IOSR-JBM   Volume-6 ~ Issue-6 ~ Jan-Feb-2013

Abstract:The main aim of the study is to evaluate the structural dimensions and functions of structure influencing agribusiness enterprises: mechanistic vs. organic systems approach. Systematic or quasi-random sampling was used. The sample size for this research was made up of twenty (26) small-to-medium scale agribusiness enterprises in Benue State, Nigeria, from a population of fifty two (52). One hundred and two (102) respondents were framed for this study. Preliminary analysis sub-divided agribusiness enterprises into mechanistic and organic enterprises. The mechanistic agribusiness enterprises had higher correlations in terms of written procedures, job descriptions, policy manuals and rules and regulations. Tasks performed by organic agribusiness enterprises are not fractionated and the levels of job qualification were not highly specialized compared to mechanistic enterprises. Respondents in mechanistic and overall agribusiness enterprises had a more dissatisfied feeling when decisions are made exclusively by top management. For organic agribusiness enterprises to be innovative, they must improve on their formalization of job descriptions, policy manuals and rules and regulations. To improve the image of employees and the organization, vertical differentiation and the number of supervisors in organic agribusiness enterprises must be increased and defined properly. Mechanistic agribusiness enterprises should allow decentralization so as to foster intrapreneurship.
Keywords: Agribusiness, functions of structure, mechanistic, organic, structural dimensions, synergy

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Abstract: The overall objective of this research is to carry out an environmental analysis and diagnosis of catfish enterprises in Benue State, Nigeria. A sample size of 143 catfish production enterprises was selected through simple stratified multi-stage random sampling design. A successful response rate of 79.7% was achieved as 114 of the questionnaires were considered acceptable. Majority of the respondents were of the opinion that government collaboration with local and foreign organizations was not enough and had produced a weak threat to catfish enterprises. Majority of the respondents had a strong threat view to the fact that interest rates, value of the Naira (N) and tax rates discouraged new investment and business expansion. A more specific ETOP was developed for each key environmental factor by using the critical indices for each factor. This was done for determining the amount of opportunities and threats likely in the near future for five business environment features. Since most of the factors were positive, if the firm has the resources and competences, the obvious choice is to employ growth strategy. Managerial attitude towards risk and corporate politics are factors that could encourage growth strategy away from maintenance strategy.
Keywords: Business cycles, environmental analysis, diagnosis, fiscal policies, technology

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Abstract: This paper discusses emerging demographic patterns and its opportunities and challenges for U.P. Demographic change in India is opening up new economic opportunities. As in many countries, declining infant and child mortality helped to flash lower fertility, effectively resulting in a temporary baby boom. Moreover, changes in population age structure have opened the door to increased prosperity. Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India with a population of 199,581,477 million people as of 1 March 2011. If it were a separate country, Uttar Pradesh would be the world's fifth most populous nation, next only to China. Population growth of Uttar Pradesh in 2011 is 20.09%, Sex Ratio is 908 in 2011. Economic and demographic factors reveal important and significant influences.
Keywords: transition, literacy, sex-ratio, poverty, population growth.

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