Purpose – This study aims to develop adoption barriers model that captures location factors and non-transparency in government support programs, and attempted to unveil why certain locations offer more adoption opportunities than others. Design/methodology/approach – The opinions of small and medium enterprise (SME) owners/managers in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria were purposefully sampled. Two major cities (the commercial nerve center and a state capital) in each zone were chosen for the study and the data were analyzed using multiple regressions. Findings – Irrespective of the need to enhance operations through real-time knowledge sharing and network externalities; evidence from the study shows that SMEs in Nigeria are yet to exploit the full potentials of e-commerce solutions. This is evidenced by non-transparency in government support programs, location factors, weak finances, firm’s size, confidentiality of information, infrastructural inadequacy and lack openness and business integration. Research limitations/implications – Sampling the opinions of SMEs in Nigeria limits the power of generalization. Therefore, extended data and measures are required to replicate the study to improve external validity and reliability, and possibly build theories. Also, some errors seem unavoidable in the course of converting data just as all the measures used appear subjective and prone to common method bias. Originality/value – Though e-commerce adoption draw-backs enjoy huge literature, location factors and non-transparency in government support programs as critical inhibitors seem least studied. Therefore, this paper complements literature, stimulates future research and advises policymakers on promulgating, and real implementation of, appropriate policy frameworks to create information, communication, technology (ICT)-friendly environment within which e-commerce diffuse amongst SMEs.

This paper examined the theoretical perspectives of Strategic Human Resource Management Practices (SHRMPs) and organizational growth. The essence was to establish a relationship between SHRMPs and organizational growth. A qualitative research approach was adopted in an attempt to draw a relationship between SHRMPs and organizational growth. Other related works by different authors were reviewed. The findings could be generally stated that SHRMPs have positive and significant influence on organizational growth. The study revealed that it is necessary for organizations to use their human resources effectively in order to minimize wastages. Also SHRMPs, can only be a source of sustained competitive advantage when Human Resource (HR) managers support resources or competencies that provide value to an organization. Given the increased emphasis on HR practices, the study recommended that, it is imperative for Human Resource (HR) to understand the critical nature and utmost importance of effectiveness of all SHRMPs such as training, planning, reward, recruitment, selection and promotion in creating value for the organization.

AbstracstThis study investigated the influence of cultural factors such as customs, beliefs and values on the consumption patterns of chewing sticks, traditional wears, marriage apparels and burial rites in the South-South Geopolitical zone of Nigeria. 480 copies of questionnaire were developed and administered amongst adults of 4 randomly selected riverine Local Government Areas (LGAs) of each state of Cross River, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom. Specifically, each state surveyed was rated equal as well as the LGAs and so, 160 and 40 respondents were respectively surveyed from each state and each LGA. The data were analyzed based on 436 returns rate using simple percentages and Chi-square test statistic. However the findings showed that the interaction between cultural factors and consumption patterns in the zone, though with differing values, is statistically significant. Therefore, we conclude that a fair grasp of the strength of interaction between these variables and consumption requires studying them separately and not holistically. Finally, the study implied among others that since culture strongly correlates with a firm's financial performance, market orientation, and market positioning, its variables must not be taken for granted, rather they should be studied, identified, monitored, manipulated (where possible), and adapted to, in order to avoid threats they pose, and take advantage of opportunities they offer since strategic marketing decisions in our ever turbulent environments are often based on them.

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The work examined the impact of information technology (IT) tools on supply chain performance of online retailers in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey research design and the purposive sampling procedure. Data were analyzed using the multiple regression analysis. The study revealed that information technology (IT) tools have positive influence on supply chain performance of online retailers in Calabar Metropolis. It has been observed that the use of information technology improves supply chain performance as it assists the online retailers in building accumulative knowledge about various supply chain partners (customers, suppliers, distributors, and main channels). The study concluded that supply chain management begins and ends with the customers. And, the sole aim of the integration and collaborations of the supply chain is to effectively and efficiently satisfy customers' demands and needs, as well as add value to the supply chain activities which would enhance their performance. The study therefore, recommended that online retailers should build an effective supply chain, integrated with information technologies enabled logistic system that can improve supply chain performance and response quickly to unexpected needs of the consumers.