Impact of Leadership Competency Gaps On Management Effectiveness in Selected Microfinance Banks in North Central Nigeria (Published)
In the fast-evolving world of finance, resources and technology are not the only factors that can determine the success of a microfinance bank; the competencies of the leaders are paramount. This paper investigated how leadership competency gaps affect the management performance of sampled microfinance banks in North-Central Nigeria in strategic thinking, communication, and flexibility/adaptability competencies. The research design adopted was quantitative, and a sample of 84 respondents was selected using stratified sampling techniques from a population of 120 across different microfinance banks in the North-Central region to gather primary data using structured questionnaires. Hypothesized relationships were tested using descriptive statistics and regression analyses. The findings revealed that strategic competency gaps had a non-significant impact on operational efficiency (β = 0.106, Sig=0.612), communication competency gaps also showed a non-significant influence on operational efficiency (β = 0.155, Sig =0.377), whereas decision-making competency gaps had a highly significant effect on operational efficiency (β = 0.966, Sig=0.000). These results show that while decision-making competency gaps are a critical challenge to managerial performance and service delivery, strategic and communication competency gaps do not have significant effects on operational efficiency and team performance in microfinance banks. The study concludes that addressing decision-making competency gaps is essential for improving operational performance, while strategic and communication competency gaps should be further explored in future research. The uniqueness of this study lies in its simultaneous focus on multiple leadership competencies and their distinct impacts on management outcomes in the microfinance industry, offering valuable insights for policymakers and bank managers.
Keywords: Leadership competency gaps, Microfinance Banks, Operational Efficiency, communication, strategic thinking
Management Information Systems and Competitive Advantage of Energy Firms in Nigeria (Published)
This study explores the significance of Management Information Systems (MIS) in securing a competitive edge for energy companies in Nigeria. In light of the increasing intricacies of operations within the energy sector, especially amidst a landscape characterised by digital transformation and international competition, Management Information Systems have become an essential strategic instrument. The study employs a secondary data approach, extracting insights from established literature, industry reports, and empirical studies to examine the role of Management Information Systems in enhancing cost efficiency, fostering innovation, improving customer service, and informing strategic decision-making. The findings indicate that although the adoption of Management Information Systems has resulted in notable enhancements in operational performance within technologically advanced energy firms, numerous organisations in the sector—particularly public and under-resourced entities—persist in encountering obstacles such as insufficient strategic alignment, inadequate digital infrastructure, and frail data governance. The research further highlights the significance of harmonising Management Information Systems with the overarching objectives of the organisation, while also underscoring the necessity for capacity enhancement and conducive governmental policies. The conclusion drawn is that the strategic implementation of Management Information Systems, coupled with institutional reforms, has the potential to serve as a significant catalyst for competitive advantage within Nigeria’s energy sector. Suggestions are put forth to bolster strategic alignment, refine digital infrastructure, and elevate data quality to fully leverage the advantages of Management Information Systems within the industry.
Keywords: Competitive Advantage, Management Information Systems, Nigeria, Operational Efficiency, data governance, energy sector, strategic alignment
Information Technology (IT) And Supply Function of Nigerian Breweries PLC (Published)
This study examines the impact of information technology (IT) on the supply function of Nigerian Breweries Plc., focusing on its role in enhancing operational efficiency, streamlining procurement processes, and improving supplier relationships. A descriptive research design was adopted, utilizing primary data collected through questionnaires distributed to supply chain staff at Nigerian Breweries Plc. out of 120 distributed questionnaires, 110 were retrieved, yielding a response rate of 91.67%. The findings reveal that IT infrastructure significantly enhances supply chain efficiency by enabling real-time inventory management, accurate demand forecasting, and improved supplier collaboration. However, challenges such as high maintenance costs, frequent system downtimes, and skill gaps among employees were identified as barriers to optimal IT utilization. The study concludes that while IT plays a critical role in modernizing supply chain operations, addressing these challenges through continuous training, robust system maintenance, and investment in advanced technologies is essential for sustained effectiveness. This research provides valuable insights for industry practitioners and contributes to the growing body of literature on IT adoption in supply chain management.
Keywords: Information Technology, Operational Efficiency, Supply Chain, procurement processes, supplier relationships
Environmental Intelligence and Innovation Capabilities of Communication Companies in Nigeria (Published)
This is an empirical investigation on the impact of environmental intelligence and innovation capabilities of communication companies in Nigeria. Data was generated from three communication companies in Nigeria. The study data were analyzes using descriptive statistics of frequencies, central tendencies, and measures of dispersion whereas the test of hypotheses was done using Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation Co-efficient aided with Statistical Package for Social Science version 21.0. The test for hypotheses revealed that there is a significant relationship between environmental intelligence and innovation capabilities. So, therefore, communication companies that want to attain success and stay innovational for a long time must ensure that they pay attention to the functioning of environmental factors that could hinder the achievement of the goals of the organization in the long run.
Citation: Lawrence, Damiete Onyema and Poi, Godwin (2021) Environmental Intelligence and Innovation Capabilities of Communication Companies in Nigeria, European Journal of Business and Innovation Research, Vol.9, No.5, pp. 34-46
Keywords: Operational Efficiency, employee competencies, environmental intelligence, innovation capabilities, managerial capabilities
INNOVATIVE ADAPTATION AND DYNAMIC OPERATIVE EFFICIENCY ON SUSTAINABLE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE OF FOOD AND BEVERAGE FIRMS IN KENYA (Review Completed - Accepted)
The significance of human capital as a determinant of firm performance is gaining recognition in the strategic management literature. The need for relating employee talent to a firm’s competitive advantage is continuing to develop and to gain recognition as a driver in generating competitive advantage. Many firms have explicitly embraced competitive strategies to gain and maintain a lead in their industries. In all the competitive strategies firms have engaged in, human capital has been the driver of competition. This study endeavoured to empirically test the effects of human capital and especially innovation and operational efficiency on competitive advantage in a very dynamic industry of food and beverage. The study sought to answer the following research question: What are the effects of human capital (in innovative adaptation and dynamic operational efficiency) on firms’ ability to attain sustainable competitive advantage within the F & B companies in Kenya? This research entailed a descriptive study design. The study was concerned with describing the characteristics of a unique group of food and beverage firms and their competitiveness. The study concluded that Kenyan firms in the food and beverage industry highly regard human capital as a major contributor to sustainable competitive advantage. The study established that internal processes largely rely on how capabilities are harnessed for competitive advantage.
Keywords: : Human Capital, Competitive Advantage, Innovation, Operational Efficiency