Victor Chukwunweike Nwokocha and Christopher Nwankwo
Despite the potential of SMEs in economic development, their activities have remained largely unsustainable in Nigeria. These enterprises are constrained by a number of…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the potential of SMEs in economic development, their activities have remained largely unsustainable in Nigeria. These enterprises are constrained by a number of challenges- high cost of production, poor power supply, high infrastructural deficit etc. which have made there operations largely unproductive. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of production subcontracting forms on the sustenance of small and medium enterprises as a panacea for achieving the targets of goal 8 of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Enugu State, Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper adopted a number of methods comprising of field observations, a reference to relevant literature and a questionnaire survey of 96 SMEs. The paper also adopted a quantitative approach comprising of simple descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation as well as regression analysis to analyze the data.
Findings
This paper found that the three forms of production subcontracting (supplier, specialized and capacity subcontracting) identified in the paper were used by SMEs to achieve sustenance (cost reduction, risk reduction and access to resources) in their operations. The paper suggests that the sustenance of SMEs through the utilisation of the different forms of subcontracting can become a strategy towards achieving the targets of SDG 8 in Nigeria.
Practical implications
This paper has shown that the prevalent high cost of production and ever-increasing production risks, which are the common features of SMEs in Nigeria, can be mitigated through the various forms of production subcontracting analysed in this paper. SMEs, through seminars, workshops, entrepreneurship and business fares, can be encouraged to take up this strategy, considering its ability to address their various operational bottlenecks.
Originality/value
This study adds to the limited available evidence concerning the effects of subcontracting forms on the sustenance of SMEs in Nigeria. This study is the first to consider subcontracting forms and how they have led to sustenance SMEs in Nigeria.
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Ahmet Bayraktar and Nelson Oly Ndubisi
This research aims at contributing to international marketing literature by reconsidering the drivers of firms’ globalization and global market performance in the light of…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims at contributing to international marketing literature by reconsidering the drivers of firms’ globalization and global market performance in the light of organizational mindfulness concept.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on industrial organization theory, resource-based view and literature on organizational mindfulness, a conceptual framework is presented to characterize how organizational mindfulness impacts firms’ globalization process and global market performance. In total, 14 propositions are extracted.
Findings
This paper proposes that organizational mindfulness plays a significant role in firms’ entry into foreign markets, global extension and global market performance. More specifically, organizational mindfulness positively moderates the relationships between external globalization drivers and the extent of firms’ globalization. In addition, organizational mindfulness is an antecedent to strategic processes, whereas it positively moderates the relationships between other internal drivers and firms’ globalization and global market performance. Furthermore, this paper suggests that country equity is a significant external globalization driver that also moderates the relationship between the extent of firms’ globalization and global market performance.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed framework contributes to international marketing research by integrating organizational mindfulness concept into the drivers of firms’ globalization and global market performance, and highlights its crucial role in the pursuit of opportunities in the global marketplace. The paper suggests that firms should create mindful organizations to expand its activities into global markets and achieve desirable global market performance. In other words, they should improve collective mindfulness to survive in today’s hyper-competitive markets.
Originality/value
The paper represents the first attempt that incorporates organizational mindfulness concept into firms’ globalization process. Highlighting the importance of developing mindful organizations, it reconsiders the drivers of firms’ global expansion and global market performance. Furthermore, it is the first attempt that introduces the country equity construct as an external driver of firms’ global extension and as a moderator between organizational reform measures and global market performance.
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Paul Agu Igwe, Nnamdi O. Madichie and David Gamariel Rugara
This study aims to reflect on the extent to which research approaches need to be deconstructed and re-imagined towards developing inclusive knowledge and non-extractive research…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to reflect on the extent to which research approaches need to be deconstructed and re-imagined towards developing inclusive knowledge and non-extractive research approaches from a Global South perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
Conceptually, integrating the methodological logic and strategy of community-based participatory research (CBPR) and a postcolonial paradigm of decolonising research, this study proposes a research process that engages cultural diversity and an inclusive environment. CBPR approach enables involving, informing and consulting Indigenous communities in espousing theoretical approaches and giving voice to marginalised groups.
Findings
This study answers pertinent questions on what “decolonising” means and how to decolonise research by developing a model of culturally inclusive research approaches. This study ultimately posits that colonialism dominates research and limits knowledge transmission among Indigenous research ideologies.
Research limitations/implications
In recent years, the world has witnessed major socio-political protests that challenges systemic racism and the role of education and institutions in perpetuating racial inequality. This study advocates that researchers consider integrating communities in the designing, conducting, gathering of data, analysing, interpreting and reporting research.
Practical implications
This study advocates knowledge creation through research that considers integrating the voices of Indigenous communities in the design, analysis, interpretation and reporting of research protocols.
Originality/value
In the light of anticolonial thought, decolonising research approaches provides a means for a radical change in research ethics protocol. A model of culturally inclusive research approach was developed, using the framework of CBPR, decolonising the research approaches comprising 6 Rs (respect, relevance, reciprocity, responsibility, relationships and relationality).
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Mohammed Ngoma, Abaho Ernest, Sudi Nangoli and Kusemererwa Christopher
The purpose of this paper is to investigate entrepreneurial orientation (EO) as a predictor of internationalisation of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The key research…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate entrepreneurial orientation (EO) as a predictor of internationalisation of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The key research question is “to what extent do the dimensions of EO (innovativeness, proactiveness and risk taking) predict internationalisation of SMEs?”
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts a cross-sectional survey to collect data from 282 SMEs, with the use of a multi-dimensional self-administered questionnaire. All the measures in this study were adopted from existing instruments from previous studies and all showed a CVI above 0.8. Data were analysed quantitatively using descriptive statistics, correlations and hierarchical regression. The nature and strength of the relationships between the variables was tested using the zero-order bivariate correlation analysis.
Findings
The study establishes a significant relationship between the dimensions of EO and internationalisation of SMEs.
Research limitations/implications
This paper contributes to the corpus of literature on internationalisation of SMEs. Future research should consider the major constructs from a longitudinal point of view given that cross-sectional studies sometimes fail to examine the interaction effect of the variables.
Practical implications
The paper illustrates how EO dimensions can influence an entrepreneur’s decision to go international especially handling the process of internationalisation and its dynamics.
Originality/value
The paper provides contextual evidence from a developing country to the effect that as local investors get more inclined to EO, they in the process ease their way to joining the international business arena.
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Barrie O. Pettman and Richard Dobbins
This issue is a selected bibliography covering the subject of leadership.
Abstract
This issue is a selected bibliography covering the subject of leadership.
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Hezekiah Falola, Opeyemi Olunike Joel, James Akinbode and Oluwatunmise Ojebola
This study examined the effect of emotional intelligence on graduate students' academic engagement in Ogun State, Nigeria. This study also explored the moderating role of digital…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examined the effect of emotional intelligence on graduate students' academic engagement in Ogun State, Nigeria. This study also explored the moderating role of digital learning support in the relationship between emotional intelligence and academic engagement.
Design/methodology/approach
A descriptive design was used, with purposive and convenient sampling methods were adopted to select the respondents. A total of 341 graduate students were drawn from different schools of postgraduate studies at selected universities in Nigeria. SmartPLS (3.0) was used to explore the relationships between the variables.
Findings
The results revealed that emotional intelligence dimensions significantly influence graduate students' academic engagement. In addition, digital learning support positively moderated the relationship between emotional intelligence and students' academic engagement. Further, to the empirical evidence from the findings, the study concludes that digital learning support moderates the relationship between emotional intelligence and students' academic engagement.
Research limitations/implications
It is impossible to extrapolate the findings from the research to other industries in Nigeria. Practical Implication: It is recommended that the leadership of graduate schools pay attention to a digital learning support system that enhances emotional intelligence and will stimulate productive research activities, practical engagement and academic excellence.
Originality/value
This study contributes significantly by filling a research lacuna in strategic human resource management (HRM), personnel psychology and organisational behaviour literature within the context of private universities in Nigeria. This study advances the literature by demonstrating how digital learning support moderates the relationship between emotional intelligence and graduate students' academic engagement.
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Many developing environments are characterised by uncertainties and research on how these uncertainties impact development in different industries is on-going. However, there is…
Abstract
Purpose
Many developing environments are characterised by uncertainties and research on how these uncertainties impact development in different industries is on-going. However, there is hardly any empirical examination of how this phenomenon impacts innovation adoption in the publishing industry, notwithstanding that the education industry largely depends on publishing. This study aims to interrogate this phenomenon with a view to describing clearly the factors that influence e-publishing innovation adoption in environments of uncertainty.
Design/methodology/approach
E-publishing data were collected from 79 websites whereas 109 firms filled out a questionnaire both online and offline. Four interviews were conducted and data were analysed using the SPSS to compute frequencies, percentages and correlates of digital publishing innovation adoption.
Findings
Book piracy and curriculum uncertainty were found to play greater influential roles in the adoption of e-publishing; and though they both correlated positively with e-publishing adoption, only book piracy has a significant predictive value in the adoption of e-publishing.
Originality/value
The results of this study shed light on the predictors of digital publishing adoption and should help interested publishers and scholars in environments of uncertainty to understand why efforts should be intensified to pursue copyright protection and enforcement.
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Martha Mador, Kent Springdal and Sarah Dixon
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the usefulness and relevance of a four stage model of privatisation, based in institutional theory, to quasi‐privatised organisations.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the usefulness and relevance of a four stage model of privatisation, based in institutional theory, to quasi‐privatised organisations.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper studies a UK organisation with changing ownership, governance, and boundaries. Historic Royal Palaces is intrinsically interesting, and resembles many quasi‐privatised organisations placed within charitable frameworks. Application of the process model reveals the governance challenges HRP faces.
Findings
The study suggests that the model is holistic and dynamic, and useful as an analytic template. It is inclusive of competitor, behavioural, and resource‐based views of the firm, and recognises that firms and their governance change over time.
Research limitations/implications
The report adds validity to the model developed by case studies from a different national context. The small number of cases is a limitation. Future research could include other types of quasi‐privatised organisation, and organisations in different national settings.
Practical implications
The model provides a helpful template for interpreting and explaining the changes enacted by organisations and their members through privatisation. Further, although largely descriptive, the model also has some predictive power. It can help policy makers and managers predict some of the key limitations of the privatisation process of a particular organisation based on the specific nature of its context and settings.
Originality/value
The detailed discussion of a quasi‐privatised organisation – an increasingly common, but little researched organisational type is significant. The development of a holistic approach for understanding organisational changes is also significant.
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Marketing thought originating from the era of the barter system, gradually evolved into production and sales orientations, with greater emphasis on the process, quality, and…
Abstract
Purpose
Marketing thought originating from the era of the barter system, gradually evolved into production and sales orientations, with greater emphasis on the process, quality, and selling of products. Thereafter, customer satisfaction as an essential component of the strategic decision process occupies a significant position among various marketing activities. This paper aims to address the inadequate research inputs on determining the time‐specific evolutionary relevance of marketing thought divulging into the essential components of each marketing concept, especially those with customer satisfaction as a dimension in the measurement construct.
Design/methodology/approach
A detailed, conceptually integrated analysis of various marketing philosophies is offered to facilitate business executives in examining the philosophy followed by their companies and how to move vertically in pursuance of improved business performance.
Findings
In comparison to the Indian market, which is fast becoming an attraction for the developed nations as an investment hub, it is the observed and experienced that public sector corporations are still at the production orientation stage, whereas private companies are predominantly using the sales‐oriented approach. The present status of customer orientation, market orientation and relationship marketing culture in India, is quite distinct from the status in the West as indicated by literature published in the developed countries. Banking, insurance, tourism, and hospitals still need to ensure minimum customer‐oriented services, which are not performed impressively in India.
Research limitations/implications
Being a conceptual and country specific paper, the paper lacks wider generalization of its findings. Moreover, at many instances personal judgment of the authors might have resulted into biased interpretation.
Practical implications
Indian companies, with a few exceptions, lack an adequate orientation to pursue continuous market research in order to sense new developments, which are taking place due to the implementation of advanced information technology leading to greater exposure to customers. It can, thus, be synthesized that with respect to marketing practices in Indian settings, the existing large gap between the theory and implementation is drawing much attention from those concerned with the socio‐economic consequences associated with future business goals.
Originality/value
This paper can help managers in evaluating their business orientation level, but how to improve it further or update them as per ongoing changes in marketing thought and practice, has to be investigated and examined on continuous basis. Hence, empirical testing and validation of the constructs originating from the study have to be pursued, so as to analyze both the nature and the extent of the business orientation of a particular firm.
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Ngozi Okoye and Juliana Siwale
There have been various forms of regulatory intervention by the central banks of countries to streamline microfinance activities and ensure effective corporate governance of…
Abstract
Purpose
There have been various forms of regulatory intervention by the central banks of countries to streamline microfinance activities and ensure effective corporate governance of microfinance institutions (MFIs). Considering the limited amount of research in this area and the need to ensure regulatory effectiveness, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of regulatory provisions on the attainment of effective corporate governance in MFIs in Nigeria and Zambia.
Design/methodology/approach
Interviews were conducted with regulators at the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bank of Zambia, directors and executive management officers of MFIs and executives of apex associations of MFIs in both countries.
Findings
The paper presents five significant findings which are that the regulations have enabled negative outcomes in areas such as board composition, the ownership requirements in the regulations have resulted in differing governance implications, the certification requirements for board members are problematic in practice, supervision by regulators is ineffective and has impacts on risk management and the principle of consultation with stakeholders is inadequate in both countries.
Practical implications
Regulatory provisions must be robust and fit for purpose to ensure the microfinance initiative in emerging economies achieves the objectives of enhancing financial inclusion and economic development of the society.
Originality/value
The paper addresses an area of limited research and provides empirical findings in relation to regulation and corporate governance in developing economies, which would help to ensure regulatory effectiveness.