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EGBE Robert Ukata
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management,
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
OPARA Bright C.
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management,
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
NWULU Chinyere Stella
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management,
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between supplier involvement and corporate vitality of Electricity Distribution companies in Nigeria. The study was conceptualized using supplier involvement as predictor to corporate vitality with measures such as innovativeness, market responsiveness and productivity. The study adopted a survey research design. The study population comprised 11 electricity distribution companies in Nigeria. The study adopted Cluster sampling technique to group electricity distribution companies in line with Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones (North-East, North-West, NorthCentral, South-East, South-West and South-South). The study administered 4 copies of questionnaire to District Directors, Operations Managers, Logistics Managers and Tarrif and Billing Managers of each of companies across the six geopolitical zones using Adamawa (North-East), Kano (North-West), Nasarawa State (North-Central), Anambra State (South-East), Lagos State (South-West) and Rivers State (South-South) to represent each of the geo-political zones. Pearson’s Product Correlation was used to test the hypotheses formulated for the study. The test of hypotheses was done with the help of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. The study revealed the existence of significant relationship between supplier involvement and corporate vitality of Electricity Distribution companies in Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study concluded that supplier involvement significantly relates to corporate vitality of Electricity Distribution companies in Nigeria; and recommends that managers of electricity distribution companies in Nigeria should capitalize on the pivot role of supplier involvement to ensure corporate vitality.

Keywords: Corporate vitality, innovativeness, market responsiveness, productivity, supplier involvement.

CHUKU Chinwe Amadi
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
OPARA Bright C.
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
NWULU Chinyere Stella
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt

Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between road transport network design (RTND) and success of logistics companies in Rivers State. The study adopted a survey research design with a correlational investigation type. The study was conceptualized using RTND as predictor to organizational success with measures such as waste reduction, cost reduction and on-time delivery. The population of the study consisted 20 major logistics companies in Rivers State which are also registered with the Nigerian directory and search engine (2022). The researcher adopted the entire population as the sample size. The study administered questionnaire on the operations manager and logistics manager of each of the firms. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to test the hypotheses formulated. The Statistical Packages for Social Sciences Version 23.0 facilitated the tests. The results reveal the existence of significant relationship between RTND and success of logistics companies in Rivers State. Based on the findings, the study concluded that RTND significantly relates to success of logistics companies in Rivers State; and recommends that managers of logistics companies should strategically plan their routes and entire road networks to facilitate efficient movement of goods and people, this is expected guarantee their success.

Keywords: Cost reduction, on-time delivery, organizational success, road transport network design, waste reduction.

OGAREE Ebiteanga Daniel
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
GLADSON-NWOKAH Juliet
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
OGONU Chituru Gibson
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt

Abstract
This study examined the correlation between reverse logistics and corporate viability of road building firms in Rivers State. The study used reverse logistics unidimensionally, and decomposed corporate vitality into growth, responsiveness and customer satisfaction. Thus, the study formulated 3 hypotheses. The study population consisted 18 road construction enterprises. The study employed a census approach to distribute 3 copies of questionnaire to Site Manager, Logistics Manager and Project Supervisor of each of the construction firms. Data were collected from respondents were using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation relying on the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 23.0. The results indicated a positive and statistically significant correlation between reverse logistics and dimensions of corporate vitality. This means that reverse logistics correlates with corporate viability of road building firms in Rivers State. Study concluded that reverse logistics is essential to corporate vitality of road construction firms in Rivers State; and recommends that managers of road construction companies in Rivers State that aspire to achieve improved corporate vitality that manifests in growth, responsiveness and customer satisfaction should adopt reverse logistics not just as an operational necessity, but as a strategic posture.

Keywords: Customer satisfaction, corporate vitality, growth, responsiveness, reverse logistics.

OMOTOSO Omotayo Patrick
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management,
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
omotayo.omotoso@ust.edu.ng
IKEGWURU Mac-Kingsley
Department of logistics and Supply Chain Management
Faculty of Administration and Management,
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract
This study examined the relationship between green supply chain (GSC) practices and environmental sustainability of food processing companies in Rivers State. The objective of the study was to determine the correlation between GSC practices and measures of environmental sustainability (waste reduction, decreased carbon footprint) of food processing companies in Rivers State. The study adopted a correlational research design. The population of the study consisted 15 registered and functional Food Processing Companies. The study did a total enumeration. Primary data was collected using questionnaire; while the hypotheses were tested using Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation. The findings revealed that a very strong positive correlation between GSC practices and measures of environmental sustainability (waste reduction, decreased carbon footprint) of food processing companies in Rivers State. Thus, the study concluded that GSC practices significantly relate to environmental sustainability of food processing companies in Rivers State; and recommends that management of processing companies in Rivers State should incorporate ecological initiatives in their procurement processes in order to increase their environmental sustainability.
Keywords: Decreased carbon footprint, environmental sustainability, green supply chain management practices, waste reduction.

ABIYESUKU Afifama-a Obaye
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
NWULU Chinyere Stella
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-oroworukwo, Port Harcourt.

Abstract
This study examined the impact of route optimization on operational efficiency of logistics service providers at seaport terminals in Rivers State, Nigeria. Thus study used cargo throughput, delivery speed and cost minimization to proxy operational efficiency. This adopted a positivist philosophy; a quantitative methodology and an explanatory research design. The population of the study comprised 6 logistics service providers operating at seaport terminals in Rivers State. The study took a census. 7 managers from each of the 6 logistics service providers served as respondents. However, only 34 respondents provided valid data. The study used structured questionnaire to collect primary data. The simple regression analysis was used to test three null hypotheses, aided by the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. The study found that route optimization has positive significant impacts on cargo throughput, delivery speed and cost minimization of logistics service providers of seaport terminals in Rivers State. In view of these findings, the study concluded that route optimization in logistics operations positively and significantly impacts operational efficiency of logistics service providers of seaport terminals in Rivers State; and recommends that, logistics service providers at seaport terminals in Rivers State that seek improved operational efficiency should continue deploy route optimization technology to plan delivery routes; track vehicle movements; and monitor traffic conditions.

Keywords: Cargo throughput, cost minimization, delivery speed, operational efficiency, route optimization.

NWODO Comfort Nneka
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administrative and Management,
Rivers State University Nkpolu- Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Abstract
This study focused on unraveling the relationship between network technology infrastructure and supply chain performance. The study sought to conceptualize network technology infrastructure and determine its link to supply chain performance with service quality, operational efficiency and delivery speed as the measures. The study undertook literature review to gain insights into the meaning and relevance of network technology infrastructure on supply chain performance. From the studies reviewed, it was observed that network technology infrastructure positively affects supply chain performance. Thus, the study concludes that network technology infrastructure relates to supply chain performance; and recommends that firms should invest in network technology infrastructure, if they aspire to improve the performance of their supply chain.

Keywords: Delivery speed, network technology infrastructure, operational efficiency, supply chain performance, service quality.

ORDUWA Chimela Joseph
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo Port Harcourt
OKWANDU Gabriel A.
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo Port Harcourt
OGAN Henrietta Ingo
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo Port Harcourt

Abstract
This study examined the relationship between transport outsourcing and supply chain efficiency of soft drink distribution companies in Rivers State. The study was anchored on Resource Based Theory. The study adopted a correlational research design. The population of the study consisted 37 Soft Drink Distribution Companies in Port Harcourt. The entire population of 37 was studied as the sample size. Primary data was collected using questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Tables, simple percentages, weighted average, standard deviation, while the hypotheses were tested using spearman’s rank correlation. The study found that a strong positive relationship between transport outsourcing and measures of supply chain efficiency (waste reduction, cost minimization, order cycle time) of soft drink distribution companies in Rivers State.
The study concludes that transport outsourcing has significant and positive relationship with supply chain efficiency of soft drink companies in Rivers State; and recommends that operators of soft drink distribution companies in Rivers State should embrace transport outsourcing to improve the efficiency of their supply chain. This is because transport outsourcing reduces waste and costs, and lowers order cycle time.
Keywords: Cost minimization, order cycle time, supply chain efficiency, transport outsourcing, waste reduction.

OFORI N. Queeneth
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
queeneth.ofori@ust.edu.ng

Abstract
This paper examined the relationship between product differentiation and market competitiveness of firms.
Adopting extensive literature review as its methodology, the study synthesized reports and arguments of scholars to find out evidence of connection between product differentiation and market competitiveness.
The literature review indicates firms succeed through practicing product differentiation hinged on prioritizing innovation and catering to local taste and preference, to enable them capture market share, build brand strength, and create a unique position in the market. The paper concludes that a robust approach to product differentiation, aligned with strategic marketing initiatives, is pivotal to sustained market competitiveness of firms.

Keywords: Brand strength, market share, market competitiveness, product differentiation

BERNARD Peniel
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management,
Rivers State University Port Harcourt
peniel.bernard@ust.edu.ng
AKEKUE-ALEX Nennaaton
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management,
Rivers State University Port Harcourt
peniel.bernard@ust.edu.ng
GLADSON-NWOKAH Juliet Ijeoma
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management,
Rivers State University Port Harcourt
peniel.bernard@ust.edu.ng

Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between economic order quantity (EOQ) and logistics performance of quoted oil and gas companies in Nigeria. The oil and gas industry faces significant logistical challenges, including high transportation costs, overstocking, and stock-outs, which adversely affect operational efficiency. Utilizing a cross-sectional research design, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to senior managers in operations, logistics, and warehousing across nine oil and gas companies. Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation was employed for data analysis, revealing strong, positive correlations between EOQ and key logistics performance indicators: on-time delivery, order Fulfilment, and transportation costs (p < .005). The findings demonstrate that implementing EOQ can significantly enhance inventory management, reduce costs, and improve logistics outcomes in the sector. The study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the underexplored application of EOQ in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and underscores the need for effective inventory management practices to optimize logistics performance. Recommendations are provided for industry practitioners to integrate EOQ principles into their inventory management strategies to achieve operational excellence.

Keywords: Economic order quantity, on-time delivery, order fulfilment, logistics performance transportation costs.

NWOKOCHA Chiwetara Gloria
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Port Harcourt
ADIELE Kenneth C.
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Port Harcourt.

Abstract
This study examined effect of political canvassing on citizen participation in party politics in Nigeria. The study used political canvassing unidimensionally, and used voting, party membership and campaign involvement to represent citizen participation. The study adopted an explanatory research design. The population of the study comprised 93, 469, 008 registered voters in Nigeria. The proportionate sampling procedure was used to generate a sample size of 384 voters from the six geopolitical zones across Nigeria.
The study collected primary data using questionnaire whose validity and reliability was ascertained via the exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach’s Alpha test of reliability respectively. The study tested three hypotheses where using simple regression with the help of statistical package for social sciences version 22.0. The study found that political canvassing has positive and significant influence on measures of citizen participation (voting, party membership and campaign involvement). Thus, the study concluded that political canvassing significantly influence citizen participation in party politics in Nigeria; and recommends that political parties and electoral bodies in Nigeria should adopt political canvassing to encourage citizen participation by voting, becoming a party member and been involved in campaign process.

Keywords: Campaign involvement, citizen participation, party membership, political canvassing, voting.