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While the acceptance and use of mobile marketing technology (MMT) is playing a significant roles in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), few studies have explored how an appropriate framework for understanding the underlying factors that shape MMT adoption in Nigeria can be developed. This is because majority of practitioners in Nigeria often generalize and extend the findings from the developed economies as if there are no environmental differences. This paper attempts to propose a grounded theory approach for assessing factors within technology-organisation-environment (T-O-E) framework in attempt to explain and predict small service firms’ adoption of MMT. The data collection approach spans unstructured and semi-structured interviews with 26 respondents; and the proposed framework provides an organized way to explore MMT adoption, and a foundation for developing a model of MMT adoption in developing country.

A substantial number of factors have been examined on the potentials of SMEs to exploit mobile marketing devices to achieve a competitive edge. However, the limited scholarly investigation has focused on the demographic characteristics of top executives of SMEs and how the location moderates the interaction between the demographic structure of SMEs’ executives and the rate of mobile marketing technology adoption, particularly in the south-west of Nigeria where adoption of these devices are slow. The research examines the effects of demographic factors of top SME executives on mobile marketing technology adoption in Ekiti State Nigeria. Data were collected through questionnaires and responses of 230 SMEs were drawn randomly from a population of 620 registered SMEs operating in 6 different industries located in different towns in Ekiti State, South-West Geo-Political Zone, Nigeria. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to analyse the data. Results revealed that the experience, age, and educational attainment of top SMEs’ executives were statistically significant, and the location of the firm significantly moderated mobile marketing technology adoption. Gender also affected mobile marketing technology adoption among SMEs.

Effective implementation of organisational strategy is considered a major tool for facilitating firm performance and global competitiveness. However, most academic discussions and debates in existing literature have limited the discourse of strategy implementation in profit-oriented organisations, particularly in the Nigerian context. Therefore, this study explored the impact of the constructs of organisational strategy and performance of a faith-based organisations. A survey of 297 respondants constitute the population for this study. The research study is descriptive in nature, and it adopted a mixed method research design. A simple regression analysis was utilized for the analysis of the completed questionnaire. Also, thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative interview. The result shows that personality of the employees significantly influences member satisfaction. Therefore, this study recommends that faith-based organisations must ensure that their organisations consistently provide training for employees in order accommodate people irrespective of their peculiarities.

In this contribution, a non-linear arctic sea-ice model of fractional Duffing oscillator is given. The solution of the model was obtained using a new proposed analytical method, which is an elegant combination of asymptotic and Laplace methods. The result obtained showed that this method is a very powerful and efficient technique for finding the analytical solution of nonlinear fractional differential equation. From the analysis of the result, we observed that the impact of anthropogenic climate change on arctic sea-ice could lead to flooding in many coastal areas and low-lying island nations.

Purpose Although several researchers have made significant efforts to examine the adoption of social media marketing technology in Nigeria, many have focussed on large organizations while others have constantly extrapolated the findings obtained in the Western world as if small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have the same structure, managerial capabilities, and operate in the same way. This has hindered the development of an integrated framework aimed at unravelling the factors shaping the adoption of social media marketing applications in SMEs in Nigeria. The paper, therefore, aims to explore some antecedent factors that shape SMEs adoption of social media marketing applications in SMEs in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The study deployed a qualitative approach with the use of unstructured and semi-structured interviews with a total of 20 participants drawn purposeful from Nigeria directories and analysed by using a hybrid method of thematic analysis. Findings The study developed an extended technology–organization–environment framework (TOE) framework that incorporated the communication context, which aids in identifying 11 key success factors shaping SMEs adoption of social media marketing technology in Nigeria. The findings associated with the extended TOE framework show that they have an impact on social media marketing technology adoption in SMEs. Research limitations/implications Because the researchers adopted the qualitative method, the findings may lead to some bias in the analysis of the data which may limit the insights into the key factors shaping the adoption of social media marketing technology adoption. Future studies may adopt a mixed-method approach or a comparative approach to confirm the finding and to better understand the critical factors linked to the framework. Although it is believed the with the use of thematic data analysis, the results are well associated with the structure; however, the structure has limitations. Drawing from the data analysis, the factors are limited. Other factors which may positively influence social media marketing adoption in SMEs. Hence, further studies are needed in this area in a bid to explore these factors by using different research appraoches. Originality/value The study has enriched the existing TOE framework and provided insights into the dominant issue faced by SMEs in adopting social media marketing technology, provided an analytical dimension, reliable explanation of these finding and tool for evaluating some of the challenges faced by SMEs in the adoption of social media marketing technology.

This paper examines critical success factors shaping the adoption of digital marketing devices (DMD) by micro-businesses. The study adopted a qualitative approach. Both unstructured and semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of 26 micro-businesses drawn purposefully from the online database and underpinned by technology, organisation and environment (TOE) framework. This helped to unravel 14 critical success factors influencing the adoption of DMD by micro-businesses in Nigeria. These factors include functional capability, adaptive capacity and expandability which are related to technology context. Collective understanding, degree of partnership and diversity of information are linked to the organisation context while the level of training, quality of service delivery, customer fulfilment and intense competition are associated with environmental context. The study expanded the TOE framework by unravelling the impact expectancy context which is associated with factors, such as budget, business expansion, diversity and return on investment. This study will be of importance to academics and practitioners because it provides further awareness into DMD adoption framework, factors critical to the DMD adoption and may assist in reducing the number of resources spent in search of information aimed at helping DMD adoption by micro-businesses.

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. Originality/value The work is a departure from previous studies because it is the only one that has emphazised exposure to e-banking as a solution to awareness creation and positive attitude of customers. Its value lies in its potential to make e-banking user friendly in no distance time.

Purpose The popularity and use of mobile marketing technologies or devices have led to significant interest from researchers and practitioners, particularly in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), where these technologies offer significant benefits to SMEs given the poor human capital and financial constraints encountered. The use of mobile marketing devices assists SMEs to boost their sales promotion strategies which aim at increasing the sales of their products and services. However, there has been limited focus on developing a suitable framework that enables the evaluation and shared an understanding of the factors influencing the adoption of mobile marketing technology by service SMEs in Nigeria. Therefore, this paper aims to develop a theoretically grounded framework for exploring these factors and explaining their impact on mobile marketing technology adoption in SMEs in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The study is qualitative and used both unstructured and semi-structured interviews with a total of 26 participants drawn purposively from NIJA database in Nigeria. Thematic analysis was deployed in analysing the data. Findings The study developed an extended technology organisation environment (TOE) framework by incorporating the value anticipation context which helped to unveil 16 key factors influencing mobile marketing technology adoption in service SMEs in Nigeria. The finding revealed that factors associated with the extended TOE framework have an impact on SMEs mobile le marketing technology adoption but at different levels. Research limitations/implications The limitation of this study emerged because of the use of qualitative methodologies about the research design, rigour in the collection and management of the large volume of the raw data, the data analysis and the credibility of the findings. This may lead to unforeseen respondent and research bias in the data analysis, which may lead to a limited understanding of alternatives and insights into the factors influencing the adoption of mobile marketing. Hence, other measures and approaches such as case study and mix-method could be deployed to validate the findings further. Also, one of the limitations of qualitative study has been the issue of theoretical generalizability of the framework. The generalizability of the formwork needs to be established across a broader range of the population. Future studies may apply confirmatory statistical techniques to test and ascertain the validity and reliability of the framework across a broader population of mobile marketing technology adopters in Nigeria. Such studies may be used as a benchmark for the theoretical constructs and the factors that may lead to the success or failure of mobile marketing technology adoption. Originality/value The study had further enriched TOE framework and provided an analytical dimension for exploring the adoption of mobile marketing technology. It also demonstrates the capacity to provide a reliable explanation of the factors and serves as a tool for evaluating the benefits or challenges of mobile marketing technology adoption in SMEs in Nigeria.

Purpose Most studies in information behaviour have focussed on information behaviour aspects such as environmental uncertainty, scanning behaviour of top management executives, student and women information behaviour, information source and credibility, while little is known about the information behaviour of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) when the need for emerging information and communication technology (EICT) adoption decision-making arises. This paper, therefore, aims to explore the major determinants of perceived information need for EICT adoption by UK small service-oriented businesses. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted qualitative method to explore 13 key determinants of SME managers’ information behaviour for EICT adoption decision-making by using both unstructured and semi-structured interviews at two different stages with 20 participants drawn purposeful from Luton directories. Findings The study developed an extended technology, organisation and environment (TOE) framework by identifying and incorporating the information context which helped to unveil 13 key determinants of perceived information need and their impact on EICT adoption decision-making in SMEs. This further provided insight into understanding SMEs’ information behaviour. While the determinants associated with TOE and information contexts influence SMEs’ perceived information need for EICT adoption, the extent at which these four constructs shape SMEs’ perceived information need for EICT adoption decision-making differs. Research limitations/implications The limitation of this study emerged because of the use of qualitative methodologies in relation to the research design, rigour in the collection and management of the large volume of the raw data, the data analysis and the credibility of the findings. This may lead to unforeseen respondent – and research – bias in the data analysis, which may lead to limited understanding of alternatives and insights into the key determinants of perceived information need for EICT adoption decision. Hence, other measures and approaches such as case study and mix-method could be deployed to further validate the findings. Also, one of the limitations of qualitative study has been the issue of theoretical generalizability of the framework. The generalizability of the formwork needs to be established across a wider range of population. Future studies may apply a confirmatory statistical techniques to test and ascertain the validity and reliability of the framework across a wider population. Such studies may be used as a benchmark for the theoretical constructs and the factors that may lead to success or failure of mobile marketing technology adoption. Originality/value The study has further enriched TOE framework and provided an analytical dimension for exploring key determinants of SMEs’ perceived information need for EICT adoption decision-making. It also demonstrates the capacity to provide a reliable explanation of the determinants and serves as a tool for evaluating the benefits or challenges of SMEs’ information behaviours when the need for EICT adoption arises.

The study examined inventory management and organisational efficiency. The classical inventory management techniques were applied to an organisation’s inventory system. A door sales company in Ilorin, Nigeria that volunteered information on the basis of anonymity was used and relevant data were collected on six types of doors; panel, flush,sliding, folding andaswell as manual and electronic garage doors. The company had no scientific inventory management strategy but the EOQ, inventorycycle time and reorder level were computed for the six doors using the average values of the data obtained for 2011-2017. The results show that the company can minimise its total inventory cost by consciously adopting an inventory management policy of ordering 55 panel doors, 41 flush doors, 41 sliding glass doors, 18folding doors, 18 manual garage doors and 8 electronic garage doors respectively every cycle time of 17, 14, 17, 30, 35 and 34 days respectively or by placing the above orders each time the inventory level of panel doors, flush doors, sliding glass doors, folding doors, manual garage doors and electronic garage doors fall to 32, 24, 24, 5, 3 and 2 respectively and thus minimise the total cost of inventory.Keywords: Inventory control; Inventory management; Inventory cycle time; EOQ and reorder level.

PurposeWhile traditional theories of information and communication technology (ICT) adoption have been deployed to study ICT adoption in the past, these theories considers ICT adoption as static and rely on conceptualising factors as variables and predicting their levels of outcome at a single decision stage. Although much has been credited to these theories, they have continuously ignored the fact that as decisions to adopt are made and challenged along the adoption process, such decision can be influenced by the same, different or combination of factors at different stages of the adoption process. This paper aims to examine ICT adoption from a dynamic process perspective and to explore the key determinants and how these differ from one stage of the adoption process to another.Design/methodology/approachQualitative method was adopted in this study. Both unstructured and semi-structured interviews were conducted in two separate stages using purposeful random sampling. Hybrid approach of thematic analysis was adopted in analysing the data.FindingsThis study develops a framework informed by actor network theory (ANT) concepts and finds that using ANT to examine the process of adoption helps to unveil the recursive nature of the process. The study reveals that the 14 determinants identified in this study influenced adoption at different stages. Factors such as ease of use, managerial time, customer focus and adoption influenced adoption at all the stages. This reveals that factors influencing ICT adoption are not static at one particular stage rather it may influence ICT adoption at different stages.Research limitations/implicationsQualitative research is often subjective and interpretive in nature, and one of the limitations is the sample used in this research. Considering the small number of interviews carried out in this study, the generalisation of finding and the framework remains to be established across a wider population. Therefore, the factors presented could be limited considering that a number of practitioners that are involved in establishing emerging ICT are numerous. Therefore, other factors are prevailing to other industries or sectors that may provide scholars another way of examining these factors. Also, the framework demonstrates that it is a valuable analytical tool for researchers to examine how and why different actors including small and medium enterprise (SME) managers act around emerging ICT.Originality/valueThis study develops a framework that revealed the interactive and recursive nature of ICT adoption and the determinants influencing the process of ICT adoption at different stages thereby advancing ICT adoption research. The study challenges researchers to always consider ICT adoption as dynamic and unpredictable instead of one-off action as factors influencing its adoption are not static rather; they vary from one stage to another.

In developing world, most decisions by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to adopt social media marketing technology (SMMT) rely heavily on study findings from the Western World without much recourse to cross-context differences in structure and managerial capabilities. Thus, the lack of inquiries that provide complete guideline on the adoption of SMMT in developing economies hinders the development of integrated framework(s) that explains MSMEs’ successful adoption. The study used technology–organization–environment (T-O-E) framework as the theoretical basis to examine the critical factors that stimulate MSMEs adoption of SMMT in Nigeria. The adopted methodological choice was qualitative, involving interviews with 20 participants selected from the online directories via purposive and snowball sampling techniques. However, thematic analysis was the data treatment technique; and the study extended the T-O-E framework to provide an understanding into the dominant factors that specifically influence MSMEs’ adoption, without losing sight of vendors who would rely on the extended framework to get audiences continually satisfied.

Most micro-business managers in Nigeria do not see the adoption of digital marketing technology (DMT) as vital for business. Many consider it as a precondition to support managerial or operational activities, not as a tactical and/or strategic tool. Although most studies focused on large organisations, the outcome of such research may not be appropriate to micro-businesses. This is informed by the negligence of micro-businesses’ idiosyncrasies and their thought of digitalization as a precondition for managerial activities without considering the value small businesses attached to these devices in terms of aiding the use as strategic tools. This renders micro-businesses’ digitalization an under-reflected phenomenon. Yet, studies spend less on examining the factors that specifically stimulate the value micro-businesses attach to these applications, leading to constant adoption and usage. Hence, there is a need for a thorough exploration of the factors that shape the value of digital marketing applications in micro-businesses in Nigeria. The study is qualitative in nature and interviews (unstructured and semi-structured) were carried out with 26 micro-businesses which was drawn purposefully from the online database and underpinned by Technology, Organisation and Environment (TOE) framework. The study revealed eleven (11) critical success factors stimulating value micro-businesses attribute to digital marketing technology (DMT) adoption. These factors include long-term functional capacity, integration capacity, expansion capacity which are related to technology context. Collective capability, collaborative experience are linked to the organisation context while adaptive training, service delivery, customer fulfilment are linked to environmental context. The study also unveiled expectancy context which is linked to budget, growth and profitability and aid in the extension of the TOE framework. This study will be of importance to academics and practitioners because it provides further awareness into DMT adoption framework, factors critical to the DMT adoption and may assist in reducing the number of resources spent in search of information aimed at helping DMT adoption by micro-businesses.

While research into the adoption of e-learning in Nigeria has mainly focused on its use in public Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), there is still a lack of research on factors affecting students’ use of e-learning in private HEIs in Nigeria. This study, therefore, explores factors influencing the use of e-learning by students in private HEIs in Nigeria using Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework. We use a data collection method encompassing semi-structured interviews with 15 students from L-University drawn purposefully from the Landmark directory and a hybrid thematic analysis to analyse the data. Our findings reveal that technology-related factors (ease of use, speed accessibility and service delivery), organisation-related factors (training support and diversity), environment-related factors (attitudes of the users) and impact-related factors (learning experience, skill development, academic performance, and degree of engagement) influence the students’ adoption of e-learning facilities. We develop an extended TOE framework that integrates the impact context which considers the students likely expectations if these facilities are fully adopted and implemented. The study also unveils techniques that may accelerate the development of e-learning structure in private HEIs and which could provide the opportunity of assisting communities of learners to adopt and use e-learning facilities regularly.

In this investigation, fractional order model on the impact of climate change with dominant Earth’s fluctuations is given. The solution of the modelwas obtained using modified LaplaceAdomian decomposition method. The result is compared with the result obtained from integer solution.We observed that what is seen in the fractional part takes longer to be seen in the integer part.We also observed that regardless of any choice we make to mitigate climate change, the impact will still persist due to the effect of Earth’s fluctuations.

Purpose While a substantial number of studies have examined information behaviour, most centred on choice of information source, student information behaviour, information behaviour of women, environmental uncertainty and scanning behaviour of top-level hotel executives. However, little is known about how the small and medium enterprise (SME) managers scan, seek, gather, document and use information relevant for emerging information and communication technology (EICT) adoption decision-making. This paper aims to examine the key success factors influencing SME manager’s information behaviour on EICT adoption decision-making. Design/methodology/approach This study deploys a qualitative approach to exploring 16 key success factors shaping SME managers’ information behaviour on EICT adoption decision-making. More specifically, the study adopted both unstructured and semi-structured interviews with 20 small business managers drawn purposeful from Crunch Database. Findings This study develops an extended technology, organisation and environment framework by incorporating the information context which helped to unravel 16 key success factors influencing small business managers’ information behaviour on EICT. From the technology context, uncertainty driven, compatibility, replacement of legacy technology, relative advantages, lack of technical know-how and perceived affordability fit for purpose influence SME managers’ information behaviour. Users’ acceptance information, efficiency driven, owner’s support shape the organisation context of perceived information need; competitor’s intelligence gathering, customer’s information gathering provider credibility and government policy influence the environmental context of perceived information need; and finally, perceived information sources credibility, herding event, testimonial and openness to other people’s ideas and experiences are shaped by the information context. Research limitations/implications Qualitative research is normally subjective, interpretive and limited on the sample used. Because of the limited number of interviews, the generalisation of the framework and the finding is difficult. Therefore, the finding and the framework need to be established across broader population. The findings are vital considering the fact that small business managers are limited in knowledge and the study may improve the way and manner they go about seeking and gathering information relevant in adopting new ICT. Originality/value This research provides further insight into SME managers’ information behaviour by developing a framework and identifying main factors influencing SMEs information behaviours on EICT. Therefore, understanding such factors will enrich their knowledge on some of the factors that may shape their decisions during EICT adoption decision to make effective decision.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are involved in emerging information and communication technology (EICT) adoption by concentrating on the adoption process and the role played by various actors in the process. Information and communication technology (ICT) adoption research, especially in SMEs, has moved from a simple adopters’ participation process to involving diverse actors that continually interact and influence the process. SMEs need to constantly interact with various human and non-human actors to keep up with the EICT adoption. However, this has proved difficult. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a qualitative method to examine the dynamic process of EICT adoption in service SMEs in the UK, and deployed both unstructured and semi-structured interviews in two separate rounds with 26 participants drawn from Crunch Online Database and Luton Business Directory. The participants include managers, customers, government agencies, SMEs consultants and information technology (IT) vendors, with the help of purposeful random sampling. Findings The study develops a framework informed by actor network theory (ANT) concepts and found that using ANT to examine the process of adoption helps to unveil the recursive nature of the process and the roles of actors which vary from one stage to another. The finding reveals that adoption of EICT is not straightforward; rather, it is evolutionary and dynamic, and small business managers’ play an important role in the process amidst other actors influence. The framework supports businesses of all types. Although ICT applications are influenced by diverse actors including IT experts, customers and vendors, the decision of SME managers regularly shape the values and beliefs of other actors if adequate information are conveyed by the numerous actors. Therefore, adoption of EICT is embraced faster by organizations, especially small businesses, if diverse actors are committed in conveying the right information to the key actors, thereby helping them to make adequate decision, and streamline their business processes. Research limitations/implications This study is limited by its focus and other factors. Studying the opinions of small service UK SMEs limits the power of generalizing the identified causal relationships; therefore, extended measures are required on accounts of environmental, cultural, geographical and sectorial differences. While some errors seemed unavoidable when measures appear subjective and prone to common error biases, the study advised on recognizing the overriding influence of the roles at each stage of the adoption process to be proactive in committing resources. Originality/value This work is of value to practitioners and academics, as it provides further insight into ICT adoption framework by showing how the diverse actors guarantee EICT adoption in small service(s) businesses. This is relevant given that SMEs have limited knowledge of new ICT and understanding diverse actors and their roles in the adoption process would enhance their knowledge of the analysts in the context of new technology adoption and to cope with EICT continually amidst of the roles of actors in the adoption process. The framework serves as an analytical instrument in explaining ICT adoption process and its outcomes characterized by conflicting views.

Purpose Since the 1980s, a substantial number of theories have contributed extensively to information and communication technology (ICT) adoption. Much of such theories regarded ICT adoption as a one-off action as they specifically focus on factors affecting decision making at one decision point. They tend to play down on the fact that as adoption decision progresses through stages, they are supposedly influenced by the same or different factors. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the dynamic process of ICT adoption using the concepts of dynamic capabilities. Design/methodology/approach This study used qualitative approach to gain in-depth insight into the dynamic and evolutionary process of emerging information and communication technology (EICT) adoption in UK small service SMEs. Unstructured and semi-structured interviews were conducted in two separate rounds with 26 participants drawn from Crunch Online Data Base and Luton Business Directory. The participants were selected from a sample of 65 drawn from extended classification of professional service businesses proposed by Ramsey et al. (2008). They include managers, government agencies, SMEs consultants and IT vendors; and then purposeful random sampling and snowball sampling were used. Findings The study developed a framework from the concept of dynamic capabilities and found that using the concept of dynamic capabilities to examine the process of EICT adoption helps to unveil the recursive nature of the process and how the factors vary at both single and multiple stages of adoption. Research limitations/implications This study is limited by its focus and other factors. Studying the opinions of small service UK SMEs limits the power of generalizing the identified causal relationships; therefore, extended measures are required on accounts of environmental, cultural, geographical and sectoral differences. While some errors seemed unavoidable when measures appear subjective and prone to common error biases, the study advised on recognizing the over-riding influence of the factor(s) at each stage of the adoption process in order to be proactive in committing resources. Originality/value This work focuses on emerging ICT adoption in SMEs from the dynamic and evolutionary process perspective using the concept of dynamic capability. It advances ICT adoption research by developing a framework to depict that ICT is not a one-off event, rather it is dynamic and interactive in nature and factors influencing adoption vary from one stage or the other.

An organization can be likened to a building whose strength is determined by the structure and frames which holds it. The structure is the manner in which interrelated elements (resources) are arranged so that the building can be stable, resist stress and it provides the right form. To this end, for the performance of an organization to be effective, it is important to understand the right manner in which interrelated elements (structure) in the specific organization is arranged. To measure the performance of the organization, dependent variables such as sales, profit, and customer satisfaction will be considered. Also, the study utilized independent variables centralization and formalization organizational structures. This is to show the effects of the dependent variables on the independent variable. The research adopted quantitative design and applied mono method which brought about numerical data generated from questionnaire administered. The population of this study comprises of all staff of Covenant Micro Finance Bank as well as the customers of the banks. Total sum of 354 sample size comprising of both employees (51) and customers (303) of Covenant Micro Finance Bank is the sample size. The propositions assumed for this study are that: there is no relationship between organizational centralization and organizational customer satisfaction, there is no relationship between organizational centralization and organizational profit, there is no relationship between organizational formalization and organizational customer satisfaction and that there is no relationship between organizational formalization and organizational profit. Also, among the secondary data collected are views of various management researchers. As a result of the primary and secondary data collected, the study recommends that organizations should adopt decentralization structure and reduce formalization in the work place.

This paper attempts to develop an integrated framework that aims to challenge researchers on a progressive path for future ICT adoption research especially in SMEs. The paper accessed major databases of a number of top IS journals in the field and reviews previous theories used to study ICT adoption, examine the progress made so far, and the limitations of these theories in an attempt to develop a framework, that aims to challenge researchers and aid further contributions in this IS field. The study developed a framework informed by three theories; Structuration theory (ST), Actors Network Theory (ANT) and Adaptive Structuration theory (AST) and argues that using such integrated theory to examine the process of ICT adoption will help to unveil the recursive nature, entities involved and the kind of research approach that may be applied. Hence, for research in this area to be progressive, entities in the framework must be considered amidst other influence. The framework also suggests adoption of ICT will be embraced faster by organizations especially small businesses if the entities involved are committed in conveying the right information thereby supporting SMEs in making adequate decisions. This work provides further insight into ICT adoption framework that may advance future research in the field of ICT adoption, assist SMEs in adopting and implementing ICT overtime. This is relevant given that the complexities associated with the adoption of ICT is becoming worrisome and SMEs have limited knowledge on issues relating to emerging ICTs. The framework may motivate SMEs in understanding diverse actors, factors and social structures affecting ICT adoption better and how to cope with them. The framework serves as an analytical instrument in explaining ICT adoption process and its outcomes characterized by conflicting views

The paper reviews existing literature on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to ascertain the level of corporate social responsibility activities that will enhance the performance/profitability of businesses in Nigeria. It revealed that the success of an organization depends on the extent to which the organization is capable of managing its relationship with key groups, such as financial and stakeholders, but also customers, employees, and even communities or societies. Stakeholders must be considered in the decision making process of the organization. CSR is a concept that includes many different activities and actions which businesses have to involve themselves in for the purpose growth sustainability and growth of businesses. Businesses that voluntarily participates in local community development, such as providing the community with donations, assisting them with projects and sharing some of its profit with the community, helps to increase the business profitability in the long-run.

Sustainable agriculture has remained a subject of debate in Nigeria for decades without tangible results. Between 2001 and 2007, agricultural sector accounted for 40 percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP) and 51 percent of job creation. However, in 2015 agriculture accounted for only 17.77% of Nigeria’s GDP (National Bureau of Statistics, 2015). These figures are indications that agriculture has not met the need of the country, and reveal the dwindling nature of the sector. The declining nature of agriculture calls for a new strategy that will support agricultural development in Nigeria. This paper aims to advance agripreneurship education in Nigerian Universities by attempting to develop a curriculum that will trigger agriprenuership taught classes in Universities in Nigeria in attempt to increase youth and farmers participation in agripreneurship and improve the agricultural sector in general

The paper aims at exploring the sociological factors influencing consumers purchasing behaviour in the clothing industry. This study deployed a qualitative approach to exploring key factors influencing consumers purchasing behaviour. More specifically, the study adopted semi-structured interviews with 16 employees of TR COUTURE. The finding revealed that age, quality, income and fund shapes consumers purchasing behaviour. The implication of this finding is that marketers should constantly study the behavioural patterns of their clients before making plans to buy goods or services sold to consumers as factors explored in this study indicate that they strongly shapes consumers buying pattern.

The significant changes taking place in the world have offered new opportunities for male and female-owned businesses. This study investigated the impact of entrepreneurship education and venture intention of female engineering students in Nigeria. A descriptive research design was used. Copies of the questionnaire were distributed to collect quantitative data on the link between entrepreneurship education and venture intentions of Landmark university female engineering students. The sample size for this study was determined based on the entire population of 32. This study used purposive random sampling techniques for the selection of the respondent. Hence, each participant was given an equal chance of being chosen from the population in no particular order. Regression analysis was used to analyse the stated hypotheses through a statistical package for social science (SPSS). The findings revealed that effective implementation of entrepreneurship education elements stimulate students’ entrepreneurial activities, particularly among female engineering students. This study advanced knowledge and concluded that entrepreneurship education elements such as pedagogy, educators’ competence, and learning environment have a significant impact on venture intention.

In this study, we examine the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on the financial performance of Nigerian listed deposit banks. We collected secondary data from the annual reports and accounts of 14 banks between 2010 and 2017. We employed the Tobin Q quantitative method for the analysis. We adopted the theoretical framework of pecking order theory since the analysis of the impact of FDI on the financial performance of these banks are both inward and outward FDI. The Tobin Q method was used as the dependent variable and FDI as an independent variable. Board size, firm size, equity capital and reinvested earnings were all financial performance indicators employed to test the impact of FDI on the financial performance of the banks on understudy in Nigeria. The result of the data analysis and findings showed that FDI had contributed positively to the development and performance of the deposit banks over the period under consideration. Our theoretical findings suggest a positive relationship between FDI and profit maximization. This support the FDI theory that banks or organisations are financed partly with debt-equity, both used by the banks to balance the cost and benefit financing decisions by the management. In the case of the empirical findings, the results of hypothesis testing show a significant effect on the banks’ financial performances. Given these results, we conclude that FDI has made a positive impact on the development and financial performances of the listed deposit banks under study which resulted in some of the banks’ growth from local banks in Nigeria into some of the leading international banks in Africa.

In spite of the constant innovative approaches adopted by teachers in western world, traditional approaches to teaching and assessments in Nigeria tertiary institutions have constantly been practiced. Most institutions are not able to fully utilize e-learning or get full advantages of it. This failure has hindered most teachers in using innovative teaching methodologies in delivering their lectures, and undertake rigorous research works. The study examines adoption and utilisation of e-learning facilities by lecturers in Nigerian private tertiary institution. The study adopted qualitative approach to investigate the adoption and utilisation of e-learning facilities by lecturers in a Nigerian private tertiary institution using 15 semi- structured interviews from the academic staff of M-University. Raw data gathered were analysed using data driven thematic approach (a similar approach to grounded theory).The findings reveal that M-University’s e-learning facilities are adequate and accessible to users, and most teachers are comfortable with utilisation of various facilities during classes compared to most public tertiary institutions although, the utilisation has not been maximised. However, attitude of users, inadequate internet facility, inadequate training of users affect the successful adoption. The study recommends that e-learning facilities should be constantly upgraded, and that M-University should train their staff continuously to meet the constant advancements of the e-Learning facilities in order to maximize usage.

Fair-trade is concerned with ensuring that producers are paid fair wages and that fair prices are charged consumers in a bid to promote equitable trading agreement (shaw et al 2006). This paper investigates recent discourse associated with fair trade particularly clothing companies. It argues for fair trade as a veritable tool for ensuring fair wages and prices but points out some of the issues concerned with carrying out fair trade activities. This paper was based on secondary data. The findings suggest that despite the relevant roles fair trade plays, and the high media publicity associated with it, most consumers still find it difficult to recognise fair trade products because of the negative practices and poor promotional efforts with companies. While this paper highlights some of the unethical practices organisations have engaged which impact negatively on fair trade, it suggests some of the remedies especially to organisations that have interest in practicing fair trade in future. The study recommendations that providing certified labelling will enable consumers read and identify fair trade product easily. It also recommends that ensuring adequate corporate social responsibility and quality of the products are way forward

This paper attempts to examine mobile marketing technology adoption research and practice in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from an evolutionary and dynamic process perspective using the concept of dynamic capabilities (CDCs). This study adopted a qualitative method to explore how small services oriented SMEs regularly engage in mobile marketing technology adoption. Two stages of interviews (unstructured and semi-structured) were carried out with a total of 26 interviewees. The data collected from the interviews were analysed using a thematic approach to understand the evolutionary and dynamic nature of the mobile marketing technology adoption process, entities involved and how they interact. The findings revealed the reiterative and the evolutionary nature of mobile marketing technology adoption and the continuous interactions and negotiations of numerous entities in the process, underpinned by the concept of dynamic capabilities and validated by the empirical data. The study developed a framework depicting the process of mobile marketing technology adoption, significant activities and entities involved in the process. The study advances mobile marketing technology adoption research and practice by developing a framework that describes the interactive, dynamic and evolutionary nature of mobile marketing technology adoption, entities associated with the framework and their interactions in the process.

IT and new-networked business structures are removing the sources of friction, producing major dimensions of change that affect every firm and its operations (Tapscott, 2008). They have constantly thrown at us new buzz phrases; the thresholds of dramatic shift in ways firms organize, innovate, and create values. IT infrastructures have become democratized by the Internet; people no longer consume and convey information alone but also create and share contents with others on the Web, be it textual, aural, or visual. The use of Web, which extends to websites, B2B, B2C and e-business application, has made it imperative for organizations to conduct their business and e-business over the Internet. As new ITs such as Enterprise 2.0 emerge, organizations device new strategies and directions to utilize the web to reach out their customers and business partners. Organizations develop new and innovative ways of doing business and react positively to their customers. They often adapt and rely on enterprise systems as its accompanying budget cuts affect travels, marketing expenses, capital investments, and staffing levels (McKinnon, 2009). This theoretical paper builds on existing body of knowledge on Enterprise 2.0 to expand its understanding and applicability by SMEs.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) adoption research especially in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) has moved from a simple adopters’ participation process to involving diverse actors that continually interact and influence the process. Small businesses need constantly interact with various human and non-human actors to keep up with the emerging ICT development and benefit from the emerging opportunities (Eze et al 2012, Eze, 2013; Eze et al 2014). However; this has proved difficult. This paper reviews three prominent theories of ICT adoption, integrates and develops a model from them to assist researchers make substantial theoretical advancements in this area

This purpose of this paper is to explore the key success factors influencing students trust on Tesco grocery services. Using survey approach, the study adopted, simple random sampling in selecting a total of 70 students of the University of Bedfordshire who shop at Tesco. The analysis shows that organisations feel that customer trust gradually turns into customer loyalty. The findings revealed that a number of factors shapes students trust in Tesco grocery services mainly convenience, price and the quality of products and services

Purpose – This paper aims to advance information and communication technologies (ICT) adoption research and practice by examining and understanding the emerging ICT adoption in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from a dynamic process perspective using actor-network theory (ANT). Design/methodology/approach – This study employs a qualitative approach to investigate how services SMEs are constantly engaging in ICT adoption for improving business performance. Two rounds of interviews were conducted with 26 interviewees. Data collected from the unstructured and semi-structured interviews were analysed to understand the dynamic adoption process, actors involved and their interactions. Findings – The findings reveal the recursive and dynamic nature of the emerging ICT adoption process and the constant interactions and negotiations of various actors. Underpinned by the key concepts of ANT and validated by the empirical data, a framework is developed to depict the stages of dynamic process of emerging ICT adoption, the actors involved and the associated key activities. Research limitations/implications – Qualitative research is interpretive in nature and the size of the sample used is limited. These limitations require caution for the generalization of the findings. The framework can be further validated across a wider population using mixed methods combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. Practical implications – Emerging ICT adoption has moved from a simple adopters’ participation process to involving various actors that constantly interact and influence the process. SMEs manager can be influenced by and influence the technology advancement. As a result, SMEs need constantly interact with various human and non-human actors to keep up with the new ICT development and benefit from the emerging opportunities. Originality/value – The research focuses on the emerging ICT adoption in SMEs from the dynamic process perspective using ANT. It advances ICT adoption research and practice by developing a framework to depict the dynamic and interactive nature of ICT adoption process, and the actors involved and their interactions in the adoption process.

This paper critically analyses the major theoretical and empirical body of knowledge of the various schools of thought of cognitive consistency with a view of proffering a tripartite approach (involving the consumers, the organizations and the government) to solving inconsistency among cognitive elements (e.g., values, beliefs, knowledge and attitudes). The Heider’s balance theory, Osgood’s congruity model and Festinger’s cognitive dissonance theory were specifically looked into and assessed in terms of their real world application and/or empirical fertility. Each of these theorists emphasizes psychological tension and the urge to achieving consistency within and between the cognitive system and overt/covert behaviour

There have been countless developments in the field of communication and information. Marketers have been quick to capitalise on these advancements. In this regard, the interactive advertising has slowly been gaining prominence globally, and many companies now have online presence enabling them to gain recognition not only locally but also globally. This study has been an attempt at analysing the variations in the frequency of both the online and the offline medium of advertising, through the analysis of the companies’ reports of two brands- Camden food co and The Pasty Shop. It was discovered that the common perception that exists is that online web-sites are expensive to maintain after initial implementation. The method of advertising is chiefly dependent on the marketing policy of a firm, which is actually a product of the nature of the firm itself. Hence, since both Camden Food Co and The Pasty Shop cater to people who are commuting and have a bite on the go, the key advertising strategy has been to invest in and maintain offline advertising.

– The purpose of this paper is to specifically investigate and prioritize the effects of 13 factors in determining ICT adoption in Nigerian universities., – The constructs of theoretical framework of technology‐organization‐environment (T‐O‐E) underpin the survey. The survey adopted in‐depth unstructured and semi‐structured interviews with 30 senior executives drawn purposefully from at least one university in each of the five state capitals in south‐eastern Nigeria., – Evidence from the study shows that, irrespective of the perceived competitive pressures and perceived benefits of ICT solutions, government‐owned universities are yet to exploit its full potentials in their operations. This behaviour is informed by incessant corrupt practices; irregular energy supply and internet connectivity/accessibility; lack of financial capacity, expert skills, managerial and technical flexibility/support; and poor regulatory policies and government supports., – The paper raised some challenges that will serve as points of departure to future researchers and provides university management, government, policy makers, and other stakeholders the bases for encouraging ICT adoption.

This paper investigated the effects of such independent variables as technology, market segmentation and cost reduction on the delivery of the consumer-endorsed services with special interest on healthcare entrepreneurs in Aba and Umuahia metropolis. 96 questionnaires were administered randomly among medical doctors, pharmacists/laboratory technicians and qualified nurses/midwives of 12 hospitals in Umuahia and 20 hospitals in Aba metropolis. Out of the 74 copies returned, 72 were found usable for analysis. Analyzing the data using simple percentages, t-test and Pearson Correlation Coefficient, it was found that the interactions between the aforementioned independent variables and the delivery of patient-endorsed healthcare services were statistically significant. Therefore successful healthcare delivery requires the challenges of channeling competencies to market segments where competitive advantage is enduring as opposed to spreading thin across various fronts. Based on the financial setbacks of private healthcare providers and the need to further liberalize the economy, the government was advised to borrow the conspiracy theory of the Japanese. This involves the tripartite of the government, the banks and the entrepreneurs whereby the last can borrow money for a long time to acquire latest equipment and other resources with the help of government guarantee. Also, government was advised to intensify more effort on making the public healthcare providers more proficient and more humane in the delivery of patientendorsed services since their private counterparts charge high and worst still they rarely have the necessary resources in place.

This paper aims to understand the role of actors in the adoption of emerging Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) using the Actor-Network Theory (ANT). The use of ANT helps identify a diverse range of actors and their role and influence in the dynamic process of emerging ICT’s adoption in UK small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This study adopts a qualitative approach to investigate how UK services SMEs are engaged in emerging ICT adoption by focusing on the role of actors in the process. Data were gathered through unstructured and semi-structured interviews with managers, IT experts, government agencies, and customers. Using ANT, the roles of various human and nonhuman actors in a four-stage dynamic adoption process are examined. The findings reveal the critical and dynamic roles of various actors in the socio-technical network. Although SME managers play the decisional role in emerging ICT adoption, their views and decisions are constantly influenced by various other human and nonhuman factors. The roles and interactions of all actors are dynamic, depending on the adoption stages.

This study appraises the monetization of workers fringe benefit in Nigeria’s federal Civil Service with a view to identifying the problem areas. Data collected through questionnaire were analyzed using Chi-square. The findings revealed that the monetization policy has reduced the running cost of federal government of Nigeria, somehow bettered the lots of workers, greatly favored the ruling elites, and generated some unintended consequences due to the reversal of some aspects during implementation. However, in order to ensure equity in the distribution of benefits of the policy, it is recommended that payment of housing and furniture allowances should be en bloc and direct method to be adopted in the implementation to curb reversal of the contents of the policy. More so, state and local governments in Nigeria and under-developed and developing countries are to adopt the policy to their civil service for efficiency and cost effectiveness.

The majority of ICT adoption studies regards ICT adoption as a one-off practice and focuses on factors influencing adoption at one particular decision point. Most studies appear to have ignored the fact that ICT adoption is a dynamic and ongoing process and that factors influencing its adoption should be accounted for, as the decision to adopt proceeds from one stage to another. This paper reports our research attempt to examine the dynamic process of ICT adoption in SMEs using Actor Network Theory (ANT). This study employs a qualitative approach to investigate how UK services SMEs are constantly engaging in ICT adoption, by focusing on the dynamic adoption process and critical factors. A framework was derived based on ANT with the empirical evidence collected. The findings suggest that using ANT to examine the process of emerging ICT adoption helps to unveil the recursive and dynamic nature of the process and the key factors at each stage. This paper presents and discusses the key findings on critical factors affecting the dynamic process of emerging ICTs adoption.