IOSR-JBM   Volume-28 ~ Issue-2 ~ February 2026

Abstract: This paper explores the influence of Total Quality Management (TQM) on organizational profitability with a focus on NEM Insurance Plc, Lagos State. The study investigates how TQM principles—such as continuous improvement, employee involvement, leadership commitment, and customer focus—contribute to enhanced operational performance and long-term profitability. The research adopts a descriptive survey design, utilizing primary data collected through structured questionnaires administered to management and staff across key departments. Data were analysed using simple percentage techniques and chi-square tests to determine the relationship between TQM implementation and profitability outcomes.....

Keywords: Total Quality Management (TQM), Organizational Performance, Profitability, Employee Training, Continuous Improvement.

[1]. Adebayo, T. (2022). Quality Management Systems And Service Excellence In Nigeria’s Service Sector. Lagos Business Review, 8(2), 44–57.
[2]. Adeoti, R., & Lawal, K. (2021). Barriers To Total Quality Management Implementation In Nigerian Insurance Companies. Journal Of African Management Studies, 5(3), 101–116.
[3]. Al-Dhaafri, H. S., & Al-Swidi, A. (2016). The Impact Of Total Quality Management And Entrepreneurial Orientation On Organizational Performance. International Journal Of Quality & Reliability Management, 33(5), 597–614.
[4]. Al-Najjar, S., & Jawad, S. (2022). Digital Transformation And Total Quality Management: A Pathway To Operational Excellence. TQM Journal, 34(6), 1201–1220.
[5]. Alvarado, R., & Kotzab, H. (2021). Quality Management And Supply Chain Performance: Evidence From ISO 9001-Certified Firms. Journal Of Operations Management, 67(4), 241–259.

Abstract: The purpose of the study was to explore and understand the impact of staff motivation on the organization’s performance, aiming to identify the key factors influencing motivation and provide practical insights to enhance staff engagement through deliberate motivational programs to achieve business objectives in the Financial Services Sector. The study was guided by the following objectives; to assess the relationship of employee motivation and organizational productivity in the Financial Services Sector; to identify the factors that increase employee motivation and, to assess the motivational strategies implored by Financial Services Organizations in Zambia to drive organizational effectiveness.....

Keywords: Employee motivation, organizational productivity, organizational effectiveness, motivational programs, staff engagement

[1]. Mudenda, J., Pedzisai, D., Joseph, P., & Sylvester, C. (2023). The Impact Of Staff Motivation In Micro Financial Institutions: A Case Study Of Bayport. JETIR, 10 (9). Https://Www.Researchgate.Net/Profile/Sylvester-Chisebe/Publication/374449565_THE_IMPACT_OF_STAFF_MOTIVATION_IN_MICRO_FINANCIAL_INSTITUTIONS_A_CASE_STUDY_OF_BAYPORT/Links/651ea0193ab6cb4ec6bdb89b/THE-IMPACT-OF-STAFF-MOTIVATION-IN-MICRO-FINANCIAL-INSTITUTIONS-A-CASE-STUDY-OF-BAYPORT.Pdf [2]. Hubbard, J. (2024). How Finance Leaders Can Motivate Their Teams (And Themselves). FM Financial Management. Https://Www.Fm-Magazine.Com/News/2024/Mar/How-Finance-Leaders-Can-Motivate-Their-Teams-And-Themselves.Html [3]. LSBF. (2024). What Role Does Motivation Play In Managing An Organization? London School Of Business & Finance. Https://Www.Lsbf.Org.Uk/Blog/News/Business-Economy/What-Role-Does-Motivation-Play-In-Managing-An-Organisation [4]. Gupta, A., & Tayal, T. (2013). Impact Of Competing Force Of Motivational Factors On Employees At Work Place. Information And Knowledge Management. 3 (5), 143-148. [5]. Manzoor, Q. (2012). Impact Of Employees Motivation On Organizational Effectiveness. European Journal Of Business And Management, 3 (1), 36-44. Https://Macrothink.Org/Journal/Index.Php/Bms/Article/View/904

Abstract: Commercial banks in Zambia are rapidly adopting digital technologies, yet the extent to which these initiatives enhance operational efficiency remains empirically unclear, especially amid recurring system downtimes and rising cybersecurity threats. The aim of this study is to bridge this empirical knowledge gap and investigate the impact of digital transformation on operational efficiency in Zambian banks, using STANCHART, ZANACO, and FNB as case studies. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines staff and customer responses to provide a comprehensive evaluation......

Keywords: Digital transformation, operational efficiency, system downtime, cybersecurity, digital banking, financial inclusion.

[1]. Amiri, M., Hashemi-Tabatabaei, M., Keshavarz-Ghorabaee, M., Antucheviciene, J., Šaparauskas, J., & Keramatpanah, M. (2023). Evaluation Of Digital Banking Implementation Indicators And Models In The Context Of Industry 4.0: A Fuzzy Group MCDM Approach. Axioms, 12(6). Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Axioms12060516
[2]. Aydiner, A. S., Tatoglu, E., Bayraktar, E., & Zaim, S. (2019). Information System Capabilities And Firm Performance: Opening The Black Box Through Decision-Making Performance And Business-Process Performance. International Journal Of Information Management, 47, 168–182. Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Ijinfomgt.2018.12.015
[3]. Bank Of Zambia. (2020). Annual Report. Bank Of Zambia. Https://Www.Boz.Zm
[4]. Barney, J. (1991). Firm Resources And Sustained Competitive Advantage. Journal Of Management, 17(1), 99–120. Https://Doi.Org/10.1177/014920639101700108
[5]. Barnes, S. J. (2003). Enterprise Mobility: Concept And Examples. International Journal Of Mobile Communications, 1(4), 345–357. Https://Doi.Org/10.1504/IJMC.2003.003706

Abstract: This study investigated the effects of financial bootstrapping strategies on the survival of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Lusaka District, Zambia. Using a correlational research design with a quantitative approach, data were collected from 298 SMEs through structured questionnaires, achieving a 92.5% response rate. Multiple regression analysis revealed that financial bootstrapping strategies collectively explain 66.6% of the variance in SME survival outcomes. Profit reinvestment emerged as the strongest predictor (β = 0.359, p < 0.001), followed by cost control.....

Keywords: Financial bootstrapping, SME survival, self-funding, cost control, profit reinvestment, Zambia.

[1]. Bank Of Zambia (2022). MSME Finance Survey Report. Lusaka: Bank Of Zambia.
[2]. Mabonga, M. (2020). Financial Bootstrapping Strategy And Sustainability Of Small And Medium Enterprises In Kanduyi Sub-County, Kenya. American International Journal Of Business Management, 3(8), 95-107.
[3]. Mugenda, O.M. & Mugenda, A.G. (2003). Research Methods: Quantitative And Qualitative Approaches. Nairobi: African Centre For Technology Studies.
[4]. Muthuswamy, S. & Kafweta, C. (2022). Factors Affecting The Economic Growth Of Small And Medium-Sized Enterprises: Case Study Of Mutendere East, Lusaka District, Zambia. Bulletin Of Social Sciences, 7(1), 1-7.
[5]. Myers, S.C. & Majluf, N.S. (1984). Corporate Financing And Investment Decisions When Firms Have Information That Investors Do Not Have. Journal Of Financial Economics, 13(2), 187-221

Abstract: Background: The demand for sustainability-related risk management in the road construction industry especially those financed via the Public Private Partnerships is increasing and Zambia is no exception. This is mostly because sustainability risks exist everywhere in the business environment. While the majority of studies have focused on operational risk management practices, the current study centers on assessing the challenges concessionaires and other implementers face as regards Environmental and Social sustainability-related risk management practices associated with road projects being executed through the PPP financing model using the Lusaka Ndola dual carriage way as the case study......

Keywords: Public-private partnerships, Sustainability, Road Construction, Implementation challenges, Zambia.

[1]. Colverson S, Perera, O. (2012). Harnessing The Power Of Public-Private Partnership: The Role Of Hybrid Financing Strategies In Sustainable Development. International Institute For Sustainable Development, Canada.
[2]. Tamošaitienė J. (2021). Sustainability. Mdpi.Com. Retrieved From Https://Www.Mdpi.Com/Journal/Sustainability/Special_Issues/Sustainable_Risk_Assessment_Construction.
[3]. Patil N A, Laishram, B. (2016). Public-Private Partnerships From Sustainability Perspective – A Critical Analysis Of The Indian Case. Int.J. Constr. Manag., Vol.16, No 2, Pp 161 -174.
[4]. Etikan I, Bala, K. (2017). Sampling And Sampling Methods. Biometrics & Biostatistics International Journal, 5, Article No. 00149. Https://Doi.Org/10.15406/Bbij.2017.05.00149
[5]. Chabala M, Mwango N, Zulu S, Zulu E. (2022). Drivers And Barriers To Sustainability Practices In The Zambian Construction Industry. International Journal Of Construction Management. 23. 10.1080/15623599.2022.2045425.

Abstract: The export promotion policy of India has undergone strategic transformation where it has become more of a hybrid through the mission mode reorientation in the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 and the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) that form the core of the new policy. This study looks at the factors behind the design and the impact of the major strategic reorientation that have been carried out. The study has taken a larger perspective in context of the global trade dynamics and the domestic structural problems. The export support system of the past has been a maze of multiple schemes working in isolation, granting.....

Keywords: Export Promotion Mission, Foreign Trade Policy 2023, Global Value Chain, India.

[1]. Ahamed, G. T., & Raju, S. A. A. (2023). A Review Of Challenges And Opportunities For Msmes In India: A Roadmap For Success. International Journal Of Advanced Research In Commerce, Management & Social Science (IJARCMSS), 89, 89-98.
[2]. Banerjee, P., Hussain, Z., & Karwal, K. (2025). Navigating The Development Divide: The Case For Policy Space In India's Industrial Policy Strategy Amid Rising Global Protectionism. Centre For WTO Studies, Centre For Research In International Trade.
[3]. Business Standard. (2025, February 1). Budget FY26: Govt To Launch Export Promotion Mission Worth Rs 2,250 Crore; MAI And IES Allocations Removed. Https://Www.Business-Standard.Com/Budget/News/Budget-Fy26-Govt-To-Launch-Export-Promotion-Mission-Worth-Rs-2-250-Crore-125020100843_1.Html
[4]. Erixon, F., Pandya, D., & Sharma, V. (2025). India And The World Economy: Policy Options At A Time Of Geopolitical Drama, Technological Shifts, And Rising Protectionism (No. 07/2025). ECIPE Policy Brief.
[5]. Irshad, I., & Karatas, C. (2025). Export Promotion Of Small And Medium Sized Enterprises In India. International Journal For Research In Applied Science & Engineering Technology, 13(II), 939–948

Abstract: This study investigates the role of IP management in fostering an innovation ecosystem. IP management, defined as the process of recognizing and protecting organizational assets like trade secrets, copyrights, and trademarks, also safeguards software and data classified as intangible assets. Organizations follow steps to protect these assets, starting with identifying and documenting strategically important ones, and then filing applications to register copyrights and safeguard trade secrets. IP licensing enables asset monetization, and IP enforcement allows....

Keywords: Intellectual Property, global Entrepreneurship Index, Global Innovation Index, Intellectual Property Rights, Innovation Ecosystem.

[1]. Matt, D. T., Molinaro, M., Orzes, G., & Pedrini, G., The Role Of Innovation Ecosystems In Industry 4.0 Adoption, 32 Journal Of Manufacturing Technology Management 369-395 (2021)
[2]. Visscher, K., Hahn, K., & Konrad, K., Innovation Ecosystem Strategies Of Industrial Firms: A Multilayered Approach To Alignment And Strategic Positioning, 30 Creativity And Innovation Management 619-631 (2021)
[3]. Park, Y. S., Konge, L., & Artino Jr, A. R., The Positivism Paradigm Of Research, 95 Academic Medicine 690-694 (2020)
[4]. Park, D., Bahrudin, F. I., & Han, J., Circular Reasoning For The Evolution Of Research Through A Strategic Construction Of Research Methodologies, 8 International Journal Of Quantitative And Qualitative Research Methods 1-23 (2020)
[5]. Siedlecki, S. L., Understanding Descriptive Research Designs And Methods, 34 Clinical Nurse Specialist 8-12 (2020)

Abstract: Financial exclusion remains a critical barrier to economic participation among low-income populations in urban Zambia. This study examines the comparative impact of mobile money services and traditional banking on financial inclusion, focusing on accessibility, cost, and user experience. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews from 150 respondents in Lusaka and Kitwe. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings reveal that mobile money services offer superior accessibility....

Keywords: Financial inclusion, mobile money, traditional banking, urban Zambia, digital finance, low-income populations

[1]. Aker, J. C., & Mbiti, I. M. (2010). Mobile Phones And Economic Development In Africa. *Journal Of Economic Perspectives*, 24(3), 207-232. Https://Doi.Org/10.1257/Jep.24.3.207
[2]. Bank Of Zambia. (2022). *Financial Sector Development Plan 2022-2026*. Bank Of Zambia.
[3]. Beck, T., & Cull, R. (2013). Banking In Africa. In A. Demirgüç-Kunt, L. Klapper, D. Singer, & S. Ansar (Eds.), *Handbook Of Banking And Finance* (Pp. 1-20). Oxford University Press.
[4]. Chisanga, B. (2019). *Financial Inclusion And Informal Sector Participation In Zambia*. Indaba Agricultural Policy Research Institute.
[5]. Collins, D., Morduch, J., Rutherford, S., & Ruthven, O. (2009). *Portfolios Of The Poor: How The World's Poor Live On $2 A Day*. Princeton University Press.

Abstract: In the current research, the researcher has used the method of online and offline survey as well as offline interviews as a means of collecting primary data, which are both qualitative and quantitative in nature, respectively. Three survey questions for all the employees were given, and the employees were provided with the printouts of the survey questionnaire manually from hand to hand and with a pen, so that they could fill in those forms then and there only. Every respondent was given suffice time to answer. This method was handy for the lower-level employees....

Keywords: Strategic Position, Market leadership, Mopani Copper Mine, Factors, Zambia

[1]. Ameen, K., Batool, S. H., & Naveed, M. A. (2018). Difficulties Novice LIS Researchers Face While Formulating A Research Topic. Information Development, 0266.
[2]. Baldwin, A. N., & Cossy, M. (2018). A Caribbean Feminist Methodology As Resistance Approach. Practices Of Resistance In The Caribbean: Narratives, Aesthetics And Politics, 174.
[3]. Barney, J. (1991). Firm Resources And Sustained Competitive Advantage. Journal Of Management, 17(1), 99-120.
[4]. Boeren, E. (2018). The Methodological Underdog: A Review Of Quantitative Research In The Key Adult Education Journals. Adult Education Quarterly, 68(1), 63-79.
[5]. Brooks, D. S., & Eronen, M. I. (2018). The Significance Of Levels Of Organization For Scientific Research: A Heuristic Approach.

Abstract: Purpose and Design This research aims to design an accounting-based simulation model capable of diagnosing and reforming the structural fiscal gap between Egypt’s public economic authorities (PEAs) and the national budget. Despite Egypt’s significant public-sector surpluses, the fiscal deficit remains persistently high due to fragmented surplus governance and weak....

Keywords: Fiscal Deficit; Public Economic Authorities; Accounting Simulation Model; Surplus Integration; Budget Sustainability; Egypt; Comparative Fiscal Reform

[1]. Abdel-Khalek, G. (2021). Fiscal Consolidation And Structural Reform In Egypt. Cairo: ECES.
[2]. Afonso, A., & Jalles, J. T. (2016). Economic Performance And Government Size. European Journal Of Political Economy, 43, 1–13.
[3]. Ahmed, S. (2020). Governance Reforms In Egypt’s Public Sector. Egyptian Journal Of Public Policy, 11(2), 45–67.
[4]. Alesina, A., & Perotti, R. (1996). Fiscal Discipline And Budget Institutions. American Economic Review, 86(2), 401–407.
[5]. Allen, R., & Tommasi, D. (2001). Managing Public Expenditure. Paris: OECD Publishing.