Inventory Management and Competitive Advantage of Contemporary Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria

This study examined the impact of inventory management in contemporary manufacturing firms in Nigeria. This was done in relation to how effective and efficient inventory management can be used to achieve a competitive advantage in any sector such manufacturing firm may belong. This study being both exploratory and theoretical, there was critical review of inventory management and competitive advantage. The study concluded that in pursuing cost leadership and differentiation as corporate strategies, inventory management must be effective and efficient. There were recommendations based on the findings, that manufacturing firms should be proactive on issues relating to production, creation of a distinct functional department in charge of inventory management and the consideration of the use of scientific approach to inventory management

Talent Management and Sustainable Competitive Advantage of Manufacturing Firms in South -South, Nigeria

This research purpose is to investigate the correlation between talent management and sustainable competitive advantage in manufacturing firms situated in South-South, Nigeria. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey approach, involving a total of six hundred and eleven (611) employees. A sample size of two hundred and forty-two employees was selected through the simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using questionnaires, and the analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings indicated a significant positive relationship between the various dimensions of talent management (specifically, talent development and talent retention) and the indicators of sustainable competitive advantage (including cost leadership and organizational responsiveness). The study concludes that talent management plays a crucial role in driving the sustainable competitive advantage of manufacturing firms in South-South Nigeria. The recommendations include emphasizing the need for manufacturing firms’ management to provide ample development opportunities, such as training, to enhance employees’ skills, thereby contributing to the firm’s differentiation advantage

Value Creation Innovation and Productivity of Deposit Money Banks in Rives State, Nigeria

This study examined the relationship between value creation innovation and productivity of deposit money banks in rives state. The cross-sectional survey was employed and a population two hundred and four (204) of 17 Deposit Money Banks were covered. The sample size was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table. Copies of questionnaire were administered to respondents. The simple random sampling technique was employed and data was analyzed using Spearman's Rank Order Correlation Coefficient. The findings revealed a significant relationship between the dimensions of value creation Innovation (leadership capabilities and new technology/equipment) and productivity. It was concluded that organization that indulge in value creation innovation in terms leadership capabilities and new technology/equipment tends to yield an increase in the service quality in a due time and overall productivity. The study recommended amongst others that Management of Deposit money banks should engage in value creation innovation that will inform their decisions and actions towards enhancing better performance and productivity

MicroRNA-148a reduces tumorigenesis and increases TRAIL-induced apoptosis in NSCLC

Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has been shown to induce apoptosis in malignant cells without inducing significant toxicity in normal cells. However, several carcinomas, including lung cancer, remain resistant to TRAIL. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs of ∼24 nt that block mRNA translation and/or negatively regulate its stability. They are often aberrantly expressed in cancer and have been implicated in increasing susceptibility or resistance to TRAIL-induced apoptosis by inhibiting key functional proteins. Here we show that miR-148a is down-regulated in cells with acquired TRAIL-resistance compared with TRAIL-sensitive cells. Enforced expression of miR-148a sensitized cells to TRAIL and reduced lung tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo through the down-modulation of matrix metalloproteinase 15 (MMP15) and Rho-associated kinase 1 (ROCK1). These findings suggest that miR-148a acts as a tumor suppressor and might have therapeutic application in the treatment of NSCLC