The Political Economy of Multinational Conglomerates in Nigeria

Abstract

The paper analyzes the operations of the multinational conglomerates so as to determine the impact of their operations on the Nigerian economy, and especially on the manufacturing sector. It also investigated the possible problems hindering their operations. In an attempt to accomplish these objectives, we employed both survey and investigative research methods using regression modeling and estimation. The analysis of the secondary evidence indicates that, generally, the investment activities of conglomerates are found to positively and significantly relate to the output performance of the manufacturing sector of the Nigerian economy. The primary data analysis confirms this finding. On the other hand, they are seen to exploit natural resources and the workforce to the detriment of the country, and by repatriating all available funds and profits to overseas economies, the economy is starved of needed funds. However, their positive contributions to the Nigerian economy were seen to outweigh their negative contributions. This is particularly true of the manufacturing sector. Two perennial problems confronting the conglomerates in their investment activities relate to environmental hostilities and communal disturbances/social upheavals. Other problems relate to political risks, instability and impasse, and unstable economic climate.     

Corporate Environmental and Economic Performance of Japanese Manufacturing Firms: Empirical Study for Sustainable Development

This study examines the relationship between environmental performance and economic performance in Japanese manufacturing firms. The environmental performance indicators include CO₂ emissions and the aggregate toxic risk associated with chemical emissions relative to sales. Return on assets (ROA) is used as an indicator of economic performance. We demonstrate that there is a significant inverted U‐shaped relationship between ROA and environmental performance calculated by aggregated toxic risk. We also find that the environmental performance increases ROA through both returns on sales and improved capital turnover. However, we observe a significant positive relationship between financial performance and environmental performance based on CO₂ emissions. These findings may provide evidence for the consequences of firms' environmental behavior and sustainable development. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.     

The U-shaped effect of R&D intensity on employee downsizing: evidence from Spanish manufacturing firms (1994–2010)

Abstract

This study explores an empirically untested issue: the relationship between the level of a firm’s R&D intensity and employee downsizing. Basing our conceptual development on the Resource-Based View of the firm, we argue that a linear relationship is a poor approximation of the proposed relationship. Instead, we find theoretical insights supporting the logic that employee downsizing decreases as firms shift from low to moderate levels of R&D intensity but increases as firms change from moderate to high levels. This prediction suggests that a U-shaped link is a better representation of the way in which a firm’s R&D intensity can affect downsizing. This hypothesis is tested and confirmed using a sample of Spanish manufacturing firms during the 1994–2010 period. We also propose a novel empirical tool (i.e. dynamic probit models) that is especially useful for addressing the potential endogeneity and simultaneity problem in studying this relationship. Implications for future research and practice are presented along with the conclusions of our findings.     

The Advanced Manufacture Theory and Practice Based on the Management Science

The paper points out that the science and technology, social productivity and economic form are the decisive strengths in facilitating the reformation of the production method of the manufacturing industry. This kind of strength happens through making an influence on the theory of management and science. It analyses the stage and the characteristic of the development model of manufacturing industry of human society, and on this basis does the detailed research on the several patterns of the advanced manufacturing theory and practice： the computer integrated making, concurrent engineering, lean production, agile manufacturing, planning of enterprise resources, global manufacturing. Finally, it thinks that the development model of the advanced manufacture theory and practice embodies a continuous curve of the technical innovation, which is on the basis of the theory of management science.     

Diffusion Of Microelectronics And Advanced Manufacturing Technology: A Review Of National Surveys

Applications of microelectronics in products and the use of advanced manufacturing technology in production are important factors driving innovation, productivity improvement and economic growth. Until the early 1980s there were few comprehensive national surveys of the diffusion of these technologies or of their impacts. This paper reviews surveys of firms using these technologies, discusses survey comparability and summarises key empirical results. The value of carefully constructed internationally comparable surveys for analysis and policy formulation is emphasised, and new directions for surveys are suggested.     

厦门市制造业竞争力实证分析

工业是一个社会经济发展的重要源泉,而制造业是工业的中心,制造业竞争力对于一个地区经济发展至关重要。本文利用主成分分析法,通过SPSS软件,对厦门市29类制造行业的竞争力展开研究,分析表明厦门市资本、技术密集型行业优势较大,而劳动密集型行业则大多处于劣势。     

Solving Export Marketing Problems of Small and Medium-Sized Firms from Developing Countries

Abstract

This study shows how networks can be used to solve the export marketing problems manufacturing firms in developing countries are facing. Major export barriers perceived by manufacturing firms in Eritrea are identified and, subsequently, differences in perceptions between footwear and textile manufacturers, and small and medium sized firms are examined. The findings suggest that some problems can be solved through individual action by the firms (market or hierarchy). However, small and medium-sized firms on their own can't solve the most important problems, like the lack of market information, the preparation of proper designs and the fulfillment of minimum quantity requirements. The major conclusion is that export market entry by SMEs in developing countries will not be successful if no horizontal and vertical business networks are established.     

Globalization and Country‐Specific Service Links

Abstract

The Jones–Kierzkowski model of global fragmentation of production draws attention to the efficiency of ‘service links’ connecting ‘production blocks’ in different countries. Country‐specific service links include transport and telecommunications infrastructure and the overall business climate. Mobile factors of production, most prominently foreign direct investment (FDI), can shop around for countries with the most functional and inexpensive service links along with low labor costs. Those countries with favorable business climates and well‐functioning service links are able to attract FDI and other mobile inputs. We provide cross‐sectional evidence that successful exporters of manufactures, notably in East Asia, have relatively favorable service links.     

Factors influencing the decision to hire contract labour by Indian manufacturing firms

ABSTRACT

Over a third of workers employed in the Indian formal manufacturing sector are ‘contract’ workers – hired through the services of labour contractors, facing lower wages and no job security in relation to regular workers. We investigate the role of a variety of factors that influence the decision of employers to hire in contract workers, using information from a specially commissioned survey of manufacturing firms. While there are immediate cost advantages that tilt firms towards hiring in contract labour, a counterforce has employers favouring regular workers in firms that have a large proportion of their workforce concentrating on production activity – probably instances where long-term human capital investment by regular workers is important for the firm.

Abbreviation: CLA: Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 ASI: Annual Survey of Industries NIC: National Industrial Classification MSME: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises SEZ: Special Economic Zone ICRIER: Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations