Petroleum subsidy withdrawal, fuel price hikes and the Nigerian Economy

The study investigated petroleum subsidy withdrawal, fuel price hikes and the Nigerian Economy. The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which the removals of petroleum subsidies stimulate hikes in fuel prices and increases in the prices of products of other sectors in the Nigerian economy. It employed input-output model to determine the value added per sector from the computed table of flow of goods. Subsequently, the impacts of reductions in petroleum subsidies (10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%) on the prices of products from the other sectors were computed. Results showed that reduction in petroleum subsidies stimulate increases in prices of petroleum products and such increases trigger increases in transport fares; increases in transport fares subsequently lead to increases in prices of other products owing to the degree of interdependency among the various sectors. The need for policy makers to be mindful of the economic implications of subsidy removal was suggested, among other

Ethical dilemma at work: the viewpoint of bank marketers in Nigeria

The study sought to investigate the major factors that constitute ethical dilemmas for bank marketers in the workplace. The conclusive research design was adopted, and the population of the study consisted of part-time postgraduate students in the faculty of management sciences at the University of Benin who are bank marketers. Research data were analysed using structural equation modelling. Results indicate that sales target and deceptive marketing significantly influence the ethical dilemma faced by bank marketers in Nigeria. The results also showed that respondents’ perception is related to education but not related to sex, marital status and age

Perception of workload balance and employee job satisfaction in work organisations

The study investigated perception of workload balance and employee job satisfaction in work organisations. It sought to find out the extent to which employee perception of workload balance influences job satisfaction. Seven hundred and sixty-four (764) randomly selected employees from 8 multinational organizations and two private universities in Nigeria participated in the study. Structural equation modelling was employed. Results show that comparison of workload with those of colleagues and employees' role alliance with their competencies significantly influence their perception of workload balance and job satisfaction, organisation's staff strength influences perception of workload balance and employees' perception of workload balance significantly influences job satisfaction

Use of social media in the marketing of agricultural products and farmers’ turnover in South-South Nigeria

Background: The study investigated the use of social media in the marketing of agricultural products and farmers turnover in SouthSouth Nigeria. The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which the usage of social media in the marketing of agricultural products in Nigeria can enhance efficiency and farmers’ sales turnover. Methods: It employed the survey research design and data were collected with the help of a structured questionnaire. Research data were analysed using a t-test and least squares method. Results: The use of social media (WhatsApp and Instagram) in the marketing of agricultural products was found to enhance efficiency and turnover of farmers through a significant reduction in the cost of marketing agricultural products as well as increased demand for agricultural products. Conclusions: The use of social media (WhatsApp and Instagram) in the marketing of agricultural products significantly influences cost reduction and hence efficiency in marketing as well as enhances turnover of farmers through increased demand for agricultural products. Contribution: The examination of the implications of the usage of social media usage in agricultural marketing on marketing efficiency and sales turnover in Nigeri

Cassava attractiveness in Nigeria: a policy improvement approach

Purpose The study examined policy improvement and cassava attractiveness. The purpose was to determine the optimum rewards using three strategies: selling of farm produce to harvesters, making wholesale of harvested outputs and retailing harvested outputs. Design/methodology/approach Three hundred and sixty (360) cassava farmers were surveyed in three local government areas in Edo South senatorial district of Nigeria. From their responses, probabilities were assigned to rewards for each strategy from each of the locations. Subsequently, dynamic programming was employed in data analysis. Specifically, Howard policy improvement technique was used to forecast expected rewards to cassava farmers in the three local government areas using the three strategies. Findings Cassava farmers in Edo South senatorial district of Edo state, Nigeria, can maximize their earnings from cassava by retailing at the local markets in Oredo and Egor local government areas and by making wholesales at Ikpoba Okha local government area. Using this policy, they will realize approximately N2360 per basin and approximately N33040 per plot of 100 × 100 ft. This will translate to N143724 per acre (4.35 plots of 100 ft2). Research limitations/implications Availability of storage facilities as well as technical constraints to cassava production. Social implications Provision of jobs to the unemployed, thereby reducing the level of unemployment in the country. Originality/value Suggestion of the sales strategy that will yield optimum returns to cassava farmers, using policy iteration technique, and the projected estimates of the likely turnover when the strategy is adopted. This is a point of departure from previous studies. Thus, the study used operations research methodology to model solutions, through involvement in agriculture, to Nigeria's economic/financial problems, thus making it unique. In broad terms the study demonstrates that investment in agriculture will help to reduce unemployment and enhance the country's national income

Exposure to and usage of e-banking channels

Abstract Purpose – Emphasis of previous research on e-banking has been on factors that influence its adoption or constraints to the adoption or the extent to which customer awareness influences its adoption. This study investigated “Exposure to/usage of e-banking channels: Implications for customer awareness and attitude in Nigeria”. The purpose of this paper is to determine the extent to which consumers’ exposure to and usage of e-banking channels influence their awareness and attitude towards e-banking in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – The study used the quantitative research design; specifically, the conclusive research design was used and data collection was done through the survey method. The population of the study consisted of the customers of EcoBank, First bank and Zenith bank in Edo, Kogi and Kwara states of Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit the desired data from 480 respondents selected from 30 branches of 3 banks in two states. One sample t test was used to test for significance of the usage of e-banking channels to customers’ awareness and attitude towards e-banking. Subsequently, regression analysis was performed to determine the predictive power of the e-banking channels. Findings – Customers’ exposure to and usage of ATM, internet banking and mobile banking has significant influence on consumers’ attitude towards e-banking in Nigeria. In view of the findings, a modified model of customer usage and attitude towards e-banking in Nigeria is proposed. Research limitations/implications – The customer’s inability to exercise absolute right on the banking option to use at all times and the non-inclusion of other channels of e-banking whose usage can influence consumers’ awareness and attitude towards e-banking. Practical implications – The need for financial institutions, especially banks, to expose their customers to e-banking channels to demystify their fears as well as increase their awareness and thus influence their attitude to e-banking. Social implications – Exposure of bank customers to e-banking will reduce cash transactions and thus help to significantly reduce social vices associated with physical cash, especially armed robbery

Cassava attractiveness in Nigeria: a policy improvement approach

The study examined Policy improvement and Cassava attractiveness. The purpose was to determine the optimum rewards using three strategies: Selling of farm produce to harvesters, making wholesale of harvested outputs, and retailing harvested outputs. Survey design was employed on 360 farmers and Howard policy improvement technique was used to forecast expected rewards to cassava farmers in the three local government areas. Results showed that Cassava farmers can maximize their earnings from cassava by retailing at the local markets in Oredo and Egor local government areas and by making wholesales at Ikpoba Okha Local government area. Using this policy, they will realize approximately N2360 per Basin and approximately N33040 per plot of 100ft × 100ft. This will translate to N143724 per acre (4.35 plots of 100ft2)