitative historical method, the study integrates oral interviews of sampled youth and political stakeholders, as well as the examination of secondary data in the form of online resources and digital communications. This approach situates the modern experience within the broader historical context of political agitation and violence in society. Social media platforms have altered the magnitude, pace, and intensity of mobilization, while also reproducing prior trends of competition and factionalism in the political trajectory of Aramoko-Ekiti, as revealed by the findings of this paper. The paper suggests encouraging historical consciousness, digital literacy, and responsible Internet use as measures to mitigate the adverse impact of violence and facilitate peaceful participation in the online space. Furthermore, it highlights the need for further research in this area to fully comprehend the intricate dynamics of social media and political violence.
Keywords: Social media, Political violence, Youth, Aramoko-Ekiti, Digital Communication
Government-Sponsored Training Programs and Sustainability of Small Businesses in Lagos State, Nigeria
No full textSmall and medium enterprises (SMEs) are key drivers of economic growth, employment and innovation, particularly in developing areas like Nigeria. In the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, Lagos State, SMEs generate income for many and form a substantial share of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Realising that small enterprises have significant roles to play, the Nigerian governments have embarked on several interventions in terms of capacity building and these they do through training in management techniques, technology of production and management of operations. Despite the intuitive appeal and the high prevalence of these programs, their effectiveness at the long-run survival of small businesses is not clear. The government supported training programmes and sustainability of small businesses in Lagos State, Nigeria This study examines the nexus between government sponsored training programmes and sustainable small businesses in Lagos State. Utilising a correlation research design as a survey approach, 174 small business owners in Lagos provided responses to structured questionnaires. The analysis shows a positive but statistically non-significant (p > 0.05, r = 0.20) relationship between government-sponsored training participation and business sustainability. These results indicate that current training interventions may not be successful enough in embedding business growth in Lagos. The research also suggests that training programs should be customised according to industry demands, disseminated through digital channels in order to reach a wider audience and be accompanied by ongoing mentoring, financial and market support aimed at maximising impact. Enhancement of the relevance and support functions of these programs would help to enhance the resilience and long-term survival of small businesses in Lagos State.
Keywords: Small Businesses, Government Training, Business Sustainability, Lagos State, Capacity Building