FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCE

This study investigates the impact of corporate sustainability committees (CSCs) on corporate financial performance (CFP) among listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria from 2018 to 2023. The research examines four major characteristics of sustainability committees: size, independence, gender diversity, and due diligence, and their influence on financial performance measured by Return on Assets (ROA). Anchored on Stakeholder Theory, the study adopts a longitudinal research design using secondary data derived from annual reports, sustainability disclosures, and financial statements of 30 purposively selected firms. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, diagnostic tests, and Fully Modified Least Squares (FMOLS) regression were employed to analyse the data and establish relationships among variables. The empirical findings reveal that committee independence has a significant positive effect on corporate financial performance, implying that independent directors enhance governance quality and decision-making transparency. In contrast, due diligence practices exhibit a significant negative relationship with financial performance, suggesting that increased compliance efforts may impose short-term financial costs. Committee size and gender diversity, however, show no statistically significant influence on financial performance, indicating that structural and demographic attributes alone may not determine financial outcomes. The study concludes that sustainability committee independence is a crucial determinant of financial success, as it strengthens accountability and stakeholder confidence. The study recommends that firms prioritize appointing independent directors to sustainability committees, implement cost-effective compliance strategies, and view gender diversity as part of broader corporate social responsibility initiatives to promote both sustainable and profitable corporate governance.

This study examined how credit risk management affects the profitability of six listed deposit money banks in Nigeria from 2014 to 2023. Using a balanced panel of 60 observations and a fixed-effects model with robust standard errors, the results show that both the non-performing loan ratio (NPLR) and loan loss provision ratio (LLPR) significantly and negatively affect return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE). A one-percentage-point increase in NPLR reduces ROA by about 0.08 percentage points and ROE by about 0.65 percentage points, while higher provisions further weaken earnings. Bank size has a positive impact on profitability, supporting the idea that larger banks benefit from efficiency and stronger risk-absorbing capacity. This study also finds that the 2015–2016 recession and high interest-rate volatility confirmed through a persistent GARCH (1,1) effect further reduce bank performance. All diagnostic tests validate the reliability of the model. This study suggests that effective credit risk management is essential for sustaining profitability in Nigerian banks and recommends stronger credit appraisal systems, improved NPL recovery, full IFRS 9 implementation, diversified income sources, and stronger macroprudential policies

This study examines the effect of external debt on economic growth in Nigeria for the period 2000–2024. The specific objectives were to investigate the effect of external debt stock on the Nigerian economy, determine the effect of external debt service payments on economic growth, and examine the effect of exchange rate on the economy. The study adopted an ex-post facto research design, relying on secondary data sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin, Debt Management Office (DMO) Annual Reports, and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Data were analyzed using econometric techniques with the aid of EViews software. The empirical results revealed that external debt stock has a positive and significant effect on economic growth in Nigeria, indicating that judicious borrowing can enhance economic performance when appropriately managed. However, external debt servicing exhibited a negative but statistically insignificant relationship with economic growth, suggesting that high debt servicing obligations may crowd out funds meant for productive investment. Additionally, the exchange rate was found to have a positive and significant relationship with economic growth during the study period. The study concludes that external debt, when effectively utilized and prudently managed, can contribute positively to economic growth in Nigeria. It therefore recommends that policymakers should prioritize the efficient management and productive use of borrowed funds, invest in fixed assets that promote long-term growth, and ensure that regulatory authorities monitor the country’s debt sustainability and repayment capacity to avoid debt distress.

This study examined the impact of production line strategies and operational performance of manufacturing companies in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it assessed the relationships that one-piece flow, standardised work and ergonomic conditions of the production lines have with operational performance of Manufacturing Companies in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The survey research design was adopted for this study. The population of the study comprised all the managerial staff of the 48 registered manufacturing firms in Benin City. A total of 144 copies of questionnaire were distributed, retrieved and found usable for the study. Judgemental and convenience sampling procedure was used in administering the copies of questionnaire to selected respondents in Manufacturing Companies in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The data collected through questionnaire administration were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, mean and standard deviation. Multiple regression analysis was used to estimate the research models using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) technique. The study found that there is a positive and significant relationship between one￾piece flow, ergonomic conditions of the production lines and operational performance of manufacturing companies in Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria while a positive and non￾significant relationship was found between standardised work and operational performance of Manufacturing Companies in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. It was concluded that adopting one-piece flow and a proper production line ergonomics in the xi organisation will create a more productive workforce, enhanced cost effectiveness and increased profitability. The study recommends that manufacturing companies should consider adopting one-piece flow methodologies, promote a continuous and efficient production process, balance the implementation of standardised work, considering task nature, workforce dynamics, and creativity requirements, and prioritise the creation of ergonomic work environments by investing in facilities that optimize the physical and cognitive capabilities of employees. This should be supported by training programs, regular assessments and employee feedback

The study goal was focused on examining the impact of social media use on interpersonal relationships among couples. In achieving the study goal, specific objectives were developed that include: investigating the opportunities and potential problems created by social media usage on interpersonal relationships among couples; assessing the preference for social media on interpersonal relationships among couples as a means of communication; and ascertaining the impact of social media use on interpersonal relationship among couples. Adopting the survey research design, the primary source served as the means of gathering the study's data. Data collected from respondents using a questionnaire was then used for additional analysis. This study also used the snowballing sampling technique. From the entire population, 110 people who are or have been in relationships were chosen as a sample using the snowballing method, though 109 respondents actually competed the questionnaire. The questionnaire, which allowed for the collection of data from respondents, served as the survey research instrument. Utilising both descriptive and inferential statistics, the study found that among other things, distraction was the common factor that affected couples that are engrossed in the use of social media. The study therefore concludes that some of the challenges arising in interrelationship among couples and affect their relationships include distraction, easy communication, sharing of information, staying connected, entertainment and suspicion of distrust. Despite recognising some benefits, the study recommends that couples should be open to each other despite on the extent of the use of social media.

This study investigated the Sustainability Reporting on Corporate Financial Performance of listed Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria. The study adopted ex-post facto research design. The population of the study was the thirteen DMBs listed on Nigerian Exchange Group of which five (5) were sampled out using purposive sampling technique. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the effect of environmental, economic, social sustainability reporting using return on assets (ROA) as a measure of corporate financial performance. Panel data collected from sampled sourced from their annual report of sampled banks from 2013 to 2022. Using the panel least squares regression technique, the study found that environmental and economic sustainability reporting has a positive and negative insignificant effect on the performance respectively. However, social sustainability reporting was found to be negative and statistically significant. Based on the findings, the study recommends amongst others that enabling legislation should be put in place to mandate enhanced sustainability practices among all deposit money banks in Nigeria as well as facilitate meaningful evaluation and measurement of environmental, economic and social impacts in all areas of bank operations in Nigeria.

This study investigated the influence of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) practices on business performance among small-scale tailoring enterprises in Benin City, Nigeria. The objectives were to examine CRM adoption levels, assess its effects on customer retention and loyalty, evaluate the role of technology and record management, investigate the impact of personalized customer service on business growth, and identify implementation challenges. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 395 tailoring enterprises, determined through Cochran's formula. A total of 321 valid responses were obtained, representing an 81.3% response rate. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation at 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed high CRM adoption among tailoring businesses, particularly in maintaining customer records, leveraging feedback to improve service quality, and engaging customers through digital platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram. The study established a significant positive relationship between CRM adoption, customer retention, and business performance. Technology and record management moderately enhanced operational efficiency and sales growth, while personalized service delivery significantly promoted customer satisfaction and repeat patronage. However, financial limitations, inadequate technological infrastructure, and insufficient employee training were identified as key implementation barriers. The study concludes that strategic CRM adoption is vital for enhancing competitiveness, profitability, and long-term sustainability. It recommends that tailoring enterprises invest in affordable technology-driven CRM systems, prioritize employee training, and strengthen customer-focused relationship strategies to achieve improved business outcomes in Nigeria's fashion industry.

This study investigates the relationship between corporate board diversity and the financial performance of quoted oil and gas companies in Nigeria. Conducted within the context of governance reforms and performance challenges in the sector, the research examines how national, ethnic, age, and gender diversity influence Earnings Per Share (EPS), which was adopted as the measure of financial performance. An ex-post facto research design was employed, using panel data extracted from the annual reports of twelve oil and gas companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group between 2014 and 2023. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression were applied to evaluate the hypothesized relationships. The findings reveal that ethnic and age diversity exert significant positive effects on EPS, while national and gender diversity show statistically insignificant influences. The results indicate that board heterogeneity in certain dimensions enhances shareholder value, though some forms of diversity remain underutilized in Nigeria’s corporate governance framework. The study concludes that meaningful representation across diversity dimensions can strengthen decision- making and improve financial outcomes, especially in a highly regulated and capital-intensive industry. The study recommends that regulators and policymakers enforce inclusive governance policies that encourage balanced board representation, while companies should adopt strategic diversity practices that integrate ethnicity, age, gender, and nationality to enhance performance and competitiveness.

This study examines the factors influencing environmental disclosure among oil and gas companies in Nigeria. It adopts an ex-post facto research design with a longitudinal approach, utilizing panel data spanning eleven (11) financial years (2014–2024) from oil companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX). The variables investigated include leverage, firm size, profitability, audit firm type, financial constraint, and firm age. The findings reveal that leverage, profitability, firm size, audit firm type, firm age, and financial constraint all have no significant effect on the level of environmental accounting disclosure by oil and gas companies in Nigeria. Based on these results, the study recommends that future research should consider a broader sample of companies and incorporate additional variables beyond those used in the current model, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the determinants of environmental disclosure in the Nigerian oil and gas sector.

This study examines the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) marketing on students’ patronage of products, using the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin City, as a case study. The research focused on assessing how five key dimensions of AI marketing—Human-Centered Design (HCD), Perceived Safety (PS), Reliability (REL), Transparency (TR), and Security (SEC)—affect students’ purchasing decisions. Data were obtained through a structured questionnaire distributed among undergraduate students, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression techniques to determine the predictive effect of each variable on product patronage. The findings revealed that all five dimensions of AI marketing significantly and positively influence students’ patronage, with Human-Centered Design emerging as the most impactful factor. The study further established that students are more inclined to engage with AI- driven marketing platforms when they perceive them as user-friendly, transparent, secure, and trustworthy in their recommendations. In light of these findings, the study recommends that marketers, businesses, and e-commerce platforms adopt AI systems that emphasize user experience, security, and data transparency. Regular algorithm updates, clear communication on data usage, and strong protection measures are encouraged to enhance students’ confidence and sustained engagement. Overall, this research enriches existing knowledge on AI-driven marketing and provides practical insights for developing effective, reliable, and customer- centered AI marketing strategies within the Nigerian higher education context.