Environmental scanning strategy of manufacturing companies in Southwestern Nigeria

In this paper, we examine the environmental scanning strategy of manufacturing companies in Southwestern Nigeria against the background that manufacturing companies in Nigeria exist in a challenging environment characterised by high import dependency, inappropriate policies, lack of transparent governance and weak industrial capabilities. Empirical data was collected with a questionnaire from a sample of 84 manufacturing firms in Southwestern Nigeria. We found that generally, companies in the industry actively engage in systematic gathering, analyses and assimilation of information about the business environment as strategic input into planning. The main objective of search was to obtain information required to initiate or support strategies for competing in the domestic market. Central among the factors determining the companies' level of intrusiveness into the environment are companies' capacity to interpret changes in the environment, available channels of information and quality of information.business environment; environmental scanning; environmental analysability; environmental uncertainty; manufacturing, strategy; technology; capabilities

Environmental scanning strategy of manufacturing companies in Southwestern Nigeria

In this paper, we examine the environmental scanning strategy of manufacturing companies in Southwestern Nigeria against the background that manufacturing companies in Nigeria exist in a challenging environment characterised by high import dependency, inappropriate policies, lack of transparent governance and weak industrial capabilities. Empirical data was collected with a questionnaire from a sample of 84 manufacturing firms in Southwestern Nigeria. We found that generally, companies in the industry actively engage in systematic gathering, analyses and assimilation of information about the business environment as strategic input into planning. The main objective of search was to obtain information required to initiate or support strategies for competing in the domestic market. Central among the factors determining the companies' level of intrusiveness into the environment are companies' capacity to interpret changes in the environment, available channels of information and quality of information

Environmental scanning strategy of manufacturing companies in Southwestern Nigeria

In this paper, we examine the environmental scanning strategy of manufacturing companies in Southwestern Nigeria against the background that manufacturing companies in Nigeria exist in a challenging environment characterised by high import dependency, inappropriate policies, lack of transparent governance and weak industrial capabilities. Empirical data was collected with a questionnaire from a sample of 84 manufacturing firms in Southwestern Nigeria. We found that generally, companies in the industry actively engage in systematic gathering, analyses and assimilation of information about the business environment as strategic input into planning. The main objective of search was to obtain information required to initiate or support strategies for competing in the domestic market. Central among the factors determining the companies' level of intrusiveness into the environment are companies' capacity to interpret changes in the environment, available channels of information and quality of information

Effect of Strategic Management on Users’ Satisfaction, library competitiveness, learning/innovation process and internal process effectiveness in Academics Libraries.

This study looked into the Effect of Strategic Management on Customer Satisfaction, libraries competition, learning/innovation process and internal process effectiveness in Manufacturing Enterprises. Methodology: The librarians in southwest Nigeria formed the population of study, from which a sample of 162 librarians, or 25% the population was strategically randomly selected for the study by a combined purposive and systematic random sampling techniques. The survey research design was used and data were collected through the use of questionnaires and structured interviews were necessary. The data collected were analysed using Analysis of Variances (ANOVA), correlation and descriptive analysis in pursuance of the stated specific objectives of the study. Five hypotheses were formulated and tested at 5 degree level of significance. Findings: It was found out that strategic management had significant effect on the management and development as well as competitive edge of libraries. Recommendations: It recommends that more than ever before, Librarians are therefore advised to adopt strategic management process in order to boost the performance of their libraries

Entrepreneurial orientation: a remedy for receding productivity of small and medium scale Enterprise a Nigeria perspective

Nigeria is experiencing immense structural changes which are affecting the economy. Entrepreneurial orientation (EO) is a vital force in the economy of any nation because of the strategic role it plays in the achievement of productivity.The aim of this paper is to provide more insight into EO as a remedy for productivity for small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria by providing in-depth knowledge of the nature and behavior of an entrepreneur and its dimensions toward risk taking , proactivness and the aggressivess. How all these can lead to entrepreneurship through (EO) also formed the vanguard of modern enterprises. The creation of a country’s wealth and dynamism depends upon the Entrepreneurial orientation of its firms and this, in turn, relies fundamentally on the capabilities of its entrepreneurs and managers

Business Planning: A Key Strategy for Success to Agribusiness Enterprises: The Case of AAA Agribusiness Entrepreneurs in East Africa

This study focused on examining the understanding of agribusiness entrepreneurs on the importance of business planning as a key strategy for the success of their business. Also it assesses the ability of entrepreneurs in writing sellable/bankable business plans and identifies the challenges they face in writing the business plans. The result shows that agribusiness entrepreneurs understand the importance of business planning. They are challenged by inability to obtain the very pertinent information resulting from thorough business environment scanning, market analyses and other feasibility studies which forms the basis input in writing the plan. Also they are challenged by inability to outsource business planning service. African Agribusiness Academy (AAA) contribution in addressing the challenges had been through provision of training, learning networks, and creation of resource centre for emerging entrepreneurs, it was revealed. The study also shows that entrepreneurs partner with government chambers, ministries and institutions, and local and international NGOs in the areas of training, technology and information sharing. The success of any business undertaking relies on thorough business environment scanning, market analysis, trend analysis and other feasibility studies using proper tools and models, where the resulted information is harnessed in business plans which act as a tool for business growth and sustainability. It is then recommended that a Regional Agribusiness Service Provider to be instituted which will include but not limited to analysis, forecasting and planning, global market prospecting and promoting, knowledge generation and diffusion, regulation and legislation, financing support, infrastructure and environmental control activities; from which agribusiness entrepreneurs can outsource the business planning services. Keywords: Agribusiness entrepreneurs, Business planning, African Agribusiness Academ

The Role of Organisational Capabilities in the Competitiveness of Hotels in Southwest Nigeria

Inadequate organisational capabilities have led to various problems for many hotels with a growing limitation in their ability to perform. Several studies relating to organisational capabilities and organisational performance have been conducted in the literature but none of these have investigated organisational capabilities as a predictor of competitiveness in the hospitality industry in Nigeria. This study therefore investigated the role of organisational capabilities in the competitiveness of selected hotels in South-west Nigeria. The study adopted cross-sectional survey research design. The population was 2,750 management and supervisory staff of 37 selected hotels in Southwest Nigeria. The sample size of 450 was determined using the Slovin sampling formula. A proportionate stratified sampling technique was employed to select the respondents. A structured and validated questionnaire was used to collect data. Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients for all the constructs had an average of 0.728. The response rate was 77.3%. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential (multiple and hierarchical regression) statistics. Findings from the study indicated that organisational capabilities had significant and positive effect on competitiveness at (Adj. R2=0.337; F(6,340)=30.251; p<0.05) of selected hotels in Southwest Nigeria. The study concluded that corporate culture, managerial knowledge, human capacity and innovation management are key resources for driving competitiveness of hotels in Southwest Nigeria

Developing Small and Medium Enterprises in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Sector

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) participation in the Nigerian oil and gas industry has remained low despite their importance in income generation, employment, local capacity building, and poverty eradication. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the strategies SME owners use to improve profitability in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The target population consisted of 5 business owners who had successfully managed SMEs in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria for more than 5 years. The resource-based view and Porter\u27s 5 forces of competition served as the conceptual framework for the study. Data collection was through semistructured interviews and review of company documents to triangulate the data. Data analysis included transcription, coding, querying, interpreting and reporting the themes, and the use of member checking strengthened the trustworthiness of interpretations. Findings suggested themes of low-cost strategy, knowledge of the business environment, competent personnel, collaborative partnerships, integrity, and financial management. These findings may contribute to positive social change because SME business leaders could use low-cost strategies, hire competent personnel, collaborate with other partners, and demonstrate integrity in financial management. Doing so may improve profitability, generate employment, reduce poverty, and enhance standards of living

Management of Technological Innovation in Developing and Developed Countries

It is widely accepted that technology is one of the forces driving economic growth. Although more and more new technologies have emerged, various evidence shows that their performances were not as high as expected. In both academia and practice, there are still many questions about what technologies to adopt and how to manage these technologies. The 15 articles in this book aim to look into these questions. There are quite many features in this book. Firstly, the articles are from both developed countries and developing countries in Asia, Africa and South and Middle America. Secondly, the articles cover a wide range of industries including telecommunication, sanitation, healthcare, entertainment, education, manufacturing, and financial. Thirdly, the analytical approaches are multi-disciplinary, ranging from mathematical, economic, analytical, empirical and strategic. Finally, the articles study both public and private organizations, including the service industry, manufacturing industry, and governmental organizations. Given its wide coverage and multi-disciplines, the book may be useful for both academic research and practical management