FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCE

Although global emphasis on sustainability responsibility seems to rise, studies in developing climes are yet to match the tide as more existing write ups focused on single clime while few focused on more climes at a glance. Hence, this study examined the influence of corporate characteristics on sustainability reporting among listed non-financial firms in Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya. Guided by stakeholder theory, this study specifically explored the effect of profitability, firm size, firm age, firm leverage, and human resources development on sustainability reporting, as measured by the Sustainability Reporting Index. Turnover growth was included as a control variable. The study employed ex-post facto research design. The population was 374 listed non-financial firms. Census sampling technique was used and through filtration, 312 firms were sampled from 2012 to 2023. Secondary data was obtained from the firms’ annual reports and standalone reports. Preliminary analysis (descriptive statistics, normality and correlation matrix) and inferential analysis (from panel ordinary least square to robust regression) were conducted in order to demonstrate the statistical relationship between the variables. Post diagnostic tests (heteroskedasticity and multicollinearity) were also conducted to ensure the reliability of the model. The findings revealed that human resource development has statistical significant effect on sustainability reporting across all countries and in the pooled (combined) model. Firm age also demonstrated a generally positive influence, reflecting the importance of institutional maturity in driving disclosure behavior. Firm size indicated statistical significance in Nigeria and South Africa at varying direction while firm leverage showed statistical significance in South Africa only. Profitability, however, was found to have no significant effect on sustainability reporting across all models, highlighting that financial performance does not necessarily translate into greater non-financial disclosure. The study concluded that corporate characteristics wield influence on sustainability reporting more on account of institutional and organizational maturity as well as human resources development than on the ground of financial performance. The study recommended that firms prioritize investments in employee training, welfare, and professional development to enhance their capacity for sustainability reporting. Furthermore, capacity-building initiatives targeting younger and smaller firms should be implemented to improve awareness and reporting competence. Sustainability reporting should be embedded as a strategic objective, independent of profitability, to foster long-term organizational transparency and accountability

This study examined the effect of accounting technology on fraud prevention and detection in organizations. Specifically, it investigated the relationship between accounting software, cybersecurity measures, automated internal controls, and ICT training on the prevention and detection of accounting fraud. The study adopted an ex-post facto research design, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to accounting and audit professionals across various sectors, including banking, insurance, and oil and gas industries in Nigeria. A total of 360 valid responses were analyzed using multiple linear regression with the aid of EViews 13 statistical software. The findings revealed that accounting software has a significant positive effect on fraud prevention and detection, indicating that the use of modern accounting tools such as automated reconciliations and audit trails enhances transparency and accountability in financial reporting. Cybersecurity measures, including encryption and multi-factor authentication, were also found to significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and fraudulent manipulation of accounting data. Similarly, automated internal controls significantly improved the detection of irregular transactions and reduced the incidence of fraudulent activities. Moreover, ICT training among employees was shown to significantly strengthen organizational capacity to identify, prevent, and respond effectively to potential accounting fraud. The study concludes that the adoption of accounting technologies and continuous ICT skill development are crucial to enhancing fraud prevention and detection mechanisms in organizations. It recommends that organizations should invest more in modern accounting software, implement robust cybersecurity frameworks, and conduct regular ICT-based fraud awareness training for employees. This will not only improve financial integrity but also strengthen the overall internal control environment for sustainable organizational performance.

The removal of the petrol subsidy in Nigeria has led to a significant increase in fuel prices, posing serious economic challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Given that SMEs contribute approximately 48% to Nigeria’s GDP and employ over 84% of the workforce, understanding how they adapt to rising fuel costs is critical. This study examines the impact of subsidy removal on SMEs, focusing on changes in pricing strategies, cost structures, automation investments, and diversification efforts. Using a mixed-methods approach, data is collected from SMEs across various sectors, including transportation, manufacturing, retail, and services. The study finds that rising fuel prices have forced many SMEs to increase product prices, optimize supply chains, and explore alternative energy sources. Additionally, some businesses are investing in automation and technology to reduce dependence on fuel, while others are diversifying their business models to mitigate risks. However, limited access to financing and economic uncertainty remain major barriers to these adaptive strategies. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for policymakers, suggesting the need for targeted support, such as tax incentives for automation, financial aid for SMEs transitioning to alternative energy sources, and infrastructure development to reduce reliance on costly fuel alternatives. The study contributes to existing literature by offering a holistic analysis of SME survival strategies in response to fuel price volatility in Nigeria.

The financial performance of firms, especially Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), plays a pivotal role in determining economic stability, investor confidence, and overall national development. At the core of this performance lies corporate governance, with the board of directors serving as a critical determinant of governance effectiveness. Acting as the bridge between shareholders and management, the board of directors is tasked with ensuring that the organization operates in alignment with stakeholder interests. Through its strategic oversight and decision-making roles, the board has a profound impact on a firm's financial outcomes, sustainability, and competitive positioning (Fama & Jensen, 1983). These studies, while insightful, leave notable gaps in understanding. Most of the existing literature has been conducted in developed countries, where governance frameworks, market dynamics, and cultural factors differ significantly from those in Nigeria. Moreover, few studies have examined the combined influence of board size, gender diversity, and board independence on financial outcomes in Nigeria’s banking sector. The inconclusive findings on gender diversity and the context-dependent effects of board independence further emphasize the need for research tailored to Nigeria’s financial and regulatory landscape.

This study examines the impact of recruitment processes on organisational effectiveness and employee productivity in Nigerian private and public sector organizations. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 100 respondents, achieving a
100% response rate. The data were analysed using SPSS version 22.0, employing descriptive statistics and regression analysis to test the research hypotheses. The findings reveal a significant difference in recruitment procedures between private and public sector organisations (p-value = 0.001 < 0.05). Additionally, the study establishes a significant correlation between recruitment processes and organisational effectiveness with an R-square value 0.343, indicating that recruitment processes explain approximately 34.3% of variations in organisational effectiveness. Furthermore, the study confirms that recruitment procedures significantly influence employee productivity, with an R-square value of 0.520 and a p-value of 0.000. Based on these findings, the study recommends that organisations adopt structured and
transparent recruitment strategies to enhance efficiency and productivity. Implementing robust recruitment policies that align with organisational goals can improve employee performance and overall effectiveness. Future research should explore additional factors influencing recruitment effectiveness across various industries.

This study investigates the impact of product differentiation strategies on the sales performance of Closeup toothpaste in the University of Benin, Edo State, Benin City. The research aimed to assess how unique product features, promotional strategies, packaging design, and sustainability initiatives influence consumer purchasing decisions and drive sales growth. A descriptive survey research design was employed, with data collected through structured questionnaires distributed to a sample of students from the University of Benin. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and Independent Sample T-tests. The findings revealed that Closeup's unique product features, such as freshness sensation and whitening effects, significantly influenced consumer preferences. Gender and age were found to have a notable impact on consumer responsiveness to product differentiation strategies, while marital status did not. Additionally, promotional differentiation through digital marketing campaigns and influencer partnerships effectively attracted younger demographics. Packaging design also played a crucial role in enhancing product visibility and appeal, while sustainability-focused initiatives, such as eco-friendly packaging and fluoride-free formulations, resonated with health- conscious consumers. Based on these findings, it is recommended that Closeup continuously innovate its product features, intensify digital marketing efforts, and enhance packaging designs to cater to diverse consumer preferences. Furthermore, the brand should introduce personalized product variations and prioritize sustainability initiatives to maintain a competitive edge and improve sales performance. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on product differentiation strategies and provides valuable insights for marketers aiming to enhance sales performance through targeted and innovative approaches

The study investigated the impacts of selected corporate governance mechanisms on the timeliness of financial reporting for Nigerian-listed companies. It specifically focused on ascertaining the effects of board independence, board size, board meetings, and audit committee size on the timeliness of financial reporting as the dependent variable. The study used secondary data on the four selected independent variables for sixty-three non-financial companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) from 2018 to 2022. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, a correlation matrix, and panel regression techniques. The result showed that only the variables of board independence and board meetings significantly affect the timeliness of financial reporting, while board size and audit committee size did not significantly influence the financial reporting lag in the periods captured by the study. The study recommends, among others, that the management of Nigerian listed companies should maintain the current proportion of non-executive directors and also ensure that board members with accounting Knowledge are in the majority, while also increasing the number of shareholders in the audit committees for more effective monitoring

This study investigated the effect of total reward on employee performance among academic staff at the University of Benin. Total reward has been recognised as a comprehensive approach that integrates financial and non-financial incentives to enhance employee motivation, satisfaction, and productivity. The specific objectives of the study were:  To examine the effect of compensation on employee performance.  To determine the extent to which benefits affect employee performance.  To assess whether work–life balance has a significant impact on employee performance.  To identify whether recognition influences employee performance.  To evaluate the relationship between development and employee performance. A survey research design was adopted, with structured questionnaires administered to 115 academic staff using a purposive sampling technique. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that compensation (p = .356) and benefits (p = .921) had positive but statistically insignificant effects on employee performance, while work–life balance (p = .136) also showed a positive but non-significant relationship. Recognition (p = .038) and development (p = .001) exhibited significant positive effects on employee performance. The regression model indicated that total reward components collectively explained 35.5% of the variance in employee performance (R² = .355, F = 11.976, p < .05). The study concludes that recognition and development are the most influential components of total reward in enhancing employee performance, while compensation and benefits primarily serve to sustain satisfaction and retention. It recommends that universities strengthen recognition systems, invest in continuous staff development, and implement integrated reward frameworks that balance both monetary and non-monetary incentives to promote long-term academic excellence and institutional productivity.

This study examines the impact of credit risk modeling techniques on the performance of life insurance companies in Nigeria., focusing on a sample of 12 life insurance companies in Nigeria over the period 2018 to 2024. The variables analyzed included credit scoring, structural model and Altman Z-score model. Various statistical and econometric tools were applied to analyze the data. The findings revealed that credit scoring and Altman Z-score model have positive and statistically insignificant effects on the financial performance of life insurance companies in Nigeria, while the structural model has a negative and statistically insignificant influence on the financial performance of life insurance companies in Nigeria. Based on these findings, the study recommended that life insurance firms in Nigeria strengthen the adoption and integration of credit scoring systems using advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence and firms should review and customize structural models to better suit the operational and regulatory environment of the Nigerian insurance industry.

This study investigates the impact of board diversity on financial performance in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, focusing on national, ethnic, age, and gender diversity as key dimensions. The population comprises all twelve oil and gas companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group as of December 31, 2022, with a census approach capturing the entire population as the sample. Panel data methodology, specifically Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, is employed to account for potential time-series variation and firm-specific effects in the analysis, using Earnings Per Share (EPS) as a proxy for financial performance. The study finds that ethnic and age diversity have a statistically significant positive impact on EPS, suggesting that a diverse mix of ethnic backgrounds and age groups within boards enhances financial outcomes. In contrast, national and gender diversity how no significant effect on EPS, indicating that these diversity dimensions may hold less influence in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The study recommends that companies in this sector prioritize ethnic and age diversity in board composition to improve financial performance, while policymakers and corporate leaders are encouraged to foster initiatives that support diverse perspectives, optimizing board effectiveness and shareholder wealth.