Examining the Moderating Effect of Organic Structure and Innovative Culture on the Relationship between Social Capital and Knowledge Management Processes at a Research & Development Organization

Purpose- In today’s heavy competitive environment, organizations have found that the knowledge is the best tool for keeping up with competitors. In this regard, the role of employees, as knowledge holders and the most important capital of organizations have been being taken into account more than before. Since the existence of social capital in organizations lead to improvement and development of knowledge management processes (KMP), examining the level of social capital as an important dimension of intellectual capital and its role in KMP is the main purpose of this article. Design/methodology/approach- By reviewing the existing literature and using standardized questionnaire, it was tried to examine the relationship between social capital and KMP through the moderating role of organic structure and innovative culture in the organization. After review of the existing literature in depth, we took advantages of Nahapiet and Ghoshal Model for measuring social capital and in order to measure the KMP, Bukowitz and Williams Model was used. The main hypothesis of this research was that there was a significant relationship between KMP and social capital through moderating role of organic structure and innovative culture in the organization. In order to test the hypothesis, using the test methods for correlation coefficients (Pearson and Spearman), a standardized questionnaire was designed and distributed among our target segment including faculty members, researchers and administrative staffs of university. Findings- The results showed that contrary to our expectation, considering moderator variables, structure and culture does not have positive and significant effect on KMP in the level of the organic structure and innovative culture of social capital. It was revealed that considering those two variables, social capital does have a significant and positive effect on KMP in the level of mechanical structure and non-innovative culture. We also found that there was a considerable relationship between cognitive and relational dimensions of social capital and KMP. Besides that, it was understood that there was a positive and significant relationship between each of organic structure and innovative culture’s variables and social capital and KMP’s variables. Research limitations/implications– Risks of method variance or response biases are likely as all Data are drawn from employee surveys, and some selection bias as respondents could not be directly compared with non-respondents. Originality/value – This study makes a significant contribution to the intangible assets literature by providing further evidence of the impact of culture and structure on intellectual capital.

An Assessment of the Impact of Credit Risk Management and Performance on Loan Portfolio at International Bank Liberia

This research entitled “An Assessment of the impact of credit risk management and performance on loan portfolio at International Bank Liberia Limited from 2015-2017 contributed to the body of knowledge to the beneficiaries. It findings are also important for the Central Bank to use in monitoring credit scoring and history across all commercial bank with in the country. This study was quantitative in nature, and involves mathematical modelling in order to determine the effect of changes in interest rates on profit and net worth of the sampled banks. This study uses panel data and assumes that the effect of interest rate changes vary across the observations and over time, therefore the use of stochastic econometric (panel regression analysis) process is appropriate. The population of the study will consist of 150 credit staffs and other staffs of IBLL. The study adopt a census study and collect data for two years from 1st January, 2015 to 31st December, 2017 and the researcher used sample out 85 respondents representing 57% as the sample size from the population of 150 persons from the study area. The findings reveals that it was established from the study that 25% of the respondents who were picked from the institution agreed that credit score is one of the major system used by the bank in determining loan and 32% selected credit history. It was also observed that that bank operate within a defined credit granting criteria. The findings also show that IBLL established a system of independent, ongoing assessment of the bank‟s credit risk management. It was proven that 48% of the respondents agree while 41% strongly agree. It was established that IBLL have a loan risk management policy in place. This policy is very crucial in providing guidelines on how to manage the various risks the bank encounter in their lending activities. Members of the bank and regulators are those responsible for the formulation of the credit policy with less input from employees.

Inclusive Human Resource Management (IHRM) and Innovative Work Behaviour in Telecommunication Industry in Rivers State

This study examined Inclusive Human Resource Management (IHRM) and Innovative Work Behaviour in Telecommunication Industry in Rivers State. Two hundred employees from the twenty (20) telecommunications services firms were surveyed. Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sample size determination table employed in the study gave a sample size (S) of one hundred and thirty-two (132). Two null hypotheses were established and a total of one hundred and thirty-two (132) copies of the study instrument were distributed, retrieved and analyzed. The Spearman’s Rank order correlation coefficient was employed in the study. The study revealed a significant positive relationship between inclusive human resource management and innovative work behaviour (measured by generating and testing ideas and implementation). As a fall out from the study, it is was concluded that a work ambiance that supports equal opportunities and treatment to all employees is a veritable approach for spurring extra-role behaviors such as the active search, generation, championing and implementation of novel ideas for the growth and success of organization. Thus, it was recommended that telecommunication firms should: Train managers-and hold them accountable—to show that inclusivity is a core competency and identify underrepresented groups’ needs, and give them necessary support and resources.

Application of Database Management System in the Library of Federal University, Lafia

This study assessed the database management system application in the library of Federal University, Lafia. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, four (4) research questions were formulated that border on accessibility of database, their usage, level of satisfaction, challenges and solutions to the problems associated with the use of database in the library. Survey research method was adopted and the number of staff served represented the research population. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data collected. The study discovered that database was accessible and were mostly used for research and also in ordering and acquisition of journals. It was also evident that the staff was familiar with the use of these databases but some challenges were discovered which include problem of network and electricity, lack of skill to search the information, lack of awareness, poor maintenance, low bandwidth, lack of standard, and insufficient computer systems.

Contract Management Strategies and Project Performance at Kenya National Highways Authority

Construction contract management strategies are key in the achievement of a firms’ objectives. Construction projects are key in any economy due to their high contributions to the economy since they are key in facilitation of key activities. The study was on CMS and project performance of KENHA. The study objectives were to determine the extent of implementation of CMS in KENHA and to establish the effect of CMS on project performance in KENHA. The study adopted a descriptive statics. The study adopted use of strategic choice and agency theory. In the research methodology, the study adopted use descriptive statics. The target population consisted of 40 staff at KENHA. The study used primary data which was collected using questionnaires that were administered through drop and pick method. The supply chain managers, procurement managers or their equivalent were the respondents in KENHA. Data collected was analyzed by use of descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. Findings were displayed by use of tables for easy understanding. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings from the study revealed that CMS had been implemented in KENHA to a large extent. The study findings revealed positive and significant relationship between CMS and project performance. The research also concludes that 83% of project performance is affected by implementation of CMS at KENHA. The study recommends that future studies be carried out on CMS on other firms other than KENHA. In addition, we need to have a holistic view of other firms other than KENHA alone. The major limitation of the study was that it was solely based on KENHA.

Management of Movable Assets and the Application of Supply Chain Management Policies in the Department Of Human Settlements, Kwazulu-Natal Provincial Government

The Department of Human Settlements (DoHS) has over the years received reports on lack of proper implementation of the Supply Chain Management, in particular the management of movable assets processes. Asset Management is a sub-component within Supply Chain Management in the DoHS. Asset Management is responsible for the management of all movable assets procured by the department. Movable assets such as departmental vehicles, office furniture, computer sets, are used by the officials in performing their day-to-day functions. Officials in the Department are responsible for the management and safeguarding of the assets assigned to them. The research covered in this article aimed to investigate how the department manages its assets and complies with the transversal policies of Supply Chain Management (SCM), which deal with demand management, acquisition management, utilisation management and disposal management processes. The information covered within this research is from varying records, official documents and departmental policies, dealing directly with the problem at hand, especially the management and monitoring of movable assets. Varying methods of collecting and analysing data were used to achieve valid and reliable results. The researcher analysed and compared various information records that informed findings with regard to risk management and control measures, value for money, responsibility and accountability and intervention strategies that may bring about efficiency and effectiveness in the department with regard to management of movable assets. This was done to address the issue of audit queries received by the Department of Human Settlements.

Effect of Workplace Physical Environment on the Productivity of Employees in Public Organization: A Study of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Jalingo Branch, Taraba State

This study sought to identify the effect of workplace physical environment on the productivity of employees. A case study approach was employed in this study and the Central Bank of Nigeria, Jalingo Branch served as the study area. The population of this study comprised of all the permanent staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Jalingo Branch which is made up of 70 employees; (executive’s staff cadre 10, senior staff 35 and Junior staff 25. The probability sampling technique was adopted to select elements from each cadre to give a sample frame of 60. Questionnaire that was validated and tested for reliability served as data collection instrument. Collected data were presented in frequency and percentage tables, and this formed the basis for data analysis. The null hypotheses were tested using Chi-Square statistical tool aided by SPSS version 23. Findings indicate that: Spacious physical work environment increases the productivity of employees. The productivity of employees increases in a work environment with availability of suitable equipment. Lastly, findings show that workplace environment with open communication increases employee productivity. Following the findings of this study, it is proposed that: organizations should provide spacious workplace physical environment for their employees because this substantially increases employees’ productivity. For the fact that the productivity of employees increases in a work environment with availability of suitable equipment, it means that organizations should act in accordance with this finding if they are to achieve employee productivity. Following the findings that work place environment with open communication increases productivity, it behooves on organizations to create work place environment charged with open communication and supportive to team spirit.