THEME:
ACHIEVING UNPRECEDENTED TRANSFORMATION IN A FAST-MOVING WORLD: AGENDA FOR SUB-SAHARA AFRICA
DATE:
21st May, 2015.
VENUE:
UNIVERSITY OF ABUJA TEACHING HOSPITAL CONFERENCE HALL, GWAGWALADA, FCT ABUJA.
PROCEEDINGS:
AN EMPIRICAL EXAMINATION OF THE LINKAGES BETWEEN PERCEIVED VALUE, PURCHASE INTENTION AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION FOR SMARTPHONES IN PORT HARCOURT
1UKPABI, D.C. & ORJI, O.G. (PHD), 2AMADI, C.R.,
1Marketing Department, Rivers State Polytechnic, Bori
2Banking and Finance Department, Rivers State Polytechnic, Bori
Abstract
The purchase of a smartphone is driven by many factors such as social acceptance, fun and pleasure and as a Personal Digital Assistance (PDA). Many of the smartphones in the Nigerian market are not customised to contain locally developed apps and features that meet local needs. This study empirically examines the four value dimensions (social value, emotional value, functional value and epistemic value) that influence purchase intention and customer satisfaction for smartphones. The result is intended to guide smartphones manufacturers who wish to enter the Nigerian smartphone market. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 21) was used with tools such as descriptive statistics of the demographics, Pearson’s Correlation analysis and Multiple regression for hypothesis testing. The result found a positive correlation between purchase intention and the four value dimensions. The result also found that the relationship between emotional value and purchase intention was statistically significant while also establishing a statistically significant relationship between purchase intention and customer satisfaction. It is therefore recommended that smartphone manufacturers should enter the Nigerian smartphone market with apps, designs and features customisable to the environment which copiously embed these smartphone value elements.
Keywords: social value, emotional value, functional value, epistemic value
APPLICATION OF AHP METHOD IN DESIGNING OPTIMAL DISTRIBUTION NETWORK
Ismaila Abubakar
Department of Marketing, Purchasing & Supply, Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola, Nigeria.
Abstract
Various performance dimensions and product characteristics need to be considered when designing effective and efficient distribution network for manufacturing organisations. Recently, researchers have begun to realise that the decision and integration effort in distribution network design should be driven by a comprehensive set of performance metrics and also product characteristics. In this paper, I recount product features to optimizing distribution network design and adopt cost and service factor performance metrics as the decision criteria. Multi-criteria decision-making methodology – Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is then developed to take into account both qualitative and quantitative factors in the best distribution network design selection. By using AHP methodology I could optimize the selection of delivery network design followed by relevant choices for decision making in a manufacturing company in Nigeria.
Keywords: Network design, Analytical Hierarchy Approach, Optimal distribution, Multi-criteria decision
CASH MANAGEMENT AND PROFITABILITY OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES IN NIGERIA
Gadi Dung Paul
Department of Business Administration and Management, Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi
Abstract
The study was designed to evaluate the effect of cash management and profitability in Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises in an attempt to assess the relationship between the two variables in Nigeria as the case study. The research was forecasted on achieving the following objectives; to establish cash management techniques used in SMEs, to assess the profitability of SMEs, to establish the relationship between cash management and profitability of SMEs. A descriptive study design was adopted during the study; information was obtained from primary sources using questionnaires and interviews and purposive sampling was used, and 300 questionnaires were administered and 60 respondents were interviewed and these included owners of business, manager and workers. The findings revealed that SMEs planned for their cash as a tool against misuse, embezzlement of the business funds, SMEs also employs other tools like cash banking; Staff productivity and profitability, move in the same direction; Cash inflows, outflows, and planning were all found out to influence the profits of SMES in Nigeria. Recommendations suggested include the following, organization has to put into place controls to ensure that cash is safe, customers to even pay in advanced as a way of boasting the business collections which in turn will enable allocations to made in time, as the organizational surpluses and deficits are concerned in projects beneficial to the business, should also use more of the accrual basis of cash outflow than the cash basis in order to maintain the business liquidity at an optimal level.
KEYWORDS: Cash Management, Profitability and SMEs
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND ITS IMPACT ON ACHIEVING THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS
ZUBAIRU JIJIWA
Department of Banking and Finance, Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola
Abstract
Corporate social responsibilities (CSR), as a global issue has come to stay as a key factor in business substance, growth and development. It has taken a central position in business expenditure profile, there by making the society a better place not only for it’s corporate entity but also the entire members of the community. This indeed reflects the aspirations of the world leaders prompting the adoption of an eight, time-bound goals (The MDGs) achievable at the expiration of the year 2015. This paper therefore examines the concepts of CSR and MDG’s the performance of some Nigeria’s business organization in facilitating government’s effort to meet set targets. The paper conclude with a recommendation to come up with new set of goals to succeed the MDG’s post 2015, as there is still much remaining to be done.
DIFFERENCE AND SYMMETRIC DIFFERENCE OPERATIONS DEFINED ON INTUITIONISTIC FUZZY MULTISETS
PAUL AUGUSTINE EJEGWA
Department of Mathematics/Statistics/Computer Science, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi Nigeria
Abstract:
The concept of intuitionistic fuzzy multisets which is an extension of intuitionistic fuzzy sets is a relative new research area that ushers wide range of applications in real world. We gave a comprehensive note on the fundamentals of intuitionistic fuzzy multisets (IFMSs) which cuts across some foundational definitions, basic operations, Cartesian product, and some laws of algebra. We proposed and defined relative complement and symmetric difference over IFMSs. Thereafter, some theorems and corollaries are given, and proved respectively.
Keywords: algebra, difference, intuitionistic fuzzy sets, intuitionistic fuzzy multisets, operations, symmetric difference.
DIVERSIFICATION OF NIGERIA ECONOMY THROUGH GUERRILLA MARKETING PRINCIPLES AS STRATEGIES FOR INNOVATION BY SMEs
*ANUKAM, AMAOBI ISAAC & **ACHAMA, GODWIN IKECHUKWU
*Department of Marketing, Faculty of Management Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe, University,
Awka, Nigeria & **Department of Business Administration, Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo
Abstract
The concept of Guerrilla marketing subsumes a set of different innovative and creative approach to marketing in today’s marketplace warfare. It aims principally at gaining large effect with a small budget through surprise and diffusion effects. Although the instruments are more and more often applied by today’s practitioners, there is barely scientific discussion about the concept. Therefore, this paper intends to raise such discussion in describing the evolution, philosophers’, principles of the concept and current understanding of guerrilla marketing among Hotel entrepreneurs in Imo State, as an attempt to gaining attention of a large number of applicators in attracting consumers at relatively low cost by means of surprise effect and diffusion effect. The study highlights how different guerrilla instruments like internal, ambient, sensation, viral, buzz marketing try to evoke these effects. The study uses empirical evidence to discuss the application of the GM principles as found in the sample of 40 Hotels in Imo State. The design of the study is descriptive design, and triangulation method was used in data collection, and the results of hypotheses testing are as given by SPSS package. The results show that the Hotel entrepreneurs’ use of guerrilla marketing weapons is consistent with literature. They all agreed that they cannot survive the larger competitors and rough economic life in Nigeria, without resorting to guerrilla marketing. The study recommends Guerrilla Marketing for the marketing of Hotel services in Nigeria. Guerrilla marketing surprises you and is therefore striking. It all comes together in one: “impact”. Guerrilla marketing means impact, and that is what today marketplace needs.
Key words: Unconventional marketing, Buzz marketing, Ambient marketing, Ambush marketing, Innovativeness
EFFECTIVE WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND OVERALL PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES
IBRAHIM BABA GARBA
Department of Accountancy, Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola
Abstract
Solvency and liquidity of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises depends to a large extent on effective working capital management. However, most SMEs do not care about their working capital position, most have only little regard for their working capital position and most do not even have standard credit policy. A lot of them do not care about their financial position, they only run business, and they mostly focus on cash receipt and what their bank account position is. This paper therefore looked at working capital management in SMEs by reviewing past studies done on how effective working capital management effects business profitability. In particular Nigerian SMEs who remain the driving force for the country’s economic growth and development. It was found that SMEs stands a better chance of maximizing profit if it effectively manages it working capital. It is also recommended that for SMEs to survive within Nigeria economy they must design a standard credit policy and ensure good financial report and control system. They must give more attention to the management of their working capital to ensure continuity, growth and solvency.
Keywords: Small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs), Working capital management, Liquidity, Solvency, profitability, performance.
EFFECTIVENESS OF A POSTURAL DIAGNOSIS EXPERT SYSTEMS SOFTWARE FOR SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN IBADAN, NIGERIA
*PROF. A.O. ABASS & **BAMITALE TOBA DAVID
*Department of Human Kinetics And Health Education, University Of Ibadan & **Sports Science Department, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
Abstract
Expert systems uses the concepts of principles of artificial intelligence to enable computers to function in decision support roles and advisors, personifying human experts problem solving and decision-making capabilities. This study designed and evaluated a Postural Diagnosis expert Systems (PDS) software for school adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria. The sample for this study comprised of 100 male (n=50) and female (n=50) senior secondary school adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria. The target population was used to test the design of the POSTURAL DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (PDS). Postural status of participants was evaluated using the POSTURAL DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (PDS). The instrument used was validated by the experts in Information Technology, Sports and Health Sciences. Results for the study were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages on SPSS. The highest number of bad postures recorded were; unusual flat back (13%), flat foot (9%), locked knee (5%), curved spine (4%), sunken chest (3%), protruding abdomen and bowleg (2%). The lowest postural deformity found in the respondent occurred in swayed back and forward head (1%). None of the respondents has rounded shoulder. Participants recorded good posture in rounded shoulder (100%), swayed back and forward head, (99%) protruding abdomen and bow leg, (98%), sunken chest (97%), curved spine, (96%), locked knee (95%), flat foot (91%) , while the lowest number of good posture was unusual flat back (87%).The study concluded that PDS significantly diagnosed upper and lower body posture of participants. It was also confirmed that school adolescents in Ibadan have poor posture characteristics of unusual flat back, flat foot, locked knee, curved spine, sunken chest, protruding abdomen, bow leg, swayed back and forward head. The study recommends that adequate postural exercises should be included in the Physical education and sports curriculum of secondary schools.
Keywords: Posture, bad posture, expert system, software, school adolescents
ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKETING AND THE ODIBO APPRENTICESHIP MODEL IN NIGERIA: A TRANSFORMATIONAL APPROACH FOR INCREASING PERFORMANCE IN THE SUB-SAHARA AFRICA.
ACHAMA GODWIN IKECHUKWU,
Department of Business Administration and Management, Imo State Polytechnic Umuagwo, Ohaji,
Abstract
This study evaluates the ‘odibo/umuboy’ apprenticeship system as a characteristic tool for increasing entrepreneurship performance and leadership development in Nigeria.The study further examined the implication of the master/servant entrepreneurship training as a tool for economic and entrepreneurship growth, self sustenance and poverty alleviation within and outside Nigeria. The objective was geared towards confirming if we can continue to assume that the past pattern of the ‘Umuboy’ model should continue, and if so can we with certainty continue to invest in such effort that support the next generation of entrepreneurs. The methodology here involved a review of current situation especially the existing training methods of academic or scholarly Entrepreneurship training and evaluated the departure by studying the master/servant model as currently applied to training people within the primary and post secondary levels in Igbo land in distribution Marketing techniques/entrepreneurship.
The stratification sampling design in combination with cluster sampling was considered necessary to ensure matching between products, sample representatives and increased statistical precision. A combination of the exploratory, trend and explanatory research designs were used in specific alternatives as the case may be. Research questions and hypothesis were examined and tested in order to establish the success rate of the model and its effect on economic growth, sustainability, National integration and Development. The study determined the relationship between the beneficiaries of this model of training and increased entrepreneurial performance among others. Simple percentages, mean and chi-square statistics were used for data interpretation. From the findings, conclusion was drawn among others that the ‘odibo’ entrepreneurship model is a success and have contributed appreciably to reducing idleness, arm robbery and other social ills. The study recommended among others that the model should be copied and introduced by various state governments outside the eastern states to enable them grow individual entrepreneurs, improve leadership characteristics, skills, entrepreneurial spirit and cultural integration for national development.
Keywords: Entrepreneurship growth, educational orientation, sustainability, performance, economic growth, cultural integration, national development.
ENTREPRENEURIAL MARKETING PRACTICES AMONG SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES (SMEs) IN IMO STATE NIGERIA: Prospects and Challenges for Diversification
ANUKAM, AMAOBI ISAAC
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Management Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Nigeria
Abstract
This study explores with empirical evidence the extent of overlap, similarities and dissimilarities between entrepreneurial practices and the marketing concepts among Small to Medium size Enterprises (SMEs) in Owerri, Nigeria. It inquires and assesses approach to marketing practices entrepreneurs apply. Qualitative approach is adopted in the study which requires primary data collection tools consisting of structured instruments for in- depth interviews and guide for focused-group discussion (FGD) and critical incidence analysis are used for data collection. Secondary data were sourced from firms’ records, periodicals and related literatures. Convenient samples of twenty (20) SMEs were studied. Content and Thematic Analysis were used in data analysis. The research findings show that while traditional marketing is structured and it’s framework requires certain conditions to thrive-formal planning and theoretical structures. Entrepreneurial marketing (EM) improvises, and does not seek for a perfect condition to grow a firm. Thus, the highlights of the interface between entrepreneurship and marketing as discussed in the findings on the areas of differences, similarities, overlap and collaboration will give practitioners, academics and scholars greater synergetic leverage over unstable marketplace in the application of marketing and entrepreneurial processes for greater results.
Keywords: Entrepreneurial Marketing, Innovation, Small and Medium Enterprises, Marketing Environment, Marketing Opportunity
IN-CORE POWER PREDICTION AND EFFECTS OF AVERAGE CORE TEMPERATURE ON MINIATURE NEUTRON SOURCE REACTOR’S CORE PERFORMANCE
- S. ANAS*1, Y. A. AHMED2 & N. RABIU3, S. A. AGBO3,
1CAAS Mando, Division of Agricultural Colleges, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
2Centre for Energy Research and Training, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria-Nigeria
3Physics Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria-Nigeria
Abstract
Measurements were performed in this research to predict the in-core power as well as to verify the effect of average core temperature in the Nigeria Research Reactor–1 (NIRR – 1). The results obtained here revealed that the average coolant temperature difference over the period of operation was 12.1˚C for experiment performed at half power and 19.5˚C for operation at full power. The average core temperature of the reactor was found to have mean values of 19.8˚C and 44.3˚C at half and full power levels respectively. This is in perfect agreement with the design of the MNSR and findings of many workers in the area of MNSR power. This is an in-build feature of NIRR-1 that compensates for high negative temperature coefficient of reactivity in order to keep the reactor at its preset power level. This shows that, the flux in the core of NIRR-1 is stable.The variation of the inlet temperature (Tin) and coolant temperature difference (ΔT) with the reactor power was also investigated and the results obtained show that the parameters dictate the power level but has no significant influence on power excursion, coolant boiling and radiation exposure of personnel.
Key words: Average core temperature, Reactor Core, MNSR, NIRR-1
INFLUENCE OF E-RECRUITMENT ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN NIGERIA
ALABI, EZEKIEL, AFOLABI, M.A, & ADEYEMO, S.A
Department of Business Administration and Management, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Nigeria
Abstract
This paper investigated the influence of e-recruitment on the performance of organizations in Nigeria with specific focus on telecom industry. Self-administered structured questionnaire was employed to collect data from one hundred and twenty participants through purposive sampling method. Inferential statistics was used to analyze the data, specifically; ordinary least squares linear regression method was employed with the aid of statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20 in order to determine the influence of independent variable (e-recruitment) on dependent variable (organizational performance). The result showed that e-recruitment has significant influence on organizational performance. The study also revealed that reduced costs of advertising and other benefits such as attraction of wider pool of candidates, fastness and reduced costs of communications and improved organizational attraction jointly predict better organizational performance, which counted for 69% variance of organizational profitability. The paper, therefore recommended that organizations should adopt e-recruitment as a part of their operational components of their HR strategy in this fast changing and highly competitive world.
KeyWords: Traditional recruitment, performance, e-recruitment, organization and internet recruitment
THE ASSESSMENT OF ANTHROPOMETRY AND SELECTED BODY COMPOSITION PARAMETERS AS PREDICTOR OF BASAL METABOLIC RATE OF FEMALE UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATES
JAIYESIMI BOLUWAJI GBENGA
Department of Sports Science, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti
Abstract
This quasi-experimental study is based on the assessment of anthropometry and selected body composition parameters as predictor of basal metabolic rate of female university undergraduates. The sample consisted 110 female undergraduate students from the College of Medicine and Health Sciences in Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti. Age, height, weight and body composition parameters of Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Circumference (WC), Hip Circumference (HC), Waist to Hip ratio (WHR), Waist to Height Ratio(WHtR) and Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) of the students were variables considered for the study. The descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage counts, mean, standard deviation, standard error of mean, pearson product moment correlation coefficient and regression analysis were used for data analysis at 0.05 alpha level. The pearson product moment correlation coefficient results showed strong positive relationship between BMI and WC (r=.642), BMI and HC (.619), WC and HC (.649), WC and WHR(.713), BMI and BMR (.841), HC and BMR (.608), BMR and WC (.583). The regression result revealed that age r=.046(r2=.002, p<.005)was not significant; height r=.328(r2=.108, p<.005) was significant; weight r=.993(r2=.987, p<.005) was significant; BMI r=.841(r2=.707, p<.005) was significant; WC r=.583(r2=.340, p<.005) was significant; HC r=.608(r2=.369, p<.005) was significant; WHR r=.200(r2=.040 p>.005) was not significant; WHtR r=.448(r2=.200) was significant.In conclusion, the result of the findings showed that age and WHR were not significant predictors of BMR.
Keywords: Anthropometry, Body composition parameters, Body mass index, Basal metabolic rate, waist to hip ratio
THE RELATIONSHIP OF PERSONALITY TO ENTREPRENEURIAL PERFORMANCE IN ACHIEVING VISION 2020:20
GADI DUNG PAUL
Department of Business Administration and Management, Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi.
Abstract
The role of personality has resurfaced in entrepreneurship research. The results surrounding the broad personality traits have varied. Although openness to experience has been found to generally have a positive relationship with entrepreneurial intentions and performance, conflicting and inconsistent results have emerged. Therefore, an in-depth look at the facets of openness to experience may offer additional information. The present investigation used a sample of owners and examined the facets of openness to: fantasy, aesthetics, feelings, actions, ideas, and values. Specifically, it was hypothesized that openness to fantasy, aesthetics, and feelings were negatively related to entrepreneurial performance. Also, it was hypothesized that openness to actions, ideas, and values were positively related to entrepreneurial performance. The hypotheses were tested using hierarchical multiple regression. Full support was only found for one hypothesis. One explanation could be that entrepreneurship is a process that goes through phases where each has a different set of activities and outcomes, and the effects of openness may change over the different phases of founding a new venture. More focus and empirical testing is needed to further the ideas brought forth in this paper.
Keywords: Personality, Fantasy, aesthetics and facets
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT: MANAGERIAL TOOLS FOR ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE
OGUNLEYE, P.O, ALABI, EZEKIEL, & AFOLABI, M.A
Department of Business Administration and Management, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Nigeria
Abstract
The study examined the effect of employees’ training and development on organizational performance in Nigeria. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 150 respondents through simple random sampling method. Linear regression was used with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 to analyze the data collected in order to examine the effect of independent variable (employees’ training and development) on dependent variable, (performance). The result revealed that employees’ training and development has significant effect on the performance of organizations. It was, however concluded that predictor variable namely (training and development) is 55.5% variance of organizational performance (profitability). The study, therefore recommended that all organizations in Nigeria should embrace and invest more on manpower training and development in order to improve employees’ performance on the job leading to higher organizational performance.
Key Words: Organization, Manpower, Training, Development and Performance