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EKABO Vincent
Department of Marketing, Faculty of administration and Management
Rivers State University, Port Harcourt
NWULU Chinyere Stella
Department of Marketing, Faculty of administration and Management
Rivers State University Port Harcourt.

Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) robots and supply chain effectiveness of food and beverages manufacturing firms in Nigeria. AI robots is the predictor variable, and supply chain effectiveness (measured as delivery performance, logistics cost, and asset management) is the criterion variable. The study aligned with the positivist philosophy, hence, favoured a quantitative methodology and a survey research design. The population of the study comprised 17 quoted food and beverages manufacturing firms in Nigeria; and all were surveyed. A total of 77 respondents from the food and beverages manufacturing firms provided valid data for the study through a 16 item questionnaire. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to test three null hypotheses with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. The study found that AI robots have positive significant relationship with delivery performance, logistics cost and asset management of food and beverages manufacturing firms in Nigeria. Thus, the study concluded that AI robots have positive and significant relationship with supply chain effectiveness of food and beverages manufacturing firms in Nigeria; and recommends that food and beverages manufacturing firms in Nigeria should invest in AI robots to enhance delivery performance, logistics cost savings, and asset management.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence robots, asset management, supply chain effectiveness, delivery performance, logistics cost.

WEJINYA Stella Wada
Department of Marketing,
Faculty of Administrative and Management,
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
OPARA Bright C.
Department of Marketing,
Faculty of Administrative and Management,
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between just-in-time (JIT) inventory technique and procurement performance of upstream multinational oil and gas companies in South-South Nigeria. The study was conceptualized using JIT inventory technique as predictor to procurement performance with measures such as material availability, timeliness and cost reduction. Cross-sectional survey design was employed in this study. The population of the study comprised 24 upstream multinational oil and gas companies operating in South-South Nigeria as enlisted in the finelib.com Nigerian Directory and Search Engine.
The sample size of the study was the same as the population. The study administered 3 copies of structured questionnaire to Operations, Procurement/Logistics and Marketing Managers of the 24 of upstream multinational oil and gas companies, bringing the total number of respondents to 72. However, 67 respondents provided useable data for the study. Pearson’s Product Correlation Coefficients with a 95% confidence interval was used to test the hypotheses. Each test was conducted at a 0.01 level of analysis with the help of the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. The study found the existence of significant relationship between JIT inventory technique and procurement performance of upstream multinational oil and gas companies in South-South Nigeria. Thus, the study concluded that JIT inventory technique significantly relates to procurement performance of upstream multinational oil and gas companies in South-South Nigeria; and recommend that managers of upstream multinational oil and gas companies in South-South Nigeria should adopt JIT inventory technique to boost their procurement performance.

Keywords: Cost reduction, just-in-time inventory technique, material availability, procurement performance, timeliness.

OSSAI Patrick Esume
Department of Marketing
Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworunkwo, Port Harcourt

Abstract
This paper examined the effect of supply chain robustness on supply chain performance. The paper draws upon pertinent literature to explain the concept of supply chain robustness and its influence on supply chain performance, which is measured in terms of supply chain responsiveness, supply chain reliability, supply chain flexibility and asset management efficiency. Drawing upon extant literature, the study aimed to trace the theoretical links between supply chain robustness and the aforementioned operational measures of supply chain performance. The study found that there are indeed theoretical links between the study variables which can be further assessed empirically.

Keywords: Supply chain flexibility, supply chain performance, supply chain responsiveness, supply chain reliability, supply chain robustness.

JACKSON Prince Femi
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
ebiuwouj@gmail.com
DIDIA James U. D
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
IBAMA-HAMILTON Edith-Onajite Lolia
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt.

Abstract
This study investigated the association between product differentiation and customer retention of private media establishments in Rivers State. Product differentiation was the predictor variable.
Customer retention was the criterion variable and was measured with brand trust, switching barrier and customer loyalty. The research tested 3 alternate hypotheses in order to establish the association between product differentiation and customer retention of private media establishments. The study adopted an explanatory research design. The Population of the study comprised fifty (50) private media establishments in Rivers State as enlisted in the Rivers State yellow pages. The study adopted a census.
Two (2) respondents were drawn from each of the private media establishments in Rivers State, making a total of hundred (100) respondents. Categories of respondents were the marketing managers and sales managers of private media establishments in Rivers State. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation was used to test the hypotheses at the secondary level of analyses. The study found positive and statistically significant associations between product differentiation and customer retention. The study concludes that product differentiation significantly relate to customer retention of private media establishments in Rivers State; and recommends that managers of private media establishments should effectively differentiate their product in view of its strategic role in driving customer retention.

Keywords: Brand trust, customer loyalty, product differentiation, customer retention, switching barrier.

IKIODA Victor Oshioreamhe
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
NWOKAH N. Gladson
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

Abstract
This study examined the relationship between material requirement planning (MRP) and project delivery effectiveness of civil construction companies in Rivers State. MRP was the predictor variable while project delivery effectiveness, measured as project cost reduction, project time reduction, and project quality was the criterion variable. The study adopted correlational research design. Primary data was generated through structured questionnaire. The population of the study comprised 18 civil construction companies in Rivers State. Sample size of the study was the same as the population. 3 copies of structured questionnaire were distributed to Procurement, Logistics and Human Resource Managers of the 18 companies, making a total of 54 managers that provided data for the study. The research instrument was validated through vetting by subject specialists, while reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach’s Alpha test with a threshold of 0.70. The hypotheses formulated for the study were tested using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation. The study found that a positive and significant relationship between MRP and project delivery effectiveness of civil construction companies in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study concluded that MRP positively and significantly relates to project delivery effectiveness of civil construction companies in Rivers State; and recommends that management of civil construction companies in Rivers State should focus on establishing frameworks and developing infrastructure that that support MRP, if they seek to ensure effectiveness project delivery.

Keyword: Material requirement planning, project delivery effectiveness, project cost reduction, project time reduction, project quality.

BENJAMIN Rebecca Priye
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Management Sciences
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
beckyben38@yahoo.com

Abstract
Procurement risk assessment is an essential aspect of the procurement process that focuses on identifying, assessing, and managing potential risks throughout the procurement cycle. It helps ensure that risks are minimized, compliance is upheld, and the organization’s goals are achieved. This study examined the relationship between procurement risk assessment and effectiveness of bottled water firms in Port Harcourt. The aim was to theoretically review the relationship between procurement risk assessment and effectiveness of bottled water firms in Rivers State, with a particular focus on key measures: innovativeness, adaptability customer satisfaction. The qualitative approach was adopted while dynamic capabilities theory constituted the theoretical framework to provide the structure upon which the paper was built. After adequate literature review, the study found that procurement risk assessment has a positive relationship with effectiveness of bottled water firms in Rivers State and concludes that by prioritizing adequate procurement risk assessment, organizations can be innovative in operations, adapt to rapid changes in the environment and ultimately drive customer satisfaction in the region. Therefore, the study recommends that bottled water firms in Port Harcourt should thoroughly assess the risks associated with different procurement options, so they can make more informed decisions that align with their long-term goals and objectives, thereby enhancing their overall effectiveness.

Keywords: Adaptability, customer satisfaction, effectiveness, innovativeness, procurement risk assessment.

OGOLO Alawari Ebenezer
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management,
Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
OPARA Bright C.
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management,
Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
WALI Andy F.
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management,
Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
NADUBE Paul M.
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management,
Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Abstract
This study investigated the impact of service flexibility on marketing effectiveness of telecommunication companies in Nigeria. The study was conceptualized using service flexibility as predictor to marketing effectiveness with measures such as customer acquisition, customer retention and customer loyalty. A causal research design was employed in the study. The study population comprised 9 telecommunication companies in Nigeria. In view of the smallness of the population, a census was taken. 5 top level management staff of each company constituted the unit of observation. Thus, 45 management staff provided data for the study. Simple Linear Regression Analysis was used to test the hypotheses. Each test was conducted at a 0.01 level of analysis with the help of the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. The findings revealed the existence of significant impact of service flexibility on marketing effectiveness of telecommunication companies in Nigeria. Thus, the study concluded that service flexibility has positive significant impact on marketing effectiveness of telecommunication companies in Nigeria; and recommends that managers of telecommunication companies in Nigeria that seek improved marketing effectiveness in terms of customer acquisition, retention and loyalty should change their service deliveries according to consumer needs, tastes and preferences.

Keywords: Customer acquisition, customer loyalty, customer retention marketing effectiveness, service flexibility.

OGBONNA Chibuzo O.
Department of Marketing, faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Port Harcourt

NWULU Chinyere Stella
Department of Marketing, faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Port Harcourt

Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between integrated supply chain effort and marketing competitiveness of downstream oil and gas companies in Nigeria. Integrated supply chain effort was used as the explanatory variable and was proxied by supplier integration and customer integration. Marketing Competitiveness was the explained variable, and was measured with brand awareness and cost reduction.
The study adopted the survey research design. The population for the study was 27 major petroleum product marketers, as listed by NNPC as of December 2022. The entire universe was surveyed. However, five copies of the research instrument was administered on each of the 27 companies, thus the total number of respondents for the study was one hundred and thirty-five (135). However, data generated from one hundred and eighteen (118) respondents was found useful. The Spearman rank order correlation was used to test the hypotheses. The findings revealed that integrated supply chain effort (supplier integration and customer integration) had significant relationship with marketing competitiveness (brand awareness and cost reduction). The study therefore conclude that integrated supply chain effort has significant relationship with marketing competitiveness; and recommends that management of downstream oil and gas firms should make integrated supply chain effort in terms of (supplier integration and customer integration) if they seek to achieve improved marketing competitiveness (brand awareness and cost reduction).

Keywords: Customer integration, integrated supply chain efforts, marketing competitiveness, supplier integration.

OGUDE Cyril
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
cyrilogude77@gmail.com

Abstract
This paper examined the impact of customer focus on business success of companies. The paper highlighted the views scholars on the concepts of customer focus and business success, as well as measures of business success (profitability, market share and sales growth). The study also examined empirical findings of other studies as regards the customer focus and business success. Evidence from reports of earlier studies indicate customer focus is key to business success. This is because the review identified report of both direct and indirect contributions of customer focus to business success. Therefore, the study concludes that customer focus is a prominent antecedent to business success; and recommends that companies should consider customer focus more seriously due to its potential to boost business success.

Keywords: business success, customer focus, market share, profitability.

ALI Faith O.
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
NWOKAH Gladson N.
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
nwokah.gladson@ust.edu.ng
HARCOURT Horsfall
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Administration and Management
Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt
harcourt.horsfall@yahoo.com

Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between green transportation and business performance of oil and gas companies in South-South Nigeria. The study was conceptualized using green transportation as predictor to customer satisfaction, quality service delivery and customer retention components of business performance. The study adopted a correlational research design. The study population comprised 24 multinational oil and gas companies in South-South Nigeria. The sample size of the study was the same as the population. The study utilized structured questionnaire to collect primary data. The reliability of the questionnaire was ascertained via Cronbach’s alpha test. 3 copies of the questionnaire was administered to Operations Manager, Logistics Manager and Marketing Manager of each of the multinational oil and gas companies. After data cleaning, only 66 copies of questionnaire were used for the data analysis. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to test the hypotheses, relying on the assistance of the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Findings from the study revealed the existence of significant positive relationship between green transportation and business performance of oil and gas companies in South-South Nigeria. The study therefore, concluded that green transportation has significant positive relationship with business performance of oil and gas companies in South-South Nigeria; and recommends that managers of oil and gas companies in SouthSouth, Nigeria should engage in green transportation practices to boost customer satisfaction, service quality
and customer retention.
Keywords: Business performance, customer satisfaction, customer retention, quality service delivery, green transportation.