Purpose This study aims to examine uncertainties created due to the pandemic that multinational enterprises (MNEs) had to confront. It also assesses MNEs’ response to these uncertainties through their dynamic capabilities (DCs). It relied on theories of DCs and organizational learning. Design/methodology/approach MNEs listed in Fortune Global 500 served as the population of the study, while data were retrieved from their respective corporate websites. The final phase generated 704 documents systematically analyzed for dialogic communication. Content analysis was used to make inferences. Findings This study found six distinct uncertainties created by COVID-19. Furthermore, it was found that irrespective of industry-type or headquarters location, organizations could transform their internal processes and remain resilient by strategically sensing and responding to exogenous shocks through DCs. Research limitations/implications The use of dialogic communication through website analysis could be prone to misrepresentations and data exaggeration from organizations. However, this limitation was mitigated by focusing on Fortune Global 500 MNEs, which are reputable global corporations. Practical implications Dealing with and coping with the uncertainties created by COVID-19 presents MNEs with valuable capabilities and experience in handling future global viral diseases when they inevitably occur. Originality/value Unlike previous shocks, COVID-19 had an immeasurable global disruption to MNEs’ business operations. Evidence was found that MNEs could remain resilient by using DCs in response to uncertainties amid an exogenous shock. It makes a theoretical contribution by extending what was previously known about DCs, uncertainties and exogenous shocks.

Double Blind Review System Scientific Editor Ilan AvrichirObjective: (i) to adapt Aaker's (1997) scale to measure brand personality in the Nigerian telecommunications market using the methodology identified by Avis (2012) to be the most stable in literature; (ii) to identify the traits that could be used in marketing communication in the telecommunications industry; (iii) to reveal the brand personality factors of the telecommunications industry. Method: The study used a mixed design and survey method to sample 700 consumers of the Nigerian telecommunications industry. Data was collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using inferential statistics. Main Results: Aaker's (1997) scale was adapted to measure the brand personality in the Nigerian telecommunications industry and it measured six factors, namely, Sincere, Rugged, Sophistication, Competence, Innovative and Excitement.. Relevance/originality: The study provides local empirical evidence of the brand personality factors of the Nigerian telecommunication industry. The scale will be relevant in measuring the brand personality of other brands within the industry. Theoretical/Methodological contributions: The study supported the use of Aaker's (1997) methodology in developing brand personality scales. The findings were consistent with terminology that could be used to describe brands in the industry. Social Contributions/For management: Managers of Nigerian telecommunication industry brands can make use of the traits identified in marketing communication in order to better present their brands.

The number of domestic airlines operating in the Nigerian aviation industry have been on a steady decline for a number of years. This is despite a gradual increase in the average number of domestic travelers. Reasons adduced for this anomaly is related to high operational costs, debt burden and outstanding financial obligations. This study therefore examined low cost strategy as a prescription for struggling airlines in the Nigerian domestic airline industry. Stated preference theory served as the theoretical framework because it allowed the construction of realistic alternatives that respondents could choose from based on their preferences. The study was conducted in two phases using conjoint analysis. The first phase identified competitive tools relevant to Nigeria while the second phase involved respondents choosing from an orthogonal content analysis matrix based on selected factors and their attribute levels. Results indicated a high internal correlation value between observed and estimated preferences while no significant correlations was observed between the competitive tools, suggesting good model fit. Findings revealed that out of the six competitive tools, Refund policy and In-Flight Menu were the most important to passengers while Channel of ticket purchase was the least important. Based on the computer-generated path-worth utility matrix, the authors suggested a workable low-cost model that airlines could adopt to ensure survival and profitability. Implications are discussed.

Anthropomorphism is the belief that brands can possess human characteristics, which raises a tendency to assign human traits to inanimate objects. It is on this premise that Brand Personality takes its roots.  Several studies in the measurement and influence of Brand Personality abound leading to increasing arguments on the most appropriate methods to be used to measure Brand Personality.  However, Aaker’s methodology stands out prominently in the Brand Personality domain.  This study attempts to review the Brand Personality literature to identify the extent that this methodology has been used.  The objectives of this study are to identify the scope and limitation of Aaker’s (1997) Brand Personality construct, identify the literature on Brand Personality and identify the use of Aaker’s (1997) methodology in scale development. Using a qualitative design, consecutive sampling was used to analyze the identified literature on Brand Personality. The resulting data was analyzed using frequency and pictorial analysis and several tables presenting the review of the literature were developed.

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