ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM ON THE TECHNICAL AND ALLOCATIVE EFFICIENCY OF MAIZE FARMERS IN MASINDI DISTRICT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1                Background

Uganda’s Plan for Modernization of Agricul stakeholders in decision making as one of the major strategies for achieving the government

policy of eradicating poverty (MAAIF, 1998). With the aim of eradicating poverty among rural farmers, a five-year USAID-funded project, The Uganda Agricultural Productivity Enhancement Program (APEP) was established in 2003. The program mainly targeted catalyzing the transformation of agriculture from low input/low output subsistence farming to commercially competitive agriculture. Within the targeted commodities, APEP addressed production-to-market transactions, improvements in input distribution, and the development of competitive agricultural and rural enterprises (Michigan State University, 2007). Among the targeted commercial crops included grains namely maize, cotton, coffee, bananas (Matoke), spices and floriculture. In addition to the efforts of its predecessor (IDEA project) efforts in Masindi District, APEP continued to give pieces of advice on better agronomic practices and input use to raise maize output.

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1            Background of the Study

The history of big enterprises and industrial revolution started with persons whose imaginative ventures into business gave rise to the present day technology. It dated back to the olden days, when people engaged in farming, herding, crafts etc and commodities were traded mainly on barter and later on precious metals. In the colonial era, the tempo of business then was set and controlled by the colonial government. Prominent European firms that were highly integrated and dominated commercial and merchandising activities in Nigeria were John Holt, Paterson, Zochoris, Leventis, Leverbrothers, PZ, Campaignie Francaise du L’Afrique Occidentale (CFAO,) the Royal Niger now United African Company (UAC), Societe Commerciale de L’ Ouest Africain (SCOA) etc. Some of these Companies grew so large that few, if any of the economic decisions could be wisely initiated and instituted in Nigeria without soliciting and obtaining their co-operation. Apart from trading, colonialism also accounted for the development of quasi-technical business and semi-skilled labour in Nigeria. About this time, many of the Nigerian entrepreneurs were still gasping for breath.

ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM ON THE TECHNICAL AND ALLOCATIVE EFFICIENCY OF MAIZE FARMERS IN MASINDI DISTRICT

CHAPTER ONE

 INTRODUCTION

1.1                Background of the Study

Uganda’s Plan for Modernization of Agricul stakeholders in decision making as one of the major strategies for achieving the government

policy of eradicating poverty (MAAIF, 1998). With the aim of eradicating poverty among rural farmers, a five-year USAID-funded project, The Uganda Agricultural Productivity Enhancement Program (APEP) was established in 2003. The program mainly targeted catalyzing the transformation of agriculture from low input/low output subsistence farming to commercially competitive agriculture. Within the targeted commodities, APEP addressed production-to-market transactions, improvements in input distribution, and the development of competitive agricultural and rural enterprises (Michigan State University, 2007). Among the targeted commercial crops included grains namely maize, cotton, coffee, bananas (Matoke), spices and floriculture. In addition to the efforts of its predecessor (IDEA project) efforts in Masindi District, APEP continued to give pieces of advice on better agronomic practices and input use to raise maize output.

Maize being one of the major crops regionally exported and rising in value from about US$6.0 million in 1990 to US$10.4 million in Uganda, it was thought it would be a stepping stone towards poverty eradication (Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), 2005). Based on the availability of such substantial maize market regionally, APEP came up with demonstration sites to expose farmers to improved maize production technologies. Among the technologies APEP demonstrated included improved agronomic practices, improved

GENDER AND RESOURCE USE EFFICIENCY IN COCOYAM PRODUCTION IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1:      Background Information

In Nigeria of about 140 million people, men constitute about 50.4% and women 49.6%(N.P.C, 2006).Both gender are responsible for producing the nation’s food and one of the major problems confronting mankind in recent times is food crisis (Ndukwu et al

2010).Gender has often been misunderstood as being about the promotion of women only, but it focuses on the relationship between men and women, their roles, access to and control over resources, division of labour and needs. Men and women are affected differently in their operation in factors like markets and socio-economics environments. Women are more constrained than their men counterparts in terms of access to credits, agricultural inputs, information technology and so on. Some crop production are even classified as men’s, like yam production, while others like sweet potatoes and cocoyam production are regarded as women’s especially in the southeastern Nigeria(Ndukwu et al 2010).Dimelu et al (2009) reported that women are involved in crop production generally and cocoyam production in particular.

Agriculture is the largest sector in the Nigeria economy, providing food, income and employment for sustainable livelihood of both the rural and urban population (CBN,2003). FGN(2001), Agriculture is the largest non oil export earner and largest employer of labour accounting for 88% of the non oil foreign exchange earnings and 70% of the active labour force of the population. Food crops constitute the largest component of the crops sub sector of Nigeria’s agriculture(CBN 2003).Roots tubers are major sources of dietary carbohydrates and provide food for over 60 million people in Nigeria(Abubakar,2003).Increase in the output of cassava, yam, potatoes as well as cocoyam will significantly increase the GDP of Nigeria(Anyanwu et al 2010). The contribution of the food crop sector of Nigerian Agriculture is significant and well documented in literature (Olomola, 2006).

EFFECTS OF LABOUR MANAGEMENT RELATIONS ON WORKERS PERFORMANCE IN AN ORGANISATION,A CASE STUDY OF POWER HOLDING COMPANY OF NIGERIA.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0             INTRODUCTION

1.1             BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

In the work place, we have the workers and management team in the organization engage in formal relationship, which is purely for operational purposes. The relationship between the management and workers contractual, which is that the employer-employee relations.

Every organization has some set objectives which it wants to achieve, and these objectives cannot be achieved without an effective cordial relationship between labour and management, these objective: high productivity, large market size and increased asset base. The success of an organization is not only measured by the amount of profit the company can make, but also by the degree of industrial peace and harmony that can be maintained, therefore employers of labour must pay more attention to the needs of labour, so as to maintain high performance. Management having been entrusted with the day running and administration of the organization should regard and treat employees as a vital and essential asset of the organization; employees on the other hand should try to appreciate the effort of management in trying to protect the interest of investors and shareholders.

Labour and Management are faced with many difficult challenges: In an organization, management set goals and targets which it must meet, so they employ men and women from different background to help meat these goals and target. Most often these individuals goals and targets tend to conflict with the organization’s goals and sometimes the goals of the individual worker in the organization conflict with one another, there is therefore bound to be disagreement, disparities, dis-cordination and conflict which vary from minor differences of opinions to intensive discord.

DEVELOPMENT OF MICRO ENTERPRISES THROUGH ICT IN NIGERIA (A CASE STUDY OF BAUCHI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1              Background to the Study

The steady growth  of micro enterprises that has been witnessed globally and its role as an engine of growth and poverty alleviation is undisputable Pisani, (2002).  It is particularly important to developing counties where no other options are available control and Rhynr (2004).

The only way to reduce poverty in a sustainable way is to promote economic growth, through wealth and employment creation.    In developing countries, small and micro enterprises are the major source of income, a breeding ground for enterprises are recognized as a tool for innovation and job creation.  The united nation industrial development organization (UNIDO) have emphasized the importance of micro and small enterprises special in relation to its income generating opportunities, effective use of local resources and their potentials for innovation UNIDO, (2005).

Generally, small and micro enterprises have been found to have more problems and challenges than large ones.  Southern and Tilley (2000) argued that small enterprises have higher failure rate Rayport and Jaworki (2002). Found that small enterprises have problems of managing their records effectively.  Others found that small enterprises usually have little control over their environment and have small market shares Storey and Cressy (2004).  Furthermore, many studies suggested that micro enterprises still avoid adopting advanced software application Khan and Khani (2008).

APPRAISAL OF THE ECONOMIC IMPLICATION OF ELECTRONIC BANKING IN NIGERIA BANKS (A CASE STUDY OF DIAMOND BANK)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION 

1.1       BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

                        Before the emergence of modern banking system, banking operation was manually done which lead to a slow down in settlement of transactions. This manual system involves posting transactions from one ledger to another which human handles. Figures or counting of money which should be done through computers or electronic machine were computed and counted manually which were not 100% accurate thereby resulting to human errors. Most bank then use only one computer in carrying out transactions which ameliorate the sluggish nature of banking transaction.

                        Nigeria do not embrace electronic banking early compared to developed countries. Nigeria adopted electronic banking system in the early 2000s.  During the introduction of electronic banking system, the use of raw cash was said to have bred corruption through the “cash and carry syndrome” usually linked with the swift movement of Ghana-must go” bags by some politicians. Such bags as some analyst say, are a major source of corrupt practices as dubious persons seeks to bribe their way to avoid been checked in some sensitive areas or places in a corrupt society.

DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ONLINE VOTING SYSTEM (A CASE STUDY OF FCT INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION).

                                                 CHAPTER ONE

                                      INTRODUCTION

1.1            1.1 Background of the Study

“ONLINE VOTING SYSTEM” is an online voting technique, were people who have citizenship of a country and whose age is above 18 years of age and any sex can cast his\her vote online without going to any physical polling station. There is a database design to manage all voters with their complete information stored.

In “ONLINE VOTING SYSTEM” a voter can use his\her voting right online without any difficulty. He\She has to be registered to be qualified for voting. Registration is mainly done by the system administrator for security reasons. The system administrator registers the voters on a special site of the system visited by him only by simply filling a registration form to register voters. Citizens seeking registration are expected to contact the system administrator to submit their details. After the validity of them being citizens of that country has been confirmed by the system administrator by comparing their details submitted with those in existing databases such as those as the Registrar of Persons, the citizen is then registered as a voter.

After registration, the voter is assigned a secret Voter ID with which he/she can use to log into the system and enjoy services provided by the system such as voting. If invalid/wrong details are submitted, then the citizen is not registered to vote.

ANALYSIS OF FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR LOW PRODUCTIVITY OF THE NIGERIAN WORKERS.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Of The Study

The issue of low productivity of Nigeria workers has in recent years been a matter of great concern to the nation. The rate at which productivity grows is influenced by two things: -

(i)                 The   rate   of   society’s   demand   and   the increased productivity is very vital for the health of the country because it will help to improve the conditions of the environment, enhance security and improve the standard and quality of life of the citizens. This is why David Ricardo in his study of population said that food needs to grow at a geometrical rate in order to meet the demand of the growing population. This emphasizes the need for increased productivity.

YusufT.M. (1962:50) was of the view that productivity can be defined as the ratio between output and all the resources used in production i.e. capital, labour, raw materials etc. the most efficient use of all available resources. With these definitions; One may ask why is the Nigeria worker inherently

characterized by low-productivity in spite of a improve the economy and the ever increasing need for improved productivity?

The answer to this disturbing question is vital and will be answered and discussed in this study.

EFFECTS OF E-GOVERNMENT STRATEGY ON SERVICE DELIVERY IN THE GOVERNMENT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The emergence of Information and Communication Technology has provided means for faster and better communication, efficient storage, retrieval and processing of data and exchange and utilization of information to its users, be they individuals, groups, businesses, organizations or governments. ICTs have to be used in order to create and deliver a service, which is useful and has an effective impact for the businesses and for the citizens. Information and communications technology (ICT) is an integral component of government operations and service delivery. ICT is increasingly used as a strategic tool to more efficiently support any Government’s priorities and program delivery. In order to have a successful e-Government, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions, which are at the very core of the e-Government infrastructure, have to be reachable by all citizens (Reffat, 2006).

This study was anchored on two theories: Theory of planned behavior and technology acceptance model. The theory of planned behavior is a theory about the link between beliefs and behavior. It started as the Theory of Reasoned Action in 1980 to predict an individual's intention to engage in a behavior at a specific time and place. TPB states that behavioral achievement depends on both motivation (intention) and ability (behavioral control). It distinguishes between three types of beliefs - behavioral, normative, and control (Venkatesh, Morris, Davis and Davis, 2003). Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) deals with the prediction of the acceptability of an information system. TAM

Business Finance Assignment

Assignment Topic:           

-      Derivatives serve an important function of the global financial market place, providing end-users with opportunities to better manage financial risks associated with their business transactions.  The rapid growth and increasing complexity of derivatives reflect both the increased demand for end-users for better ways to manage their financial risks and the innovative capacity of the financial services industry to respond to market demands.  Discuss (at least 10 pages).

-      In March 2012, a study by the senate committee on technology assessment entitled “Electronic Bulls & Bears: Nigeria Securities Markets and Information Technology included this statement:  Securities market have five basic functions in a capitalistic economy;

1. They make it possible for corporations and government units to raise capital

2. They help to allocate capital towards productive uses

 

3. They provide an opportunity for people to increase their savings by investing in them

4. They reveal investor’s judgements about potential savings capacity of corporations, thus giving guidance to corporate managers and

5. They generate employment and income

For each of these function cited above, explain how financial markets (or securities market) perform each function.

Industrial Psychology Assignment

Assignment Topics:       Carefully explain how the

                                  following can assist in the

                                  understanding of the focus

                                  of industrial Psychology

·       Criterion and Learning of

Industrial Psychology

·       Work Environment

·       Influences of employees

Behaviour

·       Job Analysis and Job

Evaluation

·       Attitude measurement

·       Motivation

Definition of Industrial Psychology

Psychology is the study of man with the aid of scientific methodology.   Industrial Psychology is simply the application or extension of Psychological facts and principles to the problems concerning human beings operating within the context of business and industry.

A. Criterion and Leaning of Industrial Psychology

Industrial Psychology can be effective as a science only and only if it has a criterion.  That is, the magnitude of the contribution of industrial psychology is completely determined by the adequacy of the criterion measures involved.  Despite the fact that much work on the problem of criterion has been done in the measurement of human performance and job effectiveness, the problems and needs still exist in developing criteria in areas such as advertising, effectiveness, consumer behaviour, leadership, job satisfaction. Etc. 

Criterion is a measurement of goodness of work.  That is , criterion is an evaluative standard, which can be used to measure a person’s performance, attitudes, motives, etc.  Criterion is also that which is to be predicted. 

Human Resources Management - Assignment

Assignment Topic:                 

                                i. As the Human Resource Manager, how do you formulate and implement Human Resource Policies in your Organization?

                                       

ii.             Search and itemise the definition of Human Resources Management from 2010-2013 

   

                               iii.                    Summarise Chapter 4 of the text book

INTRODUCTION

Human Resources Management or Personnel Management has been in existence for a long time.  It is all about human beings in organization.  the earliest contributors to our understanding of management theory included practicing managers as well as social scientists.  More recent theorists have tended to be academics or management consultants.

The practicing managers tended to reflect upon and theorize about, their personal experiences of management with the objective of producing a set of rational principle of management which could be applied universally in order to achieve organizational efficiency.  The resultant theories of management were concerned primarily with the structuring of work and organizations, rather than, with human motivation or organization culture.

Theories of International Relations

Generally speaking, International Relations Theory worked around Idealism and Realism.  How far is this statement true?

INTRODUCTION:

Theory is an integral part in the study of International Relations. It  is the study of International Relation from a theoretical perspective, which attempt to provide a conceptual frame work upon which International Relation can be analyze.

International relations theory attempts to provide a conceptual model upon which international relations can be analyzed.  Each theory is reductive and essential to different degrees, relying on different set assumptions respectively.  Theories are paradigms or models of interpretation in the context of International Relations; as Ole Holsti describes them, international relations theories act as a pair of coloured sunglasses, allowing the wearer to see only the salient events relevant to the theory…. An adherent of realism may completely disregard and even that a constructivist might pounce upon as crucial, and vice versa.

A Theory is a set of interrelated concepts definition and proposition that explains or predicts events or situations that by specifying relations among variables.  The notion of generality, or broad application, is important.  Thus, theories are by their nature abstract and not content or topic specific.  Even though various theoretical models of social behaviour, many reflect some general ideas each theories employs a unique vocabulary to articulate the specific factors considered to be important. Theories varies in the extent to which they have been conceptually developed and empirically tested, however, “testability” is an important feature of a theory.  As Stephen Turner has noted in his chapter on “theory development”. Social science theories are better understood as models that work in a limited range of setting, rather than laws of science which holds and apply universally. 

ACHIEVING EFFECTIVE PRODUCTIVITY IN PUBLIC SERVICE THROUGH MANPOWER PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1    BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Human resources are cardinal element of development. The over all development of a country revolves on the level of manpower utilization. This has made manpower planning and development imperative for any successful organization. Maintaining a competitive edge in any segment where multiple players exist is only possible with people and talent. It has got an important place in the arena of industrialization. Manpower planning and development are two important pillars for achieving effectiveness and efficiency in organization.

It has been observed that both pre and post colonial administrations of Nigeria had failed to accord adequate regard to manpower planning and development. Labour was relegated to background among other factors of production. The human resources planning and staff development for national growth and development were distorted. These affected the availability of human resources for improvement of socio-economic and political development during the first and second national development planning.

This was made clearly in Nnadozie (2004), he states thus; the unrealistic nature of the 1962-68 plan objectives and targets become more apparent when they are juxtaposed with the financial, technical and managerial capabilities of the country.

THE IMPACT OF PHYSICAL DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS IN MARKETING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE:

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0       AN OVER VIEW OF PHYSICAL DISTRIBUTION:

Much has been said both from foreign and local authors about physical distribution and logistics on agricultural produce especially perishable agricultural produce. Physical distribution is an important activity that complete the work of satisfying the target achieve.

Kotler (1996: 577) stated that physical distribution comprises of the tasks involved in planning, implementing, and control e of the physical floe of material and final goods from the point of origin to the point of use to meet the needs of consumers at a profit. He also reveals that many companies states their physical distribution objectives as getting the right goods to the right place at the right time for least and that physical distribution activities are highly interrelated. Decision must be made to achieve the objective. The starting point for designing physical distribution is to study what the competitors are offering and the needs of the customers are interrelated including the time of delivery.

THE EFFECTS OF UNETHICAL PRACTICES IN ADVERTISING: (A CASE STUDY OF VITAFOAM IN NIGERIA)

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1.      SOURCES OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter basically examiners the contributions of some experts, practitioner and scholars of advertising toward the sustenance and maintenance of social responsibility as a demand that must be met in order to have a cordial interlink between the advertisers and the patronizers of advertised goods and services.

Categorically, it evaluates the extent of effectiveness of their contributions in solving the problems created by unethical practice of advertising. There is no doubt that these contributors have, from time to time, analyzed the importance of advertising, highlighting its laid down principles and the effects of its unethical practice, especially as it concerns the social responsibility to consumers.

2.2.      THE REVIEW

2.2.1. IMPORTANCE OF ADVERTISING IN ENHANCING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Advertising is considered effective and result-oriented whenever it is seen to be responsible to consumers. In other words, the message given by the advertisement must be accurate and truthful. Supporting this view, William Wells (1995:52) states thus:

Conversely, if you believe that advertising mirrors society, you will think that advertisers have a responsibility to ensure that what is portrayed is accurate and representative.

In this regard, if it assumed that through advertising, one can be enlightened or be made aware of a given product or ideal. Taking cognizance of how advertising benefits the society, Osunbiyi (1999:38) maintains.

Economically, it encourages the development of new and better products thereby giving consumers a wider variety of choices; it keeps prices down and encourages competition.

Overtly, Osinbiyi’s position that advertising does a big job for the people who goes a long way to portray that when any available product or idea is backed up by advertising i.e. creating awareness, the people (consumers) would be given the opportunity to search for such available products. This is a demonstration of social responsibility, using advertising. And in doing this, a clear-cut choice is established, thus, unveiling a scenario where information about health and social issues would be made known. For this reason the APCON’s code of Advertising Practice Provides that advertising should” be prepared with a high degree of social responsibility and should not show disregard for the interest of consumers and the wider Nigerian society”.