TIMING TACTICS AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTIVENESS OF SELECTED FIRMS IN DELTA STATE.
ABSTRACT
This study investigate timing tactics and performance effectiveness of selected firms in delta state. Survey research design was adopted for the study, 1,423 senior staff, 812 non academic staff of DIL (DELSU) were selected. Questionnaire was use for data collection, simple percentage and ANOVA test were used for the analysis, how they rate their time management abilities and the extent to which they apply appropriate strategies and tactics recommended by time management consultants and experts, it was therefore recommendation were made, The results show that an overwhelming majority of our respondents rated themselves as good time managers, the study revealed that; Most of them do not have enough time for themselves, their family activities, study, community affairs and recreation. They are usually not able to complete all the items on their daily activity lists by the end of the day. They are not able to find large blocks of time when they need them. iv. They have not been able to get it done. In other words, their claim to good time management is false. The obvious implication is that there is need for training in time management for all executives covered in this study irrespective of sex, age, experience and profession.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE - - - - - - - ii
DECLARATION - - - - - - - iii
CERTIFICATION - - - - - - - iv
DEDICATION - - - - - - - v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS - - - - - - vi
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study - - - - - 1
1.2 Statement of Problem - - - - - - 8
1.3 Objective of the Study - - - - - 10
1.4 Research Questions- - - - - - - 11
1.5 Statement of the Hypothesis - - - - - 12
1.6 Significance of Study - - - - - - 13
1.7 Scope of the Study - - - - - - 14
1.8 Definition of Key Terms - - - - - 15
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction - - - - - - - 18
2.2 Conceptual Framework - - - - - - 33
2.3 Theoretical Framework - - - - - - 45
2.4 Empirical Review - - - - - - - 50
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design - - - - - - 56
3.2 Population of the Study - - - - - - 57
3.3 Sample Size - - - - - - - 57
3.4 Sampling Technique - - - - - - 58
3.5 Method of Data Collection - - - - - 58
3.6 Technique for Data Analysis - - - - - 59
3.7 Model Specification and Variable Definition - - - 59
3.8 Measurement of Variables - - - - - 59
CHAPTER FOUR: PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA
4.1 Presentation of Data - - - - - - 60
4.2 Discussion of Findings - - - - - 79
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary - - - - - - - 80
5.2 Conclusion - - - - - - 80
5.3 Recommendations - - - - - - 93
References - - - - - - - 95
Appendix - - - - - - - 98
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Time is generally acknowledged to be a unique resource, everyone has the same amount of it, it cannot be stored, it can only be spent, it is inelastic and it is needed for every productive endeavor. Yet it seems to be the most poorly managed of all resources. Worse still, virtually everyone has one problem or the other that is traceable to poor time management. Hale (2014a) Suggested this much when she asserted that:
In this day and age, it seems that everyone is so busy, all the time. Whenever you see or talk to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while you hear, “I’ve been so busy.” They are. And so are you... It is a grueling schedule that would leave anyone exhausted.
This assertion is supported by the results of a survey of 600 adults commissioned by Franklin Covey Company in the United State of America. The study found that 78% of the adults surveyed wished they bad more time “stop and smell the roses”, while 83% said that getting more organized was among their goals. Yet, as many as 81% considered themselves well organized (Miller, 2014).
In today's fast-paced and competitive business environment, timing is everything. The ability of firms to respond quickly to changes in the market, launch new products and services, and adapt to changes in customer needs and preferences is critical to their success. This is particularly true in Nigeria, where the business environment is highly competitive and dynamic (Adeyeye, 2013).
Delta State, located in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, is a major economic hub in the country. The state is home to a large number of firms, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and multinational corporations (MNCs). However, despite the importance of timing tactics in achieving competitive advantage, many firms in Delta State have not fully leveraged these tactics to improve their performance effectiveness.
The concept of timing tactics is rooted in the strategic management literature, which emphasizes the importance of timing in achieving competitive advantage. Timing tactics refer to the strategic use of time to gain a competitive advantage. This can include strategies such as speed to market, response time to customer inquiries, and adaptability to changes in the market (Akinmayowa, 2019).
In Nigeria, several studies have examined the importance of timing tactics in achieving competitive advantage. For example, a study by Adeyeye (2013) found that firms that adopted timing tactics such as speed to market and response time to customer inquiries were more likely to achieve competitive advantage. Similarly, a study by Olamide (2017) found that adaptability to changes in the market was a key determinant of firm performance in Nigeria (Ittner, & Larcker, 1997).
However, despite the growing body of research on timing tactics in Nigeria, there is a need for more empirical studies that examine the relationship between timing tactics and performance effectiveness in specific contexts. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the relationship between timing tactics and performance effectiveness of firms in Delta State, Nigeria (lnegbenebor &Agbonifoh 1985) .
No evidence has been adduced in Nigeria on whether people believed that they are well organized or otherwise. In fact, not much is known about how Nigerian managers spend their time. Yet, the answer to these and related questions are important because they will determine whether or not managers will seek help to manage their time better. In addition, how they manage their time has implications for their personal effectiveness and the national economy (Agbonifoh & Okafor, 2025).
1.2 Statement of Problem
The importance of timing tactics in achieving competitive advantage, many firms in Delta State, Nigeria, have not fully leveraged these tactics to improve their performance effectiveness. The lack of effective timing tactics has resulted in poor responsiveness to customer needs, delayed product launches, and inability to adapt to changes in the market. Consequently, many firms in Delta State have experienced declining profitability, reduced market share, and decreased customer satisfaction.
Specifically, the problems facing firms in Delta State include:
- Inability to respond quickly to changes in the market, resulting in lost opportunities and decreased competitiveness
- Delays in product launches, leading to reduced sales and revenue
- Poor adaptability to changes in customer needs and preferences, resulting in decreased customer satisfaction and loyalty
- Inefficient use of time and resources, resulting in wasted costs and reduced productivity
This study aims to investigate the relationship between timing tactics and performance effectiveness of firms in Delta State, with a view to identifying strategies for improving their competitiveness and performance.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The purpose of the present investigation is to ascertain the perceived time management abilities and practices of senior personnel in a university setting. Specifically, the study set out to:
i. Examine how timing tactics affect effectiveness in an organisation
ii. Determine the effect of organisational performance on timing tactics
iii. Compare the ratings of non academic and academic staff on their timing tactics in an organization?
1.4 Research Question
i. to what extent did timing tactics affect effectiveness in an organisation?
ii. what are the effect of organisational performance on timing tactics?
iii. does non academic and academic staff have effect on their timing tactics in an organization performance?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
i. there is no significant relationship between timing tactics and organisational effectiveness.
ii. there is significant effect of organisational performance and timing tactics?
iii. there is significant relationship between non academic and academic staff perception on timing tactics in an organization
1.6 Significant of the Study
This study on the relationship between timing tactics and performance effectiveness of firms in Delta State, Nigeria, is significant for several reasons:
1. Contribution to existing literature: This study contributes to the existing literature on timing tactics and competitive advantage, providing new insights into the relationship between these variables in the context of Nigerian firms.
2. Practical implications for firms: The findings of this study will provide practical implications for firms in Delta State, Nigeria, on how to leverage timing tactics to improve their performance effectiveness.
3. Policy implications: The study's findings will also have policy implications for government agencies and regulatory bodies in Nigeria, highlighting the need for policies that support the development of timing tactics in Nigerian firms.
4. Improving competitiveness: By examining the relationship between timing tactics and performance effectiveness, this study will provide insights into how Nigerian firms can improve their competitiveness in the global market.
1.7 Scope of the Study
This study focuses on examining the relationship between timing tactics and performance effectiveness of firms in Delta State, Nigeria. The scope of the study is as follows:
Geographical scope: The study is limited to firms in Delta State, Nigeria.
Industry scope: The study focuses on DIL (DELSU Investment Limited).
Time scope: The study examines the relationship between timing tactics and performance effectiveness over a period of five years (2018-2022).
Conceptual scope: The study explores the concept of timing tactics, including speed to market, response time to customer inquiries, and adaptability to changes in the market.
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