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GBOROGBOSI Nubari Leesi
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
leesinubari@gmail.com
WALI Andy Fred
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
wali.andy@ust.edu.ng
IKEGWURU MacKingsley
Department of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Faculty of Administration and Management Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
ikegwuru.mac-kingsley@ust.edu.ng

Abstract
This study examined how perceived value, perceived quality, and perceived convenience influence the netizens cognitive experiences with online retailers in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study adopted a quantitative approach and survey research design. It was underpinned by Technology Acceptance Model and Expectancy-Confirmation Theory. The study collected primary data using questionnaire. The data collected, was analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistic. The results indicate that attitude of netizens towards value, quality, and convenience is an essential determinant of cognitive experience with online retailers. The study concludes that perceived value (perceived usefulness, perceived quality and perceived convenience) inform netizens’ cognitive experience, and recommends that online retailers in Rivers State that seek to register positive cognitive experience in netizens should focus on value-based approaches, improve service quality, and integrate features that enhance convenience to create and promote positive mental experiences.

Keywords: Perceived value, perceived quality, perceived convenience, netizens’ cognitive experience, ease of use.

GODFREY Carol Chigonum
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management,
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
Carolgodfrey01@gmail.com

DIDIA James U. D.
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management,
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt

ALEX-AKEKUE Nennaaton
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management,
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt.

Abstract
This study probed the relationship between process control and supply chain performance of food and beverage manufacturing firms in Port Harcourt. Specifically, the study determined the relationship between process control and measures of supply chain performance (waste reduction, delivery flexibility) of food and beverage manufacturing firms in Port Harcourt. This study was anchored on technology Acceptance Model. A correlation research design was adopted. The population comprised 30 food and beverages firms. The entire population was surveyed. Primary data were collected using questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using simple percentages, mean score rating, standard deviation, while the hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The study found that a very strong positive relationship exists between process control and measures of supply chain performance of food and beverage manufacturing firms in Port Harcourt. Thus, the study concluded process control is essential to improving supply chain performance and recommends that management of food and beverage manufacturing firms in Port Harcourt should establish standardized processes and procedures to ensure consistency and control across the supply chain to enable better visibility, tracking and management.

Keywords: Delivery flexibility, process control, supply chain performance, waste reduction.

IBANIBO Tonye Gloria
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management,
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
DIDIA James U. D.
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management,
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt

Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between joint problem solving (JPS) and healthcare delivery of private hospitals in Rivers State. The study was conceptualized with JPS as predictor to healthcare delivery measures of patient outcome, care coordination and patient engagement. The study adopted a cross sectional research design with a correlational investigation type. The study population comprised 43 private medical and dental hospitals that are operational in Rivers State as enlisted in Rivers State Ministry of Health Listing. The study surveyed all the 43 private medical and dental hospitals. 3 copies of questionnaire designed in Likert 5-poinit scale were administered to directors, matrons and procurement managers of the 43 private medical and dental hospitals. Thus, a total of 129 respondents took part in the study. However, data obtained from only 108 respondents was used for the study. The reliability of research instrument was ascertained via Cronbach Alpha test, with all the items scoring above 0.70. Pearson’s Product Moment relationship was used to test the hypotheses with the help of the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences Version 25.0. From the analysis, it was revealed that JPS has significant correlation with healthcare delivery. Based and these findings, the study concluded that JPS significantly correlates with healthcare delivery of private hospitals in Rivers State; and recommends that private hospital management should establish structured platforms such as cross-functional teams, joint planning meetings, and multidisciplinary case reviews where clinical and operational staff can collaborate regularly to address systemic challenges.

Keywords: Care coordination, healthcare delivery, joint problem solving, patient engagement, patient outcome.

SAMUEL Kalode Mikel
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Ignatius Ajuru university of Education Rumuolemeni, Port Harcourt
kalode.samuel@iaue.edu.ng

IKEGWURU Mac-Kingsley
Department of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt

WORDU Benjamin Chinuru
Department of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt

Abstract
This study focused on real time tracking and operational efficiency of bakery firms in Rivers State; specifically, to ascertain the relationship between real time tracking and operational efficiency. A correlational framework research model was formulated to take on board the two (62 hypotheses formulated for the study. The survey research method was adopted for the study on a population comprised of twenty-four (24) bakery firms in Rivers State. General managers, Bakery operations managers and Logistics managers were identified for the study. Subsequently, the simple random sampling technique was adopted to draw each of the identified managers to arrive at three management staff for each company and 96 respondents for the whole sample. A 5-point likert-scale questionnaire was administered to respondents, of which, of the 96 copies of questionnaire distributed to respondents, 69 were returned, resulting in a response rate of 72. However, after data cleaning, 53 returned copies of questionnaire were usable, represent 77% and were used for analysis. The study adopted descriptive statistics and Pearson’s moment correlation analysis to establish that real time tracking was constructive in relating to operational efficiency. The results showed that real time tracking had a very strong, significant and positive relationship with optimal resource utilization and waste minimization. Therefore, the study, concludes that, transportation management systems positively and significantly relate with operational efficiency of bakery firms in Rivers State, and recommends amongst others that, the management of bakery firms should maintain or improve on real time tracking that edifice their business in line with optimal resource utilization and waste minimization as part of strategies for effective operation of their business in the 21st century.

Keywords: real time tracking, operational efficiency.

NWEKE Miracle Homasom
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management,
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
ADIELE Kenneth Chima
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 Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory strategy and operational efficiency of downstream oil and gas companies in Rivers State, focusing on how JIT inventory strategy relates to delivery speed, cost reduction and resource utilization. Founded on economic order quantity model, the study adopted correlational research design with a cross-sectional approach. The population of the study comprised thirty (30) registered downstream oil and gas companies in Rivers State. Because the population was relatively small, all the companies were included in the study. Data were obtained from 128 key management staff involved in inventory and operational activities, particularly logistics managers, warehouse supervisors, procurement officers, supply chain analysts, and operations managers. The research instrument was structured on a five-point Likert scale. Three hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation. All analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Results of the analyses revealed that JIT inventory strategy relates positively to delivery speed, cost reduction and resource utilization of downstream oil and gas companies in Rivers State. Based on these findings, we concluded that, there is a positive and significant relationship between JIT inventory strategy and operational efficiency of downstream oil and gas companies in Rivers State; and recommend that downstream oil and gas firms should implement JIT systems to minimize inventory holding costs and reduce waste.

Keywords: Just-in-Time inventory strategy, operational efficiency, delivery speed, cost reduction and resource utilization.

WEJINYA Stella Wada
Department of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Faculty of Administration and Management, Rivers State University Nkpolu0Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
HARRY Amieibi-ibama Harcourt
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management,
Rivers State University Nkpolu0Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt

Abstract
This study investigated the impact of supplier optimization on competitiveness of downstream oil and gas companies in Nigeria. Anchored on resource dependence theory, the study examined key outcomes of organizational competitiveness – cost savings, organizational responsiveness, and procurement cycle time. This study adopted causal research design with a cross-sectional approach. The population of the study comprised 20 major downstream oil and gas companies operating in Nigeria. All the companies were studied. However, the study is at organizational level therefore, 86 respondents from the 20 companies provided data through a semi-structured questionnaire designed in Likert 5–point scale. Three hypotheses were tested and the results revealed that supplier optimization has positive and significant impact on cost savings, organizational responsiveness, and procurement cycle time. Based on these findings, this study concluded that supplier optimization is a key determinant of competitiveness of downstream oil and gas companies in Nigeria. Therefore, the study recommends that downstream oil and gas companies in Nigeria that seek improved competitiveness should implement supplier optimization practices, including effective supplier selection, performance monitoring, long-term partnerships, and technology integration to enhance cost savings, organizational responsiveness, and procurement efficiency.

Keywords: supplier optimization, organizational competitiveness, cost savings, organizational responsiveness, procurement cycle time.

BENJAMIN Rebecca Preye1 NWOKAH N. Gladson2
1Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
2Department of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
nwokah.gladson@ust.edu.ng

Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between procurement risk identification (PRI) and effectiveness of bottled water firms in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Driven by persistent supply disruptions, input cost volatility, quality failures, and regulatory pressures, the research examined how PRI relates to organizational effectiveness, measured by innovativeness, adaptability and customer satisfaction. A cross-sectional survey design was employed. Data was collected using a structured and validated questionnaire administered to managers of purposively selected bottled water firms. Instrument reliability exceeded the 0.70 benchmark. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistic was used to test 3 null hypotheses at 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed significant positive relationship between PRI and measures of organizational effectiveness. The study concludes that PRI enhance effectiveness of bottled water firm in terms of innovativeness, adaptability, and customer satisfaction; and recommends that managers of bottled water firms should enhance PRI to foster effectiveness.

Keywords: Adaptability, customer satisfaction, organizational effectiveness, innovativeness, procurement risk identification.

MOHAMMED Mamudu Aliyu NADUBE Paul M.
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt

Abstract
This study examined the link between supplier collaboration and supply chain performance of oil and gas firms in Rivers State. Supply chain performance was measured using flexibility and on-time delivery. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research. The population of study comprised 27 oil and gas firms in Rivers State. The sample size was the same as the population. 5 respondents were drawn from each of the 27 oil and gas firms totalling 135 respondents to whom questionnaire was administered. Analysis was done using Pearson Product Moment Correlation with the aid of statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 Findings revealed that supplier collaboration has a strong and positive relationship with flexibility and a very strong and positive relationship with on-time delivery. Based on the findings the study concludes that supplier collaboration significantly relate with supply chain Performance of oil and gas firms in Rivers State. The study therefore recommends that oil and gas firms should build and maintain collaborative relationships with suppliers in other to improve their flexibility and delivery lead-time, hence, enhance their overall supply chain performance.

Keywords: Supplier collaboration, Supply Chain Performance, Flexibility, On-time delivery.

JOSHUA Blessing NWULU Chinyere Stella
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract
This study examined the correlation between service reliability and patronage of agency banking service providers in Rivers State. This study was anchored Theory of Reasoned Action. The study adopted a quantitative research approach and an explanatory research design. The population of the study comprised Agency Banking Service Providers in Rivers State. This population is infinite. Hence, the Krejcie and Morgan Table for sample size determination was used to determine 384 agency banking service providers as the sample size. Primary data was collected using questionnaire. The data were analyzed using tables, simple percentages, mean score rating, standard deviation, while the hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The study revealed a positive and statistically significant correlation between service reliability and patronage of agency banking service providers in Rivers State. Thus, the study concluded that service reliability significantly influence patronage of agency banking service providers in Rivers State; and recommends that the agency banking service providers in Rivers State should provide reliable services that are error-free to improve their patronage.

Keywords: customer retention, patronage, profit level, sales volume, service reliability.

OGUDE Cyril1 NWOKAH N. Gladson2
1Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
cyrilogude77@gmail.com
2Department of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Faculty of Administration and Management,
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
nwokah.gladson@ust.edu.ng

Abstract
This study examined the relationship between customer focus and business success of downstream oil and gas firms in Nigeria. The study adopted an explanatory research design. The population of the study comprised 132 downstream oil and gas firms in Nigeria. The sample size was 100. Primary data were collected from the respondents using semi-structured questionnaire designed in the 5-point Likert scale. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistic was used to test the correlation between customer focus and indices of business success (market share, sales growth and profitability). The study found that customer focus predicts business success of downstream oil and gas firms in Nigeria; and therefore, concludes that business success of downstream oil and gas firms in Nigeria in terms of market share, sales growth and profitability depends on the level of their customer focus. The study recommends that downstream oil and gas firms should ensure that gathering intelligence on customer needs whether intermediate or final consumers is a deliberate organizational activity to ensure that the firm is abreast of changes in customer requirements.

Keywords: Business success, customer focus, market share, profitability, sales growth.