Month: December 2019

Dec 15

THE PRACTICE OF TRADE UNIONISM AND THE IMPROVEMENT 0F ECONOMIC WORKING CONDITIONS IN NIGERIA

THE PRACTICE OF TRADE UNIONISM AND THE IMPROVEMENT 0F ECONOMIC WORKING CONDITIONS IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF THE NATIONAL UNION OF TEXTILE, GARMENT AND TAILORING WORKERS OF NIGERIA, KADUNA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The human element in the place of work makes the difference between man and any beast of burden or automation. This informs the emergence of Industrial or Labour Relations as a field of study and area of practice. Labour Relations is a fascinating subject, for it is about people and about people in the world of work. This world covers a vast range of types of production activities carried out in diverse surroundings in every country. The terms and conditions governing people at work, and the way these are arrived at, are the core of Labour Relations, and they are actually of crucial concern to the people involved. It is they who are not just close to the actions but immersed in it.

However, it is not only employees and managers “in a textile mill” who have interest in Labour Relations. The government of the country has an important stake, in part because it is an employer in its own right, also because it is the custodian of the public interest in Labour Relations policies and practices. “We associate Industrial Relations with the spread of industrialism, a process which began in Britain in the eighteenth century, with the first industrial revolution. It is topical, practical, and involves studying the working behaviours of a very large proportion of the people in any country, namely the labour force” (Johnson, 1983).

The issues of Labour Relations tend to shift from the question of the size and share of the proceeds of output to one of decision making:What and how much to produce, who to employ and dismiss, what benefits to institute, and who shall partake thereof. The problem is who shall make these decisions and how? Labour Relations is fundamentally concerned with the complex of power relationships and power sharing, economic and other decisions which affect or emanate from employment, conditions of employment and remuneration – between management, the employees (Trade union) and the state. “The central issue of Labour Relations is how to attain and maintain optimum level of productive efficiency and how to share the economic returns” (Yesufu, 1984).

In most organizations the sharing of the economic returns do not adequately reflect the contributions of the employees, simply because the managements in such organizations are usually obsessed with the development of the organization than that of the employees. This has had adverse economic effect on employees’ standard of living in a typical African country like Nigeria. “Workers throughout the world particularly in Africa, contributed immensely to the attainment of independence in their countries. But today, the greatest struggle is the eradication or alleviation of poverty, which recently became the campaign of halving global poverty level by 2050” (The Textile Worker, May 2005). A good economic working condition will make a good employee and consequently better output. One important way of achieving this is by wage supplements, that is, fringe benefits.

1.1 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Fringe benefits have become an important part of the total compensation of wage-earners. “These fringe benefits include those provided by law, those unilaterally introduced by employers and those obtained by unions through collective bargaining” (Rees, 1962:66). A labour union represents its members in negotiations with an employer over all aspects of an employment contract including wages and working conditions. These contract negotiations are known as collective bargaining. Where employees are represented by a union, the employer’s obligation to bargain has been interpreted by the courts to extend to fringe benefits as well as wages. By giving employees a united voice, a union can often negotiate better fringe benefits than individual employees can negotiate on their on. In the contemporary Nigerian economic society, fringe benefits are important in ensuring better income distribution for the employees.

Now, if wages are defined (as they usually are) as per hour paid for and not per hour worked, then fringe benefits include payments for time not worked. These include vacation, food subsidy and medical facilities, annual leave, maternity leave, gratuity and retirement, et cetera. Such fringe benefits should actually satisfy real needs. They are expected to be widely applied in the organization and there should be effective communication in educating employees concerning the fringe benefits.

However, one type of the general fringe benefits that has assisted the textile employee in coping with the impacts of the economic crisis on income more than any is perhaps the annual bonus. There has been consistent struggles by the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) to see that its branch executives secure as much annual bonus as possible. “In the 1990s, bonuses had become an active issue in collective bargaining” (Aremu, 2001:38)

Bonuses have regularly been won by the union for its members, that is, the textile employees. But how far these have gone in improving the economic condition of its members is the concern of this study.

1.2 THE RESEARCH QUESTIONS

I. What level of economic working condition should the union ensure

its members attain?

II. What is the present economic working condition of members of the

union?

III. How has been the contribution of the end of year bonus to the lives of union members?
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IV. What other types of fringe benefits are of importance to the members of the union?

V. How can the union ensure the provision of better economic working condition?

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main aims of this study are to:

I. Establish the present economic state of members of the union relative to where they should be.
II. Examine the performance of the end of the year bonus as a leading fringe benefit in the textile industry in the lives of members of the union.

III. Identify other significant fringe benefits and suggest better ways of improving the economic situation of members of the union.

1.4 JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY

The activities of trade unions have drawn attention to labour practices, economically, socially and politically. The study of the contributions of trade unions in improving the economic well being of employees is very significant. The relevance of the Labour Relations system in the contemporary Nigerian society cannot be over-emphasised.

This research work will highlight some of the reasons why the benefits of trade unionism should first be directed at the union members, who are the employees of the organisations. It will also bring to light issues that are of most concern to a typical Nigerian employee, as well as better ways of attaining the same. It will make studies in Labour Relations better understood and appreciated. It will give attention to better ways of meeting union members’ needs and also ensuring overall industrial harmony as well as improved national economic growth.

1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The global prevalence of trade unionism is well reflected in the Nigerian society. Various types of unions represent various categories of employees. However, because of its representation of a large number of the average employee in Nigeria and its contributions to the field of Labour Relations, the NUTGTWN is selected for this study.

The study is confined to Kaduna metropolis, and is concerned with union performance from 1994 to date. Like the city of Kaduna, the textile companies located here have employees from virtually all communities in Nigeria and the city is host to leading textile companies. The focus of the study is on employees of the textile companies who are also the members of the union. And end of the year or annual bonus, which is likely the leading fringe benefit, is the aspect of concern of the study.

1.6 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

This study is not without constraints encountered. However the researcher is confident that their effect on the outcome is to a negligible level. These are:

i. Access to the officers of the union and the release of the necessary data has not been cooperative enough.
ii. Respondents. A lot of them are not willing to fill the questionnaires. Some that fill the questionnaires made avoidable errors in spite of its simplicity.

iii. The time limit for the study was not enough considering how data will be obtained and other necessary steps to be taken.
iv. The cost has equally been a constraint. These basically are the print and transportation costs.

v. The study materials for research and research related on this study were rarely available.

Dec 15

THE IMPACT OF STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT ON MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS IN A DEVELOPING ECONOMY

THE IMPACT OF STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT ON MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS IN A DEVELOPING ECONOMY:A CASE STUDY OF NESTLE AND LEVER BROTHERS PLC

ABSTRACT

This research work examined the impact of strategic management as a tool of achieving an effective and efficient merger and acquisition. The companies are established by their owners as an investment centre to generate return on their investment through their growth strategies. i.e. a combination of two companies into one larger company, which aims at minimizing cost, and at the same time maximizing profit and wealth of the shareholders of the company.

Regrettably, not only have most of these companies failed to achieve these laudable objectives, but also some of them had disappeared from business of economic environment after their merges and acquisitions.

Several reasons have been adduced for the abysmal performance of some of these companies. Prominent among these had been the inability by those at the helm of affairs i.e. management to recognize the impact/role of strategic management and apply same to the operations of their companies.

To carry out this research, both primary and secondary data were extensively collected, secondary data were extensively used. Copies of questionnaires were administered to the respondents of Nestle and Liver Brothers Plc under study. Data collected were analyzed by the use of tables, simple percentages amid chi-square. Findings were made in the course of the study, prominent among them included. That, strategic management played a very important role in the success, growth and survival of the companies, particularly where mergers are concerned.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title Page

Declaration

Certification

Dedication

Acknowledgement

Abstract

Table of Contents

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

1.2 Statement of the Problem

1.3 Research Question

1.4 Objectives of the Study

1.5 Hypothesis of the Study

1.6 The Limitation of the Study

1.7 Scope of the Study

1.8 Significance of the Study

1.9 Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO; LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

2.1 Definition of Strategy

2.1.1 Strategy Formulation and Implementation

2.2 The Strategy of Hierarchy

2.3 Historical Development of Strategy Management

2.4 The Concept of Strategic Management

2.5 Definition of Strategic Management

2.6 Strategic Management Process

2.7 Growth Strategies; Merger and Acquisition

2.8 Mergers and Acquisition: Size – Performance Relationship

2.9 Criticism of Strategic Management

2.10 Selection Conglomerate Cases of Mergers and Acquisition in a Developed Economy JP M organ partners

2.11 History of Nigerian Mergers and Acquisition Market and Profile of Nestle and Lever Brothers Plc

CHAPTER THREE; RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Sources of Data

3.3 Primary Sources of Data

3.4 Method of Investigation

3.5 Administration of Questionnaire

3.6 Validation of Research Instrument

3.7 Reliability of the Instrument

3.8 Statistical Method Used for Data Analysis

CHAPTER FOUR; RESULT AND DISCUSSION; 4.1 Introduction

4.2 Analysis of Data

4.3 Test of Hypothesis

CHAPTER FIVE; SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Summary

5.2 Conclusion

5.3 Recommendations

Bibliography

Appendix

Dec 15

THE IMPACT OF AGRICULTURAL LOAN SCHEME TOWARDS THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH

THE IMPACT OF AGRICULTURAL LOAN SCHEME TOWARDS THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH

ABSTRACT

Financing Agriculture has been a disturbing phenomenon for a long period in the Nigerian economy. Various measures were taken by governments of the Federation to help fill the wide gap of the need of financing and the availability of the finance through credit.

One of the known bold efforts was the establishment of Nigerian Agricultural and Co-operative Bank (NACB), in November, 24th 1972 which was inaugurated

A further step towards this financing is the transformation of the Nigerian Agricultural and Co-operative Bank (NACB), into Nigerian Agricultural, Co-operative and Rural Development Bank (NACRDB).

This was after merging the former Peoples Bank of Nigeria (PBN), the risk assets of the Family Economic Advancement Programme (FEAP). This is said to be the biggest development finance institution in Nigeria, fully owned and subscribed to for its shares by Federal Ministry of Finance incorporated 60%, and the Central Bank of Nigeria, 40%.

The merger that brought about the emergence of the new outfit, brought about ex branch network expansion and by the year 2002, the Zaria branch of the bank was established.

The objective of this study therefore is to find out the impact of the gamut of financing scheme meant for the agricultural industry with particular reference to the branch’s area of coverage, in Zaria.

 

Dec 15

The ECOWAS and the of Integration in the West African Sub-Region

The ECOWAS and the  of Integration in the West African Sub-Region

ABSTRACT

The founding fathers of the ECOWAS were very fundamentally clear as to the primary objectives of the over 40-year old regional body, yet despite this mission clarity, and the ‘numerous efforts’ and strategies put in place, the ECOWAS is replete with several examples of failures or ‘mere near successes’ in the integration process. The lofty dreams of creating an ECOWAS of people against an ECOWAS of states have over the last three or four decades remained largely elusive. This study titled – An Evaluative Study of the ECOWAS Coalition and the Management of Regional Integration in West Africa – 1985 – 2019, represents a modest attempt at appraising the difficulties faced by the integration process, more so, in terms of the creation of one unified economic entity, with the soul objective of improving the life of West Africans. Salient issues such as those bordering on regional security, governance crises, and institutional incompetence have been noted as fundamental impediments in the process of West African regional integration. The study has also extensively deployed varied techniques and methodologies such as questionnaire administration on a sampled population amongst borderland communities in Nigeria and Niger Republic. Questionnaires were also administered on other more informed citizens of the Community. In addition, notably recognized individuals vital to some aspects of the integration processes were also sampled for interview. Empirical observations coupled with other sources of secondary data were also extensively utilized in the effort to more closely appreciate other ECOWAS integration dynamics, factors such as those of neo-colonization and challenges of regional insecurity amongst others. In terms analysis of data, frequencies and simple percentages were portrayed in tabulated forms and from these, the study was able to draw its own conclusions and in some cases the study was able to positively reinforce other scholarly opinions. In concluding our study, we noted that the process of ECOWAS integration especially in the economic sphere has just began, adding that Nigeria being the leading regional economy by way of recommendation ought to re-establish its leadership position in all aspects of ECOWAS unification and for ECOWAS to achieve its lofty objectives the study further recommended an elaborate involvement of the general citizenry, the informal sector of the economy and very importantly the organized private sector. The study found it strongly expedient to recommend the facilitation and promotion of a second monetary zone in order to ease negotiation with the CFA Zone as a step towards the emergence of one single currency

Dec 15

THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS TO WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS TO WOMEN EMPOWERMENT A Case Study of National Council of Women Societies, NCWS, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

In the past, women were sidelined in the world dominated by men. But in the recent time women have come into positive focus to fight the domineering tendency of men folk.

In view of this, women all over the world form themselves into strong organisations to uplift the living standard of their women folk and to participate in national development. This is done by assisting women in both the urban and rural areas to plan their roles as homemakers and nation builders.

In view of this the National Council of Women Society NCWS was established as an umbrella organisation for the empowerment of all Nigerian women as homemakers and nation builders both in the rural and urban area; whether literate or illiterate. The NCWS in recent time has been accused of being urbane and elite oriented in all its activities as such diverting from its major role as a body umbrella for all Nigerian women.

This study is aimed at examining this facts whether it is true or not. In doing this the survey method was utilised, questionnaire distributed to 120 respondents selected through random sampling. Interview was granted also to some officials of NCWS. Also publications of the council and other relevant document of the organisation were used as secondary data.

This study reveals that the activities of the council is urban based and elite oriented, the government patronage also do not allowed the council to take appropriate measures against their activities. These were nothing but jamburies which is of little help to any

measures that is detrimental  to the well being of the women benefit to the less privileged

 

Nigerian women they claim to serve.

 

The researcher, however recommends that, the NCWS in Nigeria should move be to grass root oriented, they should ensure that they work or create avenue an independent sources of fund so that they would not rely on government patronage for their source of money. This would make them independent of government control and manipulation.

Dec 15

QUALITY OF RAINWATER HARVESTED IN CISTERNS

QUALITY OF RAINWATER HARVESTED IN CISTERNS IN ONICHA UGBO, ANIOCHA-NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

Rainwater harvesting despite being an ancient practice in many parts of the world has very limited use as a source of potable water, primarily because the quality of stored rainwater in domestic tanks (cisterns) is not believed to meet drinking water quality standards. This study was aimed at assessing the level of potability of harvested rainwater in rainwater harvesting cisterns in Onicha-Ugbo, Aniocha-North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. The main objectives were to determine the concentrations of turbidity, pH, colour, TDS, TSS, COD, BOD, DO and total coliform count in the harvested rainwater samples and to compare them with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian Standards for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) prescribed guidelines. Harvested rainwater samples were collected from twenty (20) different cisterns across the four quarters of the study area in the months of February (dry season sampling) and April (rainy season sampling) respectively. The harvested rainwater samples were analyzed with the most appropriate equipment and analytical techniques as recommended by the WHO and the NSDWQ in Nigeria. Simple descriptive statistic was employed to ascertain whether differences exist amongst the harvested rainwater samples collected during the dry and rainy seasons respectively. Results obtained indicated the following: most of the physico-chemical characteristics of the harvested rainwater samples were generally within the WHO (2010) and NSDWQ (2007) acceptable limits for drinking water. As such, the harvested rainwater characteristics showed satisfactory physicochemical levels in the study area. However, pH levels of the harvested rainwater samples were below the minimum acceptable limits of 6.5 as prescribed by the WHO and NSDWQ, hence treatment is needed in terms of the pH. Also, coliform bacteria were observed in all the harvested rainwater samples in the study. Although the levels of coliform bacteria didn‟t meet the WHO drinking water specifications of 0cfu/100ml, it fell within the 10cfu/100ml permissible limit as prescribed by the NSDWQ. Similarly, the Pollution index (pi) of the physicochemical and bacteriological water quality parameters reveals a „no significant degree of pollution‟ for all the harvested rainwater samples in the study area using the water quality specifications by the NSDWQ. However, it indicates a significant degree of pollution for total coliform when making reference to the WHO water quality guidelines. Consequently, it is recommended that harvested rainwater in cisterns in the study area should undergo simple purification/disinfection techniques such as boiling and liming before consumption

Dec 15

PUBLIC RELATIONS AS AN EFFECTIVE PROMOTIOONAL TOOL IN MARKETING OF SERVICES.

PUBLIC RELATIONS AS AN EFFECTIVE PROMOTIONAL TOOL IN MARKETING OF SERVICES.

ABSTRACT

The desire to reach larger of the market motivates an organization into adopting public relations as an effective promotional tool, which could help it to achieve it is objectives in a competitive market. The purpose of this research was to examine the use of public relations as an effective promotional tool in the marketing of services at Keffi Community Bank Nig. Ltd. Also the objectives of this work include, investigating the need and importance of public relations in enhancing good image and help in maintaining good relationship with customers. Primary and secondary methods of data collection were used to assemble the data for this research work. The result of the work showed that public relations have contributed immensely to the sustenance of Keffi Community Bank’s objectives and competence. Meaning that, public relations are synonymous with achieving set objectives, and have a direct bearing on Keffi community Bank’s image and goodwill.

Dec 15

ORGANIZATIONAL APPROACH TO TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA

ORGANIZATIONAL APPROACH TO TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF DIAMOND BANK PLC

CHAPTER ONE/INTRODUCTION

1.1 PREAMBLE

The information super highway has turned the world into a global village. Organisations are facing the kind of competition that was not envisaged a few years ago. They have to compete with goods and services from all over the world and satisfy a more educated and sophisticated customer. What is satisfactory to the customers today may not be regarded as such tomorrow as their expectations are continuously changing. In addition, there has been consistent breakthrough in science and technology over the last couple of decades. This has also affected information dissemination and management, as things earlier thought impossible now look ordinary.

Moreover, the fall-outs of a deregulated global competition have offered customers choices among various alternatives. Today, customers demand high quality and low price. Since no one organisation can boast of holding franchise to the development and delivery of quality products/services, many organisations have embraced the Total Quality Management concept as a way of survival.

One tenet of this management philosophy, which many organisations have adopted as a fundamental business strategy, is the concept of continuous improvement. No organisation can afford to be competitive if it does not continuously improve on its products/services, processes and people.

There is therefore, an urgent need for an organisation-wide approach and commitment to quality improvement. In addition, there is the need for quality improvement to be a continuous exercise or phenomenon. Over the years, this realisation has led to the development of the “Total Quality Management Concept”.

The questions bothering a great number of Nigerian Management Scholars and Practitioners are:

  1. If TQM is all about continuously improving value to customers, why has DBPlc as an organisation shown lukewarm attitude to this management philosophy?
  2. Where it has been implemented, why has DB PLC refused to set aglow the initial zeal of commitment to continuous quality improvement beyond the prime years of its implementation?
Dec 15

MARKETING STRATEGY EMPLOYED BY ENTERPRISES AND THE PROSPECTS FOR GROWTH

MARKETING STRATEGY EMPLOYED BY TOBACCO COMPANY AND THE PROSPECTS FOR GROWTH

CHAPTER ONE/INTRODUCTION.

Marketing is a common phenomenon, but it is quite complex and in fact an elusive subject matter. Marketing means different things to different people just as it affect everyone and is highly controversial. The activities of Marketing are so diverse that its sometimes difficult to say exactly what the term means. But however, the general consensus on marketing is that it is the performance of business activities which involves identifying, anticipating customs wants and satisfy them.

The economic health of any nation depends largely on the healthy marketing system, especially where a huge mass production system and its attendant mass distributions are involved.

The importance and relevance of marketing business, whether in private or public organization cannot be overemphasized. It is against this background that many scholars and practitioners alike began to research extensively on Marketing as a business of exchange transactions.

Strategy is define as “a unified comprehensive, and integrated plan relating the strategic advantages of the firm to the challenges of the environment” (W.F. Gluck 1980). From the definition above, one can

infer that strategy is a behaviour whose purpose is to achieve success for organizational goals in a competitive environment, chiefly rivals, market competitors, suppliers, customers, employees and even governmental unit.

 

The focus of this research work is on the marketing strategies employed by British American Tobacco Zaria and the prosperity for its growth. Marketing itself is a response to society needs. As society changes, so does marketing; as a society becomes complex so do the needs of its people.

 

Therefore, desired marketing strategies are required to cope with the dynamism of the society and their needs. For example, a marketer mush have a good knowledge of the behavioural sciences that deals with relationship among people which involves sociology, psychology and cultural anthropology. The way people responds as individuals and groups changes over time. More importantly the product under this research study is highly controversial world wide. In the civilized world, political and ethical actions sets legal boundaries for business like the marketing of tabacco products. All over the world, old laws are changed concerning the production, marketing and consumption of Cigarette, new laws are added and new interpretation are given to the existing laws.

Dec 15

MARKET PENETRATION STRATEGY AS A MEANS OF ENTERING THE NIGERIAN TELECOMMUNICATION

MARKET PENETRATION STRATEGY AS A MEANS OF ENTERING THE NIGERIAN TELECOMMUNICATION A STUDY OF MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATION NETWORK (MTN)

Abstract

The research work examined Market Penetration Strategies as Means of Entering the Nigerian telecommunication Market, a study of MTN Nigeria.

 

The study is designed to examine more critically issues where the business formulate its growth strategy, by focusing on selling existing product into existing market and the various objectives it seeks to achieve. The objectives range from securing dominance of growth markets, restructuring markets by driving out competitors through aggressive promotional campaign, pricing strategy and the introduction of loyalty schemes to increase customer usage/patronage.

The chapter one forms the introductory aspect of the project work. The study also reviews the various works of different writers on the subject matter. In the course of the research, various instruments were employed in collecting both primary and secondary data. Data collected were analyzed by the use of tables, simple percentages and chi-square. Data were subject to rigorous analysis in other to determine the research hypothesis objectives.

The last chapter contains the Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations. Overall study aims to show how the company should maintain or increase market share of current products, by a combination of competitive pricing strategy i.e. Penetration pricing, advertising, sales promotion and personal selling.