Impact of Selected Government Policies on Sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in North Central Nigeria (Published)
The aim to systematically investigate the impact of selected government policies on the sustainability of SMEs in North Central Nigeria. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design to collect data at a single point in time, enabling an assessment of the impact of government policies on the sustainability of SMEs in North Central Nigeria. The study focuses on SMEs operating across states in Nigeria’s North-central geopolitical zone, specifically Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The population consists of SMEs classified by SMEDAN (Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria) across the selected states is 218,434, with variations in distribution. Thus, using Yamane’s method, the sample sizes for each state range from 393 to 394. Stratified random sampling is adopted to ensure proportional representation across SME subgroups, minimizing bias and enhancing generalizability. This study rely exclusively on primary data collected through a structured survey to address the research objectives. This study employed multiple regression analysis to examine the impact of government policies on the sustainability of medium enterprises in North Central Nigeria. Based on the comprehensive data analysis, the following conclusions are drawn, Infrastructure Support Policy is the most significant positive predictor of SME sustainability. Labour and Employment Regulation Policies have a statistically significant negative impact on sustainability. Technology and Digital Transformation Policies have a strong, significant positive impact on sustainability. In light of the conclusions, the following actionable recommendations are proposed: Policymakers must treat infrastructure, especially Stable Electricity and Transportation Networks, as a non-negotiable foundation for economic growth. The government should develop and implement a Differentiated and Flexible Labour Policy Framework for SMEs. To bridge the digital divide, policy should focus on Decentralizing Digital Transformation Initiatives. This involves establishing and funding tech hubs and digital literacy training centers in less developed states (e.g., Benue, Kogi) and providing targeted tax breaks for SMEs investing in approved digital tools and e-commerce platforms.
Keywords: Digital Transformation, Government Policies, Labour, Sustainability, infrastructure support
Empirical Investigation of Assessment of Influence of Reward System on Health Worker Job Performance (Published)
This study is examines the influence of reward on worker job performance using health sector as a reference. It is a research based on primary data collected using a structured questionnaire. The influence of reward system on worker performance was analyzed using Ordinary Least Square Regression Analysis Method. The study revealed that there is a positive relationship between reward and worker performance. The study recommended that (1) the employer of labour need to constantly review the reward packages to their employee and allow it to reflect their contribution to the organization. (2) The economic situation of Nigeria has changed drastically in recent time such that cost of living has shut up drastically, employer is expected to pay a reward that reflect changes in economic situation in Nigeria (3) With the present global economic trend, most employers of labour need to realize that for their organizations to compete favourably, employee performance is a key factor and their wellbeing must be of paramount important to them.
Keywords: Health Sector, Job, Labour, Performance, Reward, workers
DEFINING THE REAL NEEDS OF WOMEN SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN VIETNAM: THE IMPORTANCE OF GRASSROOTS PARTICIPATION AND MULTI-STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION (Published)
In response to gender gap and hardship due to heavy production and domestic tasks of women smallholder farmers in developing countries, this study was conducted under the auspices of the Gates Foundation with an original goal of formulating labour saving strategies and innovations for the rural women in Vietnam. The first five steps of a systems-based Evolutionary Learning Laboratory (ELLab) framework together with other management tools were employed in the first phase of the project during April 2013 to April 2014. The project has identified actual challenges and needs of the target group using appropriate systems approaches, including a flexible use of stakeholder analysis and engagement, and a log-frame approach for evaluation. Interestingly, saving labour was not identified as the highest priority for the women and was ranked second after the need for increasing their income. The outcomes of the study served as feedback and a rationale for reframing the project goal and objectives to address the ‘real issues’, ‘real needs’ and thus appropriate intervention strategies to address the identified challenges of the women farmers in the research area. Process steps of issue identification, rethinking and reframing of the project approach, goals and objectives are discussed and analyzed to prove the value and validity of the unique ELLab processes as an appropriate framework to deal with complex problems in the context of interconnected economic, environmental, social and cultural factors. The findings have not only brought about practical solutions for the women, but also formulated context-based recommendations for funding agencies and local governments.
Keywords: Collaboration, Decision processes, Labour, Participation, Stakeholders, Women smallholder farmers.