MANAGEMENT SCIENCES

The study examined the effect of financial inclusion on economic growth in Nigeria spanning periods from 1994 to 2023 based on the accessibility of data. Four hypotheses were raised and evaluated using the fully modified ordinary least squares estimator. Based on the analysis conducted, the following findings were made that: the number of bank branches per 100,000 adults has a statistically significant but negative impact on economic growth in Nigeria; the number of deposit accounts with commercial banks per 1,000 adults does not significantly impact economic growth in Nigeria; the proportion of outstanding loans from commercial banks as a percentage of GDP does not have a significant effect on economic growth in Nigeria; and the total volume of mobile money transactions as a percentage of GDP has a statistically significant and positive impact on economic growth in Nigeria. Thus, it was recommended that: policymakers and financial institutions should prioritize investments in mobile and digital banking infrastructure over expanding physical bank branches; financial institutions should implement strategies to encourage the active use of deposit accounts; financial institutions should focus on enhancing access to productive credit for individuals and small businesses; and policymakers and financial institutions should further develop mobile money ecosystems.

This study examined the relationship between employee relations and employee productivity in the hotel industry. A questionnaire was administered to a sample of 70 hotel employees to assess various aspects of employee relations, including communication, teamwork, management support, and recognition/rewards. Employees also provided self-report of their own productivity. Quantitative analysis revealed several significant positive correlations between measures of employee relations and employee productivity. In particular, perceptions of open communication, strong teamwork, and adequate management support were all
associated with higher levels of self-reported employee productivity. The findings suggest that investing in initiatives to improve employee relations within hotels may have tangible benefits in terms of boosting employee output and performance. Implications for hotel management practices are discussed, along with limitations of the study and directions for future research

Stock market volatility is a key factor influencing investor behavior, often leading to significant fluctuations in asset prices and investment decisions. This study examines the relationship between stock market volatility and investor behavior, focusing on key volatility metrics such as the standard deviation of stock prices, historical volatility, the Volatility Index (VIX), and the turnover ratio. The research explores how these indicators shape investor decision-making, particularly during periods of heightened market uncertainty. The study adopts a quantitative approach, utilizing secondary data from major stock markets, with a focus on both individual and institutional investors. The analysis investigates the extent to which volatility affects investment choices, whether through risk-averse strategies, speculative trading, or panic-driven reactions. Behavioral finance theories, including loss aversion and market sentiment, provide a theoretical foundation for understanding investor responses to market fluctuations.
Findings from this research are expected to provide insights into how investors react to different measures of volatility and offer recommendations for mitigating risk in volatile market conditions. The study contributes to the broader financial literature by bridging the gap between volatility indicators and investor behavior, offering practical implications for investors, financial analysts, and policymakers in fostering market stability.