Learning to Innovate in Nigeria's cable and wire manufacturing sub-sector: inferences from a firm-level case study

Firm performance is known to be connected to firm-level innovation capability. Innovation capability, in turn, is an output of technological learning. This paper evaluates technological learning among firms in the Cable and Wire manufacturing sub-sector in Nigeria, using a purposively selected case firm. We developed a model of the relationship between the innovative activities of the firm - as evidence of its capability – and its knowledge acquisition methodology. These are discussed within the context of the firm’s stock of human capital. We found low technological innovation capability and high capability for organisational and marketing innovation. Preparedness for technological learning is relatively poor with staff training intensity of 5% and innovation intensity of 0.0075%. We therefore propose stronger interconnectedness of the National Innovation System and creation of industry specific structures that could enhance learning.Technological learning; sub-sector; Cable and Wire manufacturing industry

A Model for the Design and Development of a Science and Technology Park in Developing Countries

This paper presents an appropriate model for Science and Technology Parks (STPs) with a view to helping policy makers and STP managers implement and manage STPs. The authors reorganize and prioritize the Cabral-Dahab Science Park Management Paradigm. We identify three critical groups of actors (determinants, reactors and executors) and develop four sub-models from different trajectories of the groups of actors. We place more emphasis on the “determinants” as the most important actors in the establishment and management of STP. A critical evaluation of the sub-models reveals that the sub-model in which government, industry and university/research institutes are all jointly involved in decisive policy direction is the most appropriate for the developing country. The paper concludes that economies in transition should see STPs as having a distinctive organizational structure as a result of its myriads of collaborations and partnerships.Enterprise Development; Science and Technology Park; Model; Developing countries; Cabral-Dahab Paradigm; Determinants; Management

Synthesis,Characterization and Evaluation of Nano-Modified Polymeric Materials from Yellow Oleanda (Thevetia peruviana) Seed Oil

The use of sustainable and biodegradable resources in the preparation of diverse industrial materials (such as organic coatings) has been revitalized due to emerging environmental challenges faced by today’s world. Plant oils are considered the most available and renewable resource material, capable of replacing the petroleum feed-stock (petrochemicals), used in the preparation of most polymeric materials. The present report presents the synthesis, characterizations and evaluations of nano-modified polymeric materials from Thevetia peruviana seed oil (TPSO). The triglyceride based monomers were prepared through aminolysis and partial glyceride (PG) formation from TPSO. The fatty-amide of the oil (N,N-bis (2-hydroxy ethyl) Thevetia peruviana seed oil fatty-amide {HETA}) as well as desaturated fatty-amide methylesters of the oil (desaturated N,N-bis (2-hydroxy ethyl) Thevetia peruviana seed oil fattyamide {DHETA}) were treated with isophthalic acid and polyesteramides of their respective esterification were obtained. Partial glycerides polyol formation was carried out by reacting TPSO with glycerol in the presence of CaO as catalyst. These polyols were further reacted with 4,4'-diisocyanatodicyclohexylmethane (H12 MDI) to synthesize pristine polyurethanes. Nano particles (zinc oxide {ZnO} and 3-aminopropyltrimethoxylsilane-zinc oxide {APTMS-ZnO}) were also dispersed within the polymer matrix. The formation of monomers, pre-polymers as well as the eventual polymer composites were structurally elucidated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) and Carbon 13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (13C NMR) spectroscopic techniques. The fatty acid profile of TPSO fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) was examined by GC-FID. Thermal stability and curing of the hybrid composites were examined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer (DMTA). The surface morphology and crystal/amorphous nature of the hybrid films was studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) respectively. Anticorrosive (in acid, alkali, water, xylene and salt spray fog test), solubility test and antimicrobial (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus niger and Klebsiella pneumonia) properties of the films were investigated. Results revealed that the fatty acid composition of the oil comprised mainly oleic (48.2 %), palmitic (22.3 %), linoleic (19.8 %) acids. FT-IR, 1H and 13C NMR confirmed the formation of the expected polymer matrices and their corresponding nanomodified composites, indicating a successful incorporation of the nano-material (APTMS-ZnO) in the pristine polymer coatings. The impregnation of the nano-material in the polymer led to curing of the polymer at room temperature. Results further revealed that as the percentage composition of the synthesized and incorporated nano-particle in the polymer matrix increased, properties such as thermal stability, anticorrosive and antimicrobial properties of the polymeric coatings also increased. However, at higher percentages, agglomeration of the nano-particle within the polymeric matrix ensued (for example in the case of PUTFA (Polyurethane Thevetia fatty amide)-APTMS-ZnO {15 wt %}). This made the micrograph of the film to be rough and also affect the thermal stability of the coatings. The successful incorporation of modified nanoparticle within the pristine polymer had positive influence of the thermal stability, chemical resistance and antimicrobial inhibition on organisms tested. The coatings retain their photographic transparency irrespective of the varying inorganic–organic nano-particle within the polymer matrix

Achieving the Housing Objective of Millennium Development Goals (MDGS): The Promise of Co-operative Housing

One of the targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is to achieve a significant improvement in the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers by the year 2020. Nigeria’s commitment to this Declaration has led to a plethora of economic reforms that address housing inadequacy and other development challenges. Among these is a policy shift from direct government participation to private sector participation in housing delivery. Several studies have, however, shown that, despite all these reforms, a great proportion of its population still lives in substandard and poor houses and in deplorable, unsanitary residential environments. The objective of this paper is to review some of these strategies vis-à-vis the socio-economic context of the nation’s polity with a view to finding the reasons they have not delivered as expected. The incompatibility of the market-driven reforms with the social and cultural needs and aspirations of Nigeria society was identified as a major impediment to housing delivery in the country. The paper contends that housing problem as a social good or service will remain intractable if its production is still controlled by the market forces. It then concludes by advocating cooperative approach to housing delivery and the management, maintenance and revitalization of the existing housing stocks. Keywords: Cooperative housing, Millennium Development Goals, Public Private Partnership, Slum dwellers, Social capita

Promoting Made in Nigeria Leather Products: A Case Study Nigeria Leather Products on E-Commerce Platform

This paper focused on assessing the viability of promoting made in Nigeria leather products on electronic commerce platforms using the leather products produced in Nigeria Institute of Leather Science and Technology Zaria NILEST as a case study The paper acknowledged the quality and competitive market value of NILEST leather products Promoted leather products were purposively selected and arranged for a photographic session Each of the leather works were photographed from different sides The photographed product images were enhanced on the computer and uploaded for promotion into an existing ecommerce platform The opinions of one hundred thirty 130 e-commerce shoppers were sampled through a closed questionnaire The outcome showed that appealing display of leather works from all sides on an e-commerce platform gives shoppers a convincing grasp of the promoted products and this can influence patronage of the leather works It was recommended that the leather industry should explore the limitless capabilities offered by e-commerce to leverage an impressive market acceptance transcending geographical barriers Also makers of leather products must embrace best practices in their value-chain of production to churn out appealing leather works that attracts patronage onlin

Capacity-Building in Waste Wealth: Reusing of Discarded Tires for Making Homeuse Furniture

This paper discussed the capacity-building and its relevance in the transformation of waste to wealth The study enunciated that capacity building strategies harness creative skills for stimulating entrepreneurial opportunities It emphasized that entrepreneurial ideas in the areas of waste to wealth contribute immensely to the economic growth of developing countries to create sustainable jobs The paper noted that reusing tires and other was items is more environmentally sustainable recycling processes which pollute the environment However the researchers skillfully reused discarded tires in producing home use furniture Foam and Adire fabric were utilized as a cover for the produced furniture for usability and attractiveness Metal stands were affixed underneath the furniture to achieve balance and durability The produced furniture are suitable for homes and public us

THERMAL STABILITY STUDIES ON SOME METAL SOAPS OF HURA CREPITANS SEED OIL

Thermal stability studies on some metal soaps of Hura crepitans seed oil prepared by metathesis in aqueous alcohol solution were carried out. The kinetics of the decomposition was studied thermogravimetrically in the temperature range 160 – 200o C. The values of the rate constant are of the order 10-2min-1 and temperature-dependent. The enthalpy of activation (ΔH‡) of the initial stage of decomposition determined is in the range 9.8 – 37.8 kJmol-1. The thermal stability of the metal soaps was studied in the temperature range 50 – 600o C under nitrogen using thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The thermal stability of the soaps was assessed in terms of temperatures at which various extents of decomposition were attained and weight loss at the initial stage of decomposition. Except zinc soap, the weight loss for the metal soaps was less than 10% at temperature up to 250o C. The results suggest that the metal soaps Hura crepitans seed oils could have some industrial applications

Innovation in Nigerian SMEs: types and impact

This paper seeks to explore the types of innovation that are predominant in SMEs in developing countries and to investigate the impact of these innovations on different dimensions of firm performance based on an industry-wide innovation survey carried out in Nigeria in 2007. Although innovation is important for superior firm performance, our result found that the type of innovation that SMEs pursue is not a critical consideration in their performance. While there was no difference found in the focus of SMEs on either of product or process innovations, evidence showed that SMEs would focus more on incremental product and process innovations. Incremental innovation was found to be very important for Nigerian SMEs and a significant predictor of product quality and not of revenue. The authors conclude that SMEs chooses to pursue such innovations that most fit their strategies and available resources. Such level of innovation affords Nigerian SMEs to more extensively exploit the domestic market but cannot support extensive new product development required to enter export markets.innovation; small and medium enterprises; Nigeria; impact

Histopathological Studies of Utilization of Brewery Spent Grains Effect in Humans Food Chain

The brewing industries continuously generate lot of solid waste of which spent grains is a major by product. The present utilization method of Brewery Spent Grains (BSG) in food chain makes it imminently necessary to explore the adverse effect of the waste on humans. This paper focuses on investigating the effects of BSG formulated diet on haematological, biochemical, histological and growth performance using Donryu rats as model for the experiments. The rats were allocated into six dietary treatment groups and fed on a short-term study with diet containing graded levels of spent grains from 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 % weight/weight. The results revealed that the formulated diet had a positive effect on the growth performance of the rats up to levels of 6 % inclusions, while the haematological and biochemical evaluation revealed that the threshold limit should not exceed 9 % of the grain. However, the histophatological study on the liver indicated a limit of 3 % exploitation of BSG in feed without serious adverse effect, hence blend range of 1-3 % will be appropriate for utilization in human food without adverse effect on liver organ