Business-Information Technology Alignment and Sustainability of State-Owned Tertiary Institutions in Rivers State, Nigeria

Purpose: This work examined Business-Information Technology Alignment and Sustainability of State-Owned Tertiary Institutions in Rivers State, Nigeria. The objective was to investigate the relationship between strategy-driven alignment and sustainability of state-owned tertiary institutions in Rivers State, Nigeria. Methodology: To achieve this, two research questions and hypotheses were designed to guide the study. The population for this work comprised 1,224 staff between grade level 11 and above in the five state-owned tertiary institutions in Rivers State. The sample size of this study consisted of 302 selected using the Taro-Yamane sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was the questionnaire. The test for the internal regularity of the instrument was conducted using Spearman Rank Order correlation. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions; Statistical Package for Social Science out version 23.0 was used to test the null hypotheses. Findings: It was found that strategy-driven alignment significantly influenced the sustainability of quality service delivery of the state-owned tertiary institutions in Rivers State, Nigeria; the study therefore concluded that adopting the concept of business-information technology alignment will invariably result to sustainability in tertiary institutions. Recommendation: The study recommended among other things that: Federal and state governments as well as tertiary institution’s management should, as a matter of urgency, develop credible strategy-driven alignment approach that will ensure that the unique objectives of the tertiary institutions are derived seamlessly while using IT, that tertiary institution management should fore-handily train all IT staff on the objectives of the institution so that everyone in IT has a visceral understanding of the institutions intention with regards to quality service delivery.

International Procurement and Supply Network Management in the Post COVID 19 Era in Nigeria: A Literature Review

Introduction: The global economy has been greatly affected by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the oil and gas industry is also being felt immensely as the industry relies heavily on the importation of the goods and services that they require to run their operations effectively and efficiently and the only way to get to the final destination of these company is through a well-managed supply network. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine international procurement and supply network management in the post COVID 19 Era in Nigeria. Being a literature review, the paper adopted a desk research methodology. Findings: The findings of the review of literature reveal that international procurement significantly influence and predicts supply network management performance. It also shows that COVID-19 has negatively affected both international procurement and supply network management, and that the phrase supply network management, instead of supply chain management, is most appropriate to describe the activities and relationships between and amongst individuals, enterprises, facilities and information, materials and services systems that connects supplier’s suppliers to customer’s customers capturing the multiple and complex relationships that exists amongst them.

Opportunity-Sensing Capability and Corporate Vitality of Domestic Airlines in Nigeria

Purpose: This study examined the relationship between opportunity-sensing capability and corporate vitality of domestic airlines in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The study adopted an explanatory cross sectional survey research design which was carried out at the organizational level of analysis. The population of this study was the nine (9) operational scheduled domestic airline operators in Nigeria. The managers involved were: Station Manager, Cabin Service Manager, Director of Airline Services, Operations Manager and Regional Manager. The study adopted the entire population as a census. The reliability of the instrument was ascertained using the Cronbach alpha reliability instrument with all items scoring above 0.70. The Spearman Rank Order Correlation Coefficient was utilized to establish the level of relationship as hypothesized with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.0. Results: Findings from the study revealed a strong positive significant relationship between sensing capability and corporate vitality of domestic airlines in Nigeria. It was concluded that when domestic airlines in Nigeria deploy their opportunity sensing capability it enhances the corporate vitality especially in the dynamic business environment. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: It was recommended, that there is need for domestic airlines to have more business forums in order to understand the changing trends within their business operational environment and detect fundamental shifts in their industry. They should look for opportunities to improve the ways in which new knowledge is acquired, analyzed, interpreted and distributed, as well as utilized in making good corporate decisions.

EFFECT OF INTEGRATED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ON SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY OF MATATU SACCOS IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of integrated information technology on sustainable mobility of Matatu Saccos in Nairobi County, Kenya. Materials and Methods: The study was guided by Positivism philosophy while descriptive research design was adopted. The target population was 177 Sacco Managers and two representatives, one from MOT and other from MVOA respectively. The whole population of 179 respondents was used in the study hence; the study employed the census approach. The questionnaire was pilot tested on 18 respondents who were selected randomly. The study applied Cronbach's alpha and the results displayed a high level of internal consistency hence infers that the research tool used in the study was reliable. The data collection instrument was a semi-structured questionnaire, which were dropped and picked later. A semi-structured interview guide was also used. Data was analysed using descriptive and SPSS Version 24. Results: The research findings indicatd that most Saccos have embraced speed-recording devices, vehicle-tracking devices, and that Sacco’s were using smartphones. Correlation analysis showed that information technology had a strong positive significant relationship on sustainable mobility of Matatu Saccos in Nairobi County, Kenya (rho = 0.821, p value <0.05). This was confirmed by regression analysis which showed positive and significant influence of integrated information on sustainable mobility (β = 1.140, t statistics = 16.582, p value <0.05). This suggested that there is a causal effect of IIT on sustainable mobility. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The research findings indicated that most Saccos have embraced speed-recording devices, vehicle-tracking devices, and that Sacco’s were using smartphones. Correlation analysis showed that information technology had a strong positive significant relationship on sustainable mobility of Matatu Saccos in Nairobi County, Kenya (rho = 0.821, p value <0.05). This was confirmed by regression analysis which showed positive and significant influence of integrated information on sustainable mobility (β = 1.140, t statistics = 16.582, p value <0.05). This suggested that there is a causal effect of IIT on sustainable mobility.

Strategic Sensitivity and Corporate Responsiveness of Fast Moving Consumer Goods Companies in Rivers State, Nigeria

Purpose: This study examined the relationship between strategic sensitivity and corporate responsiveness of fast moving consumer goods companies in Rivers State, Nigeria. Methodology: The study adopted a cross sectional survey research design. The population of this study was nine (9) fast moving consumer goods companies in Rivers State. Since the unit of analysis was at organizational level, only strategic managers were included. Five managers each were used for each company giving a total of 45 respondents. Census was adopted because the population was small. Primary data was collected using a 5-point Likert scaled questionnaire. The reliability of the instrument was achieved by the use of the Cronbach Alpha coefficient with all the items scoring above 0.70. The hypotheses were tested using the Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation Coefficient with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.0. The tests were carried out at a 95% confidence interval and a 0.05 level of significance. After data cleaning, only data for 38 respondents were used for data analysis. Findings: The findings revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between strategic sensitivity and corporate responsiveness of fast moving consumer goods companies in Rivers State, Nigeria. Specifically, strategic foresight and strategic insight were significantly and positively correlated with corporate responsiveness of fast moving consumer goods companies in Rivers State, Nigeria. Recommendation: The study recommends that fast moving consumer goods companies should build its capabilities of strategic foresight in examining the dynamic business environment and should constantly and proactively scan for opportunities and threats, in addition to strategies for lowering or reducing cost of production compare to other competitors.

STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION IN HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY: GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Introduction: Strategy implementation entails one of the most misunderstood business concepts, while it is important for all persons at all levels of the organization to comprehend what strategy implementation is especially in the hospitality industry. Strategy is about long-term goals of the organization while its foundation is strategy orientation envision in the future of hospitality industry. The hospitality industry globally symbolizes one of the most dynamic and successful industries in the United States of America, as well as in all countries of the world. Certain countries including United States of America. Purpose: The objective of the study was to establish strategy implementation in hospitality industry with a global perspective. Methodology: The study was established through a thorough review of literature available in (journals, conference presented papers, and academic websites) in respect to strategy implementation in hospitality industry in various countries of the world. The study randomly surveyed the available research on strategy implementation in (10) countries within (3) continents of the world. Findings: Several firms in the hospitality industry have recognize strategy implementation, however, there has been some evidence on the effective strategy implementation especially in developed economies including United States and European countries. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The driving force for strategy implementation is the interest to grow the industry in a competitive global environment. Strategy Implementation assist managers in the hospitality industry to achieve competitive advantage. The hospitality industry is still new yet growing very fast in other parts of the world and strategy implementation is of essence as a practice of strategic management. Strategy implementations is a concept that is still misunderstood in many organizations including those in the hospitality industry. Therefore, there is need for all people within the organization to comprehend all aspects of strategy implementation and the impact on business performance thereof.

Organizational Change and the Imperatives of Managing Employee Resistance: A Conceptual Review

Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to critically examine the factors that engender employee resistance to change and the various organizational strategies aimed at managing employee resistance to change. Methodology: The paper is a conceptual review of literature and thus adopted a desk research methodology to review extant literature on the subject matter. Findings: based on reviewed literature, managing and leading employees in a changing environment is critical to overall business success. A significant problem for many business leaders is that they fear employee resistance and do not use resistance as an opportunity to engage and learn. Unique Contribution: This study provides meaningful insight to the strategies needed to manage change which is seen as a permanent business function to improve efficiency and keep organizations adaptable to the competitive marketplace. Recommendation: Organizations must act in a proactive manner in managing incivility so that it does degenerate to serious and corrosive consequences that eat away the workplace culture by promoting well-being in the workplace and preventing certain unsafe dynamics from establishing themselves.

Organizational Change and Strategic Thinking

In most organizations, the strategic planning process is an annual exercise at best. It ensures that leaders pause at some point to take stock in their organizations, look out over the horizon, assess the external environment and establish their team’s priorities and goals. It’s a valuable process. However, it doesn’t typically happen frequently or fast enough to address the challenges and complexities of the present-day corporate world. That’s why leaders with strategic thinking skills have the edge in navigating organizational change. This article addresses the current scenario and realities of organizations and proffered some recommendations.

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND PERFORMANCE OF HEALTH NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA

Introduction: The contemporary business environment in which organizations operate is increasingly becoming uncertain and unpredictable, and it has been established that little is known of the implementation of strategic planning practices among not-for-profit organizations in developing countries, despite increased inability to meet estimated project timelines, quality and budget allocation. Purpose: This study aimed to examine how strategic management practices influence health NGOs' performance in Nairobi City, Kenya. Methodology: The study was grounded on theories that include: Ansoff's strategic success theory and stakeholder theory. The study was grounded on positivism research philosophy with a descriptive research design guiding the research. The study targeted the senior managers of the 98 health NGOs operating in Nairobi County. Stratified random sampling was used in the selection of the desired respondents. The sample participants for the research were 131 employees from health NGOs. The study relied on frequencies, means and standard deviation in presenting descriptive results. The inferential statistics used were correlation analysis, regression analysis and analysis of variance. Findings: The study results showed a positive and significant correlation between strategic planning, strategy evaluation and monitoring, and health non-governmental organizations' performance. The study concluded that strategy formulation as well as strategy evaluation and monitoring have a positive relationship with the performance of health NGOs. Recommendations: The study recommends that NGOs improve their strategic management practices by strengthening their collaborations with stakeholders, reviewing threats and opportunities and involving employees in strategic planning and implementation. The study recommends for further research work be conducted to review the influence of internal organization environment on NGOs' performance in Kenya.

CORPORATE FORESIGHT AND ORGANISATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY OF OIL SERVICING COMPANIES IN THE NIGER DELTA REGION, SOUTH-SOUTH, NIGERIA

Purpose: The main purpose for this research was to determine the degree at which oil servicing companies’ corporate foresight in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria influences the firm’s sustainability in that region and how the firms are able to take advantage of future competitive advantages. Methodology: This research adopts the descriptive survey design with the application of simple random sampling technique. Questionnaires were the primary means for gathering data from the employees in the oil servicing industry. A total of one hundred and fifty four questionnaires were administered to the senior staff in the selected oil servicing companies in Niger Delta region. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive and correlational analysis and supported with statistical package for social science (SPSS). Findings: organizational sustainability in oil servicing companies in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria with emphases to the measures of sustainability like social, environmental and economic. Unique contribution: The study gave useful perception of oil companies by stating that oil companies’ personnel or managers who are future oriented are the wheel upon which the companies’ future depends. Keywords: Corporate -Foresight, Organizational-Sustainability, Expert-based Foresight, Model-Based Foresight, Trend-Based Foresight, Environmental, Economic and Social.