Globalisation and the challenges of unemployment, income inequality and poverty in Africa
- Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Globalisation - Africa , Unemployment - Africa , Income inequality - Africa , Poverty - Africa
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5906 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8025
- Description: There is an urgent need to re-investigate the functional relationship between globalisation, unemployment, income inequality and poverty in Africa. Unemployment accelerates the level of income inequality and poverty within a given society. In spite of the beautiful slogans associated with it, the current globalisation seems to have aggravated the problem of unemployment, the corollary of which is endemic income inequality and mass poverty in Africa. In fact, the trickle down economy pattern has consistently failed Africa. What is good for Wall Street may not necessarily be good for Africa. Viewed from any angle, the African continent seems to have been marginalised and left behind by globalisation. Capitalist globalisation undeniably, created wealth but also intensified inequality and poverty, particularly in Africa. High growth rate of Gross domestic product (GDP) may be a good statistics to parade at international conferences and seminars. However, for the hungry jobless youths in the streets, these are meaningless numbers since they do not translate into job creation or cure their hunger. Therefore, it is high time that African nations look beyond the official statistics of the so called high GDP growth rate and get down to the hard business of creating real jobs that take out the hungry, angry and jobless youths from the streets into workplaces. African countries need to develop comprehensive strategies to create jobs locally. In this paper, the current author posits that there is a strong linkage between globalisation, unemployment, income inequality and poverty in Africa. Some mechanisms were proffered to overcome these bottlenecks.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Globalisation - Africa , Unemployment - Africa , Income inequality - Africa , Poverty - Africa
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5906 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8025
- Description: There is an urgent need to re-investigate the functional relationship between globalisation, unemployment, income inequality and poverty in Africa. Unemployment accelerates the level of income inequality and poverty within a given society. In spite of the beautiful slogans associated with it, the current globalisation seems to have aggravated the problem of unemployment, the corollary of which is endemic income inequality and mass poverty in Africa. In fact, the trickle down economy pattern has consistently failed Africa. What is good for Wall Street may not necessarily be good for Africa. Viewed from any angle, the African continent seems to have been marginalised and left behind by globalisation. Capitalist globalisation undeniably, created wealth but also intensified inequality and poverty, particularly in Africa. High growth rate of Gross domestic product (GDP) may be a good statistics to parade at international conferences and seminars. However, for the hungry jobless youths in the streets, these are meaningless numbers since they do not translate into job creation or cure their hunger. Therefore, it is high time that African nations look beyond the official statistics of the so called high GDP growth rate and get down to the hard business of creating real jobs that take out the hungry, angry and jobless youths from the streets into workplaces. African countries need to develop comprehensive strategies to create jobs locally. In this paper, the current author posits that there is a strong linkage between globalisation, unemployment, income inequality and poverty in Africa. Some mechanisms were proffered to overcome these bottlenecks.
- Full Text:
The impact of globalisation on higher education : achieving a balance between local and global needs and realities.
- Meyer, Marius, Bushney, Melanie, Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Authors: Meyer, Marius , Bushney, Melanie , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Universities - South Africa , Globalisation and higher education , Global curriculum , International standards , Corporate universities , Local needs
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5889 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8005
- Description: The business world has changed dramatically over the last decade to address the reality of globalisation in the sphere of business. However, most universities have remained intact as local universities servicing local needs of citizens studying at their closest universities. For instance, a small number of universities have managed to attract students from other provinces, countries and regions. The question arises: to what extent have universities in South Africa embraced to the reality of globalisation? Are higher education institutions preparing students to work globally, or do they still function as institutions operating with a local mindset for a local market? Although South African universities have been widely criticised for not producing graduates meeting the needs of the local economy, these institutions are now challenged to prepare students for global markets. Only one local university achieved a ranking in the top hundred universities in the world according to the latest international ranking of universities. This reality poses several challenges for universities, for example, globalising curriculum to meet global needs and realities, as well as sourcing more academics from different parts of the world to infuse a global focus in the development and delivery of a global curriculum. Similarly, local universities are expected to play a key role in the socio-economic transformation of South Africa, while being challenged to meet international standards. This dichotomy places severe strain on the resources of universities, of which many may not be ready to compete globally, especially in the light of the rapid growth of private higher education, and big business, resorting to corporate universities to meet their needs. This paper seeks to determine the impact of globalisation on higher education with specific recommendations for achieving a balance between global and local higher education needs and realities.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Meyer, Marius , Bushney, Melanie , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Universities - South Africa , Globalisation and higher education , Global curriculum , International standards , Corporate universities , Local needs
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5889 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8005
- Description: The business world has changed dramatically over the last decade to address the reality of globalisation in the sphere of business. However, most universities have remained intact as local universities servicing local needs of citizens studying at their closest universities. For instance, a small number of universities have managed to attract students from other provinces, countries and regions. The question arises: to what extent have universities in South Africa embraced to the reality of globalisation? Are higher education institutions preparing students to work globally, or do they still function as institutions operating with a local mindset for a local market? Although South African universities have been widely criticised for not producing graduates meeting the needs of the local economy, these institutions are now challenged to prepare students for global markets. Only one local university achieved a ranking in the top hundred universities in the world according to the latest international ranking of universities. This reality poses several challenges for universities, for example, globalising curriculum to meet global needs and realities, as well as sourcing more academics from different parts of the world to infuse a global focus in the development and delivery of a global curriculum. Similarly, local universities are expected to play a key role in the socio-economic transformation of South Africa, while being challenged to meet international standards. This dichotomy places severe strain on the resources of universities, of which many may not be ready to compete globally, especially in the light of the rapid growth of private higher education, and big business, resorting to corporate universities to meet their needs. This paper seeks to determine the impact of globalisation on higher education with specific recommendations for achieving a balance between global and local higher education needs and realities.
- Full Text:
South African Industrial Conciliation Act of 1924 and current affirmative action : an analysis of labour economic history
- Jordaan, Charline, Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Authors: Jordaan, Charline , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-02
- Subjects: Apartheid , Affirmative action , Industrial relations , Labour unions , South Africa. Industrial Conciliation Act, 1924
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5818 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7834
- Description: This paper is directed towards making a comparison between the Industrial Conciliation Act (ICA) of 1924 and the current Affirmative Action (AA) in South Africa (SA), in order trace their respective impact to industrial relations in SA. First and foremost, it is necessary to give an overview of Industrial relations within the period of 1924 to 1948, and to identify three events that took place within that period and give a discussion of the events. Furthermore, the impact of those events on the labour legislation at that time, and its effect on the labour relationship will be analysed. Additionally, the different approaches used during these periods towards the labour relationship will be reviewed. Finally, an analysis will be made between Industrial Conciliation Act of 1924 and the current South African Affirmative Action.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Jordaan, Charline , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-02
- Subjects: Apartheid , Affirmative action , Industrial relations , Labour unions , South Africa. Industrial Conciliation Act, 1924
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5818 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7834
- Description: This paper is directed towards making a comparison between the Industrial Conciliation Act (ICA) of 1924 and the current Affirmative Action (AA) in South Africa (SA), in order trace their respective impact to industrial relations in SA. First and foremost, it is necessary to give an overview of Industrial relations within the period of 1924 to 1948, and to identify three events that took place within that period and give a discussion of the events. Furthermore, the impact of those events on the labour legislation at that time, and its effect on the labour relationship will be analysed. Additionally, the different approaches used during these periods towards the labour relationship will be reviewed. Finally, an analysis will be made between Industrial Conciliation Act of 1924 and the current South African Affirmative Action.
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The effectiveness of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) in Nigeria
- Okoroji, Lazarus I., Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Authors: Okoroji, Lazarus I. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-02
- Subjects: Convention on Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) , International Ship and Port Facility Security Code , Maritime security - Nigeria , Port security , Harbour security
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5819 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7835
- Description: Over the years, acts of insecurity, lack of safety consciousness and threat of terrorism have pervaded the maritime landscape of the world economy. The obvious dishonest outlook and fraud-like tendencies which over the years, have formed the most basic characteristics of the maritime industry have never helped matters either way, but has indeed complicated the issue of high insecurity of the port industries worldwide. The amendment of the Convention on Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) introduced the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) code) as preventive measure against the likelihood of terrorist attacks on Ships and Port Facilities.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Okoroji, Lazarus I. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-02
- Subjects: Convention on Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) , International Ship and Port Facility Security Code , Maritime security - Nigeria , Port security , Harbour security
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5819 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7835
- Description: Over the years, acts of insecurity, lack of safety consciousness and threat of terrorism have pervaded the maritime landscape of the world economy. The obvious dishonest outlook and fraud-like tendencies which over the years, have formed the most basic characteristics of the maritime industry have never helped matters either way, but has indeed complicated the issue of high insecurity of the port industries worldwide. The amendment of the Convention on Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) introduced the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) code) as preventive measure against the likelihood of terrorist attacks on Ships and Port Facilities.
- Full Text:
Success factors of entrepreneurial activity in the Overberg region of Western Cape, South Africa
- Witbooi, Megan, Cupido, Chris, Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Authors: Witbooi, Megan , Cupido, Chris , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-03
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Social entrepreneurship , Entrepreneurial activities
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5833 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7850
- Description: Entrepreneurial activities around the world accounted for about 70% of the global GDP on average. However, in South Africa entrepreneurial activities only share 40% of the country’s GDP. With an unemployment rate of approximately 25%, accelerating entrepreneurial activity becomes crucial in a developing country like South Africa. A recent study executed in the Overberg rural district has shown vast opportunity for new endeavors in this direction. Entrepreneurial activity is mostly centered on large-scale agricultural practices. This district is the largest apple producer in the country and the second largest pear producer. However, unemployment in this region has increased in recent years due to the nature of fruit farming which is seasonal. Off-season farmers employ only up to 9% of the district farm workers which leaves 11.1% workers without employment for the rest of the year. Though this area is affluent with natural resources; scarcity of skills, poor infrastructure and lack of technology result in slow economic growth. Further, the absenteeism of entrepreneurial success factors makes it impossible for the many survivalist businesses in the informal sector to be sustainable and to show any form of growth. This paper will analyze the success factors or lack thereof and make recommendations towards opportunities that will help to advance the Overberg region’s entrepreneurial activity.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Witbooi, Megan , Cupido, Chris , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-03
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Social entrepreneurship , Entrepreneurial activities
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5833 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7850
- Description: Entrepreneurial activities around the world accounted for about 70% of the global GDP on average. However, in South Africa entrepreneurial activities only share 40% of the country’s GDP. With an unemployment rate of approximately 25%, accelerating entrepreneurial activity becomes crucial in a developing country like South Africa. A recent study executed in the Overberg rural district has shown vast opportunity for new endeavors in this direction. Entrepreneurial activity is mostly centered on large-scale agricultural practices. This district is the largest apple producer in the country and the second largest pear producer. However, unemployment in this region has increased in recent years due to the nature of fruit farming which is seasonal. Off-season farmers employ only up to 9% of the district farm workers which leaves 11.1% workers without employment for the rest of the year. Though this area is affluent with natural resources; scarcity of skills, poor infrastructure and lack of technology result in slow economic growth. Further, the absenteeism of entrepreneurial success factors makes it impossible for the many survivalist businesses in the informal sector to be sustainable and to show any form of growth. This paper will analyze the success factors or lack thereof and make recommendations towards opportunities that will help to advance the Overberg region’s entrepreneurial activity.
- Full Text:
Is country branding a panacea or poison?
- Mugobo, Virimai V., Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Authors: Mugobo, Virimai V. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-09
- Subjects: Competitiveness , Globalisation , Nation branding , Branding (Marketing) , Country branding
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5776 , ISSN 993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7783
- Description: The momentum towards complete globalisation advocated by proponents of the benefits of one big business village as the answer to the suffering of third world countries, has now been slowed down by the uncertainty resultant from the hitherto unprecedented global meltdown. With the coughing of America, the whole world seems to be catapulting into one big mess due to the global economic quagmire. Consequently, there is a global scramble for the limited and constantly contracting financial and market resources. Third world countries, rich in natural resources but insignificant global players, have been relegated to perpetual recipients of aid, finished products and obsolete or second rate technology. Despite having 53 countries, Africa is painted en bloc as a “dark continent” dogged by civil wars, disease, poverty and famine. This “bad continent” image thus affects all African countries including those that are fairly stable such as South Africa, Botswana, and Egypt. This scenario necessitates country differentiation through individualised or regionalised country branding.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mugobo, Virimai V. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-09
- Subjects: Competitiveness , Globalisation , Nation branding , Branding (Marketing) , Country branding
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5776 , ISSN 993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7783
- Description: The momentum towards complete globalisation advocated by proponents of the benefits of one big business village as the answer to the suffering of third world countries, has now been slowed down by the uncertainty resultant from the hitherto unprecedented global meltdown. With the coughing of America, the whole world seems to be catapulting into one big mess due to the global economic quagmire. Consequently, there is a global scramble for the limited and constantly contracting financial and market resources. Third world countries, rich in natural resources but insignificant global players, have been relegated to perpetual recipients of aid, finished products and obsolete or second rate technology. Despite having 53 countries, Africa is painted en bloc as a “dark continent” dogged by civil wars, disease, poverty and famine. This “bad continent” image thus affects all African countries including those that are fairly stable such as South Africa, Botswana, and Egypt. This scenario necessitates country differentiation through individualised or regionalised country branding.
- Full Text:
Port performance : the importance of land transport in a developing economy
- Stephens, Mobolaji S., Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Authors: Stephens, Mobolaji S. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-09
- Subjects: Transport systems , Road transportation , Port performance , Land transport
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5775 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7782
- Description: This study set out to establish that land transport system in the country of destination, determines the turn-around time, capacity utilisation of port infrastructure, facilities and cargo-handling equipment and general port performance. Of particular interest, is the contribution of road transport infrastructures and systems to the magnitude of turn-around time, port performance and general economic growth and development. This is true and significant for developing countries of Sub-Saharan Africa, where transport systems are poorly developed and sparsely integrated; but the economies are import oriented. The port’s rates of capacity utilisation was determined over a period 14 years (1990 to 2007) and a study of ship traffic was done for 156 vessels calling at the port and 19, 296 loaded road vehicles leaving the port between 1 December, 2006 and 31 March, 2007. The result showed that over-utilisation of road transport resulted in under-utilisation of several port infrastructures, port congestion; longer turn-around time and general poor performance of the port. The need for a well-integrated transport system was therefore underlined.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Stephens, Mobolaji S. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-09
- Subjects: Transport systems , Road transportation , Port performance , Land transport
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5775 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7782
- Description: This study set out to establish that land transport system in the country of destination, determines the turn-around time, capacity utilisation of port infrastructure, facilities and cargo-handling equipment and general port performance. Of particular interest, is the contribution of road transport infrastructures and systems to the magnitude of turn-around time, port performance and general economic growth and development. This is true and significant for developing countries of Sub-Saharan Africa, where transport systems are poorly developed and sparsely integrated; but the economies are import oriented. The port’s rates of capacity utilisation was determined over a period 14 years (1990 to 2007) and a study of ship traffic was done for 156 vessels calling at the port and 19, 296 loaded road vehicles leaving the port between 1 December, 2006 and 31 March, 2007. The result showed that over-utilisation of road transport resulted in under-utilisation of several port infrastructures, port congestion; longer turn-around time and general poor performance of the port. The need for a well-integrated transport system was therefore underlined.
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The role of women in peacemaking, conflict and rehabilitation management in Elele, Ikwerre Local Government of Rivers State, Nigeria
- Ogoloma, Fineface I., Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Authors: Ogoloma, Fineface I. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-09
- Subjects: Nigeria , Conflict resolution , Women , Rehabilitation management , Elele (Nigeria) , Ikwerre Local Government of Rivers State (Nigeria)
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5816 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7832
- Description: The basic energies common to all human beings have been directed in such a way that men seek power and women protect men from the consequences of excessive power. At the close of every war, destroyed communities have been rebuilt, and much of the physical labour of rebuilding is often heaped on women. Another activity traditionally expected of women is conflict resolution, since it is troublesome to go to war all the time. The old practice of marrying the daughters of one village to the sons of the next was a war avoidable strategy.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ogoloma, Fineface I. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-09
- Subjects: Nigeria , Conflict resolution , Women , Rehabilitation management , Elele (Nigeria) , Ikwerre Local Government of Rivers State (Nigeria)
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5816 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7832
- Description: The basic energies common to all human beings have been directed in such a way that men seek power and women protect men from the consequences of excessive power. At the close of every war, destroyed communities have been rebuilt, and much of the physical labour of rebuilding is often heaped on women. Another activity traditionally expected of women is conflict resolution, since it is troublesome to go to war all the time. The old practice of marrying the daughters of one village to the sons of the next was a war avoidable strategy.
- Full Text:
Public policy : myths and realities in the Nigerian nationhood since independence
- Ugoh, S.C., Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Authors: Ugoh, S.C. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-10
- Subjects: Democratization , Nigerian politics and government
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5779 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7786
- Description: Nigeria is confronted today with the challenges of political and constitutional crises in a manner as never before. After 50 years of independence, the country still faces frequent sectarian turmoil that raises some very fundamental questions about the nature of Nigerian identity and its implications for integrity. A cursory look at the events that have occurred in the polity since 1960, one finds out that ethnic irredentism of groups attempting to overcome existing divisions had caused internal conflicts and created friction and occasional intra and inter-group crises. Despite the remedial policies meant to assuage tensions, ethnic and religious conflicts still persist. One of the problems is that these policies were applied in negative ways. Indeed, some basic policies embedded in the political restructuring by the successive governments were not directed to the root causes of the crises. Put differently, the politicization of government policies have led to ethnic, regional and religious tensions that featured frequently in the minds of the people. Undoubtedly, this has affected the growth of a national identity in spite of the ideology of nationalism. In the context of nation building therefore, a state-nation rather than a nation-state emerged. The question is, why is this so and can this process be stopped under the entity called Nigeria? The thrust of this paper is the recognition of the reality that Nigeria exhibits diverse identities difficult to co-exist. The paper therefore concludes that the unity of Nigerian nationhood depends on dynamic and powerful institutions capable of democratizing the relationship between the distinct nationalities and the nation – state.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ugoh, S.C. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-10
- Subjects: Democratization , Nigerian politics and government
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5779 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7786
- Description: Nigeria is confronted today with the challenges of political and constitutional crises in a manner as never before. After 50 years of independence, the country still faces frequent sectarian turmoil that raises some very fundamental questions about the nature of Nigerian identity and its implications for integrity. A cursory look at the events that have occurred in the polity since 1960, one finds out that ethnic irredentism of groups attempting to overcome existing divisions had caused internal conflicts and created friction and occasional intra and inter-group crises. Despite the remedial policies meant to assuage tensions, ethnic and religious conflicts still persist. One of the problems is that these policies were applied in negative ways. Indeed, some basic policies embedded in the political restructuring by the successive governments were not directed to the root causes of the crises. Put differently, the politicization of government policies have led to ethnic, regional and religious tensions that featured frequently in the minds of the people. Undoubtedly, this has affected the growth of a national identity in spite of the ideology of nationalism. In the context of nation building therefore, a state-nation rather than a nation-state emerged. The question is, why is this so and can this process be stopped under the entity called Nigeria? The thrust of this paper is the recognition of the reality that Nigeria exhibits diverse identities difficult to co-exist. The paper therefore concludes that the unity of Nigerian nationhood depends on dynamic and powerful institutions capable of democratizing the relationship between the distinct nationalities and the nation – state.
- Full Text:
Airport capacity utilization in Nigeria : a performance and efficiency analysis
- Stephens, Mobolaji S., Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Authors: Stephens, Mobolaji S. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-11
- Subjects: Nigeria , Air transport , Air traffic flow , Staggered airport schedules , Air traffic management
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5780 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7787
- Description: Most airlines in Nigeria fly at about the same time of the day creating great strains on airports’ runways and air traffic management. This study examines air traffic flow: recorded landings and take-off times, arrival times and time between arrivals and times spent in the airport. The data collected were analyzed using the queue theory to know the airport turnaround time and the rate of usage of the airport as well as time variation in usage pattern. The results showed that the airport was grossly underutilized; most domestic traffic movements had two main peaks (morning and evening) with the headway been dangerously close. There is grave danger in clustered take-offs and landings so it was advised that to boost airport capacity utilization staggering of airlines’ schedules should be encouraged.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Stephens, Mobolaji S. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-11
- Subjects: Nigeria , Air transport , Air traffic flow , Staggered airport schedules , Air traffic management
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5780 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7787
- Description: Most airlines in Nigeria fly at about the same time of the day creating great strains on airports’ runways and air traffic management. This study examines air traffic flow: recorded landings and take-off times, arrival times and time between arrivals and times spent in the airport. The data collected were analyzed using the queue theory to know the airport turnaround time and the rate of usage of the airport as well as time variation in usage pattern. The results showed that the airport was grossly underutilized; most domestic traffic movements had two main peaks (morning and evening) with the headway been dangerously close. There is grave danger in clustered take-offs and landings so it was advised that to boost airport capacity utilization staggering of airlines’ schedules should be encouraged.
- Full Text:
Intergenerational socio-economic mobility and national development in Nigeria
- Otto, G., Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Authors: Otto, G. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-11
- Subjects: Nigeria - Economic development , Nigeria - Economic conditions , Intergenerational socio-economic mobility
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5786 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7793
- Description: Nigeria is blessed with an abundance of human and natural resources. It is the 6th largest exporter of crude oil, formerly the largest and now the third largest exporter of palm oil in the world. It has the largest gas reserves in Africa including a vast accumulation of other natural resources and a population of about 147 million people, but it is one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world. This contradiction seems to evidence the fact that resources alone are not sufficient to engender growth and national development. For development to occur, the resources (human and material) must be employed to serve the positive needs of man. The human resources must be encouraged to work, initiate, interact and direct material resources towards solving practical problems and creating conveniences for man. For these to be, each and everybody in the society should be given an opportunity to contribute his or her quota toward meeting individual and collective needs. There is a need to create an opportunity space for all to contribute their talents, abilities and aptitudes towards solving societal problems. The wider the opportunity, the better for the economy. However, in Nigeria, unemployment, poverty, corruption, inequality among others, narrow the opportunity structure with the consequence that only a few people are positively engaged while majority of Nigerians rest heavily on receipts from the petroleum industry with its pollution and corruption side effects. This, has generated so much problems as the untapped energy is dissipated in negative directions in an attempt to ‘corner’ a larger share of the petroleum proceeds which is seen as free, God-given national cake which needs no work to benefit from. Intergenerational socio-economic mobility is an index that measures the opportunity structure in society, and the wider the opportunity structure, the more development is likely to occur. In sum, it is not just resources (oil or no oil) but the opportunity space that will engender development.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Otto, G. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-11
- Subjects: Nigeria - Economic development , Nigeria - Economic conditions , Intergenerational socio-economic mobility
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5786 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7793
- Description: Nigeria is blessed with an abundance of human and natural resources. It is the 6th largest exporter of crude oil, formerly the largest and now the third largest exporter of palm oil in the world. It has the largest gas reserves in Africa including a vast accumulation of other natural resources and a population of about 147 million people, but it is one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world. This contradiction seems to evidence the fact that resources alone are not sufficient to engender growth and national development. For development to occur, the resources (human and material) must be employed to serve the positive needs of man. The human resources must be encouraged to work, initiate, interact and direct material resources towards solving practical problems and creating conveniences for man. For these to be, each and everybody in the society should be given an opportunity to contribute his or her quota toward meeting individual and collective needs. There is a need to create an opportunity space for all to contribute their talents, abilities and aptitudes towards solving societal problems. The wider the opportunity, the better for the economy. However, in Nigeria, unemployment, poverty, corruption, inequality among others, narrow the opportunity structure with the consequence that only a few people are positively engaged while majority of Nigerians rest heavily on receipts from the petroleum industry with its pollution and corruption side effects. This, has generated so much problems as the untapped energy is dissipated in negative directions in an attempt to ‘corner’ a larger share of the petroleum proceeds which is seen as free, God-given national cake which needs no work to benefit from. Intergenerational socio-economic mobility is an index that measures the opportunity structure in society, and the wider the opportunity structure, the more development is likely to occur. In sum, it is not just resources (oil or no oil) but the opportunity space that will engender development.
- Full Text:
Strategies to improve the level of employee motivation in the fast food outlets in Cape Town, South Africa
- Ukandu, Nnenna E., Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Authors: Ukandu, Nnenna E. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-11
- Subjects: Motivation , Work environment , Working conditions , Organizational commitment , Job satisfaction , Employee performance , Employee recognition , Employee promotion , Fast food workers
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5782 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7789
- Description: Motivation increases the level of performances of employees and also increases their commitment in the workplace. This implies that motivating workers is very important. The fast food workers are unique and have their individual needs, potentials, values and goals. Job satisfaction leads to job motivation. Therefore, when workers are satisfied, they tend to be motivated to work. The study points out the strategies that could be used to improve the level of motivation of the fast food workers and also discusses the causes of low employee motivation within the organization. This will also assist the management of the fast food industries in improving the performances of their employees. A case study approach was used for the survey because only the fast food industries were involved. Information was obtained from both the operational workers, administration, cashiers and the managers. A total of 200 closed-ended questionnaires and open-ended semi-interview questions were distributed and 123 employees responded which gave a response rate of 62.5%. Research proved that the rate of personal growth of the employee’s in their workplace was not satisfactory with a rate of 56.1% respondents. Also, the flexible time plan was not satisfactory to the workers because they were being given a flexible time sometimes especially when their workplace is very busy. In addition, the employee’s were not given the privilege of making decision in their workplace especially in the areas that concerns them. However, the researcher recommended that the fast food workers should be empowered in different ways, to give them opportunities to share their views. Also, the skills should be developed through coaching and feedback system. The study includes only the fast food workers that have at least six (6) months experience. This is to obtain a reliable and valid result.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ukandu, Nnenna E. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-11
- Subjects: Motivation , Work environment , Working conditions , Organizational commitment , Job satisfaction , Employee performance , Employee recognition , Employee promotion , Fast food workers
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5782 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7789
- Description: Motivation increases the level of performances of employees and also increases their commitment in the workplace. This implies that motivating workers is very important. The fast food workers are unique and have their individual needs, potentials, values and goals. Job satisfaction leads to job motivation. Therefore, when workers are satisfied, they tend to be motivated to work. The study points out the strategies that could be used to improve the level of motivation of the fast food workers and also discusses the causes of low employee motivation within the organization. This will also assist the management of the fast food industries in improving the performances of their employees. A case study approach was used for the survey because only the fast food industries were involved. Information was obtained from both the operational workers, administration, cashiers and the managers. A total of 200 closed-ended questionnaires and open-ended semi-interview questions were distributed and 123 employees responded which gave a response rate of 62.5%. Research proved that the rate of personal growth of the employee’s in their workplace was not satisfactory with a rate of 56.1% respondents. Also, the flexible time plan was not satisfactory to the workers because they were being given a flexible time sometimes especially when their workplace is very busy. In addition, the employee’s were not given the privilege of making decision in their workplace especially in the areas that concerns them. However, the researcher recommended that the fast food workers should be empowered in different ways, to give them opportunities to share their views. Also, the skills should be developed through coaching and feedback system. The study includes only the fast food workers that have at least six (6) months experience. This is to obtain a reliable and valid result.
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Multiple usages of the distributed systems with numerical calculation
- Isbasoiu, Eliza Consuela, Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Authors: Isbasoiu, Eliza Consuela , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-12
- Subjects: Informatics society , Distributed systems , Numerical calculations
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5791 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7798
- Description: The informatics society is a society in which the information, through its production and consumption, is the most important type of activity. The informatics society allows access to information and new ways of work and knowledge (Toma, 2009: 5). If within the scientific research, the interdisciplinary objective reflects the unity of the natural science, it is necessary to form a new didactic way of thinking, from autonomous sciences to border or interdisciplinary ones (Dagger et al., 2005: 6). The mathematical methods and language takes over from studies of the research problem (Koper and Tattersall, 2005: 67). The knowledge of the technology and the criteria a developer follows, assures a high level of the application. The web service is projected to support the interoperational interaction of machine to machine over netting; as such, other software systems can discover its definition and can interact with the web service in the way described by the definition.
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- Authors: Isbasoiu, Eliza Consuela , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-12
- Subjects: Informatics society , Distributed systems , Numerical calculations
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5791 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7798
- Description: The informatics society is a society in which the information, through its production and consumption, is the most important type of activity. The informatics society allows access to information and new ways of work and knowledge (Toma, 2009: 5). If within the scientific research, the interdisciplinary objective reflects the unity of the natural science, it is necessary to form a new didactic way of thinking, from autonomous sciences to border or interdisciplinary ones (Dagger et al., 2005: 6). The mathematical methods and language takes over from studies of the research problem (Koper and Tattersall, 2005: 67). The knowledge of the technology and the criteria a developer follows, assures a high level of the application. The web service is projected to support the interoperational interaction of machine to machine over netting; as such, other software systems can discover its definition and can interact with the web service in the way described by the definition.
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Determinants of airline choice-making : the Nigerian perspective
- Ukpere, Wilfred I., Stephens, Mobolaji S., Ikeogu, Christopher C., Ibe, Callistus. C., Akpan, Edem O.P.
- Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Stephens, Mobolaji S. , Ikeogu, Christopher C. , Ibe, Callistus. C. , Akpan, Edem O.P.
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Decision making , Air travellers , Airline choice-making , Air transport industry - Nigeria
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5905 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8024
- Description: This study is on choice decision-making of the Nigerian domestic air transport industry. It is aimed at determining the factors that influences air travellers’ choice of airlines to fly within Nigeria. In doing this, data was collected from air travellers using questionnaires following Likert scale of ranking. This enabled us to obtain the socio-economic characteristics and the airline attributes that helped influenced the air travellers in making their choice of airlines at the selected airports. The data collected were analysed using correlation matrix to check for multi-collinearity problems among the socioeconomic characteristics of air travellers and airline attributes. It was discovered that there exist no multi-collinearity problem. Furthermore, a stepwise regression analysis was carried out to determine the factors/attributes that were significantly influencing air travellers in airline choice decision making. To further verify the result of the regression analysis, a discrete choice-modelling analysis was done using NLOGIT. The both results showed that sex, age, marital status, income, comfort, on-board services, frequency, crew behaviour, fare and power of monopoly were significant variables and therefore influence the choice of airline by air travellers. Recommendations amongst others include airlines should use target marketing to attract more patronage from the different age groups, improve comfort and on-board services, increase frequency on major routes, charge competitive fares and apply the power of monopoly by either serving undeveloped routes or make their products distinct from others in the market and airlines should avail their air travellers more opportunities of purchasing tickets before getting to the airport.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Stephens, Mobolaji S. , Ikeogu, Christopher C. , Ibe, Callistus. C. , Akpan, Edem O.P.
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Decision making , Air travellers , Airline choice-making , Air transport industry - Nigeria
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5905 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8024
- Description: This study is on choice decision-making of the Nigerian domestic air transport industry. It is aimed at determining the factors that influences air travellers’ choice of airlines to fly within Nigeria. In doing this, data was collected from air travellers using questionnaires following Likert scale of ranking. This enabled us to obtain the socio-economic characteristics and the airline attributes that helped influenced the air travellers in making their choice of airlines at the selected airports. The data collected were analysed using correlation matrix to check for multi-collinearity problems among the socioeconomic characteristics of air travellers and airline attributes. It was discovered that there exist no multi-collinearity problem. Furthermore, a stepwise regression analysis was carried out to determine the factors/attributes that were significantly influencing air travellers in airline choice decision making. To further verify the result of the regression analysis, a discrete choice-modelling analysis was done using NLOGIT. The both results showed that sex, age, marital status, income, comfort, on-board services, frequency, crew behaviour, fare and power of monopoly were significant variables and therefore influence the choice of airline by air travellers. Recommendations amongst others include airlines should use target marketing to attract more patronage from the different age groups, improve comfort and on-board services, increase frequency on major routes, charge competitive fares and apply the power of monopoly by either serving undeveloped routes or make their products distinct from others in the market and airlines should avail their air travellers more opportunities of purchasing tickets before getting to the airport.
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Dysfunctional psychological aspects of working in a fast food industry
- Ukandu, Nnenna E., Ukpere, Wilfred I., Ukpere, Wilred I.
- Authors: Ukandu, Nnenna E. , Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Ukpere, Wilred I.
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Employees - Mental health , Work - Psychological aspects , Fast food industry
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5904 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8023
- Description: The management within fast food industry has the ability to make their employees’ jobs equal, either enjoyable and rewarding or miserable and boring. Employees are the striking force of an organization, and without them, the organization cannot not function. Therefore, giving employees some forms of autonomy and offering them challenging work can enhance their levels of motivation and satisfaction. Conversely, workers can portray a good mood, emotion and morale if there is positive feedback, good communication and supervision. A case study approach was employed, since the study covered only the fast food industry. Semi-structured interview was utilised to obtain information from senior and store managers, while closed-ended questionnaires were distributed to the rest of the staff members. This research focused on fast food workers that have at least six (6) months of experience to enable the researcher to obtain a valid result. This paper offers managements at fast food outlets in Cape Town insight into how to deal with the psychological problems that (their) employees face, and to prevent potential dangers that these problems are associated with in terms of workers.
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- Authors: Ukandu, Nnenna E. , Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Ukpere, Wilred I.
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Employees - Mental health , Work - Psychological aspects , Fast food industry
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5904 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8023
- Description: The management within fast food industry has the ability to make their employees’ jobs equal, either enjoyable and rewarding or miserable and boring. Employees are the striking force of an organization, and without them, the organization cannot not function. Therefore, giving employees some forms of autonomy and offering them challenging work can enhance their levels of motivation and satisfaction. Conversely, workers can portray a good mood, emotion and morale if there is positive feedback, good communication and supervision. A case study approach was employed, since the study covered only the fast food industry. Semi-structured interview was utilised to obtain information from senior and store managers, while closed-ended questionnaires were distributed to the rest of the staff members. This research focused on fast food workers that have at least six (6) months of experience to enable the researcher to obtain a valid result. This paper offers managements at fast food outlets in Cape Town insight into how to deal with the psychological problems that (their) employees face, and to prevent potential dangers that these problems are associated with in terms of workers.
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Federalism and the quest for true revenue mobilization, allocation and fiscal commission in Nigeria : a comparative analysis.
- Ugoh, Samuel C., Ukpere, Wilfred I., Ashiwhobel, B. U.
- Authors: Ugoh, Samuel C. , Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Ashiwhobel, B. U.
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Public finance - Nigeria , Federal government - Nigeria , Revenue sharing - Nigeria , Fiscal commission - Nigeria
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5901 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8020
- Description: In any federal system, the nature and conditions of the financial relations are crucial to the survival of the country. In fact, in most federal countries, the federating states always have some issues such as discourse, dispute and wrangling with the centre. The issue is centred on the problem of securing adequate financial resources to discharge essential political and constitutional responsibilities. Nigeria is not an exception. The decision as to what percentage of centrally generated revenue that would be retained among the tiers of government has always been a problem. These anomalies, the article contend must be remedied in order to sustain a true federal system in Nigeria.
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- Authors: Ugoh, Samuel C. , Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Ashiwhobel, B. U.
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Public finance - Nigeria , Federal government - Nigeria , Revenue sharing - Nigeria , Fiscal commission - Nigeria
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5901 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8020
- Description: In any federal system, the nature and conditions of the financial relations are crucial to the survival of the country. In fact, in most federal countries, the federating states always have some issues such as discourse, dispute and wrangling with the centre. The issue is centred on the problem of securing adequate financial resources to discharge essential political and constitutional responsibilities. Nigeria is not an exception. The decision as to what percentage of centrally generated revenue that would be retained among the tiers of government has always been a problem. These anomalies, the article contend must be remedied in order to sustain a true federal system in Nigeria.
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Financial sector performance and economic growth in Nigeria
- Otto, Godly, Ekine, Nye Tom, Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Authors: Otto, Godly , Ekine, Nye Tom , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Financial sector - Nigeria , Economic growth - Nigeria , Bank regulation - Nigeria
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5895 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8014
- Description: Towards the end of 2010, banking halls in Nigeria were crowded with people. Following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s advice, banks were updating records of their clients. The essence was for the banks to be better informed about their clients and their sources of funds with a view to eliminating or limiting the problem of money laundering in Nigeria. This is only one of several policies or reforms that the financial sector in Nigeria has gone through in recent times. The numbers of banks were pruned down through the recapitalization programme, non-performing microfinance banks were weeded out, and five bank chiefs were accused of mismanagement and replaced. The Nigerian Stock Exchange also experienced difficulties leading to the exit of its Chief Executive Officer. Practically, every aspect of the Nigerian financial system has in recent times experienced one form of reform or challenge but these are the sources of capital formation for the real sector in Nigeria. In view of these how well has the sector performed its role as a driver of economic growth? This work using data obtained from the Central Bank spanning 24 years was able to establish that there is a positive relationship between the performance of the sector and economic growth in Nigeria.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Otto, Godly , Ekine, Nye Tom , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Financial sector - Nigeria , Economic growth - Nigeria , Bank regulation - Nigeria
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5895 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8014
- Description: Towards the end of 2010, banking halls in Nigeria were crowded with people. Following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s advice, banks were updating records of their clients. The essence was for the banks to be better informed about their clients and their sources of funds with a view to eliminating or limiting the problem of money laundering in Nigeria. This is only one of several policies or reforms that the financial sector in Nigeria has gone through in recent times. The numbers of banks were pruned down through the recapitalization programme, non-performing microfinance banks were weeded out, and five bank chiefs were accused of mismanagement and replaced. The Nigerian Stock Exchange also experienced difficulties leading to the exit of its Chief Executive Officer. Practically, every aspect of the Nigerian financial system has in recent times experienced one form of reform or challenge but these are the sources of capital formation for the real sector in Nigeria. In view of these how well has the sector performed its role as a driver of economic growth? This work using data obtained from the Central Bank spanning 24 years was able to establish that there is a positive relationship between the performance of the sector and economic growth in Nigeria.
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Leadership challenges associated with the management of Generation Y employees : a proposed theoretical model
- Hewitt, L. M. M., Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Authors: Hewitt, L. M. M. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Management , Leadership , Generation Y , Gen-Yers , Motivation , Entrepreneurial orientation
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5861 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7958
- Description: This paper acknowledges that Generation Y (Gen-Yers), who have grown up in a world of convenience and easy access to information, are more complex to lead and to understand than generations before them. Gen-Yers have entered the labour market at a time when the current labour force is aging in the world and in South Africa. Gen-Yers are working with forty to sixty-year-olds and in some cases supervising employees old enough to be their parents. If unhappy with work circumstances Gen-Yers change careers fast, thus creating frustration for employers struggling to retain and recruit talented high-performers. According to the report for the Future of Small Business Management (2007) issued by the Institute for the Future (IFTF) based in California which has forecasted emerging trends affecting the global marketplace for 40 years, Gen-Yers, will emerge as the most entrepreneurial generation ever in the next decade. These highly independent individuals will rather be small business owners or freelancers and will choose not to work for large corporations. What are the leadership challenges facing South African companies when they engage with Gen-Yers? Firstly, this paper explores the concept Gen-Yers, as discussed in the theory. Secondly the paper further explores possible conflicting areas between current leadership practices and Gen-Yers. The paper concludes by supporting the value that Gen-Yers can bring to companies and suggests some practices that can be adopted by leadership to engage and motivate them and at the same time ensure that their companies stay ahead of competitors by keeping Gen-Yers motivated to stay in their employment. A theoretical model is suggested for testing Gen-Yers tenure of employment relationship.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hewitt, L. M. M. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Management , Leadership , Generation Y , Gen-Yers , Motivation , Entrepreneurial orientation
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5861 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7958
- Description: This paper acknowledges that Generation Y (Gen-Yers), who have grown up in a world of convenience and easy access to information, are more complex to lead and to understand than generations before them. Gen-Yers have entered the labour market at a time when the current labour force is aging in the world and in South Africa. Gen-Yers are working with forty to sixty-year-olds and in some cases supervising employees old enough to be their parents. If unhappy with work circumstances Gen-Yers change careers fast, thus creating frustration for employers struggling to retain and recruit talented high-performers. According to the report for the Future of Small Business Management (2007) issued by the Institute for the Future (IFTF) based in California which has forecasted emerging trends affecting the global marketplace for 40 years, Gen-Yers, will emerge as the most entrepreneurial generation ever in the next decade. These highly independent individuals will rather be small business owners or freelancers and will choose not to work for large corporations. What are the leadership challenges facing South African companies when they engage with Gen-Yers? Firstly, this paper explores the concept Gen-Yers, as discussed in the theory. Secondly the paper further explores possible conflicting areas between current leadership practices and Gen-Yers. The paper concludes by supporting the value that Gen-Yers can bring to companies and suggests some practices that can be adopted by leadership to engage and motivate them and at the same time ensure that their companies stay ahead of competitors by keeping Gen-Yers motivated to stay in their employment. A theoretical model is suggested for testing Gen-Yers tenure of employment relationship.
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Managing innovations in telecommunications industry in Nigeria
- Ogbo, Ann I., Okechukwu, Itanyi, Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Authors: Ogbo, Ann I. , Okechukwu, Itanyi , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Telecommunication - Nigeria , Management of technological innovations
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5892 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8008
- Description: Of all the challenges faced by managers today, the management of technological innovation (MTI) is one of the most demanding. Get it right and firms create value and profit. Get it wrong and firms can face serious and perhaps terminal problems, losing money, workers, and reputation. This will lead to revenue loss, company closures and increased unemployment. The objective of this study was to assess the level of innovation in Nigeria's telecommunications industry. The aim was to ascertain how innovative the operators in the industry are which in turn determines how competitive the industry is. Data was collected from available literature on the telecommunications industry. The study proved that there are innovative activities being carried out by the various operators but there is still a lot of room for improvement. The study also found out that government and regulatory authorities need to do more in the area of infrastructural development and policy formulation to ensure a level playing field for both the old and new entrants. The study recommended that all stakeholders in the telecommunications industry, especially the regulator, shareholders, sponsors/directors, top management, and the government, should ensure that there is an innovation strategy in place which should be managed to ensure a high level of productivity and competition amongst the various operators. The study concluded that most of the service providers do not have designed corporate innovation strategies or processes. Furthermore, there are no agents of innovation and innovation teams across the various organizations; champions who will assist the project manager with the implementation and tracking of ideas, innovations and changes. Therefore, there is the need by the various service providers to breakdown functional barriers in their various organizations. However, it is equally important for these organizations to minimize the impact of hierarchies so that a seamless flow of ideas is made possible.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ogbo, Ann I. , Okechukwu, Itanyi , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Telecommunication - Nigeria , Management of technological innovations
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5892 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8008
- Description: Of all the challenges faced by managers today, the management of technological innovation (MTI) is one of the most demanding. Get it right and firms create value and profit. Get it wrong and firms can face serious and perhaps terminal problems, losing money, workers, and reputation. This will lead to revenue loss, company closures and increased unemployment. The objective of this study was to assess the level of innovation in Nigeria's telecommunications industry. The aim was to ascertain how innovative the operators in the industry are which in turn determines how competitive the industry is. Data was collected from available literature on the telecommunications industry. The study proved that there are innovative activities being carried out by the various operators but there is still a lot of room for improvement. The study also found out that government and regulatory authorities need to do more in the area of infrastructural development and policy formulation to ensure a level playing field for both the old and new entrants. The study recommended that all stakeholders in the telecommunications industry, especially the regulator, shareholders, sponsors/directors, top management, and the government, should ensure that there is an innovation strategy in place which should be managed to ensure a high level of productivity and competition amongst the various operators. The study concluded that most of the service providers do not have designed corporate innovation strategies or processes. Furthermore, there are no agents of innovation and innovation teams across the various organizations; champions who will assist the project manager with the implementation and tracking of ideas, innovations and changes. Therefore, there is the need by the various service providers to breakdown functional barriers in their various organizations. However, it is equally important for these organizations to minimize the impact of hierarchies so that a seamless flow of ideas is made possible.
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Online business registration at a glance : a study of Congo-Brazzaville entrepreneurs in Cape Town.
- Momo, Alain M., Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Authors: Momo, Alain M. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Online business registration , Congo-Brazzaville entrepreneurs - South Africa - Cape Town , Center for Business and Administrative Procedures (CFBAP) , Electronic commerce
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5890 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8006
- Description: Even though God has ordained migration which has changed human history, rationalism, capitalism, liberalisation and technological innovation are central driving forces of globalization, and have positively impacted on global migration. Regardless of their entrepreneurial engagement, the presence of immigrants, including those from Congo-Brazzaville in South Africa, is often associated with an increasing unemployment rate; therefore, Congolese immigrants have become easy targets of blame for everything that has gone wrong in Cape Town. Therefore, the current authors believe that technological innovation, namely e-commerce could enable Congo-Brazzaville immigrant entrepreneurs, who are often accused of taking South African jobs, to plan for returning home. The main objective of this study was to analyse the benefits of online business registration for Congo- Brazzaville immigrant entrepreneurs in Cape Town. In order to obtain a clearer idea, the study focused on the junction of two strands, namely online company registration from both inductive and deductive perspectives. This paper utilised both qualitative and quantitative research methods. For research purposes, a self-administered questionnaire was utilised. The research target population included Congo-Brazzaville immigrant entrepreneurs in Cape Town, which is where the study was conducted. The purposeful sampling method was utilised with a sample size N = 116. The samples were sought from the general population of Congolese immigrant entrepreneurs who are also members of the Congolese Association of Cape Town.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Momo, Alain M. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Online business registration , Congo-Brazzaville entrepreneurs - South Africa - Cape Town , Center for Business and Administrative Procedures (CFBAP) , Electronic commerce
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5890 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8006
- Description: Even though God has ordained migration which has changed human history, rationalism, capitalism, liberalisation and technological innovation are central driving forces of globalization, and have positively impacted on global migration. Regardless of their entrepreneurial engagement, the presence of immigrants, including those from Congo-Brazzaville in South Africa, is often associated with an increasing unemployment rate; therefore, Congolese immigrants have become easy targets of blame for everything that has gone wrong in Cape Town. Therefore, the current authors believe that technological innovation, namely e-commerce could enable Congo-Brazzaville immigrant entrepreneurs, who are often accused of taking South African jobs, to plan for returning home. The main objective of this study was to analyse the benefits of online business registration for Congo- Brazzaville immigrant entrepreneurs in Cape Town. In order to obtain a clearer idea, the study focused on the junction of two strands, namely online company registration from both inductive and deductive perspectives. This paper utilised both qualitative and quantitative research methods. For research purposes, a self-administered questionnaire was utilised. The research target population included Congo-Brazzaville immigrant entrepreneurs in Cape Town, which is where the study was conducted. The purposeful sampling method was utilised with a sample size N = 116. The samples were sought from the general population of Congolese immigrant entrepreneurs who are also members of the Congolese Association of Cape Town.
- Full Text: