International Journal of Management and Business Studies

International Journals of Management and Business Studiess (ISSN: 2167-0439) Vol. 1 (2), pp. 039-045, February, 2012. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Dunlopian Theory: Impact and Relevance to Nigeria Industrial Relations System

¹Francis C. Anyim, ²Cyril Oseloka Ikemefuna and ³Joy Onyinyechi Ekwoaba

^{1, 2, 3} Department of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management,Faculty of Business Administration University of Lagos, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author’s E-mail:[email protected]

Received February 3, 2012; Accepted February 26, 2012

Abstract

Various attempts have been made to systematize relevant theoretical concepts of industrial relations by researchers but there is however, so much controversy that there is yet to emerge a general theory of industrial relations. The objective of this paper examined the work of John Dunlop which is acclaimed to be a famous text in the field of industrial relations. The paper made a critique of the Dunlopian model and anchored with the impact and relevance of the model to the practice of industrial relations in Nigeria in the 21^st century.

Keywords: Industrial relations, Labour, Functionalism, Ideology, Budgetary constraints, Locus of power, Technological characteristics, Actors. 

International Journal of Management and Business Studies (ISSN: 2167-0439) Vol. 2(2), pp. 034-038, February 2012 © International Scholars Journals 

Full Length Research Paper

Analysis of Non-Financial Characteristics of Corporate Performance in Nigeria

Simon-Oke and O. Olayemi

School of Management Technology, Department Of Project Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo  State Nigeria.

Received January 26, 2012; Accepted February 27, 2012

Abstract

This study examines the non-financial characteristics of corporate performance in the Nigerian economy, using primary data approach. Data were collected through questionnaire and a total of 100 sets of questionnaire were distributed across twenty (20) different corporate firms from ten (10) different industries located in Ikeja, Ilupeju and Agbara Industrial Estates in Lagos and Ogun State, Nigeria. In other words, two (2) firms were selected from each industry while five (5) copies of questionnaire were also administered among different categories of staff in each of the selected firms. From the various analyses carried out in the study, ranging from frequencies distribution to the log linear tests, it was evidently shown that the non-financial characteristics of firms such as employment generation, facilities siting, philanthropic donations as well as research and manpower development have significantly promoted development in Nigeria. The study suggests among others, the need for more commitment of corporate firms in Nigeria, to improving the socio-economic welfare of people in their respective locations rather than laying more emphasis on profit maximization.

Keywords: Non-financial, Characteristics, Corporate, Performance, Nigeria.

International Journal of Management and Business Studies ISSN: 2167-0439 Vol. 2 (1), pp. 023-033, January 2012. © International Scholars Journals 

Full Length Research Paper

Management of Organizational Conflict in Nigeria Polytechnics, an Empirical Study of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede Osun State

Adebile, Olukayode. A Ph.D, Ojo, Thompson. O.

Department of Statistics, Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Nigeria

Department of Statistics, University of Botswana Gaborone, Botswana

*Corresponding Author’s E-mail: [email protected]

Received December 17, 2011; Accepted January 13, 2012

Abstract 

The study investigated the conflict management styles used in the Federal Polytechnic, Ede and the possible effects on the organizational performance of the institution since 1992. It focused on the causes, types, effects and strategies for managing conflicts with a view to suggesting ways of improving the performance and productivity of the school. The study employed descriptive research design and used questionnaire to collect data from 100 senior officer’s cadre of the institution. The research revealed that the major cause of organizational conflicts in the institution was communication. It was identified that inter-group conflict was the main type of conflict in the institution. About 50% of the respondents believed that conflicts interfere with organization operations and wastes resources. About 74% believed that conflicts can be managed through collaboration and bargaining. The influences of gender, position held in the polytechnic, and experience on the opinion of staff on causes, effects, and conflict management strategies were established. To improve the relationship between management and other stakeholders, management should encourage the spirit of team work. Provision of basic facilities like office accommodation and furniture should be improved. The beginning and end of year briefings used in the institution should be sustained and made inspiring and motivational in nature. Management should adopt an open policy strategy so that different groups can move closer, collaborate and make some compromises where possible so that the objectives of setting up the polytechnic will be achieved.

Keywords: Conflict, Basic provisions, stakeholders, Open Policy, Compromise, Team Work.

International Journal of Management and Business Studies Vol. 2 (1), pp. 014-022, January 2012 © International Scholars Journals (Manuscript Number:IJMBS-12-053)

Full Length Research Paper

World Production of Jute: A Comparative Analysis of Bangladesh

Mohammad Shahidual Islam* and Mohammad Alauddin**

*Assistant Professor, School of Business, University of Information Technology and Sciences (UITS),

** Lecturer, School of Business, University of Information Technology and Sciences (UITS),

Received December 17, 2011; Accepted January 22, 2012

Abstract

The worldwide awareness on environment is the reason for the opportunities of Jute, due to environment-friendly characteristics. The research aim is to analysis the comparative development and growth of jute production of Bangladesh with other major jute producing countries to avail the opportunity of jute’s growing demand in the world market. It is taken the data of Production, Area, and Yield of Jute for 19 years from the year 1991-92 to 2009-10 of Major Jute producing countries such as India, Bangladesh, China, Myanmar, Nepal, and Thailand for analysis. The study has used percentage, mean, growth, and hypothesis test etc. for analysis of data and drawing inferences. This scenario tells that world jute production and area of production are decreasing with fluctuating trend. Bangladesh is in second position in relation with total production, area and yield in the world. The total production of Jute and yield are increasing with fluctuating trend. The area of jute production of Bangladesh is slightly decreasing with fluctuating trend.  The recommended issues are to use the scientific method of cultivation, to make available of market information, to develop the diversified products, to implement the law for using jute rather synthetic, to make jute policy etc. for development of jute production.

Key word: Jute, Production, Yield, Area, Products

International Journal of Management and Business Studies Vol. 1(1), pp. 001- 007, December 2011 © International Scholars Journals (Manuscript Number: IJMBS-11-051)

Full length Research Paper

Assessment of the Importance Level of Continuous Improvement Strategies in Manufacturing Industry of Northern India

Jagdeep Singh and Harwinder Singh

Received December 17, 2011; Accepted December 27, 2012

Abstract 

Continuous improvement strategies are the recognized way of making small incremental improvements in the manufacturing system processes. Manufacturing organizations are implementing such strategies to enhance the performance of their manufacturing operations. These organizations  are in a constant need to maintain a low cost of quality, reduce waste, trim production lines and speed up manufacturing to achieve an maintain competitiveness. So, the continuous improvement of the manufacturing operations has become necessary. This study attempts to assess the importance level of continuous improvement strategies in continuous improvement approach in manufacturing industry of Northern India. Results indicated that Customer relationship plays a vital role in implementing continuous improvement approach and working continuously with supplier’s plays a least important role in implementing continuous improvement approach

Key words: Continuous improvement (CI) strategies; Manufacturing Organizations; Customer relationship and Supplier.

International Journal of Management and Business Studies Vol. 1(1), pp. 001- 007, December 2011 © International Scholars Journals (Manuscript Number: IJMBS-11-050)

Full Length Research Paper

Determinants Of Microfinance Outreach In South-Western Nigeria: An Empirical Analysis

Osotimehin, K.O. (PhD), Jegede, Charles.A (PhD),  Lecturer I, Akinlabi, Babatunde Hamed (MSc) Associate Lecturer

Department of Management and Accounting, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Department of Accounting and Finance, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria.

Department of Business Administration and Management, Lagos State University External System, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria.

Received December 18, 2011; Accepted December 27, 2011

Abstract 

The study investigated microfinance institutions’ outreach in South-western Nigeria. Specifically, it examined the determinants of microfinance institutions outreach. The study employed secondary annual panel data collected from 80 microfinance institutions in Lagos and Ondo States over a period of six years from 2005 to 2010. The study employed Generalized Least Squares Method to examine the determinants and trend of outreach of microfinance institutions.  Pooled Ordinary Least Square Method was also employed to analyse the relationship between determinants of outreach of the sampled microfinance institutions. The study find that microfinance outreach is positively and significantly determined by average loan size, debt-equity ratio, loan repayment rates and salaries. Therefore, microfinance institutions are encouraged to increase their outreach by providing relatively small loans. The small loan sizes can reach more clients and therefore achieve a greater outreach.

Keywords: Microfinance; determinants; trends; outreach, south-western Nigeria