World Journal of Economics, Business and Management
World Journal of Economics, Business, and Management, ISSN: 3049-2181 (Online) is a premier, peer-reviewed, open-access journal that was founded in 2024 by WASR Publication. The journal aims to serve as a leading platform for researchers, academicians, and practitioners in the fields of economics, business, and management to disseminate high-quality, original research. WJEBM is committed to promoting the exchange of ideas and knowledge, fostering academic and professional excellence, and contributing to the advancement of these disciplines.
PRODUCTION OF FABRIC FROM PLANTAIN STEM (Musa paradisiaca) AND SENSORY EVALUATION OF AN EVENING GOWN CONSTRUCTED FROM PLANTAIN FABRIC
This study investigated the production of fabric from plantain stem (Musa paradisiaca) and the sensory evaluation of an evening gown constructed with plantain fabric. Fibres were extracted from plantain stems, twisted, woven on a hand loom, and dyed red. Patterns for an evening gown were drafted using UK size 6/US size 2 measurements, and gowns were constructed from plantain fabric (PFEG) and crepe fabric (CFEG). Ten panelists evaluated both gowns using a 9‑point hedonic scale on appearance, colour, softness, drape, scent, and overall acceptability. Data were analysed using mean and t‑test at 0.05 significance level. Results showed plantain fibres were fine, flexible, lightweight, cream‑coloured when dry, and dark brown when wet. The woven fabric was thick, coarse, with reduced softness, poor drape, and limited breathability. Dyeing produced vibrant red colour with slight shade variations and minimal bleeding. The plantain gown displayed durability and unique texture, while the crepe gown offered superior softness, smoothness, drape, scent, and comfort (mean scores: softness 8.3, texture 8.2, drape 7.1, scent 7.2, comfort 8.2). Hypothesis testing revealed significant differences in appearance and comfortability (p<0.05), but not in colour, softness, texture, drape, or scent (p>0.05). The study concluded that plantain fibre can be successfully extracted, woven, and dyed, but lacks the drape, softness, and comfort required for evening gowns. It recommended exploring plantain fibre for household applications such as blinds, table covers, and mats, and adopting improved extraction and finishing methods to enhance fabric quality.
A Comparative Study of India's Trade with BRICS and Non-BRICS Countries
International trade plays an important and crucial role in India's economic growth and development, with support for industrial growth, foreign exchange generation, and integration with the rest of the world. This study looks into India's export import performance with BRICS nations and compares it with selected countries that do not belong to BRICS, in period 2013 - 2024. The BRICS group of nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, Australia), which represents emerging and rising powers in the global trade economy, and non-BRICS nations that are developed and diversified trade status (United States, Germany, Japan, France and Indonesia) reflects the two major groups.The information for the study is based on secondary information from sources like DGCIS, RBI, UNCTAD, World Bank etc. A quantitative and comparative research design is employed coming up with forms like descriptive statistics, trends, and also Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) to analyse trade patterns. Important variables taken into account are exports, imports, balance of trade, rate of growth of trade. The results show that India's trade with BRICS countries has developed well; on the other hand, the Indian trade is in high trade deficit and consistent in China stiffening the assertion of trade imbalance and high import dependency. In contrast to this the trade with non-BRICS countries exhibits presumably better performance with stronger growth in exports and more balanced developments in trade relations particularly with United States. The comparative analysis indicates though the BRICS countries do contribute to trade widening, non-BRICS countries contribute better to stability and diversity of the trade structure of India.The study concludes that India requires a balanced trade strategy that should be mainly based on enhanced export trade, less dependency on imports, strengthening trade relations with the emerging and developed economies. The findings of this study give useful insights to policymakers to form effective trade policies to promote sustainable growth and position India well in global market.
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT- A CATALYST TO FUNCTIONAL ADMINISTRATION IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA
The administrator situates the center of a web of interactional relationships within the institution's social system. He is responsible for the generation of most orders (communication) in the organization (institution) to the subjects. These orders are dynamic and capable of generating different variants of conflict or disagreements arising from cultural differences, communication barriers, personal biases, and work-related stress from the personnel within and outside the institutional environment, hence the need for conflict management. Effective conflict management will not only improve the functionality of the academic and non academic personnel but will also ensure a sound and functional academic environment for the students. This work therefore emphasizes the role of the administrator in managing and resolving conflicts to make for a functional institutional climate. The work brings to fore the various types of conflict within the tertiary institution: its sources and strategies that can be employed to resolve conflicts. The efficacy of each strategy was also considered and concluded that no single conflict management strategy was all-embracing hence administrators should have a deep grip of factors that contribute to conflict resolution. It was recommended that administrator’s in tertiary institutions should be trained and retrained on the use of modern conflict management strategies to improve the overall school performance. Furthermore, concerted not rigid effort should be implied in resolving conflict.
Socio-demographic Factors Influencing the Financial Well-being of Women Gig Workers
The fast growth of the gig economy has offered new career alternatives for women through flexibility, remuneration and increased workforce participation. But the economic well-being of women gig workers is affected by a number of socio-demographic characteristics that influence their earning capacity, financial stability and economic resilience. The current study investigates the association of certain socio-demographic characteristics such as age, education, marital status, family income, work experience, domicile and family structure with financial well-being of women participating in gig labour. A quantitative study approach was adopted in which primary data were obtained from women gig workers using a standardised questionnaire and analysed using appropriate statistical techniques to find significant connections and predictions. The results reveal that financial well-being is largely affected by education level, monthly income, work experience, and home obligations, although other demographic categories have different degrees of impact. Although the report indicates improved work opportunities, it also shows ongoing issues such as income volatility, restricted access to social security, financial isolation and lack of savings. The findings highlight the importance of specific legislative measures, financial literacy programmes and inclusive social protection activities for the improvement of the financial security and economic welfare of women in the gig economy. The paper contributes to the burgeoning literature on gender, informal employment and financial well-being by presenting empirical evidence on socio-demographic characteristics affecting women gig workers and proposing recommendations to platform businesses, financial institutions and regulators.
Work Life Balance in India: An Urban Approach
Work–life balance (WLB) has emerged as a major issue in the fast urbanising and competitive work environment in India. The changing job patterns, technology and family structures have a substantial impact on employees’ personal and professional life. This paper explores the notion of work–life balance in the context of urban India and identifies the critical aspects that affect the ability of employees to balance work and personal life. It considers the effects of lengthy working hours, commuting issues, digital connectivity, organisational culture, gender roles and the growth of hybrid and remote work on work–life integration. The report also highlights the effects of poor work–life balance such as stress, burnout, lost productivity, and decreasing mental health. It also highlights the benefits of supportive workplace policies and flexible work arrangements. The study draws on recent literature and current trends and suggests that lasting work-life balance can only be achieved via coordinated efforts of companies, policymakers and individuals. The findings highlight the significance of employee-oriented organisational strategies in facilitating the well-being, job satisfaction, and organisational performance of India’s dynamic urban workforce.
RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND PERFORMANCE OF OIL AND GAS PIPELINE PROJECTS IN SOUTH-SOUTH, NIGERIA
This study investigated the relationship between risk management system and performance of oil and gas pipeline projects in South-South: Moderating the role of Technology Capability. A sample of 399 respondents were drawn across oil and gas pipeline projects in South-South. The study utilized the cross-sectional research design. The study adopted a survey research design and relied on primary data collected through a closed-ended structured questionnaire administered to employees of oil and gas firms across the region. Using stratified random sampling, the sample size was determined through the Taro Yamane formula, and proportional allocation was applied across the states in the South-South region. Data were analyzed with Structural Equation Model-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) version 4.0 statistical tools to test the hypotheses and establish relationships among the variables. Based on the results and empirical evidence, this research revealed that all the risk management system utilized in the analysis are linked directly with the performance of oil and gas pipeline projects. The research concludes that all four dimensions of risk management system have varying effect and influence on the performance of oil and gas pipeline projects. Their effects are largely small. Given that risk management committees were not significantly associated with cost control, oil and gas firms should complement committee oversight with dedicated cost engineering units that monitor financial variances and introduce proactive cost optimization techniques.
DEVELOPING EXPERIENTIAL ENTREPRENEURIAL LEARNING AND ENTREPRENEURIAL READINESS AMONG BUSINESS STUDENT IMPLEMENTERS IN A BUSINESS SCHOOL-BASED ENTREPRENEURSHIP HUB
This study examined the effect of debt-equity mix on the performance of quoted indigenous oil and gas companies in Nigeria, using panel data analysis over the period 2015–2024. The performance indicators employed were return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), and Tobin’s Q, while the explanatory variables comprised short-term debt ratio (STD), long-term debt ratio (LTD), equity-debt ratio (EDR), total debt ratio (TDR), and firm size (FSIZE). The empirical results revealed mixed outcomes across the performance measures. Specifically, short-term debt ratio exhibited a negative and significant effect on ROE and Tobin’s Q but remained insignificant on ROA, suggesting that short-term financing undermines profitability and market value but exerts minimal influence on asset utilization. Long-term debt ratio showed a negative relationship with both ROA and ROE, but a positive and significant effect on Tobin’s Q, implying that while long-term leverage erodes accounting-based profitability, it enhances firm valuation by investors. Similarly, total debt ratio negatively and significantly influenced ROA and ROE but had no significant effect on Tobin’s Q, reflecting the risk associated with excessive leverage. Equity ratio displayed a negative and significant effect on ROA and ROE but a positive and significant influence on Tobin’s Q, indicating that equity financing may dilute returns yet signal resilience and growth prospects to the market. Firm size had a positive but insignificant effect on ROA and ROE, while exerting a positive and significant impact on Tobin’s Q, underscoring the market’s preference for larger firms in the sector. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of adopting an optimal capital structure in the oil and gas industry to balance profitability, risk, and market value. The study recommends that managers minimize reliance on short-term financing, cautiously utilize long-term debt to align with value-creating projects, and strategically strengthen equity structures to attract investor confidence. Policy makers, regulators and financial managers should also design frameworks that promote sustainable financing while mitigating the risks of excessive leverage in Nigeria’s quoted indigenous oil and gas sector.
Educational Deprivation and Opportunity Structures in Urban Slums of Ananthapuramu City, Andhra Pradesh,India.
This study examines how access to education serves as a key driver of economic and social mobility and a fundamental catalyst for personal growth among underprivileged populations in metropolitan areas. Slum residents of Andhra Pradesh's Ananthapuramu City are the subject of the present study, which looks at their literacy rates, gender gaps, and what factors influence their decision to further their educational pursuits. Three hundred homes in six different Ananthapuramu Municipal Corporation ghetto zones were surveyed using a four-stage random selection method to gather primary data.With an overall literacy prevalence rate of 28.67 percent, the results show that academic achievement among slum residents remains considerably low. Many people have only completed elementary or upper-level primary school, and even fewer have had the opportunity to pursue further education. Across all levels of schooling, the survey found that female literacy rates were persistently inferior to male rates, highlighting the persistent gender gaps. Some of the most significant obstacles to educational advancement are low levels of awareness, inadequate educational infrastructure, and social and economic limitations.The report goes on to say that most educated parents do in fact send young children to school, thus there must be a substantial positive correlation between parenting education and school enrollment. There is some indication that the number of students dropping out of school has been going down, but many kids are still not in school because of social and economic issues.According to the report, slum residents still don't have enough educational opportunities, even if literacy rates have gone up nationally. This calls for more focused governmental initiatives. Promoting comprehensive growth in cities requires bolstering access to high-quality education, increasing female literacy, and bettering socioeconomic circumstances. JEL Classification: I21, I24, I25, J16, O15, O18.
This study critically discussed the effects of developing experiential entrepreneurial learning and entrepreneurial readiness among business student implementers in a business school based entrepreneurship hub with the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Lagos, Nigeria, as the institutional context. The study had two objectives, to examine the effect of EEFL practices on entrepreneurial readiness and to analyse the role of the ecosystem of entrepreneurship hubs in improving entrepreneurial competence and implementation capacity among student entrepreneurs. A mixed methods approach with quantitative and qualitative methods was used to design the study. The number of samples in this study was 210 business implementers who were students and had been determined using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation, Multiple regression analysis for quantitative analysis, and thematic qualitative analysis as the analysis technique. Results indicated that experiential entrepreneurial learning had a significant positive effect on entrepreneurial confidence, innovation capability, opportunity recognition competence, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial venture implementation preparedness of the participants. It also explained that entrepreneurship hubs were strategic experiential ecosystems that had the capability of enhancing entrepreneurship readiness through entrepreneurship experience, mentorship, co-learning, and engaging in innovation. The study concluded that experiential entrepreneurial learning was an important mechanism in addressing this conundrum of entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial employability outcomes in higher education institutions.
Copyright (c) 2026 World Journal of Economics, Business and Management
CROSS-CHANNEL CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE: TOWARDS EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE IN SELECTED ISLAMIC BANKS AND CONVENTIONAL BANKS IN AFRICA: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
The focus of this research was the cross-channel customer experience: towards excellent customer service in selected Islamic Banks and conventional banks in Africa. A qualitative approach was adopted for this study, and semi structured interviews were conducted with 30 participants who have been actively using various service channels (mobile banking, ATMs, and branches). Data was analysed using thematic analysis. The results showed that the convenience of digital channels was highly valued: 80 percent of respondents were satisfied with mobile banking services, and 67 percent reported that service quality differs across channels. Moreover, 60 percent of the Sample indicated a lack of integration between service channels, especially when moving from digital to physical channels. The findings also revealed that service consistency was positively related to customer satisfaction, and trust and security were key drivers of experience. The research found that while banks have improved on their digital service delivery, the integration of service channels remains lacking. Accordingly, it is suggested that banks should adopt cross-channel systems, improve internal coordination, and adopt customer centric approaches to enhance service delivery. In this regard, delivering superior customer service is a combination of convenience and human touch.
Cross channel experience, customer satisfaction, service quality, banking sector, excellent customer service
ZAKAT AND WAQF AS MEDIATING FACTORS IN POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
This study critically explored the poverty alleviation role of Zakat and waqf as mediators in developing countries, considering their institutional effectiveness, governance, and developmental relevance. This study was designed to analyze the operation of Islamic social finance instruments as redistributive and sustainable welfare instruments that can mitigate multidimensional poverty. The study was guided by two goals: to explore the mediating effects of Zakat and waqf in alleviating poverty, and to examine the effects of governance quality, financial inclusion, and institutional trust on the effectiveness of Zakat and waqf. The research method used in this study is a mixed-methods analytical approach, combining quantitative secondary data analysis with a qualitative critical review of the latest literature on Islamic social finance from 2020 to 2025. The quantitative results showed strong positive correlations among waqf institutional efficiency, governance quality, institutional trust, and poverty reduction outcomes. The qualitative results also showed that waqf and Zakat had high development potential. However, their effectiveness was hampered, to some extent, by inadequate governance systems and institutional fragmentation in many developing countries. The study suggested that, with good governance and inclusive financial systems, waqf and Zakat could be sustainable tools for poverty reduction, replacing traditional poverty reduction mechanisms. The study was a timely addition to the current discourse on Islamic development economics, shifting Islamic social finance from a charitable to a structural development approach.
Copyright (c) 2025 World Journal of Economics, Business and Management
THE APPLICATION OF THE CONSULTATIVE SELLING TECHNIQUE BY ISLAMIC BANKS IN EMERGING ECONOMIES
In the evolving landscape of Islamic Banking in emerging markets, banks are facing a competitive environment that is threatening the traditional marketing approach of product centric banking. The study was a critical analysis of the use of consultative selling techniques in Islamic banks and how it affects the development of customer relationships and the competitive position of the bank. A mixed method was used, utilizing quantitative survey information from 286 respondents, as well as qualitative information from semi structured interviews and secondary sources. Quantitative results showed that the dimensions of consultative selling, namely, ethical communication, personalized advisory interaction, customer responsiveness, and financial guidance, had a significant impact on customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, and institutional trust. The results of regression analysis showed that the variables together accounted for 70.9 percent of the variance in competitive positioning, with ethical communication as the most significant variable. The qualitative results also revealed that the Islamic banks had a commendable level of ethics in communicating with their customers and building relationships, but there are still areas where the banks’ customer education and advisory work are lacking. The study found that consultative selling is a key strategic mechanism for improving the competitiveness of Islamic banking in emerging economies; however, there is a need for a greater level of institutional integration of consultative services and financial literacy support for full effectiveness. The study’s main results enrich the literature on Islamic marketing by placing consultative selling as a linkage between the principles of ethical banking and modern customer relationship management.
COOPERATIVE-LED MICROFINANCE BANKING: A CASE STUDY OF AL HAYAT MFB IN IJEBU-ODE, NIGERIA
The study aimed at analysing the cooperative-led microfinance banking: a case study of Al Hayat MFB in Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria. The study examined the level of financial inclusion of small scale business operators and impact of cooperative oriented microfinance banking on economic participation in the community of the study area. The study was a product of the growing debates on the developmental effectiveness, sustainability, and inclusiveness of cooperative financial institutions in the changing microfinance landscape in Nigeria. The research adopted a quantitative research approach with positivism as the basis that the primary data were collected across a sectional survey from 207 respondents namely cooperative members, customers, staff members and small scale business operators who are affiliated to the institution. Descriptive statistics, simple linear regression analysis and Pearson Product Moment correlation analysis were used to analyze the data. The results showed that cooperative led microfinance banking has a positive and significant influence on financial accessibility, which was indicated by the value of the regression coefficient of 0.684 and the coefficient of determination of 0.412. The study also showed that there was a strong positive correlation between cooperative banking mechanisms and community based economic participation, with a correlation coefficient value of 0.711 at a 0.05 significance level. The study concluded that cooperative microfinance institutions were still relevant financial tools for the development of inclusive finance in the semi urban space of Nigeria, as well as enterprise development at the grassroots and localised economic participation. The study identified the need to enhance the institutional supports in Nigeria, particularly on the aspects of the cooperative financial system, technological modernisation, and regulatory coordination.
RELATIONSHIP DYNAMICS AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING OF COMMUTING COUPLES IN UYO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of relationship dynamics on the emotional well-being of commuting couples in Uyo Local Government Area. Two specific objectives, two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The target population for this study comprised of married couples residing in Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The sample size of 80 commuting couples was selected using a combination of snowball and purposive sampling techniques. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled “Relationship Dynamics and Emotional Wellbeing of Commuting Couples Questionnaire (RDEWCCQ)”. The instrument was subjected to face validation by three experts from University of Uyo. The reliability coefficient of the instrument 0.86 was achieved using inter-item reliability method computed using Cronbach Alpha statistics. The data collected for the study was analyzed using simple linear regression analysis to answer the research questions and test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of probability to determine the acceptance or rejection of the null hypothesis. Findings revealed that communication pattern and trust contributed 34.6% and 66.3% respectively on variations in emotional well-being of commuting couples thus, communication pattern and trust highly influence well-being of commuting couples in Uyo Local Government Area. It was also found that there was a positive and significant influence of communication pattern and trust on the emotional well-being of commuting couples in the study area. It was recommended among others that commuting couples should adopt flexible work arrangements, remote work options, and access to counseling services as coping measures for promoting emotional stability of partners in commuting relationships.
An Analytical Study on the Performance and Expansion of Self-Help Groups in Andhra Pradesh
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) is a flagship programme of the Government of India designed to alleviate rural poverty by organizing economically disadvantaged women into Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The mission facilitates access to financial services, credit support, and livelihood opportunities through a decentralized and flexible implementation framework, enabling states to adopt context-specific strategies. In addition to SHGs, the programme encourages the formation of collective institutions such as farmer groups, dairy cooperatives, and producer organizations to strengthen income generation. A key focus of DAY-NRLM is the inclusion of marginalized sections, including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), minorities, and persons with disabilities, identified through the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC). Since its inception in 2011, the mission has successfully mobilized a large number of rural women across the country. Among all states, Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a leading performer in terms of SHG formation, credit linkage, and repayment efficiency. Furthermore, SHGs actively contribute to the implementation of major rural development programmes such as MGNREGA, thereby strengthening grassroots governance and community participation.
THE ROLE OF PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS IN MODERN MIS: ANALYSIS OF IMPLEMENTATION AND IMPACT ON BUSINESS DECISION-MAKING
In the contemporary business environment, management information systems are no longer limited to the collection, storage, and presentation of historical data; rather, they increasingly constitute an intelligent foundation for anticipatory and proactive business decision-making. In this context, predictive analytics and machine learning occupy a central position in the development of modern MIS, as they enable the identification of patterns in data, the estimation of probable future outcomes, and the timely response of management. The aim of this paper is to analyze the role of predictive analytics in contemporary information systems, with particular emphasis on its integration into business processes and its impact on the quality of business decision-making. The paper examines the theoretical foundations of business intelligence, predictive analytics, and machine learning; presents the architectural framework of their integration into MIS; and analyzes typical applications in customer management, inventory management, process management, and risk management. A separate section of the paper is designed as a simulated research model that illustratively demonstrates how the effects of predictive analytics could be empirically examined in organizations. The findings indicate that the integration of analytical models into modern Management Information Systems (MIS) contributes to higher-quality decision-making, faster managerial response, and greater operational efficiency; however, the full effects depend on data quality, professional competencies, and organizational readiness for change.
Investor Returns and Performance of Renewable Energy IPOs in India
The growing emphasis on sustainable development and clean energy transition has significantly influenced the dynamics of capital markets in India, particularly in the context of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). Over the past decade, the Indian stock market has witnessed a notable increase in listings, with the renewable energy sector emerging as a key contributor to this trend. Renewable energy firms, supported by favorable government policies and global environmental commitments, have increasingly accessed public markets to mobilize capital for expansion and technological advancement. This study examines the performance of renewable energy IPOs in comparison with conventional energy offerings in the Indian stock market. It focuses on key aspects such as initial price differences, listing-day returns, subscription levels, and investor sentiment. The study also explores the phenomenon of IPO underpricing and its implications for market efficiency and investor behavior. Further, the research analyzes the role of various determinants such as pricing strategies, market conditions, underwriter reputation, and regulatory environment in influencing IPO outcomes. By integrating financial performance indicators with sustainability-oriented investment perspectives, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how renewable energy IPOs behave in emerging markets like India. The findings are expected to offer valuable insights for investors, policymakers, and researchers by highlighting the interplay between environmental objectives and financial market performance. Ultimately, the study contributes to bridging the gap between sustainable finance and capital market analysis, emphasizing the importance of renewable energy investments in shaping future economic growth.
Financial Literacy and Investment Decisions of Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria
This study investigates financial literacy and investment decisions of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. Specifically, it examines the relationship between financial knowledge and sales growth, financial attitude and investment outcomes, and regulatory awareness and investment choices. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 109 SME managers through an online structured survey. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation, were employed to test the hypotheses. The findings reveal a strong positive correlation between financial knowledge and sales growth (r = 0.893, p < 0.01), indicating that enhanced financial literacy significantly improves business performance. Financial attitudes, particularly continuous learning and risk-taking, positively influence investment outcomes, though risk aversion remains prevalent due to Nigeria's volatile economic environment. Additionally, awareness of financial regulations shows a significant positive relationship with investment choices (r = 0.904, p < 0.01), guiding SMEs toward more compliant and secure investments. The study recommends targeted financial literacy programs, improved access to affordable professional financial advice, and enhanced regulatory awareness initiatives to strengthen SME performance and sustainability in Nigeria. Keywords: , , , , , ,
Integrated Marketing Communication and Sales Performance of Quoted Pharmaceutical Companies in Nigeria
The study assessed the relationship between integrated marketing communication strategies and the sales performance of quoted pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria. The study adopted an ex post facto design. The population of the study was 4566 marketers of seven quoted pharmaceutical firms in Nigeria, and a sample size of 368 was determined. A structured questionnaire was employed to gather primary data from the respondents, while secondary data was collected from annual financial records of the firms for the period covered. The Cronbach's alpha was used to validate the questionnaire and assess its reliability. The Person's Product Moment Coefficient statistic tool and regression analyses were used for inferential statistical testing of the hypotheses at the 0.05 confidence level. The results showed that there is a significant correlation between integrated marketing communication strategies and sales performance. The study found that advertising, sales promotion, public relations, personal selling, and direct selling are significant predictors of sales performance. The study concluded that the adoption of integrated marketing communication strategies increases customer patronage and sales performance. The study recommended, amongst others, that pharmaceutical companies should prioritise public relations marketing over other integrated marketing communication techniques and tactics to increase sales. For optimum selling, more focus should be placed on direct-to-customer and personal selling.
Effect of Global Economic Challenges, Interest Rate Dynamics, and Uncertainty on the Stability and Performance of the Banking System in Ireland
This paper examines how global macroeconomic challenges, interest rate dynamics, and heightened uncertainty affect the stability and performance of the Irish banking system in the current international environment. Drawing on theoretical frameworks and empirical survey evidence, the study investigates how external shocks such as geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions, tariff uncertainty, and global growth slowdowns are transmitted into Ireland’s small, open economy and interact with domestic vulnerabilities to influence banking outcomes. The study uses a structured questionnaire administered to 86 respondents (from a population of 110), comprising bank customers, Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) owners, and bank employees in Ireland. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and t‑tests with SPSS (version 9.0). The results show that turbulent global conditions and policy uncertainty significantly affect Irish banking stability and profitability, while interest rate variability strongly influences lending activity, household spending, and corporate investment decisions. Although the Irish banking sector currently appears resilient in terms of capital and profitability, it remains exposed to global shocks, trade tensions, and tariff developments, as highlighted in recent stability assessments. Uncertainty undermines consumer confidence and complicates earnings forecasts, yet proactive risk management, portfolio diversification, digital transformation, and close engagement with regulators enhance resilience. The paper concludes that, in an increasingly volatile and geopolitically fragmented global economy, Irish banks must maintain flexible, forward‑looking strategies to safeguard stability and sustain performance.
Tax Mobilization Performance in Iran: A Comparative Analysis with Regional Peers
The Islamic Republic of Iran faces significant fiscal challenges due to its heavy dependence on volatile oil revenues and prolonged economic pressure from international sanctions. In this context, strengthening domestic tax mobilization has become essential for achieving fiscal sustainability and reducing reliance on oil income. Despite being one of the largest economies in the Middle East, Iran has historically underutilized its tax capacity, resulting in structural weaknesses in its fiscal system. This study examines Iran’s tax mobilization performance using key indicators from the Collecting Taxes Database (CTD), including the value-added tax (VAT) efficiency ratio, personal income tax (PIT) productivity, and corporate income tax (CIT) productivity. A comparative analysis is conducted with selected regional peers—Pakistan, Afghanistan, Australia, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia—to assess relative performance and identify gaps. The findings highlight that Iran’s tax system remains below its potential due to inefficiencies in tax administration, limited tax base, and structural constraints. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for comprehensive tax reforms, including improved compliance, digitalization, and policy adjustments, to enhance domestic revenue mobilization and ensure long-term fiscal stability.
Nonlinear Dynamics of Female Employment: Evidence from Structural Transformation and Labor Market Composition
This study examines the nonlinear determinants of female employment within the context of structural transformation and labor market composition. Moving beyond conventional linear specifications, the paper develops and empirically validates a nonlinear modeling framework that captures saturation effects, asymmetric sectoral responses, and demographic constraints. Using time series data and nonlinear least squares estimation, the results reveal that female employment responds nonlinearly to industrial expansion, service sector growth, agricultural dependence, fertility behavior, and labor market vulnerability. Formal wage employment exhibits diminishing marginal effects beyond threshold levels, while agricultural dependence and fertility exert increasingly restrictive influences. Diagnostic evaluations confirm strong model fit and well behaved residuals, underscoring the robustness of the nonlinear specification. The findings highlight the limitations of linear policy prescriptions and emphasize the need for adaptive, threshold aware employment strategies. The study contributes methodologically by demonstrating the relevance of nonlinear approaches in labor market analysis and substantively by offering policy relevant insights for female employment promotion in developing economies.
Effect of Sustainable Marketing Strategy on Customer Retention in Nigerian Banking Industry
Customer retention has become a critical challenge in the Nigerian banking industry, where heightened competition, technological advancements, and evolving customer expectations demand innovative approaches. This study investigates the effect of sustainable marketing strategies on customer retention in the Nigerian banking industry. The study examines specifically the effect of sustainable product, pricing, people, physical environment, distribution, process, and promotion on customer retention. The research employed a survey design with a sample of 396 respondents drawn from 43,944 employees and customers of 14 listed Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Findings revealed that sustainable product, pricing, people, physical environment, process, and promotion strategies significantly and positively influence customer retention, while sustainable distribution showed no significant effect. The results underscore the importance of aligning banking services with environmental, social, and ethical values to build trust, loyalty, and long-term relationships. The study concludes that sustainable marketing practices are essential drivers of customer retention in Nigeria’s banking sector and recommends that banks strengthen environmentally friendly products, fair pricing, customer-centric processes, and promotional activities to enhance loyalty and competitiveness.
Distribution Channel Management and Sales Volume of Listed Pharmaceutical Companies in Nigeria
This study explores the effect of distribution channel management on the sales volume of listed pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria. The study specifically examines the effect of distribution channel management dimensions (channel design, channel selection, channel coordination, and channel management technologies) on sales volume. The study employed ex-post facto and cross-sectional survey research designs. Using a census survey of 707 marketing staff across six publicly listed pharmaceutical firms, data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Results revealed that distribution channel management accounts for 60.5% of the variation in sales volume. It showed that channel design, selection, coordination, and management technologies each had significant positive effects on sales volume, with technologies exerting the strongest influence. The study concludes that effective distribution channel management is a critical driver of sales growth in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry and recommends that firms should strengthen their distribution structures, adopt advanced technologies, and foster collaboration among channel partners to increase sales volume.
Human Resource Management and Organizational Effectiveness in Changing Times
Human resource management provides the creative ingredients for organizational effectiveness because people design and produce the goods and services and allocate financial resources. People in organizations set the overall strategies and objectives for organizations without which they cannot achieve their objectives. The importance of human resource management and people in organizations is a fundamental result of the Hawthorne studies in terms of motivation and respect for labour in the workplace. This can be emphasized because effectiveness is often inter-woven with job satisfaction which is a positive emotional reaction to a person’s job experiences. This also develops into organizational commitment that reflects a strong belief in an organization’s goals and values, a willingness to exert considerable effort on behalf of the organization. The era of accountability for human resource management has arisen from concerns about effectiveness and productivity in organizations. This is imperative because the human being plays a major role in ensuring that an organization will survive and prosper through measures of efficiency and effectiveness. These measures of efficiency and effectiveness revolves around equity and perceptions of justice in the tradition of humane bureaucracy to boost motivation and organizational effectiveness. The qualitative exploratory research design was adopted for this study and the result showed significant positive relationship between human resource management and organizational effectiveness. The study was never exhaustive, further study should therefore, examine the relationship between human resource management and profitability in Nigeria organizations. This study recommends that human beings in any organization should be treated with equity and respect for optimal performance and organizational effectiveness. JEL: M10, M12.
Era of accountability for human resource management
Transformational Leadership and Organizational Adaptability: Integrated Human Resource Management Model
The qualitative exploratory research design was employed to examine the relationship between transformational leadership behavior and organizational adaptability. Transformational leadership is characterized by main elements such as idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration that promote psychological empowerment and organizational citizenship behavior. These behaviors are linked to organizational strength and flexibility necessary to drive organizational change, transformation and adaptability. Organizational adaptability is almost always about creating wealth in the organization and this also rests squarely on transformational leadership as the big ladder towards the achievement of sustainable competitive advantage. For example, organizational adaptability also results to organizational congruence. This would suggest that the organization has human resource management practices where there is a higher coincidence of interest among organizational leadership, shareholders and organizational people that enhance the capacity of the organization to become adaptive to changes in its operating environment. The result of this investigation conducted in Nigeria showed a significant positive correlation between transformation leadership and organizational adaptability. The study was not however, exhaustive due to lack of research funding and current relevant literature. Further study could examine the relationship between followership and organizational performance as a step in improving performance in Nigerian organizations. The study recommends that organizations should focus on training leaders who can demonstrate the capacity for empowering others to carry out the responsibility of organizational change, innovation and adaptability. JEL: M10, M12.
Economic Consequences of the Russia–Ukraine Crisis for India
War, a word that brings humanity to its knees and condemns every humanitarian law, enacted by any great organisation with a diverse range of viewpoints in order to promote harmony among people, to the death bed by violating each law that stood in the way of the ultimate goal of victory in the war. The on- going crisis in Ukraine will have ramifications not only for the countries involved in the conflict but also for the rest of the world, with Asian countries bearing the brunt of the consequences. Every war in this modern world is accompanied by certain sanctions, and Russia has been subjected to these sanctions. However, it is unclear whether these sanctions have had a significant impact on Russia or whether they are simply a step to reduce the heat that has been generated in the political environment. On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared war against the United States at a time that corresponded to Indian Standard Time (IST). This resulted in widespread tensions throughout the world, with all of the world's most important authorities taken by surprise by the news. Because of this, various stock market indices have fallen precipitously, with the Russian index plummeting by nearly 50%. As the day came to a close, major European Union countries announced their intention to impose sanctions on Russia, which would have a devastating effect on the Russian economy. Following that, the United States imposed a number of mild sanctions in the hope that Russia would refrain from invading Ukraine. With no success, the United States began to tighten the sanctions. Russia is the world's third-largest supplier of crude oil, and nearly one-third of the world's total energy supply comes from Russia, which is routed through Ukraine. Aside from that, Russia is responsible for nearly 90 per cent of the world's total neon gas supplies, which are used in the manufacturing of semiconductor chips. The international market for major metals supplies is also dominated by Russian monopolies in a variety of sectors, as well as a large share of the domestic market. As a result, tightening such sanctions will cause disruptions in the global supply.
ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF AIRLINES IN NIGERIA
The Nigerian aviation industry faces persistent challenges in achieving optimal organisational performance, highlighting the need for strategic drivers such as entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and effective leadership in a highly regulated environment. This study examined the effects of EO - measured through risk-taking, proactiveness, and innovativeness - on the organizational performance of domestic airlines in Nigeria, assessed via financial and non-financial indicators. The mediating role of leadership style and the moderating effect of the regulatory environment were also investigated. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, targeting 198 representatives across eleven domestic airline operators. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS. The results revealed that risk-taking, proactiveness, and innovativeness significantly improved financial performance, while non-financial outcomes also benefited, though with varying effect sizes across EO dimensions. Leadership style significantly mediated the EO–performance relationship, and the regulatory environment significantly moderated this link, confirming the stability of the estimates and supporting the mediation and moderation hypotheses. These findings underscore the critical roles of entrepreneurial behaviours, leadership, and regulatory frameworks in enhancing profitability, operational efficiency, service quality, and customer satisfaction in the Nigerian aviation sector. The study recommended implementing structured risk-assessment frameworks to optimize risk-taking, adopting proactive strategies through market intelligence and customer engagement, investing in innovative and eco-friendly technologies, and developing an effective leadership style to channel EO into measurable outcomes. Furthermore, regulatory reforms, including streamlined licensing procedures and tax incentives, can strengthen the moderating effect of the regulatory environment, enabling airlines to convert entrepreneurial capabilities into improved organizational performance.
TALENT MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS INNOVATIVENESS OF INDIGENOUS OIL AND GAS COMPANIES IN SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA
This study examined the relationship between talent management and business innovation in indigenous oil and gas companies in South-South Nigeria. The objective was to investigate how talent acquisition, talent development, and reward management influenced service innovation, process innovation, and marketing innovation, with organizational adhocracy culture serving as a moderating variable. The research adopted a positivist paradigm and utilized a cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected from 117 Management Staff using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using Statistical software for data Analysis (SPSS) Version 25, while the ten hypotheses were tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS Version 4.1.1.1. Findings revealed that talent acquisition significantly enhanced marketing innovation but had no meaningful influence on service or process innovation. Talent development positively influenced both marketing and process innovation, with particularly strong effects on process improvement, but had no significant effect on service innovation. Reward management showed a positive effect on service innovation but negatively affected marketing and process innovation, indicating a misalignment between incentive structures and innovation goals. Furthermore, organizational adhocracy culture significantly moderated the relationship between talent management and business innovation, but in a negative direction—implying that in highly flexible and less structured environments, the impact of talent strategies on innovation was weakened. The study concluded that while talent management is critical to innovation, its impact varies across innovation types and is influenced by the organizational culture. It was recommended that firms strengthen the alignment between recruitment practices, training programs, and innovation goals. Reward systems should be redesigned to support creativity and operational improvements, and greater structural clarity should be introduced in adhocratic environments to balance flexibility with accountability. These steps are essential to unlocking the full innovation potential of talent strategies in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovative Work Behavior: The Role of Employee Entrepreneurial Passion
Innovation is a gateway to survival, growth, and success for modern organizations. Employees’ fundamental contribution to organizational innovation is well documented. Stimulating the creativity and innovativeness of employees is thus an essential objective of many leaders. However, not all leaders would be effective in this endeavor, and not under all circumstances. We investigate the relationship between perceived entrepreneurial leadership and innovative work behavior of IT employees. We draw on social cognitive theory to explain this relationship. Our model theorizes that perceived entrepreneurial leadership would enhance employees' innovative behavior directly and indirectly through their entrepreneurial passion. We empirically test our theory using structural equation modeling based on data collected from 446 employees using an online survey. The results validate our model. Our findings offer new, important theoretical insights and useful managerial implications .