Management and Economic Journal

Liquidity Management and Profitability of Commercial Banks in Nigeria

2024-09-02T13:32:44+00:00

The study investigated the interplay among liquidity management measures and bank profitability in Nigeria, focusing on market liquidity, reserve management liquidity, and cashflow management. Using an ex post facto research design, the study analyzes secondary data from the audited financial reports of 10 commercial banks quoted on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). These banks were selected based on their regulatory compliance and transparent reporting. Regression and correlation analyses were employed to test the hypotheses regarding the relationship between liquidity management and bank profitability, specifically profit after tax (PAT). The findings reveal an unfavourable and insignificant interplay among market liquidity and PAT, while reserve management liquidity and cashflow management show positive and significant relationships with PAT. The study concludes that effective reserve and cashflow management positively influences bank performance, while market liquidity strategies require reassessment. These results highlight the importance of prioritizing reserve and cashflow management to enhance profitability in Nigerian banks.

Cluster Analysis of MSMES In Suleja, Nigeria: Insights From Fuzzy C-Means Clustering And T-SNE Visualizations

2024-01-18T11:51:26+00:00

This study employs cluster analysis to segment Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in Suleja, Nigeria into distinct groups based on their financial and operational characteristics. We utilize Fuzzy C-Means Clustering and t-Distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE) visualizations to uncover hidden patterns and structures in the data. Our results reveal three distinct clusters, explaining 40.3% of the variance in the data (R² = 0.403). The clusters exhibit reasonable separation (Silhouette coefficient = 0.360) and distinct patterns in their variable means. Cluster 1 comprises high-performing MSMEs with high levels of engagement, participation, and satisfaction. Cluster 2 consists of low-performing MSMEs with low levels of engagement, participation, and satisfaction. Cluster 3 represents moderate-performing MSMEs with balanced levels of engagement, participation, and satisfaction. t-SNE visualizations confirm the clustering structure, revealing three distinct groups with varying densities and separation. The visualizations also highlight the relationships between the clusters, with Cluster 1 and Cluster 3 showing higher similarity than Cluster 2. Model performance metrics indicate a reasonable accuracy (Pearson's γ = 0.440) and a good balance between within-cluster sum of squares and between-cluster sum of squares (Calinski-Harabasz index = 13.087). The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to support MSMEs in Nigeria. The results suggest that targeted interventions and support programs should focus on enhancing engagement, participation, and satisfaction among MSMEs, particularly for those in the low-performing cluster. The study contributes to the literature on MSMEs and cluster analysis, demonstrating the effectiveness of Fuzzy C-Means Clustering and t-SNE visualizations in uncovering meaningful patterns in MSMEs data.

Strike Action and Employee Performance in Nigeria Public University

2024-04-24T06:31:33+00:00

The study examined the impact of strike action on employee performance in public University in Bayelsa State. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The population of 150 employees which comprises academic staff of Niger Delta University Amassoma, Bayelsa State. 135 sample size was determined using Taro Yamene formula. Data collected from the respondents via questionnaire were analyzed using sample frequency distribution, while hypotheses were tested using chi-square (x2) formula at 0.05 probability level. Findings revealed that the causes of strike actions in tertiary institutions arise due to unnecessary protocols imposed by those in the accounts department or salaries lodged in personal accounts for interests. The study also revealed that wage reductions, resulting from several sources such as taxes, government policies, management initiated institutional welfare etc remain vital reasons for strike actions in institutions of higher learning. Based on the findings, the study concluded that strike action is an ongoing trend in institutions and eradicative measures could be used painstakingly, but possible, and when adopted could bring about a relief in industrial peace and stability in tertiary institutions like Niger Delta University. The study therefore, recommends amongst others that autonomy of tertiary institutions should be an issue that demands urgent approval to avoid unnecessary interference of government in the internal affairs of tertiary institutions.