Wholesale and Retail Management of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Modern Commerce (Published)
This study examined the role of wholesale and retail management in enhancing the performance and sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in modern commerce. The increasing complexity of business environments, driven by globalization, technological innovation, changing consumer preferences, and the expansion of e-commerce, has transformed the operational activities of SMEs in both wholesale and retail sectors. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of wholesale and retail management practices among SMEs, identify the challenges confronting SMEs in modern commerce, and determine the relationship between efficient management practices and organizational performance. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to SME owners, managers, wholesalers, retailers, and employees. The study employed both primary and secondary sources of data, while simple random sampling techniques were used in selecting respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools were utilized for data analysis. Findings from the study revealed that effective inventory management, customer relationship management, digital marketing, efficient supply chain systems, and adoption of technology significantly improve the performance and competitiveness of SMEs. However, SMEs continue to face challenges such as inadequate financing, poor infrastructure, fluctuating market demand, and limited technological expertise. The study concluded that efficient wholesale and retail management practices are essential for the growth, profitability, and sustainability of SMEs in modern commerce. The study recommended that SMEs should adopt modern technological tools, improve supply chain coordination, and strengthen customer service strategies to remain competitive in contemporary markets.
Keywords: Customer Satisfaction, Innovation, Inventory Management, Nigeria, SMEs, distribution systems, retail management, supply chain, technology adoption, wholesale management
Entrepreneurial Commitment and Investment Performance of Small Businesses in Abia State Nigeria (Published)
This study examines the relationship between entrepreneurial commitment and investment performance of small businesses in Abia State. Survey research design was employed in the study. The owners, managers and/or supervisors of 198 laundries, packaged water and paint sellers in Abia State were sent the questionnaire and 175 of them returned theirs, representing a response rate of 76.5%. The relationship between the variables were tested using Spearman Correlation Coefficient. The result showed that the dimensions of entrepreneurial commitment significantly influences investment performance. It was thus concluded that the commitment of the founder of a business is a major determining factor towards the success of her products/services, as well as the extent to which the business will be perceived by customers. To this end, it is recommended that small business founders should: focus on their customers’ experience; diversify product/service offerings in order to cater for customers’ changing tastes; frequently engage customers to get feedback on products/service and personalize customer’s experience in order to boost and strengthen customer relationship; invest heavily into information technology in the business especially at its early stage to scale growth; focus on social media by creating profiles on all of the major social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc.); and seek mentor networks with the goal of picking up intensive management techniques that they can be deployed to more effectively and efficiently manage and grow their work force and business processes.
Keywords: Abia State, Customer Satisfaction, Developing, Entrepreneurial commitment, Founding, Inventing, New Product Success, investment Performance