Business Environment In Nigeria Research Articles

Assessing Strategic Thinking and Teaching Hospital Performance Post-Pandemic: A Survey from Nigeria

The post-pandemic business landscape in Africa is characterized by organizational non-performance, employee attrition, lack of resilience, and strategic thinking in recent times. It continues to generate public discussion, concerns, and scientific interest because of its negative impacts. The coronavirus pandemic has also heightened these concerns; though, organizations continue to grapple for ways to improve performance. However inadequate strategic thinking is prevalent and has not received adequate attention post-pandemic, particularly in Nigeria the giant of Africa owning to the population. Therefore, this study aims to determine the association between strategic thinking and the long-term performance of organizations in Nigeria with a representative sample of selected teaching hospitals in Ogun State Nigeria. This is due to the peculiarity of teaching hospitals to live and well-being and the peculiar erratic business environment in Nigeria. The investigation utilized a survey research design comprising 339 medical doctors (Registrars, Senior Registrars, and Consultants) from teaching hospitals in Ogun State, Nigeria. The technique of total enumeration was used. A validated semi-structured questionnaire was utilized to collect data for the study. The constructs' Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficients ranged from 0.88 to 0.92. The rate of response was 93.8%. For the analysis of the data descriptive and inferential statistics were employed (Pearson product-moment correlation and regression analysis). The data analysis revealed that strategic thinking had a significant positive effect on the organizational performance of teaching hospitals in Ogun State, Nigeria (Adj. R2 = 0.051, F(4, 313) = 5.295, p < 0.05). The study concluded that strategic thinking affects the organizational performance of teaching hospitals in Ogun State, Nigeria, and can ensure long-term survival. Due to the correlation between strategic thinking and organizational performance, it is recommended that organizations adopt strategic thinking and ensure that they comprehend its significance to organizational performance. Strategic thinking can be a solution for hospital organizations to remain resilient in uncertain times.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND ETHICAL LEADERSHIP IN NIGERIA: A REVIEW OF THE ROLE AND IMPACT OF CHARTERED SECRETARIES IN FOSTERING CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND ETHICAL LEADERSHIP IN NIGERIAN CORPORATIONS

This study delves into the crucial role of Chartered Secretaries in reinforcing corporate governance and instilling ethical leadership within corporations in Nigeria, a region marked by its unique legal and business landscapes. Through an exhaustive analysis, the study unveils the multifaceted responsibilities of Chartered Secretaries in upholding adherence to prevailing legal frameworks and ethical standards, thereby contributing to enhanced organizational efficacy and integrity. Exploration of the intricate legal and business environment in Nigeria reveals the substantial challenges and opportunities encountered by Chartered Secretaries, highlighting their instrumental influence in shaping and refining governance structures and ethical practices within corporations. The results of this study substantiate the hypothesis that Chartered Secretaries have a significantly positive impact on navigating the complexities of the Nigerian corporate landscape, fostering ethical leadership, and enhancing governance practices, which are pivotal for stakeholders’ organizational sustainability and value creation. The study concludes with recommendations emphasizing the continuous need for Chartered Secretaries to adapt and evolve their roles to meet the dynamic demands of corporate governance and ethical leadership in the ever-evolving business and legal environment of Nigeria, thereby ensuring long-term organizational success and integrity.

Firm-Learning and Productivity in Nigeria's Manufacturing Sector

ABSTRACT: The manufacturing sector plays a strategic role as a major contributor to economic growth and development. However, the harsh business environment in Nigeria has constrained learning and capability building in the Nigerian manufacturing sector. The present state of the manufacturing sector underscores the need for firm-level learning and strategic policy actions. This paper utilized data from the Enterprise Survey Panel covering the periods 2007, 2009, and 2014/2015 to investigate firm learning and productivity in the Nigerian manufacturing sector. Case study illustrations were also undertaken to further provide insights into the links between learning variables and the productivity of selected firms in the sector. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; dynamic panel model (DPM) via ordinary least squares (OLS) and General Method of Moments (GMM) techniques. The results of the estimation show there is a positive and significant relationship between export participation lagged by one period (t-1) and the current firm performance. A one-period lag of the learning variables, namely: skills and training increased the productivity of firms. The case study illustrations revealed that major learning capabilities include customer feedback; through employees, staff training/seminars/workshops, and supplier feedback. The paper provides evidence to conjecture that the STI mode of learning, which involves formal research and development (R&D) in firms is not deep enough, and that domestic firms have less productivity relative to firms with some proportion of foreign ownership. Also, some of the constraints to learning and productivity are an unstable regulatory environment, poor infrastructure and high cost of doing business. The paper recommends both formal and informal modes/mechanisms of learning are important to ensure improved productivity of manufacturing firms in Nigeria Also, learning opportunities may differ within and across manufacturing subsectors. Industry regulators or agencies should organize to provide a forum for firms and relevant stakeholders to regularly interact on learning experiences to learn from each other and collaborate to address obstacles to productivity.

COVID-19 AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION: A STATISTICAL REVIEW OF THE EVIDENCE FROM NIGERIA

Nigeria depends on agriculture in sustaining the economy. Over 70% of Nigerians are employed directly or indirectly in the agricultural sector which provides raw materials, employment, food and income and serves as a foreign exchange earner. The discovery of crude oil in the late 1950s dwindled government attention on agriculture. This has left the Nigerian economy with shortage of food production to feed the growing population. The agricultural business environment in Nigeria is frustrated by series of inhibiting factors; poor income, inadequate access to loan and credit facilities and insufficient legislations and government policies. The incidence of pandemic presented new dimension of challenges. The outbreak of the virus placed restrictions such as isolation, quarantine and total lockdown that invariably affected agricultural output. Research is being conducted in the academic world focusing on the pandemic. This research lends contribution in this regard to ascertain the effects of the pandemic on agricultural production. This research adopted a desktop approach in reviewing the documents of National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Centre for Disease Control, online statistical repositories and literature used as secondary sources of data. The review made conclusion and recommendations based on empirical review

EVALUATING GOVERNANCE PRACTICES AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS IN NIGERIA: ATTENDANT RESPONSE TO FRAUD PREVENTION AND RISK MANAGEMENT IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ERA

Despite the outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic onslaught on global economies that has negatively undermined the financial prowess of major markets in United States of America, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Austria, Canada, Spain, Italy, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana et cetera, leading to loss of trillions of US Dollars, the need to uphold responsive financial sustainability among nations and businesses has been largely impaired by the prevalence of fraud, cyber crimes, mismanagement of scarce finance resources and external loan funds, bad leadership and poor oversight. Amid unprecedented increase in job layoffs, salary cuts, expenses cuts, robotic technologies embrace, bonuses suspension, promotions postponements, remote working embrace, price hikes, high inflation rate et cetera which have all culminated into heightened fraud occurrences and consequent fraud losses, fraud risk appear not to be proactively considered a top priority by the government and management of businesses in critical challenging COVID-19 pandemic economic downturn period as this. Deploying a descriptive approach, the study expressly evaluates the threat of COVID-19 pandemic upsurge on public governance and businesses with extant emphasis laid literally on attendant responses to fraud prevention and fraud risk management in Nigeria. Conceptualized schematic frameworks and widely recognized current statistics were utilised and evaluated to maximally envisage reliable response measures to fraud risk factors in the contemporary COVID-19 pandemic business environment in Nigeria. The study concludes by proposing possible actions (way forward) for policies development towards rescuing Nigeria and its business environment from the prevailing unfavourable situations..

EFFECT OF CORPORATE DIVERSIFICATION STRATEGIES ON THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF INDUSTRIAL GOODS IN NIGERIA

Business environment in Nigeria is becoming increasingly competitive, uncertain and complex. These changes are happening so fast that organisations that desire to remain in business must speedily adapt and adopt new strategies to meet the demands of the dynamic business environment. The research determines the effect of corporate diversification strategies on the financial performance of industrial goods. The research espoused the ex-post facto data from annual reports of the selected listed industrial goods companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) from 2012 to 2021. The least square regression analysis was used to evaluate the effect of the independent variables on the dependent variable. It was found that Income diversification has no significant effect on the return on assets of industrial goods companies in Nigeria. Also the study revealed that business segment diversification has considerable effect on the return on assets of industrial goods companies in Nigeria. It recommends that policy makers should promote policies that encourage listed firms to practice corporate diversification and companies should evaluate their strengths and weaknesses to enable them leverage on the opportunities presented by corporate diversification. Also, parent companies should ensure they are strategic while engaging in business segment diversification strategies.
 Keywords: Corporate Diversification, Financial Performance, Industrial Goods, Business Environment, Opportunities.

The Role of Risk Management, Sustainability Disclosure Practices, and Islamic Finance in Nigeria Business Environment

The Nigerian business environment is currently beclouded with various kinds of risks, fear, and uncertainty that culminate into the collapsing of so many businesses and the relocation of several multinational and local firms to other countries. The business and the environment are in a social contract that leaves them with both opportunities and threats hence the business cannot take place in a vacuum. The interconnectivity between businesses and their environment is that of mutuality. Mutual in the sense that the business influences its environment and the environment as well guarantees the legitimacy of the business considering the interest of all relevant stakeholders. That is, a business is influenced by its environment of operation such that its success depends on the ability to adapt to its immediate and entire environment to make the environment of businesses favorable. Therefore, the objective of this study is to explore conceptually the Nigerian Business Environment (NBE) considering the roles of risk management, sustainability disclosure practices, and Islamic finance. The method adopted by the study is the review of past investigations to gain insight into the NBE. Based on the insight from extant literature and in consonance with assumptions of legitimacy theory, the study concludes that risk management, sustainability disclosure practices, and Islamic finance promote the NBE. The study added to existing literature looking at the NBE from the present perspective (i.e. risk management, sustainability disclosure practices and Islamic finance). The study has implications for the government and policy-makers, companies, the business community, and other stakeholders in terms of creating a conducive business environment in Nigeria through the provision of infrastructure, effective corporate governance mechanisms, good stakeholder management.

Trusting in indigenous institutions: exporting SMEs in Nigeria

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to develop new insights into the interplay between trust, indigenous institutions and weak/dysfunctional formal institutions using the Nigerian context – a developing country in Western Africa. It advances new understanding on how Nigerian entrepreneurs trust in their indigenous institutions such as family ties, kinship, chieftaincy, religion, cooperatives and trade associations to resolve disputes arising from their exporting activities as opposed to dormant formal institutions in their country.Design/methodology/approachThis exploratory study adopts an interpretive research paradigm, and it utilises a case study strategy. Data collected through observations, archival records and qualitative conversations with 36 exporting Nigerian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is analysed by utilising a combination of within and cross-case analysis techniques. Doing so enabled an in-depth study of the methods their owner-managers use in order to take advantage of the relationships they established through their long-standing cultural institutions in the place of weak formal institutions in their country.FindingsIndigenous institutions have evolved to replace formalised institutions within the business environment in Nigeria. They have developed to become an alternative and trusted arbiter for solving SMEs' export issues because of weak/dysfunctional formal institutions in the Western African country. The owner-managers of exporting SMEs perceive formal institutions as representing a fragmented system that does not benefit their export businesses.Practical implicationsThe findings demonstrate that there is need for policymakers to consider the role of informal institutions in the Nigerian context. Such an approach is essential given the economic importance and increasing number of SMEs that trade and export their goods through informal structures in Nigeria.Originality/valueThe study indicates that it is not just the void or absence of institutions that exist in a developing country such as Nigeria, but weak/dysfunctional formal institutions have been replaced by culturally embedded informal institutions. Thus, the study provides a new theoretical avenue depicting the concept of trusting in indigenous institutions.

Entry Mode Strategy and Firm Performance in Emerging Economy: Moderating Role of Organisational Structure and Environmental Turbulence

Research question: This study assessed the combined moderating effect of organizational structure and environmental turbulence on entry mode strategy - performance link focusing on baby care industry in Lagos State, Nigeria. Motivation: The manufacturers of baby care products in Nigeria have struggled to understand the complexities of entry mode strategy and how to use firm-specific capabilities to contain the threats from new entrants given the idiosyncrasies of the business environment in Nigeria. Also, considering the fast changing business environment and the need for firms to align internal organisational structure to manage the external environmental challenges, this study via the supposition of Hage (1965) axiomatic theory of organisations examined the joint moderating effect of organisational structure and environmental turbulence on entry mode strategy - performance linkage focusing on the baby care industry in Lagos State, Nigeria. Idea: Empirical submissions on the combined moderating effect of organizational structure and environmental turbulence on the interactions of entry mode strategy and organizational performance are sparse. Hence, this study addressed this gap in literature. Data: The survey research design and a sample of 518 employees engaged in FMCG manufacturers in Lagos State, Nigeria were adopted for this study. Tools: A validated structured questionnaire was the instrument of data collection for this study and the hierarchical regression analysis was adopted to test the hypotheses formulated. Findings: The results showed that the interaction between entry mode strategy and firm performance was positive and significant. Further analysis revealed that the interaction term of organizational structure and environmental turbulence accounted for the rise in firm performance to suggest that organizational structure and environmental turbulence are joint significant moderators. This suggests that entry mode strategy appropriateness is key to firm performance and that the fit between organisational structure and the macro-environment is a precondition to higher performance. Contribution: This study adds to recent empirical literature on the link between entry mode strategy, organizational structure, environmental turbulence, and firm performance within emerging economy context, and it provides additional support for the assumptions of the eclectic theory and Hage’s axiomatic theory of organization.

Urban poverty, renewable energy and Nigerian business climate

In the phenomenal urban growth of cities Nigeria has experienced poor and haphazard urban planning. The cities are generally characterized by poor and inadequate and inefficient urban services and infrastructure. Energy use is closely related to the level of productivity in business and other activities. A primary challenge to the business environment in Nigeria is the deficit in infrastructure. The estimated energy need for Nigeria is 98,000MW per day. The country however generates an average of 3,500MW daily only. The result is an alarming shortage of 94,500MW daily. The low power supply makes electricity costly. Consequently the operating costs for businesses are usually high as electricity is indispensable in the running of businesses. The objective of this paper is the examination of the use of renewable energy in Nigeria particularly with regard to building an enabling business environment in Nigeria. This is in view of the incidence of urban poverty experienced in the country and its impact on the Nigerian business climate. The paper examines the urbanisation process in Nigeria and the resultant socio-economic downturn emanating from it. It asserts that phenomenal urban poverty, particularly infrastructural decay such as electricity supply has been experienced in the country which has been a handicap to the growth of the business environment in the country. The paper examines the energy situation in the country, and electricity generation and distribution. It critically examines an alternative direction of energy production and transmission in Nigeria, which is the resort to resources of renewable energy. Nigeria has an abundance of the resources such as solar, wind, hydroelectricity, and biomass. Policies, programmes, and strategies of renewable energy are examined in the paper. The paper concludes that the development would be an important key to building an enabling business environment in Nigeria.

Electronic Banking and Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Anambra State, Nigeria

This study aims to identify the relationship between electronic banking and performance of small and medium scale enterprises in Anambra state; one of the states with the highest number of SMEs, entrepreneurial skills, informal enterprises and a suitable business environment in Nigeria. To achieve this, the researcher examined performance of SMEs and their association with components of electronic banking; automated teller machine, point of sale services, transaction alerts via short message services (SMS) and mobile banking, through a questionnaire. Three hundred and seventy (73.1% response rate) copies of questionnaire issued to five hundred and six sampled respondents of 50 SMEs in Anambra state were properly filled and found relevant to the study. The study used SPSS and Excel to identify the descriptive characteristics of the variables of the study and analyze the data. Regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses of the study. Study results concluded that there is positive relationship between; automated teller machine, point of sale services, transaction alerts via short message services (SMS), mobile banking and performance of SMEs in Anambra State, Nigeria. The result also showed that SMEs continuous usage of electronic banking services could be attributed to cost effectiveness, convenience, security, accessibility and diversity of the services. The study recommends among others that, security of electronic banking services should be upgraded by a conjunction between SMEs and banks and that government should provide adequate regulatory framework to protect customers and security of transaction. Furthermore, policy makers in Nigeria should take advantage of the positive revelation of this study to make policies that will increase number of SMEs in Anambra state and Nigeria at large especially from the large number of informal enterprises in Anambra state and Nigeria.

Green marketing and competitive advantage in the manufacturing industry in Nigeria

The study examined the relationship between green marketing and competitive advantage in the manufacturing industry in Nigeria. In view of the competitiveness of the business environment in Nigeria, firms that hope to gain competitive advantage over their competitors in this era must be environmentally conscious through offering green products to consumers. The study's objective was to investigate green marketing and competitive advantage in the manufacturing industry in Nigeria. The study sample consisted of 64 registered manufacturing firms drawn from Edo and Delta States, South-South, Nigeria. The study employed ordinary least squares (OLS) multiple regression technique to analyse the data gathered from respondents. The study's findings revealed that product innovation and corporate social responsibility had a negative and significant relationship with competitive advantage while environmental commitment was significant and positively related to competitive advantage. The study recommended, among others things, that firms should embark on product innovation at regular interval aimed at adding environmental features to products, rebranding and repackaging. Finally, firms should in a matter of urgency improve on their corporate social responsibility in the environment where they operate.

Green marketing and competitive advantage in the manufacturing industry in Nigeria

The study examined the relationship between green marketing and competitive advantage in the manufacturing industry in Nigeria. In view of the competitiveness of the business environment in Nigeria, firms that hope to gain competitive advantage over their competitors in this era must be environmentally conscious through offering green products to consumers. The study's objective was to investigate green marketing and competitive advantage in the manufacturing industry in Nigeria. The study sample consisted of 64 registered manufacturing firms drawn from Edo and Delta States, South-South, Nigeria. The study employed ordinary least squares (OLS) multiple regression technique to analyse the data gathered from respondents. The study's findings revealed that product innovation and corporate social responsibility had a negative and significant relationship with competitive advantage while environmental commitment was significant and positively related to competitive advantage. The study recommended, among others things, that firms should embark on product innovation at regular interval aimed at adding environmental features to products, rebranding and repackaging. Finally, firms should in a matter of urgency improve on their corporate social responsibility in the environment where they operate.

Keeping the business afloat

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide first-hand experiences of running a hotel business in Nigeria from the perspective of an entrepreneur. Design/methodology/approach An informal interview was carried out via email. Max Menkiti is an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry with extensive experience in bootstrap start-ups and operations in the UK and Nigeria. He is currently the Director of Millennium Apartments and Studios in Lagos. Before that, he developed and operated the @venue series of boutique hotels. Max has over 11 years experience in the hospitality industry in Nigeria. Findings The interview offers valuable insights for researchers in hospitality industry entrepreneurship so as to understand the rationale for business decisions. Originality/value The backdrop for this paper is the business environment in Nigeria. The transcript makes available an insider’s view of the number and form of issues that entrepreneurs face in emerging economies.

Mergers and Acquisitions: The Trend in Business Environment in Nigeria

This paper focused on merger and acquisition in Nigerian business environment. Its specific objectives are to determine implication of merger and acquisition on profitability, leverage buy- out and shareholders’ wealth. It is a longitudinal survey covering time period of six years (Pre-merger and acquisition: 2007-2009 and Post-merger and acquisition: 2010-2012). Historical data were obtained from the financial statement and accounts of Access Bank PLC which merged with Intercontinental Bank PLC. Data collected are evaluated and analysed using McNemar test. This study reveals that merger and acquisition has influence on profitability, leverage buy-out and shareholders’ wealth. It concluded that merger and acquisition can stimulate economic growth and development of any nation. Hence, recommended that merger and acquisition should be strategically be employed by firms to improve profitability, shareholders wealth and offset accumulated leverage for the interest of dispersed stakeholders and government should create the enabling environment that can enhance merger and acquisition in Nigeria.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Practices and Stakeholders Expectations: The Nigerian Perspectives

Using Carroll’s (1991) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) model, the study examines business CSR practices and stakeholders’ expectations in Nigeria. Carroll’s (1991) CSR model states that four kinds of social responsibilities constitute total CSR: economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic. Both primary (survey) and secondary (the literature) data are used for the study. There are several stakeholders in business; but, for the purpose of the study employees, customers, shareholders, and local communities are identified as the main stakeholders in the context of the business environment in Nigeria. 240 questionnaires are administered to participants, selected through purposive sampling technique, in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. One hundred and fifty eight (158) questionnaires, representing 66% response rate, were duly completed and retuned for the study. The findings indicate that CSR is concerned with treating stakeholders ethically; and business should protect wide range of stakeholders’ interest. We found that the four dimensions of CSR (economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic) are not ascribed equal importance in Nigeria. Nigeria’s Stakeholders place more emphasis on economic, legal and ethical responsibilities than on philanthropic components. Understanding and effective management of stakeholders’ as well as their expectations can enhance corporate image and competitive advantage. The implication for practice is that business needs to identify relevant stakeholders and integrate primary stakeholders’ interests into organisational strategic planning. It shows that identification of stakeholders’ groups is beneficial to business managers and decision-makers.

Nigeria’s Business Environment: Issues Challenges and Prospects

Business as part of man’s activities thrives in conducive and sustainable environment. Conducive and sustainable environment depends on the availability of infrastructure put in place by the government. Nigeria’s business environment in the recent years has been coloured with fear and uncertainty leading to collapse of some business outfits particularly, the small scale industries and the relocation of the big ones to other countries. This paper examined business environment in Nigeria with focus on the challenges of Nigeria’s business environment. It also analyzed the prospects for business in Nigeria. The paper adopted qualitative approach using content analysis to source its information. The paper concluded that Nigeria’s business environment is characterized by uncertainty policy instability and lack of necessary infrastructure. And suggested that adequate infrastructure be provided to enable business thrive in Nigeria.

Six Sigma and Business Environment in Nigeria

The Paper Addressed Six Sigma And Business Environment In Nigeria. Process Improvements Are Actions Taken For Improving Organizational Processes, The Need For Making Process Improvements Continually Is Imperative For The Survival Of Organizations Because Of The Need To Respond Rapidly To Ever-Changing Environments In The Face Of Stiff Competition. The Paper Examined The Environmental Influence On The Application Of Six Sigma Strategy In Nigeria. The Survey Method Was Adopted. The Instrument For Data Collection Was Built On A Likert-Scale System. The Questionnaire Has A Reliability Coefficient (R) Value Tested With Cronbach's Alpha Statistics. Based On The Findings Of The Paper, It Is Discovered That Six Sigma Adds Significant Value To The Organization That Adopt The Strategy. The Study Also Revealed That The Environmental Factors Positively Affect The Application Of Six Sigma Strategy In Nigeria. Six Sigma Strategy Could Be Better Implemented And Better Result Achieved When Environment Is Conducive Than When It Is Not. The Paper Recommends That Government Should Create A Conducive Business Environment For The Application Of Six Sigma. Also Managers In The Sectors Should Constantly Review Or Scan The Environment Should Be Encouraged To Avoid The Unforeseeable Troubles.

The Impact of Nigerian Business Environment on the Survival of Small-Scale Ceramic Industries

The manufacturing sector at all levels is performing below-expectation in Nigeria. Many sectors, such as ceramic industry, glass industry and textile industry among others, are facing difficult times. The non-performance has been traced mainly to the unfavourable economic environment. A survey of small-scale ceramic enterprises established in south-western Nigeria from post-independence Nigeria of 1960 to 2004 was carried out in this study; their characteristics in terms of the facilities available for production, types of wares produced and current situation were examined. The study examined this against the business environment in Nigeria. It gave suggestions on how the necessary infrastructures and polices that enhance business environment could be harnessed to make small-scale ceramic production viable in Nigeria.

Strategic maintenance-management in Nigerian industries

A developing society needs to adapt to change and foster creativity. In the pursuit of continual improvement (e.g., reducing fossil-fuel consumption and waste, better service performance, greater availability and improved reliability), implementing wise maintenance-schedules is essential for contemporary organisations. Several studies of a wide range of Nigerian industries indicate that indigenous low availability and low productivity are endemic. The resulting closure of some of these industries has triggered off a realisation of the strategic challenges in maintenance management. In addition, the increasingly-competitive business environment in Nigeria has raised the strategic importance of maintenance functions, especially in organisations with significant investments in physical assets. Five strategic aspects of maintenance management have been identified, namely: maintenance methodology; support processes; organisation and work structuring; comparable culture; and general management policy. Three factors that permeate these dimensions are wise leadership, excellent communications and an understanding of the human factors involved.