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OWABIE Dorin Chinyere
Department of Supply Chain Management
Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
owabiedorinc@gmail.com

Abstract
This treatise explored the concept of lean distribution and its relevance to corporate reputation. Following a comprehensive literature review, it was revealed that lean distribution impact customer satisfaction and corporate social responsibility, hence, corporate reputation. The review also revealed that corporate social responsibility initiatives enhance corporate reputation by demonstrating a commitment to sustainable business practices and community engagement. Based on these insights from literature, the discourse concluded that lean distribution is essential to corporate reputation building and management. Recommendations were those made based on our conclusion, with emphasis on adoption of lean distribution, and prioritization of customer satisfaction and corporate social responsibility. This paper contributes to existing body of knowledge by providing insights into potentials of lean distribution to enhance corporate reputation.

Keywords: Corporate reputation, corporate social responsibility, customer satisfaction, lean distribution.

WORDU Benjamin C.1, NWULU Chinyere Stella2, ADIELE Kenneth C. 3
1Department of supply chain and logistics management
Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Port Harcourt, Nigeria
benjamin.wordu@ust.edu.ng
2, 3 Department of marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Port Harcourt, Nigeria
chinyere.nwulu@ust.edu.ng; kenneth.adiele@ust.edu.ng

Abstract
This study explored the impact of logistics network design on cost reduction. The population of the study comprised State independent electoral commissions in South-South Nigeria. The study considers four dimensions of logistics network design (facility location, transportation mode, routing and scheduling, and technology integration) and analyzed their individual and collective impacts on cost reduction. The study was based on data collected from 90 representatives of the six (6) electoral commissions in the South-South Nigeria, using structured questionnaire and in a cross-sectional survey. The findings indicate that dimensions of logistics network design collectively have moderate significant impact on cost reduction.
However, individually, they have mixed impacts. While transportation mode and routing and scheduling exert significant impact on cost reduction; facility location and technology integration exert insignificant impact. Therefore, we conclude that with improved logistics network design, state independent electoral commissions in the south-south geopolitical zone can achieve higher operational performance in terms of cost reduction in line with the expectation of election stakeholders.

Keywords: Classical regression model, cost reduction, facility location, routing and scheduling, technology integration transportation mode, logistics network design.

OBIENU Azubuike Ndubuisi1, GLADSON-NWOKAH Juliet2
1, 2 Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
endyzubbygmail.com; juliet.gladson-nwokah@rsu.edu.ng

Abstract
This study investigated strategic supplier partnership and supply chain performance of food and beverages firms in Rivers State. The study adopted a survey research design and was carried out in a non-contrived environment. The population of the study comprised 25 registered food and beverage companies. Based on the small size of the population, a census was conducted. Procurement/purchasing manager, logistics manager, production manager, customer-service manager and accounts manager of the firms were relied upon for primary data. The data was collected using questionnaire. After cleaning and sorting, data derived from 110 copies of questionnaire were found fit and used in the analysis.
Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to test the hypothesized relationships. The statistical package for the social science (SPSS) version 23.0 aided the test of hypotheses. The results revealed that strategic supplier partnership has positive relationship with supply chain performance of Food and Beverages Firms in Rivers State. The study therefore, concludes that supplier partnership is a key determinant of supply chain performance, and can be exploited to improve a firm’s competitive advantage. The study recommends that strategic supplier partnership should be continuously employed by food and beverages firms in Rivers State to enhanced on-time service delivery, improved decision making and operational flexibility, and ultimately improve their supply chain performance.

Keywords: Flexibility, on-time delivery, strategic supplier partnership, supply chain performance.

NWAFOR Onyemelike Chidiebere1, OKWANDU Gabriel A. 2, HARCOURT Horsfall3
1, 2, 3Department of Marketing, Faculty of Management Sciences
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between green packaging and supply chain competitiveness of electronics distribution companies in South-East Nigeria. The study was anchored on transaction cost economies theory. The study adopted a, explanatory research approach. The population of the study consisted one hundred and fifteen (115) electronics distribution companies. The Taro Yamane’s formula was used to derive a sample of eighty-one (81) companies. One logistics manager from each company was drawn from the 81 companies to provide primary data for the study. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect primary data. The Cronbach’s Alpha test was used to ascertain the consistency of the constructs in the questionnaire, with a threshold of 0.7. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation was employed to determine the degree and direction of relationship between the variables. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 aided the tests. Results from the analysis showed that green packaging significantly relates to supply chain competitiveness (innovativeness, cost reduction, optimal resource utilization). Thus, the study concluded that green packaging contribute to innovativeness, cost reduction, and optimal resource utilization of electronics distribution companies in South-East Nigeria; and recommends that management of electronics distribution companies in South-East Nigeria should effectively implement green packaging, if they seek to improve the competitiveness of their supply chain.

Keywords: cost reduction, green packaging, innovativeness, optimal resource utilization, supply chain competitiveness.

OKWONG Stella Bassey1
IKEGWURU MacKingsley2, ATEKE Brown Walter3
1, 3 Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
2 Department of Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt.

Abstract
This study examined the nexus between information sharing and market presence of fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) distributors in Rivers State. The study took a unidimensional view of information sharing, and represented market presence with brand awareness and product availability. The population of the study comprised 12 FMCG distributors in Rivers State. The study adopted the universe as its sample, and collected primary data from customer service, operations and logistics manager of each firm. Structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. The hypotheses formulated for the study was tested using Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation. The study found that information sharing has positive and statistically significant connection with market presence. Specifically, the results indicate that information sharing has very strong positive and statistically significant correlation with brand awareness, and moderate positive and statistically significant correlation with product availability. The study therefore conclude that information sharing is a pivot for market presence (brand awareness and product availability); and recommend that FMCG distributors in Rivers State that seek improved market presence in terms brand awareness and product availability should enter into information sharing arrangement with other firms in their supply chain. This will allow them to source and utilize valuable information resources that will enliven market presence; as they will no longer rely solely on internal information resources.
Keywords: Brand awareness, information sharing, market presence, product availability

BERNARD Peniel1 DIDIA James U. D.2 AKEKUE-ALEX Nennaaton3
1, 2, 3 Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management,
Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.

Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between vendor managed inventory (VMI) and logistics performance of quoted oil and gas companies in Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design.
Primary data was collected from 27 senior managers in operations, logistics, and warehousing from 9 oil and gas firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). The study employed a structured questionnaire for the collection of data to assess the impact of VMI on 3 indicators of logistics performance: on-time delivery, order fulfilment, and transportation cost. Spearman’s rank-order correlation was utilized for data analysis, with the results revealing significant positive relationship between VMI and all 3 logistics performance metrics. Specifically, VMI was found to have a strong correlation with on-time delivery (rho = .961, p = .000), order fulfilment (rho = .955, p = .000), and transportation cost (rho = .949, p = .000). These findings suggest that VMI improve logistics performance by reducing lead times, enhancing order accuracy, and minimizing transportation expenses. The study recommends the full adoption of VMI, supported by advanced technology and continuous supplier collaboration, to optimize logistics performance in the Nigerian oil and gas sector.

Keywords: Logistics performance, on-time delivery, order fulfilment, transportation cost, vendor managed inventory.

OSUIGBO Grant
Department of Marketing Faculty of Management Sciences
Rivers State University-Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt.

Abstract
Supply chain visibility (SCV) is essential to sustained competitive edge, particularly for firms operating within highly complex and constantly changing contexts. This study explored the concept of SCV and relevant to enhanced competitive advantage in terms of service quality and customer satisfaction. The study draw on extensive literature review to assess how SCV contribute to competitive advantage of firms. Resource based view constituted the theoretical framework of the study. The literature review reveals that robust SCV significantly bolster service quality and customer satisfaction; given that firms are willing to address the challenges of high implementation cost and technological complexities that beset SCV. Thus, the study concludes that SCV enhance competitive advantage of firms by contributing to better performance management, effective resource utilization, and a stronger market position; and recommends that firms, especially those operating in dynamic and competitive markets should invest in advanced technologies and infrastructure that enhance SCV capabilities.

Keywords: Competitive advantage, customer satisfaction, service quality, supply chain visibility.

EGBUCHE Victoria Uzochukwu
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Management Sciences
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
OGONU Chituru Gibson
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Management Sciences
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
gibson.ogonu@ust.edu.ng

Abstract
This study examined the relationship between electronic tendering (e-tendering) and operational efficiency of soft drink distribution companies in Port Harcourt. The objective of the study was to determine the extent to which improvements operational efficiency in terms of customer service, supplier quality and cost control of soft drink distribution companies in Port Harcourt can be ascribed to the practice of e-tendering. The study adopted a survey research design. The population of the study consisted 37 registered and functional soft drink distribution companies; and the entire population was surveyed. Primary was collected using questionnaire designed in 5-point Liker scale, and whose reliability was ascertained using the Cronbach’s Alpha test. The Spearman’s Rank Correlation served as test statistic, relying on SPSS version 24.0. The study found moderate positive relationship with customer service, weak positive relationship with supplier quality and very strong positive relationship with cost control. The study also found that the relationship between e-tendering and all the metrics of operational efficiency are statistically significant. Thus, the study concluded that e-tendering has positive significant relationship with operational efficiency of soft drink distribution companies in Port Harcourt. The study recommends that soft drink distribution companies in Port Harcourt that seek to boost their efficiency (customer service, supplier quality and cost control) adopt the practice of e-tendering to promote transparency and credibility in approval of qualified bid.

Keywords: Cost control, customer service, e-tendering, operational efficiency, supplier quality.

IRINGE Victory Enyidah
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt.

Abstract
This study examined the relationship between brand sincerity and spiral consumption behaviour.
Brand sincerity was the predictor variable, while spiral consumption is the criterion variable, and was proxied by frequency of purchase, consumer confidence and level of debt. This study adopted a correlational research design. The population of the study consisted consumers of cosmetic products in South-South Nigeria. The used randomly surveyed 228 consumers of cosmetic products from the 6 States of South-South Nigeria. Questionnaire was used to collect primary data from the respondents.
The study tested 3 hypotheses using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation, relying on Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Tests of hypotheses showed that brand sincerity has strong positive and statistically significant correlation with spiral consumption. The study concludes that brand sincerity relates to spiral consumption, and that brand sincerity is a strong pretext to elicit frequency of purchase, consumer confidence and level of debt of consumers of cosmetic products in South-South Nigeria. Thus, the study recommends manufacturers and dealer of cosmetic products should build brand sincerity if they seek to elicit spiral consumption of consumers.

Keywords: Brand sincerity, consumer confidence, frequency of purchase, level of debt, spiral consumption.

POKUBO Hilda I.
Department of Marketing, faculty of administration and management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
HARCOURT Horsfall
Department of Marketing, faculty of administration and management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
HAMILTON-IBAMA Edith-Onajite Lolia
Department of Marketing, faculty of administration and management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt.

Abstract
This study examined the relationship between retro-branding and marketing success of fast moving consumer goods firms (FMCG) in Rivers State. Retro-branding was used as the predictor to marketing success in terms of brand awareness and new customer acquisition. A survey research design with explanatory attribute was adopted to study twenty FMCG firms with 5 managerial staff each to reach 100 respondents. Copies of questionnaires were produced and distributed to the 100 respondents and 93 copies were retrieved and found useable for the study. Data collected from respondents were analysed with both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study revealed a positive and significant relationship between retro-branding and indicators of marketing success. Based on the findings, the study concludes that retro-branding relates to marketing success of FMCG firms in Rivers State; and recommends that managers of FMCG firms should engage in retro-branding to boost their marketing success.

Keyword: Brand awareness, market success, new customer acquisition, retro-branding.