The services provided by digital marketing agencies have grown in value and necessity. As the world becomes more interconnected through digital platforms, effective marketing has transformed into a multifaceted science that calls for knowledge, strategy, and adaptability. As a result of this transformation, digital marketing agencies have emerged as success architects in today’s business world.

The significance of a strategic and well-executed digital marketing approach cannot be overstated in this era of unprecedented technological advancements and rapidly shifting consumer preferences. Businesses across industries are discovering that partnering with a capable digital marketing agency is not just a choice; it is a strategic imperative if they want to not only survive but thrive in this volatile environment. In this blog post, we will delve into the various reasons why digital marketing agencies are so important in today’s business landscape. We will look at everything from their specialized knowledge to their ability to navigate the complex web of algorithms and trends. 

What exactly are digital marketing agencies?

A digital marketing agency is a specialized firm that provides a variety of services to assist businesses and organizations in improving their online presence, engaging with their target audience, and achieving their digital marketing goals. These firms use a variety of digital platforms, tools, and strategies to develop comprehensive marketing campaigns that increase brand awareness, customer engagement, and, ultimately, business growth.

Digital marketing agencies frequently collaborate with clients to understand their goals, target audience, and overall business objectives. They then create customized strategies and campaigns that align with these goals, drawing on their specialized knowledge, industry insights, and digital expertise. Whether it’s a small business seeking local exposure or a multinational corporation seeking global recognition, digital marketing agencies play a critical role in assisting businesses in navigating the complexities of the digital landscape and achieving meaningful results. To find out more you can visit https://www.ibex.co.th who offers a free consultation with their digital marketing experts.

Time Savings and Focus on Core Business

In the fast-paced digital world, time is a valuable resource. To remain competitive, businesses must carefully allocate their resources, which is where strategic partnerships with digital marketing agencies come into play. Businesses that outsource digital marketing tasks to these agencies can streamline their operations and focus on what truly matters – their core functions and areas of expertise.

Unburdening Resources for Innovation

Managing the complexities of digital marketing requires a significant investment of time, manpower, and resources. Businesses can focus on innovation, development, and growth by delegating these responsibilities to digital marketing agencies. This newfound space fosters an environment in which creativity thrives, new ideas emerge, and strategic initiatives can be pursued without the constraints of managing multifaceted online campaigns.

Furthermore, digital marketing tools and technologies evolve quickly, necessitating constant updates and familiarity with the most recent trends. Businesses that collaborate with agencies ensure that they remain at the forefront of digital innovation without the hassle of ongoing research and learning curves.

Using Advanced Tools and Technologies

Data, insights, and the ability to make informed decisions fuel the digital marketing landscape. Digital marketing agencies have access to a plethora of advanced tools and technologies that enable them to navigate this complex terrain with precision and finesse. These tools not only streamline processes but also provide invaluable insights that drive successful campaigns.

Analytics Platforms

To track website traffic, user behaviour, and conversion rates, agencies use powerful analytics platforms such as Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, and others. This data enables them to make informed decisions, optimise campaigns, and tailor strategies to audience preferences.

SEO Tools

Search engine optimisation is a cornerstone of digital marketing. Keyword research, competitor analysis, and other tasks are handled by agencies using tools such as SEMrush, Moz, and Ahrefs.

Social Media Management Software

Agencies use tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, and Sprout Social to efficiently manage multiple social media platforms. These platforms allow for social network scheduling, content management, and performance tracking.

PPC Advertising Instruments

Agencies rely on tools like Google Ads and Bing Ads to run effective pay-per-click campaigns. Precision targeting, bid management, and performance analysis are all possible with these platforms.

Gaining a Fresh Perspective and Creativity

The fresh perspective and creative outlook that a digital marketing agency brings to the table is one of the most valuable aspects of working with them. Agencies operate outside of a company’s internal dynamics, allowing them to see the big picture objectively.

1. Novel Concepts: Agencies introduce novel strategies, creative content, and novel approaches that may not have been considered internally. This injection of creativity gives campaigns new life.

2. Creative Thinking: Digital marketing agencies frequently work with clients from a variety of industries. This exposure enables them to contribute cross-industry insights and unconventional thinking to your campaigns.

3. Objective Critique: An objective critique is provided from an outside perspective. Agencies can identify areas for improvement without being influenced by internal politics, resulting in more refined campaigns.

In the following sections, we’ll look more closely at how digital marketing agencies use these tools to create campaigns that connect with audiences, drive results, and push creative boundaries. It is clear that these tools not only improve the agency’s capabilities but also enable businesses to realise their full digital potential.

Specialised fluids require precision in manufacturing and handling. Adhesives and coatings are advanced fluids that need to be handled carefully. To facilitate this, TechnoDigm™ is a leading provider. we provide high-tech machines to streamline proper fluid application. Our automated liquid dispensing systems are top-notch and offer high performance. 

With technology advancements, automated fluid dispensing has risen in value. Within industries and other areas, this technique makes sure that fluids are utilised properly. Within this article, we have discussed how equipment such as automated fluid dispensing systems are applied in varying work fields. We will also highlight the issues they resolve along with the excellent features that make these machines better options. 

Fluid Dispensing: Precision is Key

Product quality is enhanced by applying the utility of precise fluid dispensing in various sectors. The product can become durable and functional once correct adherence and easy coating are applied. Each component of the product needs to go through this process. Failure in testing and application can result from a small error in dispensing the fluid. 

It can also reduce the lifespan of the product in its application. Not only this, but it can lead to many safety concerns. Material wastage is the prime flaw If the fluid is not dispensed correctly. The accurate placement of each ounce of the fluid optimises product usage. 

Manufacturers can prevent excessive wastage through this. Production and cost-effectiveness are enhanced through this technique. It also ensures the high-quality maintenance of the final product. 

Automated Fluid Dispensing: Approaches to Overcoming Challenges

There are a few problems that may arise with automated fluid dispensing. This can impact the performance and requires solutions. Let’s take a look at the challenges and their recurring solutions. 

Upholding Consistency in Accurate Dispensing

Product quality and its reliable nature demand continuity in dispensing. Many factors affect these. Deviations in fluid viscosity, temperature, and pressure can actively affect these. 

Solution: By applying real-time monitoring can reduce these deviations effectively. Control systems through sensors can detect the parameters in this. Adjusting these can create productive modifications for precise fluid application. This also demands choosing the correct dispensing valve.

Distinct Material Properties Adaptability

Manufacturing different products employs the use of a distinct array of materials. These materials not only show varying properties but also deviations in other parameters. 

Solution: Customisation is integral when it comes to different materials. Adaptable settings should be employed along with the dispensing systems to function according to the unique properties of the respective materials. This helps dispense and apply fluids in different products and their premium application in industries. 

System Reboots and Maintenance

While manufacturing products, regular maintenance can affect the overall manufacturing effectiveness. Unexpected power outages and downtime can highly affect and interrupt production schedules. 

Solution: AI and IoT can identify and facilitate the possible issues and forecast delays and system rebooting. Applying such predictive maintenance allows for quality production timely without hassle and delays. 

Implementation of New Technologies with Existing Manufacturing Systems

It is not easy to employ the new automated dispensing systems with the already present manufacturing systems. It can be complex, along with being resource-intensive. 

Solution: This can be made easy by selecting dispensing systems that have adaptable and flexible features. Moreover, the operators should be given adequate training in the filed regarding the new systems to make the process smooth. 

Compliance with Standard Regulations

Industry-set regulatory standards provide a specific standard that all systems should comply with. Sectors like medical and aerospace are majorly covered in this area.  

Solution: Dispensing systems can counteract this issue by holding inbuilt compliance and safety features. Documentation regarding the fluid dispensing systems should also be kept orderly to verify that they adhere to the industry standards described. 

Scalability of Dispensing Systems

Scaling properly is the demand with the evolution of manufacturer’s requirements. They require no compromise in the precision of the product. 

Solution: System overhauls can lag the dispensing systems. Manufacturers can thus invest in modular and scalable dispensing systems to ensure smooth working. 

Multi-Sectoral Implementation and Applications

Many different types of businesses may benefit from automated fluid dispensing systems. Now, let’s look at some ways this technology is being used in the business world. 

Electronics

To manufacture high-quality and dependable electronics, accurate fluid dispensing is essential. To create a strong connection, solder pastes, adhesives, and coatings must be applied precisely. It is also for adequate shielding for the components. 

This level of accuracy is critical for protecting the integrity of electrical components. This prevents failures caused by factors like voltage spikes or accidental drops. To guarantee proper distribution of these substances, use the automated fluid dispensing systems from TechnoDigm™. 

In particular, the TR Series Desktop Dispensing Robot provides an efficient and space-saving method of dispensing fluids for use in electronics production.

Manufacturing

For manufacturing to succeed, fluids must be applied consistently and precisely throughout the assembly process. Applying a suitable quantity of adhesive or other components to each item is essential for keeping quality high.  

Supporting dependable production in the manufacturing sector is critical. TechnoDigm™’s meter mix systems provide solutions for verifying exact ratios and constant amounts of components.

Semiconductors

Extreme accuracy in fluid dispensing is required in chip and wafer fabrication in the semiconductor industry. The efficiency and dependability of semiconductor devices rely on the precise application of conductive epoxies, underfills, and other materials. 

While basic fluid dispensers might suffice for some industries that do not require ultra-precise dispensing, they fall short of the rigorous standards of the semiconductor sector. Instead, the semiconductor industry leans heavily on specialized equipment like Dispensing Valves and Automated Fluid Dispensing Systems. These advanced systems ensure that the exact amount of fluid is dispensed with impeccable precision, which is paramount in semiconductor production.

Recent Developments in Automated Fluid Dispensing Technology

Tremendous progress is common in the automated dispensing system. This enhances functionality along with precision in the application of fluids across different sectors. 

Incorporating Robotics

Robotics have been employed when it comes to accurate fluid placement over different substrates. A robotic arm can elevate the fluid placement. Product consistency is their priority, as they can dispense the exact fluid amount. They also follow the path of the system precisely. 

The GR2000 Precision Desktop Gantry Robots from TechnoDigm™, for instance, is an outstanding illustration of the application of robotics to the dispensing of fluids. These robots were developed to guarantee that the fluids used in a wide range of production processes meet all the required standards.

Sensors and Vision Systems

Live vision systems facilitate this. They ensure the fluid placement is correct and modify any changes required to enhance accuracy. The sensors constantly evaluate and control the fluid flow for a more consistent dispensing practice. 

Industry 4.0 in Automated Fluid Dispensing Systems

The integration of Industry 4.0 technologies is pivotal for modern automated fluid dispensing systems. Industry 4.0, often referred to as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, brings about a new era of interconnectedness and real-time data exchange in manufacturing processes.

In the context of fluid dispensing, Industry 4.0 capabilities allow for enhanced adaptability and responsiveness. Systems can now communicate seamlessly with other devices and central databases, ensuring that operations are optimized based on real-time feedback. This interconnectedness aids in predictive maintenance, minimizing downtime, and ensuring consistent performance and production efficiency.

IoT Connectivity

Manufacturing systems need to be in sync with the dispensing systems. This is enabled through IoT connectivity. Seamless data exchange is one of its features that improves manufacturing ability. Adaptive production processes are conducted through this. 

Superior Control and User Experience

The user interfaces and controls of today’s dispensing systems are among the most advanced in the world. These connections offer timely information for optimum performance and quality management. 

Conclusion

Accuracy is key when it comes to production in the manufacturing sector. Automated fluid dispensing can facilitate this without much effort. Electronics, semiconductors, and manufacturing industries utilise this technology to smooth their functioning. It also improves many problems relating to sectors. 

The integration of real-time monitoring and high-tech features has greatly enhanced its capabilities. Manufacturing processes will be streamlined, and their performance will be more accurate with the help of these. In this entire process, we make sure that all functions are appropriate.

The recommended time to adequately prepare for the MCAT is at least three months of full-time study. In an ideal world, students would dedicate their summer vacations to an uninterrupted study regimen, allowing them to conquer the exam with flying colors.

Yet, for many students, this timeline isn’t practical. Many students find themselves juggling MCAT preparation alongside their undergraduate studies, which can make achieving a top score seem more overwhelming and challenging.

Fortunately, I can assure you that even within the constraints of your undergraduate schedule, you can transform what may seem like an impossible task into a reachable goal. In this guide, I’ll share my proven MCAT study tips and techniques that’ll get you to your target score as a busy student!

Create a Study Schedule

When you’re juggling multiple courses, extracurricular activities, and other school commitments, staying organized is crucial. Before cracking open your first prep book, you’ll need to establish a solid plan. 

Take a moment to sit down and assess all of your obligations, creating a realistic study timeline tailored to your specific circumstances. Determine your preferred study resources, set study blocks, and allocate daily and weekly study hours.

There are a series of flexible MCAT study schedules you can use as references to simplify this process. By doing this initial leg work, you’ll ensure you remain on track and accountable, always knowing your daily objectives. This way, you can concentrate on steadily working towards your goal without the constant worry of what comes next!

Stay Consistent

You may find that you can only dedicate two hours a day to your studies, and that’s perfectly fine, as long as you maintain consistency. Avoid taking extended breaks in your study schedule. 

It’s more effective to allocate a consistent number of hours to your studies throughout the entire week rather than cramming all your study hours on days when you don’t have class. Consistency is paramount for honing your skills, reinforcing knowledge, and ensuring that information stays firmly rooted in your mind.   

For this reason, you might find it necessary to allocate more weeks or even months to your studies than you initially anticipated. What another student can accomplish in three months might require six for you. It’s important to embrace this adjustment and give yourself a generous timeframe to achieve your goals comfortably. 

Make Time for Practice

Regardless of the amount of time you can allocate to your studies, you should aim to complete six to ten practice tests to adequately prepare for the exam. Each of these practice tests will take approximately seven hours to complete, so it’s essential to carve out dedicated slots in your schedule to accommodate them.

While some students opt to split a practice test into two sessions over a week, it’s more effective to find uninterrupted time to take a full practice test. 

This approach not only helps you manage your time more efficiently but also allows you to become accustomed to the test conditions, preventing test-day anxiety—a score-threatening aspect that many students tend to overlook during their test prep.

Make the Necessary Sacrifices

Studying for this exam will demand a substantial amount of your time. You may even find yourself constantly thinking about it, even when you’re not actively studying. To ensure you have ample time for focused studying, it might be necessary to trim down your non-essential commitments. 

While maintaining your academic performance should remain a priority, it’s worth considering scaling back on extracurricular activities until you’ve completed your study period. This could also mean having to forgo certain social events or plans with friends to avoid setbacks. 

As challenging as this may be, remember it’s a short-term sacrifice. The more dedicated you are to your studies during this time, the less likely you’ll fall behind, and the sooner you’ll be prepared to ace your test, ultimately freeing up your schedule once again!

Be Realistic

You have the best understanding of yourself, your capabilities, and when it’s time to take a step back. 

Avoid overloading your schedule, as this can lead to compromised academic performance or test scores. It’s important to push yourself through doubts and obstacles, but it’s equally important to prevent burnout, as it will only hinder your progress!

One of the most common pitfalls students encounter while preparing for the MCAT is attempting to rigidly adhere to someone else’s study schedule. While it’s valuable to draw inspiration from others, your study plan should only align with your own capacities and limitations!

Final Thoughts

Balancing your courses and college commitments with your MCAT studies is undeniably challenging, but it’s also unquestionably achievable. It’ll take a strong work ethic, unwavering commitment, and the ability to hold yourself accountable. 

However, it’s important to note that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. You can enlist the help of a seasoned tutor for the MCAT who can provide you with expert guidance and support at every step of the way! So, whether you brave this journey on your own or with some aid, know that success is well within your reach!

Author Bio: 

By: Rohan Jotwani

He is the Director of Admissions Counseling at Inspira Advantage. He is also the former Chief Resident in Anesthesiology at Weill Cornell and reviewed undergraduate and graduate applications at Columbia university.

The evolution of technology has triggered a crucial shift in the landscape of qualitative research methodology. Among the myriad of tools available, video has emerged as a remarkable medium for data collection, analysis, and presentation in qualitative research. It enables academics to examine a wide range of social phenomena because of its multidimensional methodology.

This article gives a thorough investigation of the usefulness of video as a tool for qualitative researchers.

1. Embracing Authenticity: Video in Data Collection

Video recording facilitates the collection of raw, unedited, and comprehensive data – free from the subjective interpretations of the researcher during the initial stages. It helps capture the sequence, context, and non-verbal cues often missing in textual transcripts. Video data also offers a rich visual and auditory record serving as a reference for repeated playback and analysis.

A. Recording Interviews

Incorporating video into interviews allows researchers to preserve the nuances of the interaction. Software development can also involve utilizing coding tools to examine expressions, body language, tone of voice, and other forms of verbal communication.

The video also allows researchers to capture the physical environment of the interview, providing a more holistic account of the context. A visual rеcord with a tеlеpromptеr allows rеsеarchеrs to sее what was said and how it was said, as wеll as thе physical еnvironmеnt in which thе intеrviеw took placе. The visual record can be used to support or challenge a researcher’s interpretation of the interview.

B. Ethnographic Observations

Through the capture of nonverbal cues like gestures and facial expressions, video may show the organic flow of an interaction. Visuals also make it possible to record social encounters in audio and visual ways that writing down notes on paper cannot.

For researchers who wish to get a thorough record of an interaction, like a therapy session or focus group discussion, video is especially helpful.  Video can also be used to create animations like a GIF that illustrate key concepts in the findings. A GIF compressor is used to reduce the size of the file and make it easier to share and post online. The GIF format is an image file that uses lossless compression, which means there’s no loss of quality when you compress the file that way it can be used for visualizing data in a way that is engaging and easy to understand.

C. Onlinе Survеys

Online surveys can be utilized as a productive technique to quickly get data from a large number of individuals. For example, You might desire to obtain input on the user-friendliness of your website or unveil the opinions of customers regarding a novel product design before its official launch into production.

2. Expanding Perspectives: Video in Data Analysis

Qualitative data analysis pivots on interpretation, and video data offers a multi-layered realm for making sense of phenomena. It goes beyond words and voice tones, taking into account body language, spatial dynamics, and interactions that might otherwise be overlooked.

A. Microanalysis

Video allows for microanalysis, helping readers scrutinize every frame for rich information – such as changes in facial expression or variations in voice pitch.

B. Macroanalysis

Macroanalysis Video allows readers to zoom out, taking a macro-level view of the interaction and seeing how it fits into the larger context of an event or group setting.

For еxamplе, a vidеo can hеlp you sее how pеoplе movе around thе room or how thеy rеact to what othеr pеoplе say. It’s easy to miss these details in transcripts, but when you watch a video of a meeting or classroom discussion, these things become much more apparent.

C. Longitudinal Studies

The ability to review and reanalyze data over time ensures a reliable comparison and improved conclusions. Video recording makes the implementation and tracking of longitudinal studies simpler.

Videos can be compressed using an MP4 compressor to reduce their size while maintaining their original quality. This frees up storage space and enables researchers to access the videos later.

3. Enhancing Communication: Video in Data Presentation

In today’s agе of knowlеdgе, vidеos havе bеcomе a tool for rеsеarchеrs to undеrstand and convеy thеir discovеriеs. Thеy offеr a platform to showcasе rеsеarch rеsults in an intеractivе and еasily undеrstandablе way.

A. Video Abstracts

Instead of standard, text-based abstracts, video abstracts give an overview of a study, improving the accessibility and dissemination of research findings.

The ability to skim or ignore text-based abstracts makes video abstracts more attention-grabbing than those that are only text-based.  A video abstract can also be embedded in a webpage, which makes it more accessible for researchers and readers. As it facilitates the sharing and dissemination of information, the usage of video abstracts is growing in popularity among scientists.

B. Interactive Media in Academic Publishing

Complementing Written Findings: Vidеos providе visual support to tеxtual dеtails, еnhancing undеrstanding and intеrprеtation of thе rеsеarch contеnt.

Clarity: Visual representations can simplify complex information, making it easier for readers to grasp the core concepts or findings.

Strengthening Reader-Researcher Connection: Vidеos can fostеr a morе pеrsonal and intеractivе еxpеriеncе comparеd to tеxt-only formats, potеntially еngaging rеadеrs at a dееpеr lеvеl.  

Elevating Pedagogical Value: Multimеdia contеnt can support various lеarning stylеs, thus еnriching thе еducativе potential of academic publications.

Researchers should be aware of ethical problems even if the use of video in qualitative research creates a wealth of opportunity. Consent that has been informed is essential, along with the protection of participant privacy and confidentiality. The effects of technical difficulties and the significance of data management must also be considered by researchers.

Utilizing the potential of video qualitative research allows us to explore the intricacies of behavior in greater depth. It enables us to uncover nuanced insights and significantly enhances our knowledge and comprehension.

Author Bio: (If needed)

Cris is currently working in VEED.io as a Search Engine Optimisation Specialist. He is a tech enthusiast who loves capturing photos and videos. He loves technology and can do video editing, programming, QA system testing, and writing.

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, staying ahead of the curve is no small feat. But with the right strategies and techniques, you can seize every opportunity that comes your way. One such technique that has been gaining major traction recently is Relationship Mapping. But what is it exactly and how can it be used effectively in business? Below, we delve into these questions and more.

Defining Relationship Mapping in the Business Context

Relationship Mapping, at its core, is about understanding and visualizing the complex network of relationships within and surrounding a business. It involves identifying the key stakeholders, their relationships with each other, and the dynamics of those relationships.

While the concept may seem straightforward, the actual process can be intricate and multi-dimensional, requiring deep insight into individual behaviors, preferences, and motivations.

An effective relationship map can serve as an invaluable guide, providing clarity and direction through the often murky waters of business negotiations and strategic planning.

The Significance of Relationship Mapping in Today’s Competitive Market

Alt Text: A businessperson going over market trends.

In an ever-competitive market, understanding the network of relationships around your business can be a game-changer. It can influence pivotal business decisions and lead to more strategic and effective operations.

Relationship Mapping promotes greater business intelligence, strategic alignment, and customer engagement. It provides businesses with necessary insights into the requirements, challenges, and preferences of the stakeholders.

At the heart of Relationship Mapping is a data-driven approach that promotes objective decision-making, minimizes risks, and optimizes opportunities.

Step-by-Step Guide To Implementing Relationship Mapping

Implementing Relationship Mapping in your business isn’t as complex as it may initially sound. It requires a systematic approach and the right tools.

The first step is understanding who the key players are. These could be internal stakeholders, customers, vendors, or even competitors.

After identifying these individuals, the next step is to understand the intricacies of these relationships. This includes understanding the dynamics, the strengths, the weaknesses, and the opportunities.

Finally, the collected information is visualized in the form of a map to provide a clear and comprehensive view of the relationship landscape of the business.

Innovative Methods To Streamline Relationship Mapping Process

Alt Text: A businessperson mapping market trends on a board.

While Relationship Mapping can seem overwhelming, innovative solutions make it easier and more efficient. Digital tools and software solutions enable businesses to automate and streamline the Relationship Mapping process.

These tools allow businesses to store information, track changes in relationships, and visualize complex networks intuitively. They are an invaluable asset in managing and navigating the complex world of business relationships.

The combination of human insight and technology in relationship mapping is a powerful mechanism for improving business strategy, operations, and ultimately performance.

Measuring the Success of Relationship Mapping in Business

The success of Relationship Mapping in business can be measured through various metrics. These could be enhanced stakeholder engagement, improved customer relationships, and increased business growth.

Negative patterns can be identified and rectified while positive trends can be leveraged for greater success. Ultimately, the aim is to strengthen relationships and drive business growth.

Companies can also determine the value of their Relationship Mapping initiatives by observing improvements in decision-making, strategic alignment, and business intelligence.

In conclusion, Relationship Mapping is proving to be a vital management tool in the arsenal of businesses. Its value extends far beyond mere visualization and unlocks insights that can significantly influence business success. So, if you haven’t already, consider making Relationship Mapping a part of your business strategy and streamline your operations. The potential benefits are immense and can benefit any business.

Housing is no longer just about location, location, location. The conversation is rapidly shifting towards sustainability and how eco-friendly a house can be. As the awareness of our carbon footprints grows, so does the demand for eco-friendly homes. The real estate industry is taking note of this global trend. Let’s explore how this green wave is revolutionizing the property sector.

 

1. The Rise of Green Real Estate

 As stated by Green Builder Media, the global market for green building materials is anticipated to skyrocket to a staggering $1.2 trillion by 2027. Notably, in the United States, there has been a 500% increase in LEED-certified buildings within the past ten years. This upward trend highlights an increasing consumer consciousness towards the environmental repercussions of their homes and an eager willingness to minimize their carbon footprints.

Quick Fact: In 2022, the National Association of Realtors revealed that 61% of home buyers were hunting for houses with green features. The Millennials are leading this charge, with 68% prioritizing eco-friendly characteristics.

 

2. Popular Green Features in Modern Homes

Eco-friendly housing isn’t merely a buzzword; it’s a broad spectrum of features and designs that homeowners now expect in their future homes. According to the 2023 National Association of Realtors report, leading the green wish list are:

• Energy-efficient appliances (53%)
• Energy-efficient windows (48%)
• Solar panels (46%)

Yet, the innovations continue. Forbes listed the top eco-friendly housing trends in 2023, which include:

• Net-zero energy homes: Designed to balance the energy consumed with the energy produced.
• Sustainable building materials: Crafted from renewable or recycled sources.
• Smart home technology: A digital touch to reduce energy consumption and water wastage.
• Green roofs: Offering a dual benefit of reducing stormwater runoff and elevating air quality.
• Community gardens: Fostering community spirit while offering a sustainable food source.

 

3. The Real Estate Market Responds

Incorporating green features lowers utility bills, reduces environmental impact, and has a tangible monetary advantage when selling a property. As stated by the Journal of Real Estate Research, homes with eco-friendly attributes were found to sell at a premium of 4.5% over traditional houses. This stat serves as a potent reminder to buyers and sellers: sustainability is not just a passion but an investment.

A pertinent question often arises: can you buy a house before selling your own? The answer is yes, although it comes with challenges. However, in the competitive housing market, especially where green homes are concerned, making a quick purchase might be an intelligent strategy. Let’s explore how this green real estate wave is revolutionizing the property sector”

 

4. Steps Toward a Greener Home

Not all homes come eco-friendly, but they can be upgraded. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)encourages homeowners to embark on the green journey. Their top recommendations include:

• Conducting an energy audit to detect energy drains.
• Implementing basic fixes like swapping to energy-efficient bulbs and sealing any air leaks.
• Investing in more extensive energy-saving tactics like insulating homes or switching to green appliances.

Eco-friendly housing isn’t a fleeting trend; it’s the future of real estate. With more buyers prioritizing green features, it’s evident that sustainability, both in construction and living, is driving the real estate landscape. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or upgrade, now is the time to think green and invest wisely in the future of our planet.

¹Nwogbo Mercy Obianuju

²Chukwu, Regina Nwamaka

³Ofozoba, Chinonso Anthony (PhD)

⁴Ikedimma, Ifeanyi Francis

^{1, 2&4}Department of Educational Management and Policy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

³Department of Arts and Social Science Education, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbarim.

Abstract

The study examined the influence of effective classroom control and management on the academic performance of secondary school students in Enugu East LGA. The study was guided by one specific purpose and one research question. From a population of 36,711 a sample size of 335, were drawn using simple random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire which was validated by experts was used to collect data for the study. The reliability of the instrument was carried out using Cronbach’s Alpha and this yielded a reliability index of 0.75. The data collected was analyzed using mean score. The result showed that use of the right teaching methods and adequate use of instructional material helps in improving classroom management and control in secondary schools. The researchers recommended that workshops/seminars should be organized for teachers on the importance of instructional materials in teaching and learning process so as to improve their classroom management.

Keywords: Classroom Management, Classroom Control, and Academic Performance

Introduction

Classroom management has been highlighted across numerous research studies as a major variable that affects students’ academic performance. The most obvious reason for this assertion is that, effective classroom management sets the stage for teaching and learning. It sets a tone in the classroom that captures students’ attention – as a necessity for effective teaching and learning (Onyali, 2020). This statement is obvious since a classroom which is chaotic and disorganized as a result of poor classroom management is highly unlikely to enhance expansive learning and students’ academic performance and might, indeed, inhibit it. In chaos, according to Ononye (2020), very little academic learning can take place. According to Walter (2012), classroom management differs from one teacher to another because of the teacher’s personality, teaching style, preparedness, and number of students in the classroom. According to Oguejiofor (2020), the concept of classroom management is broader than the notion of student control and discipline, it includes all the things teachers must do in the classroom to foster students’ academic involvement and cooperation in classroom activities to create conducive learning environment.

Nwankwo (2022), relates that classroom management involves curtailing learner’s disruptive behaviors such as fighting and noise making, close observation, arrangement of classroom learning materials, and response to students who suffer from poor sight (vision), poor hea3etb ring, poor reading, poor writing, poor spelling, shame, dullness, hyperactivity and poor study habits. When classroom management is viewed in a more wider and holistic sense, incorporating every element of the classroom from lesson delivery to classroom environment becomes important (‘Obiakor’ 2022). According to Nicholas, this includes creating organized and orderly classroom, establishing expectations, inducing students’ cooperation in learning tasks, and dealing with the procedural demands of the classroom. This view of classroom management contrasts to a more narrow view of classroom management as it deals with just discipline and control. According to Bassey (2012), the wider view of classroom management shows increased engagement, reduction in inappropriate and disruptive behaviors, promotion of student responsibility for academic work, and improved academic performance of students. In effect, discipline, control and the consequences become authoritative or punitive approaches to classroom management. These have become much smaller part of the term classroom management. Thus, classroom management denotes much more than any of these words (Charlie, 2016). 

In the view of Williams (2014), classroom management involves how the teacher works, how the class works, how the teacher and students work together and how teaching and learning takes place. An analyses of the past 50 years of classroom management research identified classroom management as the most important factor, even above students’ aptitude, affecting students’ learning and academic performance (Akubilo, 2019). Contrary to popular belief held by Obi and Obiakor (2021), classroom management is not a gift bestowed upon some teachers. While it is true that some teachers adapt to classroom management easily, making it felt by their colleagues as if they possess some innate talents. Classroom management is a skill that can be acquired like any other profession. It is a skill that must be practiced to achieve proficiency. Classroom management thus requires specific skills such as planning organizing, as well as an aptitude for team work. It requires a great deal of commitment, initiatives, teachers’ willingness to adjust, creative thinking and actions (Abel, 2011)

Ofojebe and Obiakor (2022) observes that improved teacher training in classroom management is a critical part in improving academic performance in a particular subject. Factors contributing to effective classroom management include: teaching methodology, lesson planning and preparation, interpersonal relationships and student motivation (Gaston, Lee and MacArthur 2010). Ezenwagu and Obiakor (2021) observed that structuring a classroom so that it supports positive student behavior requires prior planning. The structure of the classroom environment should decrease the likelihood of inappropriate student behavior and increases desirable student interactions and consequently improves academic performance. A classroom environment would enable learners to study in a way that is interesting, enjoyable and purposeful. Among models to restructure a good classroom environment include: use of a variety of teaching methods and involving students to numerous learning activities, physical class arrangement that allows a teacher to access students, efficient use of class time and ensuring that students interact positively during cooperative learning activities (Obiakor and Oguejofor,2021).  Kerr and Nelson (2012) assert that the use of rules is a “powerful, preventive component of classroom organization and management plans.” Rules are aimed at establishing the expected behaviors, what to be reinforced and the consequences for inappropriate behavior. Thus emphasis of effective class discipline helps to cut down on discipline problems and leave the classroom with fewer interruptions and disruptions. Wong (2009) believes that student performance is influenced by how well the procedures are laid out and taught to them.

To instill class discipline, teachers should introduce class rules early enough when the year is beginning and make sure they are understood by all. The teacher should be fair and impartial across all the students. In case of disruption within a lesson, the teacher should deal with the interruption with as little distraction as possible. Teachers should consider over planning as a recipe to avoid giving students free-time within the lesson. The teacher should be consistent in that they cannot afford to ignore negative behavior. Collins (2012) advocates for “cooperative discipline” where the teacher and students work together to make decisions. To him teachers should come up with a code of conduct that shows how students should behave and not how they should not behave. This instills discipline in a child as they know what is expected of them. Glenn (2013) emphasized the need for teachers to hold class meetings severally. Class meetings encourage respect among teacher and students. According to Barbara Coloroso theory of Inner self control, students should be given an opportunity to develop their self-control and that classrooms are the ideal places for this opportunities.

Thus class discipline can be identified through the use of lesson plans, learning activities, a code of conduct (rules and routines), communicating to parents and through group works (Collins 2012). Consequently there are strategies that promote good use of routines such as: praising, giving a token and signing behavior contracts with students with behavior problems (Emmer and Stough 2011). In South Africa: school Act of 1996 encouraged the need for positive disciplinary strategies as opposed to corporal punishment. Mabeba and Prinsobo (2010) asserts that positive discipline builds a learners’ self-esteem and enables them to cooperate and participate in the classroom and consequently assume responsibility for what happens. A research carried out by Nelson (2012) in Nigeria shows that teachers who assist students to set high expectations and engage them in self-evaluation of their performance get better grades as compared to student with poor self-efficacy.

Kerr and Nelson (2012) encourage the use of humor as a way to engage students and activate their learning. To them, when teachers share a laugh or a smile with students, they help students feel more comfortable and open to learning. Moreover, humor brings enthusiasm, positive feelings, and optimism to the classroom. Teachers are expected to conduct a needs analysis to identify the needs of students so as to capture their attention during learning process. Students need to be taught respect for self and others so that they can be able to function healthily in the society (Rogers, 2009). In Nigeria, as a behavior adjustment strategy, guiding and counseling department has been introduced in educational institutions as opposed to corporal punishment used in many African countries. Thus a good classroom environment should promote independent learning (Kireria 2014). Students should be exposed to numerous learning activities so that they can take pride in their accomplishments and instill a desire for knowledge.

The quality of education has been reflected not only in the subjects taught and achievement levels reached, but also in the learning environment. The environment has both reflected and influenced the behavior of students, and it has been affected by events within and outside of the school (Condition of Education, 2014). Most educators and researchers have agreed that the total environment should be comfortable, pleasant, and psychologically uplifting; should provide a physical setting that students find educationally stimulating; should produce a feeling of well-being among its occupants; and should support the academic process. One major aspect of the classroom climate that has fallen under the control of the teacher is that of classroom management and discipline. As might be expected classroom climate which motivated learning and afforded the students the opportunity to be actively and meaningfully engaged in academic activities influenced the positive rating of teacher’s classroom management hence the relation to their performance in physics.

Classroom management has referred to all the planned or spontaneous activities and interactions that have occurred within a classroom. In recent years, a growing interest has emerged in the area of classroom management. The classroom environment is a large part of classroom management that will either encourage students to succeed, or hamper their abilities and cause more failures. The classroom environment is different than the classroom management because it deals with how the students feel in the classroom. While classroom management focuses on procedures, routines, and expectations, the classroom environment focuses on the relationships between students and teachers, as well as how the students feel amongst their peers in the classroom (Stepanek, 2011). Classroom management is the heart of teaching and learning in school setting. A well-managed classroom can provide an exciting and dynamic experience for everyone involved. Unfortunately, student behavior can often with this process. Good classroom management implies not only that the teacher has elicited the cooperation of the student s in minimizing misconduct and can intervene effectively when misconduct occurs, but also that worthwhile academic activities are occurring more or less continuously and that the classroom management system as a whole is designed to maximize student engagement in those activities, not merely to minimize misconduct. Many times, by encouraging behavior that is more positive and uplifting in one classroom, the behavior will carry on into other classrooms, taking the safe environment further than one classroom. Student achievement, as well as emotional and social outcomes, can all be positively affected by a safe, positive learning environment (Stepanek, 2011). When teachers do not tolerate disrespect both among students and between the students and teacher, they set the standard for their classroom and students feel more encouraged to participate and take risks in the classroom. Because of this, setting the classroom environment is often just as important as establishing classroom management strategies.

Teachers have entered a new age of classroom management. Faced with new challenges during the first part of the twenty first century teachers, teacher educators and school administrators have searched for alternative ways to manage classrooms. However, finding answers to classroom management situations is difficult because there is disagreement about what constitutes effective classroom management approaches.

Some administrators and teachers think of classroom management and discipline as being synonymous terms. Vasa (2014) describe classroom management as behaviors related to maintenance of on-task student behaviors and the reduction off-task or disruptive behaviors. Those who share his view define effective classroom management as a way of preparing students for life. They focus not on controlling students‟ behavior today but on preparing students for the world they live in tomorrow. Teachers and administrators who approach classroom management from this perspective define effective classroom management as the process of creating a positive social and emotional climate in the classroom (Morris, 2016). One of the most important skills possessed by effective teachers is that of classroom management. These skills are considered by Lang (2012) as by far the most important aspect of a teachers training and they state that effective classroom management is largely concerned with disruptive strategies, but other aspects are also of vital importance. Aspects are also of vital importance. The definitions developed by Conrath (2011) for classroom management includes the organization and planning of students’ space, time and materials so that instruction and learning actives can take place effectively.

Alternatively, effective classroom management was divided into four main categories in the studies of Evertson & Emmer (2012) and Sanford (2014). These four categories are: classroom procedures and rules, student work procedures, managing student behavior and organizing instruction. It is clear from these examples that classroom management is much more than a collection of strategies for discipline and involves many aspects of a teacher’s professional expertise. Teacher’s varying approaches to classroom management are reflected in differing levels of effectiveness. For example, a well-prepared teacher has a much greater chance of achieving effective lesson management. In the discussion of Lang (2012), different approaches to discipline are said to range from intimidation to total permissiveness. They advise that such extremes should include monitoring and enforcing reasonable classroom rules, procedures and routines. Effective teaching is more than discipline alone and classroom management has been closely linked to the achievement and engagement of high school science students (McGarity & Butts, 2010). Both this study and the discussion of Lang indicate that teachers should strive to develop effective classroom management techniques and that this will have a significant impact on their educational effectiveness. An analysis of the past fifty years of educational research as noted by (Wang, Haertel, and Walberg 2011) revealed that effective classroom management increases student engagement, decreases disruptive behaviors, and makes good use of instructional time.

A teacher is a person who possess specified knowledge and skills from an institution of higher education and have fulfilled requirements for certification (McNergney and Herbert 2011). Teacher qualifications include attaining a post graduate certificate in education (PGCE), Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) and Bachelor of Education. Telia (2013) defined teacher qualification as the highest educational certificate possessed by a particular teacher. Whitehurst (2009), views teacher qualification indicators as; teacher’s academic ability, teacher’s certification status, teacher’s instructional practice in the classroom, teacher’s subject matter expertise and experience. In the study area, teacher preparation takes the form of undergraduate training with a period of teaching practice designed to provide opportunities to practice in the classroom. During teaching practice, the trainee is required to maintain a record about students’ needs and abilities, classroom rules and routines and the flow of instructional activities. At the same time, the trainee is expected to conduct tutoring sessions in the classroom or/and assist the teacher with classroom activities. It is after successful completion of the five year undergraduate course that a teacher is awarded a certificate or licensed if they meet the basic requirements and standards of a particular state.

Moreover, the certification is a way of preventing harmful teaching practice. Thus the certified teacher needs to continually attend seminars organized in colleges and university campus to discuss issues of teaching and share ideas about more and less effective teaching strategies. In a research carried out by Moreau (2017), asserts that extra training of teachers influences pupil learning outcomes positively. Extra training improves teacher performance by sharpening both their technical skills and their instructional competence.

This is confirmed by the fact that many state governments in Nigeria have increased the requirements for one to qualify for certification (MacPhialWilcox and King 2012). At the same time, it was noted that possession of master’s degree or teacher education at graduate level did not have an impact on pupil learning. However, Bidwell and Kasadra (2009) asserted that teacher qualification is closely tied to teaching skills that is the nature of instruction and concluded that teacher retention in the profession was of significant importance in influencing the level of student performance. Goldhaber and Brewer (2010) noted significant achievement on high school students handled by teachers with standard, probationary or emergency certification as compared to those students handled by teachers who are not certified and those who held private school certification. Similarly, Fetler (2009) found that students of fully certified teachers did better than those of emergency certified teachers. In India there are two groups of teachers; teachers with formal Education (TFEs) and subject specialist teachers. The TFEs are teachers with minimum qualification in Bachelor of Education degree or Masters in Education but they are not subject specialists. Specialist teachers include teachers with at least a Master’s degree in a particular subject. 

In conclusion, teacher training should provide appropriate field experience. The trainees should practice with experienced teachers in their subject field (Emmer and Stough, 2011). They recommend that teacher training programs should provide content and supervised experience related to classroom organization and behavior management.

Poorly managed classrooms are usually characterized by disruptive behaviors such as sleeping, late coming, noise making, miscopying of notes, eating, calling of nicknames, verbal or physical threat to fellow students or the teacher (Ekere, 2013). These disruptive behaviors disorganize learning processes and hamper academic performance of students. Effiong (2012) suggests that teachers can deal with these disruptive behaviors in the classroom and reduce them to the minimum through effective classroom management so that effective learning can take place. Once teachers are able to effectively reduce or eliminate disruptive behaviors in the classroom, there would be increased academic attentiveness and engagement which would pave way for better academic performance by students. The use of verbal instruction is one of the techniques for effective classroom management that can be adopted by teachers. According to Good (2014), clear instruction on what should be done gives the students concrete direction to compliance. In this approach, teachers try to be consistent in enforcing the verbal instruction so that it produces the desired results. Until recently, corporal punishments were used widely as an effective classroom management technique to curb disruptive behaviors in the classroom. It is now not commonly applicable through it is still practiced in some schools as an effective classroom management technique.   

Instructional supervision is another technique of effective classroom management adopted by teachers in the classroom. According to Obot (2010), instructional supervision involves moving around the classroom to observe students closely, engaging students in academic activities, asking questions and employing both verbal and non‐verbal teaching methods to ensure that students are paying undivided attention and taking more from the lesson than simple facts. Delegation of authority to learners is still another technique of effective classroom management where the teacher delegates his/her authority to deserving students and assign them duties such as cleaning chalk board, time keeping, controlling noisemakers, managing learning materials, collecting assignment from students, copying lesson notes on the chalk board, class representatives on behalf of the class (Nima, 2014). These contribute a great deal to making the classroom a conducive place since cooperation between students and teachers in the classroom is fostered. Classroom management techniques are aimed at producing conducive learning environment where students can learn with ease and perform better academically. All of these techniques can be adopted in the classroom depending on the nature of the problem at hand.

This study is aimed at examining the influence of effective classroom control and management on the academic performance of secondary school students in economics in Enugu East LGA.

Statement of the Problems

Unconducive learning environment in the public schools has posed serious problems to students’ academic performance over many decades ago. This trend has been on the increase on daily basis. Its prevalence has attracted the concern of the teachers, parents, the guidance counselors and many researchers. Effective classroom management has been discussed extensively at educational seminars and workshops, with efforts aimed at bringing lasting solution to the problem of students’ poor academic performance encountered in secondary schools. In most cases, classroom teachers become tired of using verbal instruction in attempts to establish effective classroom management, but this method alone does not produce desired results. Many teachers use corporal punishment to instill fear and discipline in the classroom yet there are prevalence of disruptive behaviors in the classroom. A lot of teachers waste time and energy in intensive classroom supervision so that the classroom climate could be conducive for lessons. Some classroom teachers delegates authority to deserving prefects such as time – keeper, noise prefects, class prefects, etc. to share in the responsibility of ensuring a conducive learning atmosphere in the classroom. These methods are adopted by teachers to enable the classroom become conducive enough for effective teaching – learning process and to facilitate higher academic performance of the students and it seems not to be yielding any result hence this study.

Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of the study is to examine the influence of effective classroom control and management on the academic performance of secondary school students in economics in Enugu East LGA of Enugu State.

Research Question

How does the environment influence classroom management and control in secondary schools?

Methods

A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study which was carried out in public secondary schools in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State. One research question guided the study. From a population of 38,077 respondents, a sample of 335 was drawn using a multistage sampling procedure. A researchers’ developed instrument titled “Classroom Management and Control Questionnaire” (CMCQ) which was validated by three experts was used for data collection. The questionnaire was structured on a four point scale of Strongly Agree (SA), Agree (A) Disagree (D) and Strongly Disagreed (SD) weighted 4, 3, 2 and 1. The internal consistency of the instrument was ascertained using Cronbach’s Alpha and this yielded reliability coefficient of 0.75. The instrument was considered reliable in line with Nworgu (2015), who stated that if the co-efficient obtained for an instrument is up to 0.70 and above, the instrument should be considered good enough to be used for a study. The direct administration and retrieval method was used for data collection. Mean was used to answer the research questions.

Results

Table 1: Mean responses of respondents on how environment influences classroom management and control in secondary schools

S/N	Items	Mean	SD	Remark
1	Home factor/parental upbringing affects the child behavior in school	2.61	.83	Agree
2	Unfriendly school atmosphere influences classroom management	2.86	.98	Agree
3	Lack of teacher’s attention in the school influences classroom management	2.65	1.28	Agree
4	Inadequate infrastructure influences classroom management	2.50	1.16	Agree
5	Influence of peer groups affects classroom management and control	2.56	.95	Agree
6	Children from wealthy single parent homes do not have much financial support compared to their counterpart from poor single parent’s homes.	2.66	1.23	Agree
7	Children from poor parental homes do not have much financial support compared to those from wealthy single parental homes.	2.52	1.28	Agree

According to the table above, the respondents agree that all seven items are factors that influence classroom management and control in secondary schools in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State. The mean ratings for the seven items ranged from 2.50 to 2.86.

Discussion

The finding of the study showed that unfriendly school atmosphere, inadequate infrastructure, influence of peer groups and lack of teacher’s attention in the school are some of the environmental influences on classroom management and control in secondary schools. This was in line with the findings of Johnson (2013) who noted that unconducive learning environment and non-availability of the teaching materials can make the teaching/learning environment boring and unbearable. Also, the finding Ngwangwa (2012) is in line with the findings of the present study. His study showed that environmental influences impacts on teachers’ classroom management and control.

Conclusion 

Based on the findings of the study, the researcher concluded that unfriendly school atmosphere, lack of teacher’s attention in the school, peer group influence and inadequate infrastructure influences classroom management and control in secondary schools.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of the study, the researcher recommended that;

1. Schools should endeavor to provide the necessary learning facilities that will enhance classroom management and control.
2. Teachers should be advised to use the available instructional material in teaching as it will enhance their classroom management

References

Adeqive, P. W. (2012): Classroom Assessment. New York: Mc Grant Hill.

Alausa, A. (2018): Introduction to Research in Education. Wadsworth. Thomson Learning. Nek Publishers.

Ango, P. (2010): Formative and Summative Assessment Teacher studies in Service education.

Dahiru, W. (2011): Observing Activities. London: Paul Champman.

Denga, P. (2011): Mauritia; Continuous Assessment Still only on Paper. Port Louis, L‟express.

Dodo, S.A. (2013): Continuous Assessment in Nigeria Senior Secondary School Geography: problems and implementation strategies. A Paper Presented at the Annual Conference of the International Association for educational Assessment at the NCON- Hilton Hotel Abuja Nigeria Sept 4-8, 2013

Eze J. U, Oguejiofor, C N,  Nnadi Ursla U, & Obiakor, M. Impact Of Nursery Education On The Academic Performance Of Primary School Pupils In Enugu East Local Government Area Of Enugu State

Ezewu, J. H and Okoye, M. (2012). Strategic Planning At Afrcian Universities: “How Relevant are Northern Models?” Higher Education Policy. 

Federal Ministry of Education (2012)

Federal Ministry of Education (2014)

Finkelstein, V. (2011). Using Assessment to improve the quality of Education Paris: UNESCO International Institute for Education Planning.

Hall, T.N. (2013): “Appraising the Use of CA among Primary School Teachers.” Paper Presented at the International conference on Problems and Prospects of Primary Education in Nigeria and Other Developing Countries, May 1985 University of Nigeria.

Idowu, T, and Esere, V. (2011): Monitoring Performance: Assessment and Examination in Africa. Washington DC World Bank.

Ijaya, M. (2012): Policy and Practice in Assessment in Anglophone Africa. Does globalization explain convergence? Assessment in Education. 

Killaghan, F, and Greany, T. (2011). Outcome Evaluation. In D.L. Stufflebeam, G.f. Madaus & 

Ngwangwa, C. A. (2012). Classroom management styles of secondary school teachers and students’ discipline in Orlu Education Zone of Imo State. (Unpublished master’s thesis). Imo State University, Nigeria.

Obiakor M.I & Oguejioffor  C. N (2020) Impact of Classroom Size on Academic Performance of Secondary School Students in Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria[PDF] from ajemates.org

Oche, M (2012) Commodifying Learning; Pitfalls and Possibilities; Reflection on Higher Education University of Bath UK

Oguneye, P. (2012): Teaching Methods across the curriculum. Worcester; Billing and Sons Ltd, UK.

Okwudili, M.B (2009) Educational Measurement and evaluation. Lagos Longman. 

Ola, B. (2010): Feedback as a Poor Performance Remediation. A Report Submitted for Publication in Journal of education, University of Calabar, 2010 Nigeria.

Ononye, F. & Obiakor M.I (2020) 20222023 Factors Responsible for Mass Failures in Economics in senior secondary Schools (Ssce) Examination in Enugu Educational Zone. UNIZIK Journal of Educational Research and Policy …, 2020

Onyali, L. (2020) Lessons from around the World. How Policies, Politics and Cultures Constrain and afford Assessment Practices. The Curriculum Journal 16(2) 249-261 

Walter A. (2012): Improving Students‟ Performance through Feedback Mechanism in Secondary Schools. Ibadan, University of Ibadan.

Oyesola, A. (2010), Idowu, T and Esere, V (2009): Continuous Assessment as an Instrument of Achieving Learning Objectives. Unpublished Research Report, Ibadan, University of Ibadan.

Plessis, M and Prouty, C. (2009): Assessing Achievement in the Arts. Buckingham, Open University Press.

Quanash, R. J (2015): Students- Centered Classroom Assessment. New York Merrill/Macmillan. 

Richard, J. (2010): Basics of Qualitative Research; Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory. SAGE Publication. Thousand Oaks London New Delhi.

T. Kellaghan (Eds.), Evaluation Models, Viewpoints on Educational and Human Services Evaluation Boston. Kluwer Academic.

Ermiyas Abate¹ &Yared Negussie

Manufacturing Technology and Engineering Industry R& D Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Msc)

Lijalem Gebrehiwet ²

Ethiopian Space Science and Technology Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Msc)

Abstract

Semi-Knock-Down (SKD) and Complete-Knock-Down (CKD) solutions have been widely accepted worldwide for export and import goods especially for automotive industry. The CKD kit ensures trade benefits and boosts technological capability for import substitutions. Duty at customs is high for products which are in the state of ready to use conditions where as the duty on SKD or CKD products imported from another country is lesser. Most domestic companies where the assembly cost is low and import cost is high prefer to buy product in SKD or CKD kits where as Complete-Built-Up (CBU) are not preferred technically and economically. This study focuses primarily on the basic concepts of assembly kit in Ethiopia, their benefits in tariff considerations, import substitution, technological transfer and other economic advantages. Secondly to analyzes basic problems on the understanding of these concepts to develop vehicle standard SKD and CKD in Ethiopia. In addition to this to highlight the automotive industry stage of development. The implementation of these concepts has great benefits in the size of job creation and import substitution rates which have impact on the economy. The investment for CKD in automotive industry requires greater finance when to compare machineries and equipment.

Keywords: Automotive, SKD, CKD, Tariff, Manufacturing, Assembly kit.

1. Introduction

          The automotive sector is vast in terms of commercial and technical factors which require different types of assembling and vehicle body manufacturing facilities to produce finished products (White, 1979). Ethiopia is transforming from total car importer to domestic assembler to some extent and its automotive stage of development is compared and contrasted in Figure 1 in which Kenya and Myanmar are a little ahead of Ethiopia (Ohno, 2019). Information of products, suppliers, international quality service links and technology is still lagging behind which still gives space for CBU second hand cars in Ethiopia. The main problems in SKD and CKD shipments are related to tariff issues in a particular country and it should promote manufacturers over importers (Ohno, 2019).

Figure:01 Automotive industry development

           According to Rob (2016), there are differences and inconsistencies in SKD and CKD definitions and standards worldwide as a result different countries may have different standards for these particular kits. The basic definition for these kits is provided by the Japan Automobile Manufacturing Association (JAMA) as shown in Figure 2 (Kim, 2013).

Figure:02 Definition of SKD,CKD and CBU by JAMA

           The vehicle production for assembling of manufactured and inspected parts is referred to as SKD where as in CKD kit there are car body related tasks including interior parts assembly, welding and painting works (Hofmann, Neukart & Bäck, 2017). According to Tomiyama (2014) & Sherry (2015), CKD is more sophisticated than a SKD. The main objective of this study is to standardize different products in SKD and CKD kits. Secondly assessing their tariff system and impact on the domestic trade and labour. Finally standardize the binding rules for national SKD and CKD concepts in automotive industry. At the end we should identify the stage of SKD & CKD development in Ethiopia from different manufacturers’ point of view.

• Literature Review

2.1  CBU, SKD and CKD Conditions

          The use of any form of kit has a direct impact on the total cost of the chain of supply. CBU, SKD and CKD logistics have great impact to the imported country. Motorcycles, trucks, buses, and tractors occasionally need to be imported in CKD, which accounts for greater market share as viewed by Libor and Alan (2008). Saberi (2018) described that CKD forms are exported to countries where automotive industry is at high development stage from developed countries which require high capital investment. Knocked down strategy for a company should be carefully evaluated in order to decide with any kind of deal and the formula used to calculate the overall logistics cost of CKD is shown below (Malavolti, 2019) ;                                                                                     

Cost of CKD = Cost of stock + Cost of warehouse + Cost of customer clearance + Cost of Shipping + Cost of customer clearance (Supplier) + Cost of stock (Supplier) + Cost of packing (supplier) + Cost of unpacking…………………………………………………(1)

           The finished bodywork is assembled in the country of destination and they are exported where complete disassembled of parts not required (Libor & Alan, 2008). According to the definition of Toni (2022), kit is not totally knocked down and SKD often refers to subassemblies that can be quickly and readily put together partially in another nation. CBU vehicles are those that arrive in a country ready to use with completely build. In the research paper of Yongwook (1987) and Tulder & Ruigrok (1998) each model change requires production line changes, re-tooling, and constant technological change. Some companies in Malaysia issued supplier development and localization program as well as locally produced parts initiated by the company with listed parts in different category (Abdullah, Lall, & Tatsuo, 2008). In conclusion, the common definitions of the three terms can be illustrated as shown below (Chemendy, 2018).

                  Figure:03 Automobile model kits

2.2  Automotive Manufacturing Processes

           Automotive integrated manufacturing facilities consist of different shops or departments each with a special function with input resource delivered from outside suppliers. The body shop, paint shop, assembly shop and material logistics department are the five key departments that make up the general organisation of the assembly plant (Oumer, Atnaw, Cheng, and Singh, 2016). According to the paper by Sherry (2015) Mortimer (1987), KD parts are delivered to the production site by the car manufacturer or independent contract suppliers.

2.2.1      Chassis Fabrication

      Generally there are different types of chassis according to the fitting of engine namely, Conventional chassis, Non-Conventional chassis, Full forward, Semi forward, Bus chassis, Engine in front and Engine at the center. Conventional type is also known as a non-load-carrying frame where as the non-conventional chassis is known as frameless chassis or unibody chassis (Abernathy, 2012), (Brünger, Engler, & Hirsch, 2006) and (Selvamanikandan &Venkatesan, 2019).

Figure:04 Conventional and Non-conventional chassis

According to Bhise, (2012) and Hryciów, Wiśniewski, Rybak & Tarnożek, (2021), the bus chassis provides an increased floor space in the vehicle. Harr, (2018) described the automobile frame moves to component assembly areas where complete front, rear suspensions, different components and accessories are sequentially installed. Chassis is mostly imported from OEM in different forms. Every assembly task on chassis has provided assembly workers with the safest and most efficient tools available (Anazawa, 2021 and Aswicahyono & Kartika, 2010). 

2.2.2      Stamping Process

          Metal stamping is a sophisticated industrial process that uses a variety of metal shaping techniques to transform flat metal sheets into precise forms which is also known as pressing. The term “Body in White” (BIW) describes the parts of the car that have been welded together using various types of connecting methods. The parts included in the BIW are the cover, body, floor, and encon (Mortimer, 1987), (Selvamanikandan &Venkatesan, 2019), (Cooper, Rossie, & Gutowski, 2016), (Fu, Guang-Hong, Yang, Ma, Chen, & Zhu, 2022) and (Awatiger, 2020).

Figure: 05 BIW stamped parts (Yu-Kai Fu and et al, 2022)

           The required shape is obtained by shaping the metal using different stamping techniques and model BIW stamped parts is shown in Figure 5  (Mortimer, 1987), (Cooper, Rossie, & Gutowski, 2016), (Fu, Guang-Hong, Yang, Ma, Chen, & Zhu, 2022) and (Asnafi, Shams, Aspenberg, & Öberg, 2019). Stamping is a common choice in the automotive sector due to its high productivity, affordable, capacity to provide exceptional strength, and cost-effectiveness at high production volumes (Cao, Kinsey, Yao, Viswanathan, & Song, 2001). Technically stamping is considered to be a net shaping process (Mortimer, 1987) and (Brünger, Engler, & Hirsch, 2006). The body of a vehicle is made up of several hundreds of stamped components which are joined together by spot welding and accurate production of the car body (BIW) is essential (Thiruvengadam, 2010) and (Chaturvedi & Kumar, 2019).

2.2.3      Body Fabrication

          The process of fabricating bodies is extremely mechanized and most popular tools are used to create unibody chassis assemblies. The largest body component to which a multitude of panels and braces will subsequently be either welded or bolted together as it moves down the assembly line (Almeida, Diasa, Goncalvesa, Peschlb, & Hoffmeisterc, 2011). According to Sherry (2015), manually operated welding equipment is also used in less automated manufacturing facilities.  The front and rear door pillars, roof, body and side panels are assembled in the same fashion with a high number of weld operations with a degree of great accuracy (Mortimer, 1987) and (Brünger, Engler, & Hirsch, 2006). Fully assembled parts are subsequently installed using pneumatically assisted tools (Almeida, Diasa, Goncalvesa, Peschlb, & Hoffmeisterc, 2011).

Figure:06 Car body fabrication

2.2.4      Vehicle Painting and Curing Ovens

           Vehicles move into the paint shop after final body assembly. According to research paper of Pendar, Rodrigues, Carlos Pascoa, & Lima, (2022), the paint shop provides corrosion protection and attractive appearance to the BIW vehicle body. Primer coating operations in an automobile assembly plant are usually implemented in three stages (M. Mahajan, Varade, P. Mahajan & Patil, 2019).

Figure: 07 Layers in primer coating

            The exterior body parts are thoroughly cleaned and inspected as it moves through a brilliantly illuminated white chamber to see any flaws (Pendar, Rodrigues, Carlos Pascoa, & Lima, 2022). The main purpose of painting is to prevent the BIW from corrosion and to provide desired shapes in style, texture and color. Different countries have their own vehicle painting standards and processes (Lovell, Higgs, & Deshmukh, 2006). Paints usage should be free of environmental hazard and most eco-friendly painting process should be used (Meschievitz T., Rahangdale Y., & Pearson R., 1995)

           Curing ovens are directly or indirectly heated by various types of fuels and they are applied after the primer coat, base coat and the clear coats. Ovens are divided into multiple zones with the radiated heat dries the outer layer of the paint (Sherry, 2015) and (Akafuah, Poozesh, Salaimeh, Patrick, Lawle, & Saito, 2016).

Figure:08 Flowchart of car painting process

2.2.5      Vehicle Interior Assembly and Car Mating

           The painted body travels through the process where parts like instrumentation, wiring systems, dash panels, interior lights, seats, door and trim panels, headliners, radios, speakers, all glass (except the automobile windshield), steering column, wheel, body weather strips, brake and gas pedals, carpeting, bumpers and fascias are assembled. The automated lines facilitates a continuous process with a moderate speed which enables human operators to perform interior and door assembly tasks with the required level of safety (Mortimer, 1987) and (Brünger, Engler, & Hirsch, 2006). During mating the chassis assembly and body shell conveyor meet at final stage of production in which the shell is lifted from its conveyor fixtures and placed onto the frame to be bolted by assembly workers. The automobile travels down the assembly line to receive final trim components after auto mating of body shell and chassis White (1979) and (Brünger, Engler, & Hirsch, 2006). The majority of modern automobiles has a unibody construction in the middle of the vehicle and supports various components in a half-frame configuration (Mortimer, 1987) and (Brünger, Engler, & Hirsch, 2006).

3.    Material and Methods

3.1  Kit Production Network

           The kit concepts mainly differ in terms of the degree of disassembly, partition, number of kits and the value addition. The automotive global production network clearly put the production strategy that determines the type of assembly sections established at the local production facility as well as in the sales country as shown in Figure 9 (Börold, Teucke, Rust, & Freitag, 2020) and (Schwede C., Song Y., Sieben B., Hellingrath B. & Wagenitz A., 2009). 

Figure: 09 Strategies in global automotive production network

            In SKD process description, the exporter collects and packs the parts in the SKD warehouse but the importer repacks the products in the local OEM factory. This process can be referred as SKD-packing-and-SKD-unpacking process (Börold, Teucke, Rust, & Freitag, 2020) and (Schwede C., Song Y., Sieben B., Hellingrath B. & Wagenitz A., 2009). Similarly under the CKD mode, the exporter has the control of technology, the factory organizational structure and information flow. The operation point of view all CKD parts are subject to the CKD-packing before export in the exporter warehouse. The CKD kits are subject to the CKD unpacking before the assembly in the importer plant (Börold, Teucke, Rust, & Freitag, 2020) and (Schwede C., Song Y., Sieben B., Hellingrath B. & Wagenitz A., 2009).

3.2  CBU/SKD and CKD Tariff Conditions

            Ethiopia is known for its high automotive tax rates which require various policies and amendments for car assembly from the CBU to SKD and then to CKD stage. Nigeria raised CBU tariffs to 70% for passenger cars and 35% for commercial vehicles while SKD tariff is 10%. CBU is taxed at higher than CKD which gives sufficient incentive for domestic assemblers. There is no distinction between passenger cars and commercial vehicles in Kenya’s tax structure as shown in the Figure 10 (Ohno, 2020) and (K.Ohno, I. Ohno, & Nagashima, 2018).

Figure: 10 Kenya’s automotive tax structure until 2019 (Ohno, 2020)

           According to Ohno, (2020) and K. Ohno et al (2018), positive rates are applied for designated 17 automotive components but Kenya did not have an SKD definition as of 2019. The smaller tax gap is not economical to cover production cost and Japanese producers need at least 20-30% advantage in favor of SKD/CKD over CBU (Ohno, 2019), (Nogimori, 2020) and JETRO (2018). The duty rate for different automotive products and tariff code is tabulated from Ethiopian custom commission in accordance with different references from the Ethiopia Custom Guide, (2017), Ethiopian Customs proclamation, (No. 859/2014), Ethiopian Customs Tariff Book, (HS 2017) and Ethiopian HS Code Import Data. The tariff system for parts and accessories is seen clearly from Ethiopia’s automotive tariff structure as shown in the Table 1.

Table 1

HS code chapter 87 tariff description

Type of product	HS codeTariff code	Tariff description	Duty rate
Complete vehicle	8703  3219	Other vehicles, with compression ignition internal combustion piston engine(diesel or semi diesel)…..Of a cylinder capacity exceeding 1500cm3 but not exceeding 2500cm3   …..Others	35%
Intermediateproducts	8706 0091	Chassis fitted with engines, for motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705      …..Others….For vehicle of heading 8703	10%
Parts andaccessories	8708  4020	Gearbox and parts thereof…..for industry assembly of (end-use condition)Vehicle of heading 8703	5%

3.3  Definitions and ambiguity

           The main ambiguity for vehicle SKD/CKD kits arose due to the fact that all components are available in different chapters of the harmonized system and HS code. Most of the parts are found in Chapters 40, 68, 70, 73, 83, 84, 85, 90, 91 and 94.  Concerns on Chapter 87 is that motor chassis fitted with cabs fall in headings 8702 to 8704 but not in heading 8706 about chassis fitted with engines for motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705.  As stated on Ethiopian Customs Tariff Book (HS 2017) and Ethiopian HS Code Import Data, it is important to consider the exclusions as well as the texts of headings 87.06 and 87.07 including note 3 in Chapter 87 when considering general HS code interpretation to sets of unassembled parts. 

Table 2 

Concerns on HS code chapter 87 subtitles

8706	Chassis with engine for tractors, motor vehicles for pass/good & special purpose
870600	Chassis fitted with engines, for the motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705. For the vehicles of subheading 870120 or heading 8702 or 8704
8707	Bodies (including cabs), for specific motor vehicles
870710	Bodies (including cabs)For the vehicles of heading 8703
870790	Other Bodies, for the Other Motor Vehicles

            Each component in SKD and CKD kits are not specified clearly in order to insert additional clarifications in the subtitles. In the CKD case studies of Aswicahyono & Kartika (2010), some joint venture company are responsible to produce engine for commercial trucks and others to be imported from overseas companies as well as locally produced engine parts as shown in the Figure 11.

Figure: 11 Engine CKD part for firm 2

           The actual collection of “parts” does not have to be sufficient to assemble complete vehicles according to the clarification and the “parts” can be assembled into an incomplete article that has the essential character of a complete or finished article as declared in Ethiopian Customs Tariff Book, (HS 2017) and Ethiopian HS Code Import Data.

3.4  Custom Duty and Product for Imported goods

           The supply strategies and the growth of sales of the product or product life cycle from CBU to different KD products can be related with the market’s maturity as a result the economic concept leads to a chronological order of the strategies (Schwede, Song, Sieben, Hellingrath and Wagenitz, 2009). The different import tax systems and facts in Ethiopia are shown in Table 3;

Table 3

Import tax in Ethiopia (Custom proclamation No. 307/2002, 570/2008, 610/2008 and directive no 18/2009), (Income tax proclamation No 286/2002 & Proclamation No. 285/2002), (Customs proclamation No. 622/2009) and (Customs tariff amendment No.1, 1996 edition)

 

S/N	Facts of taxes in Ethiopia	Remark
F1	The tax sequential orders are customs duty, excise tax, VAT, surtax and withholding tax. Taxes on imported goods are collected by Ethiopian Revenues and Customs Authority (ERCA).	ERCA collects customs duty based on the rules stipulated in the customs proclamation No. 622/2009.
F2	ERCA collects customs duty on a great variety of goods which can be classified into two categories. Depending on the primary purpose of the imported goods. Items for public, personal or non productive uses.	Category 1It includes raw materials, semi finished goods, producers goods and import items for public use.Category 2It includes items such as consumer or finished goods imported for personal use.
F3	Customs duty has 6 bands or groups of rates which are applied to imported goods. These bands of rates are 0%, 5%, 10% 20%, 30% and 35%.	The maximum is 35 percent of the CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) value of an imported item.
F4	According to the Customs Tariff, the maximum customs duty rate used to be 60 % of the CIF value of an imported item.	CIF(Cost + Insurance + Freight) value of an imported item
F5	Excise tax it is one of the most well known forms of tax in Ethiopia. It is a tax levied on selected goods such as luxury goods and basic goods. The minimum excise tax rate is 10% & maximum is 100%.	Excise Tax is also applied to goods which are considered hazardous to health and that may cause social problems.
F6	Excise tax has 10 bands or groups of rates at which excise can be charged. These band rates are 10%, 20%, 30%, 33%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 75%, 80% and 100%.	These rates are used to calculate the payable excise tax.
F7	In Ethiopia, VAT is levied at a flat percentage rate. To the exclusion of goods detailed in article 8 of the proclamation No. 285/2002 and goods exempted from VAT by the directive issued by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development.	VAT is levied on every imported item. Importers are liable to pay 15 percent of the sum of cost, insurance, freight, customs duty and excise tax.
F8	Automotive techs are not included in the type of goods or services exempted from payment or VAT except the supply or import of fuel gas. It is stated at “Circular Ref. No. Am3/16/28/227.	The law that allows exemption of goods and services from payment of VAT for the supply or import of fuel gas.
F9	Surtax is the fourth of the five taxes imposed on import items. Surtax was introduced in the Ethiopian tax system on April 9, 2007. The council of Ministers issued a regulation to levy 10 percent surtax on imported goods.	Ten percent of the sum of cost, insurance, freight, customs duty, excise tax, and VAT is the base of computation for surtax on all goods imported into the country.
F10	There are items and services which are exempted from payment of surtax. Fertilizer, Petroleum, lubricants and motor vehicles.	Motor vehicles for freight and passenger and other special purpose motor vehicles.
F11	Withholding tax is not a tax in the traditional sense. Goods imported by the following individuals and firms are exempted from the 3 percent withholding tax imposed on commercial import items.	The amount collected on imported goods shall be three percent of the sum of cost, insurance and freight (CIF value). Auto tech is not included in this privilege.

From customs proclamation No. 622/2009 and Customs tariff amendment No.1, (1996 edition), the formula for calculating customs duty and other taxes in Ethiopia are shown below;

 Where 

DPV = Duty Paying Value; CUDU = Customs Duty Rate; EXTA = Excise Tax Rate; SURTAX = Surtax; WHT = Withholding tax 

• Results and Discussion

4.1  Basic Standards Identified for SKD and CKD 

      Basic standards are required in the tax related issue and should be clearly put with clarifications as a result the Ethiopian standards (recommended) for SKD and CKD automotive products or categories is tabulated in Table 4,5,6 and 7 below. The SKD/CKD parts and production methodology differs from company-to-company, permission of OEM, manufacturers’ company standard which is compatible with specific types of vehicles. SKD/CKD standards are summarized for vehicle types categorized as LMV, MMV and HMV for different models are described in the tables below.

Table 4

Vehicle parts for standard SKD/CKD category (Engine)

Vehicle type	LMV, MMV and HMV
KD type or form		SKD
Engine	From OEM for SKD parts
LMV, MMV and HMV Except for Bajaj and motor cycles	Full engine kit fixed on car chassis		Fittings and mechanical hardware
	Assembly manuals		Electrical harness
	User instructions		Fuel system pipe connection
	Basic drawings		Cooling system assembly
`KD type or form		CKD
Engine	From OEM to CKD parts
It is for LMV, MMV and HMV Except for Bajaj and motor cyclesNote: Low Motor Vehicle = LMV= Car, Jeep, Minivan, etc    Medium MV = MMV= Tempo, bus, mini truck, etc  High MV = HMV=   Truck, trailer, container, tractor, multi-axle bus	Separate engine kit in box		Disc assembly clutch
	Engine is not fixed on chassis or airframe		Cover assembly clutch
	Assembly manuals		Fly wheel
	User instructions		Bracket mounting
	Basic drawings		Cushion rubber
	Engine testing instructions		Stopper
	Defect troubleshooting manuals		Alternator
	Ground support equipments		Starter motor
	Radiator		Manifold exhaust rear/front
	Oil pump		Fan
	Water pump		Inlet manifold
	Air filter & Oil filter		Cover assembly & Cover rocker assembly
	Battery		Fitting and mechanical hardware
	EGR valve and Catalyzer		Harness and Engine mounts

Table 5

Vehicle parts for standard SKD category (Car body)

Vehicle type	LMV, MMV and HMV
KD type or form			SKD
Car body	From OEM for SKD parts
It is for LMV, MMV and HMV Except for Bajaj and motor cyclesNote: Low Motor Vehicle = LMV= Car, Jeep, Minivan, etc     Medium MV = MMV= Tempo, bus, mini truck, etc   High MV = HMV=   Truck, trailer, container, tractor, multi-axle bus	Main body (Body shell) + chassis unpainted§  All basic parts are supplied unassembled (LMV) (MMV and HMV)§  Car chassis without body parts but engine, gearbox, wheel/ tire, steering, drive train, suspension/dumper, seats, batteries, exhaust system, control parts supplied unassembled (MMV and HMV)§  All electrical wiring installed with lightsCar body parts painted for LMV
	LMV	MMV		HMV
	Fender and fender liner	Chassis without body		Chassis without body
	Roof panels	Doors & door ways		Hinges
	Doors	Skirt panel front/rear		Truck cabin
	Sill	Main side panels bay1, 2, 3.		Catches and latches
	Hood or bonnet	Access cap		Door checks
	Number plate lid	Skirt panels (all)		Door panel locks
	Window glass & mirrors	Spare wheel access flap and other panels		Handles
	Wiper	Pillar capping (All)		Dump hoist assembly
	Wheels	Roof panel bay1, 2, 3….		Bumper and hitch (rear)
	Brake shoe	Valance panels		Other small assemblies
	Trunk lid	Side panels (all type)		Parts to be manufacturedLocally for truck bodySide walls Columns (rails)Bulkheads (portal frame)Truck floor assemblySide sheet panelsRear panel (door)Beam doorSide ladderMetering chainDouble acting tailgateTank
	Front and center pillar	Emergency door parts
	Front  and side roof rail	Flaps
	Side member	Entrance steps
	Small body parts	Door aperture
	Engine hood	Longitudinal and lateral, rails, & frames
	Floor parts	Wheel arches
	Windshield glass	Roof parts (roof sticks)
	Outside  handle (locks)	Arch members
	Door weather strip	Cross bearer
	Front and rear bumper	Mirrors
	Head & tail lights, lamps	Window glasses
	Mud flaps	Windshield glass

Table 6

Car body CKD manufaturing requirements

CKD tasks

Main body (Body shell) + chassis unpainted§  Unassembled chassis or main body§  Car chassis without body parts but engine, gearbox, wheel/ tire, steering, drive train, suspension/dumper, seats, batteries, exhaust system, control parts supplied unassembled (MMV and HMV)§  All electrical wiring uninstalled §  Car body parts fully not assemble, unpainted and not glazed Some component customized locally

Related to chassis

Without leaf springØ  Without differential/axel partsØ  Without suspension jointsØ  Without axle longitudinal link supportsØ  Without inner cross members and bracketsUnassembled brake and suspension components

Table 7

Vehicle parts for standard CKD category (Car body)

Vehicle type	LMV, MMV and HMV
KD type or form			CKD
Car body	From OEM for CKD parts
It is for LMV, MMV and HMV Except for Bajaj and motor cyclesNote: Low Motor Vehicle = LMV= Car, Jeep, Minivan, etc    Medium MV = MMV= Tempo, bus, mini truck, etc  High MV = HMV=   Truck, trailer, container, tractor, multi-axle bus	LMV	MMV		HMV
	All car body SKD components unassembled	All car body SKD components unassembled		All car body SKD components unassembled
	Body sides, roof and floor supplied loose	Body sides, roof and floor supplied loose		All car body SKD manufacturing tasks
	Fully disassembled body frame (chassis)	Disassembled (loose) chassis		Body sides, roof and floor supplied loose
	Disassembled body parts(Read- made)	All materials supplied loose for final welding and assembling		All materials supplied loose for final welding and assembling
	Disassembled doors, handle and locks	Disassembled doors, handle and locks		Disassembled (loose) chassis
	Full logistics with assembly line is required	Full logistics with assembly line is required		Disassembled doors, handle and locks
		Full logistics with assembly line is required		Full logistics with assembly line is required
	Required equipments for CKD Welding guns, Jigs, Templates,Metrology Equipment (3-D measuring machines), etc.Conveyors, paint tanks, paint both,Drying oven, etc. Wheel alignment tester, Turning radius tester and Shower testing Head light tester, Side slip tester, Speedometer tester, Brake dynamometer and

 

4.2  Stages of Development for Domestic Assembling Companies in Ethiopia

     The development stage of different domestic vehicle companies for light vehicle, bus, truck and trailer assembling as well as manufacturing are assessed as per to 2019 data and the current five years data will be required to further filter the respective assessment but the stage is mostly at CKD. Table 8 for light vehicle, Table 9 for buses, Table 10 for trucks and Table 11 for trailer fabrication companies are tabulated below to assess their developmental stage in SKD/CKD strategies.

Table 8

S/N	INDUSTRY	Stage of development
		SKD	CKD
1	Abay technical and trading sc.
2	Belayab motors plc
3	Bishofitu automotive industry
4	JIN BEI motors plc
5	Marathon motors engineering plc
6	Mesfin industrial engineering plc
7	Tamrin international trading plc
8	Yangfan motors plc

Light vehicle assembling companies

Table 9

Bus assembling companies

S/N	INDUSTRY	Stage of development
		SKD	CKD
1	Ada bus assembling and steel engineering
2	Bishofitu automotive industry

Table 10

 

Truck assembling companies

S/N	INDUSTRY	Stage of development
		SKD	CKD
1	Bishofitu automotive industry
2	Frankun ET automotive engineering plc
3	NA metal industry and engineering
4	AMCE(Automotive manufacturing of Ethiopia)
5	Mesfin industrial engineering

Table 11

Trailer fabrication and assembling companies

S/N	INDUSTRY DESCRIPTION	Stage of development
		SKD	CKD
1	Abenco general construction industry and  trading  plc
2	Alami industrial engineering
3	AMCE (Automotive manufacturing company of Ethiopia (sc.)
4	Ami metal engineering
5	Asnake engineering
6	Belaynehe Kindie metal Engineering complex
7	Bridge metal & wood shop business plc
8	Dagim Kennedy general trading plc
9	Fasil Mesfin Derso manufacturing
10	Frankun ET automotive engineering plc
11	Habtom G/Egziebher Woldehawaryat
12	HH engineering plc
13	KG Engineering
14	Kifle Mekonene importer trade in iron & steel manufacturing
15	Maru metals industry plc
16	Mesfin industrial engineering plc
17	NA metal industry and engineering
18	Nehemmiah engineering plc
19	NKG Engineering
20	Ocfa metal manufacturing plc
21	Rahel Dagnachew Gelaye
22	Tsehay industries sc.

      From the above table, we can conclude that Ethiopia’s automotive development stage is mostly on SKD/CKD strategy and the import substitution or technological specialization is only on some body parts of vehicle types. Generally Ethiopia is in the second automotive manufacturing stage which is similar to the JICA report on automotive industrial development stage for Africa as shown below (FRN 2015 Report).

Figure: 12 Automotive manufacturing stages

5.    Conclusion

           In this study it is revealed that the value chain of interconnected global market system shows the importance of automotive manufacturing development with higher foreign investors’ and OEM role in this sector. The study identified clearly the following significance for assembling and manufacturing of auto vehicles in Ethiopia;

• Perform relevant research studies on SKD/CKD concepts practically which is functional in different countries and CKD related tariff system encouraged by other nations.

 Collection of annual market data in SKD/CKD for all vehicle types in auto manufacturing areas in Ethiopia and the impact of tax rates. Review highlights for custom classifications and their gap in fulfilling the CKD tariff systems

• Clearly identify items to be manufactured domestically for all types of vehicles in order to promote the import substitutions. Auto domestic parts production capability study should be undertaken to restrict import of these parts and promote the manufacturers.
• Revise the established standard for SKD/CKD kits for automotive industry in all types of vehicle models annually. All the prepared documents should be revised side-by-side with the assemblers for its effectiveness or gaps in production. 
• Import and excise duties for completed built-up and complete knocked-down vehicles should be promising in order to prohibit imports of used commercial vehicles, their parts, components gradually. Promising incentives should be provided for critical and high value-added parts and components.
• The custom and tariff issues should encourage strategic partnership between globally branded manufacturers (OEM) with domestic investors which enhance the competitiveness and effective technological transfer.
• Complete implementation of vehicle-type and component approval as well as vehicle end-of-life policy should be introduced by the Ministry of Transport for all types of vehicle imported to Ethiopia.
• The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation should introduce and enforce mandatory standards for vehicles, their parts and components operational nationally.
• Relevant federal offices related to natural resources and environment should establish a clear roadmap for fuel, lubricants and paints standards used in vehicle operation, maintenance as well as manufacturing.    

Acknowledgements

     We convey our gratitude to all of our colleagues for their support and encouragement to publish the article.

References 

Abdullah R., LALL M. K., & Tatsuo K. (2008). Supplier Development Framework in the Malaysian Automotive Industry: Proton’s Experience, Journal of Economics and Management, 2(1), 29–58. ISSN 1823 – 836X.

Abernathy W. J. (2012). The Productivity Dilemma: Roadblock to Innovation in the Automotive Industry, the Bussiness History Review, 53(4), 546–548. https://doi.org/10.2307/3114740.

Akafuah N. K., Poozesh S., Salaimeh, A., Patrick G., Lawle K. & Saito K. (2016). Evolution of the Automotive Body Coating Process, A Review, MDPI (Coatings), 6, 24.  

doi: 10.3390/coatings6020024.

Almeida F., Diasa P., Goncalvesa G., Peschlb M., & Hoffmeisterc M. (2011). A proposition of a manufactronic network approach for intelligent and flexible manufacturing systems, International Journal of Industrial Engineering Computations, 02, 873–890. doi:10.5267/j.ijiec.2011.05.006.

Anazawa M. (2021). Promotion of Electromobility in ASEAN: States, Carmakers, and International Production Networks, ERIA Research Project Report, no.03, 61-86.

Asnafi N., Shams T., Aspenberg D., & Öberg C. (2019). 3D Metal Printing from an Industrial Perspective—Product Design, Production, and Business Models, Berg Huettenmaenn Monatsh, 164 (3), 91–100. doi 10.1007/s00501-019-0827-z.

Aswicahyono H. & Kartika P. (2010). Production Linkages and Industrial Upgrading, Case Study of Indonesia’s Automotive Industry Production Linkages and Industrial Upgrading, ERIA Research Project Report, 57-86. 

Awatiger B. S. (2020). Design of Body in White, International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 7, Issue 3. ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968.

Bhise V. D. (2012). Ergonomics in the Automotive Design Process, CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group, New York, USA.

Börold A., Teucke M., Rust J. & Freitag M. (2020). Recognition of car parts in automotive supply chains by combiningsynthetically generated training data with classical and deep learning based image processing. 53rd CIRP Conference on Manufacturing Systems, Procedia CIRP 93, 377–382, doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2020.03.142.

Brünger E., Engler O., & Hirsch J. (2006). Al-Mg-Si Sheet Alloys for Auto-body Applications, Virtual Fabrication of Aluminium Products, Wiley-VCH, (ISBN: 3-527-31363-X) chapter 1-6. 

Cao, Kinsey B., Yao H., Viswanathan V. & Song N. (2001). Next Generation Stamping Dies – Controllability and Flexibility. Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, 17(1-2), 49-56. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0736-5845(00)00036-3.

Chaturvedi A. & Kumar N. (2019). Body in White Fixture Design, International Journal of Innovative Research in Advanced Engineering, 6(04), 293-298. doi://10.26562/IJIRAE.2019.APAE10091.

Chemendy N. (2018). An evaluation of demand and capacity planning processes-A qualitative case study on completely-knocked-down vehicles at Mercedes-Benz Cars. Link: https://scholar.sun.ac.za.

Cooper D. R., Rossie K. E., & Gutowski T. G. (2016). An environmental and cost analysis of stamping sheet metal parts, International Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference, MSEC, 1–14.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1115/MSEC2016-8880.

Ethiopia Custom Guide (2017). Ethiopian Revenues and Customs Authority.

Ethiopian Customs proclamation. Proclamation No. 859/2014.

Ethiopian customs proclamation No. 622/2009.

Ethiopian custom proclamation No. 307/2002, 570/2008, 610/2008 and directive no 18/2009.

Ethiopian customs tariff amendment No.1, 1996 edition.

Ethiopian customs tariff book, HS 2017, (Volume 1 and 2).

Ethiopian HS code import data. Retrieved from https://www.ethiopianimporter.com/hs-code-wise-import-data.

Ethiopian income tax proclamation No 286/2002, Proclamation No. 285/2002.

FRN report (2015). Data Collection Survey on Automotive Sector in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, The Federal Republic of Nigeria National Automotive Council, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Yachiyo Engineering Co., Ltd.

Fu Y., Guang-Hong, Yang, Ma H., Chen H., & Zhu B. (2022). Statistical Diagnosis for Quality-Related Faults in BIW Assembly Process, IEEE, Volume 70, Issue 1, 898-906. doi: 10.1109/TIE.2022.3146637.

Harr A. H. (2018). Chassis Production Process. Honors Thesis, Knoxville University of Tennessee, Tennessee Research and Creative TRACE. 

Hofmann M., Neukart F. & Bäck T. (2017). Artificial Intelligence and Data Science in the Automotive Industry, Artificial Intelligence-Computers and Society, v1, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.1709.01989.

Hryciów Z., Wiśniewski A., Rybak P. & Tarnożek T. (2021). Assessment of the Effect of Passenger Car Wheel Unbalance on Driving Comfort, The Archives of Automotive Engineering – Archiwum Motoryzacji, Vol. 94, No. 4, 61-71. https://doi.org/10.14669/AM.VOL94.ART5.

JETRO. (2018). Trends in Automotive Production and Sales in Major Countries. 

Kim W. (2013). The evolution of a corporate system: the case of production and employment structures in the Toyota Group, The Kyoto Economic Review, 82(1–2), 31–58. https://doi.org/10.11179/ker.82.31.

Libor K. & Alan S. (2008). Automotive Industry in Russia: Impact of foreign investments in car assembly plants on suppliers’ entry, EBRD, Economic Seminar.

Lovell M., Higgs C. F., Deshmukh P., & Mobley A. (2006). Increasing Formability in Sheet Metal Stamping Operations using Environmentally Friendly Lubricants. Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 177(1-3), 87-90.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2006.04.045.

Mahajan S.M., Varade, M. Mahajan P. & Patil S. (2019). Review on Automotive Body Coating Process, International Journal of Engineering and Management Research, Volume-9, Issue-2, 2394-6962. https://doi.org/10.31033/ijemr.9.2.11.           

Malavolti A. (2019). Cost Efficiency and Waste Reduction in Completely Knocked Down Production, Thesis, Department of Industrial Engineering, Jonkoping University.

Meschievitz T., Rahangdale Y., & Pearson R. (1995). A Unique Approach to Powder Painting Technology Development. Metal Finishing, Low-Emission Paint Consortium: U.S. Council for Automotive Research (USCAR) 93(10), 26-28.

Mortimer J. (1987). Advanced Manufacturing in the Automotive Industry. Journal of Manufacturing Systems, 6(3), 251. https://doi.org/10.1016/0278-6125.

Nogimori M. (2020). Short/Long-term Prospects for Automobile Demand in Asia over next 30 years. JRI Research Journal, Vol.3, No.1.

Ohno K., Ohno I., & Nagashima A. (2018). Report on the Automotive Industry Policy of Kenya, JICA Kenya Office, Nairobi.

Ohno K. (2019). International Comparison of Automotive Assembly Policies for Inviting Global Players to Ethiopia and Supporting their Expansion, GRIPS Development Forum, Ethiopia.

Ohno K. (2020). Automotive Industry Promotion in Ethiopia, and Supporting their Expansion. GRIPS Development Forum; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Oumer A., Atnaw S. M., Cheng J. K. & Singh L. (2016). Improving Energy Efficiency for the Vehicle Assembly Industry: A Discrete Event Simulation Approach, IOP Conference Series, Materials Science and Engineering, 160(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/160/1/012069.

Pendar M., Rodrigues F., Pascoa J. C., & Lima R. (2021). Review of coating and curing processes: Evaluation in automotive industry, Phys. Fluids 34, 101301, 1-39. doi: 10.1063/5.0109376.

Rob P. (2016). Reforming automobile excise taxes in the ASEAN region for pro-growth and pro-environment outcomes. World Customs Journal, Volume 10, Number 1, 45-72..

Saberi S. B. (2018). The role of the automobile industry in the economy of developed countries, International Robotics & Automation Journal (MedCrave), Mini Review, Volume 4, Issue 3.

Schwede C., Song Y., Sieben B., Hellingrath B. & Wagenitz A. (2009). A Simulation-based method for the design of supply strategies to enter developing markets, International journal of simulation and process modeling, 5(4). http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/IJSPM.2009.032595.

Selvamanikandan M. & Venkatesan S. (2019). Analysis and Developments of SUV Vehicle
Chassis using Finite Element Method, International Journal of Innovative Research in Science,
Engineering and Technology, Vol. 8, Issue 8, 9007-9008. doi:10.15680/IJIRSET.2019.0808009.

Sherry S. (2015). Services in global value chains manufacturing related services, Manufacturing of Car in the Philippines, APEC publications.

Thiruvengadam H. (2010). Analysis of part consolidation techniques for automotive body in white panels based on advanced sheet metal forming technologies, Clemson University, USA. 

Tomiyama E. (2014). A Study of Semi Knock Down (SKD) Production and Sales and Marketing Strategy in the Russian Far East, The Northeast Asian Economic Review: 2(2), 39–50. https://doi.org/10.57320/economicreview.2.2_39.

Toni E. (2021). Integration of Knocked-Down Supply Chains and Global Manufacturing Networks, PhD. Thesis, Department of Mathematical and Logistics, Jacobs University.

Tulder R. & Ruigrok W. (1998). European Cross National Production Networks in the Auto Industry: Eastern Europe as the Low End of European Car Complex, Working Paper121, Kreisky Forum and BRIE Policy Conference. Link: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/35n5n451

White L. J. (1979). The Productivity Dilemma: Roadblock to Innovation in the Automobile Industry. Business History Review, 53(4), 546-548. https://doi.org/10.2307/3114740.

Yongwook J. (1987). The Reverse Direct Investment: The Case of the Korean Consumer Electronics Industry, International Economic Journal, 1(3), 91–104. https://doi.org/10.1080/10106873870000023.

Ezeobi, Blessing Chijindu & Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu

Department of Educational Management and Policy

Faculty of Education,

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

Abstract 

The study investigated communication patterns and leadership styles of administrators as correlates of organizational climate in South East, Universities, Nigeria. Five research questions guided the study and five null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Correlation research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised 749 administrators in public universities in South East, Nigeria. A sample size of 300 administrators was drawn for the study using proportionate stratified sampling techniques. A researcher developed questionnaires titled ‘‘Communication Patterns Questionnaire (CPQ)’’, ‘‘Leadership Styles Questionnaire (LSQ)’’ and ‘‘Organizational Climate Scale (QCS)’’ were used for data collection. The instruments were validated by three experts, two from the Department of Educational Management and Policy, and one from the Department of Educational Foundations, Nnamdi Azikiwe University. Cronbach alpha was used for a test of internal consistency of the instruments which yielded overall co-efficient values of 0.80, 0.82 and 0.82 for CPQ, LSQ and OCS respectively. The researcher together with four research assistants collected data for the study using the direct approach method and 97% return was recorded. Pearson Product Moment Correlational Coefficient was used to answer the research questions 1-4 and t-test of correlation to test hypotheses 1-4, while multiple regression was used to answer research question 5 and test hypothesis 5. The findings of the study revealed among others that downward and horizontal communication patterns of administrators have strong positive relationship with organization climate. Further results indicted that democratic leadership style of administrators has strong positive relationship with organizational climate in public universities South East, Nigeria. It was also revealed that all dimensions of communication patterns and leadership styles of administrators have significant relationship withorganizational climate in South East, Universities, Nigeria. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that university management should organize training programmes in forms of annually or quarterly conferences, seminars, short-courses and workshops to enable administrators acquire skills and knowledge of applying communication patterns and leadership styles to create positive organizational climate. 

Key words: Communication Patterns, Leadership styles, Downward, Horizontal, Administrators, Organizational Climate

Introduction 

Higher education is the post secondary level of education that enables individuals to gain knowledge and acquire skills to improve their sources of livelihood and also contribute to the development of the society. It also inculcates sound moral values and character that promotes peaceful coexistence of individuals in the society. Federal Republic of Nigeria (2013) noted that higher education is the education given after post basic education in institutions such as Colleges of Education, Monotechnics, Polytechnics, Universities and other specialized institutions such as Colleges of Agriculture, School of Health and Technology and the National Teachers’ Institutes (NTI). The focus of this study is on university.  

            University is an institution of higher learning where people study to acquire knowledge, shape their character and obtain degrees in different disciplines.  Tofi, Agada and Okafor (2020) opined that university is the foremost tertiary institution in Nigeria with responsibility for equipping people with knowledge and skills to undertake tasks and employment functions which are necessary for transformation of societies. The authors added that the functions of university in Nigeria include: teaching, research, production of texts, certification, storage and retrieval of knowledge, community service and enlightenment service. Universities offer opportunity for people to study at an undergraduate level for first degrees and at postgraduate level for advanced degrees. Similarly, Asuquo and Ekpoh (2020) opined that as the apex of education, every university is expected to generate knowledge, ideas, skills and disseminate same through teaching, learning, research and community services. 

            There are public and private universities in Nigeria which are regulated by National Universities Commission. The focus of the study is on the public universities which are established, financed and managed by State or Federal Government. Akpakwu and Okwo (2014) noted that the State and Federal Universities in Nigeria are composed of members of Governing Council, Vice-Chancellors, Principals officers, Administrators (Deans and Heads of Departments (HODs), academic and non-academic staff. The administrators control the daily activities of academic and non-academic. The university administrators inform and clarify members of staff of their job responsibilities and expectations through communication. 

            Communication is the act of disseminating information, passing message and expressing feelings among two or persons. According to Akarika, Umoren and Okon (2021), communication is an expression of thoughts, feelings, ideas and messages from the sender to the receiver through verbal, non-verbal, written and non-written forms. It is a process by which individuals exchange information, share ideas, provide facts, express their thoughts, feelings and values in a given setting. University administrators disseminate information and influence the activities of members of staff through different communication patterns. 

            Communication patterns are the channels and strategies employed by workforce of an organization in passing messages, sharing ideas and feelings among each other. According to Weldeghebriel, Mberia and Ndavula (2019), communication patterns deal with how information flows for smooth and better functioning of an organization. Communication patterns are techniques for creating, sending, and receiving information in the workplace. Fiel-Miranda and Miranda (2019) defined communication patterns as the ways of transmitting ideas, facts, thoughts, feelings and values between two or more persons. It is the structure in which information flow in an organization. Contextually, communication patterns are the sets of lines or flows of information by words, writing, symbols, body languages and other mediums. Several scholars identified communication pattern as follow: upward, downward and horizontal patterns (Badau, 2018; Joda, 2022, Akarika, Umoren and Okon, 2022; Uwandu, Udo-Anyanwu and Okorie, 2022). The focus of the study is on downward and horizontal patterns of communication.

            Downward communication pattern is the flow of information from superiors to subordinates in an organization. Job descriptions, policies and goals of an organization are made known to subordinates through downward communication pattern. Ogunola and Akporaro (2015) asserted that when managers, supervisors, and team leaders communicate with the employees that are directly under them, downward communication is used. Continuing, they stressed that it is used to assign goals, provide job instructions, inform employees of policies and procedures, point out problems that need attention, and offer feedback about performance. The administrators who send letters to lecturers to informing them of deadline for lectures delivery and commencement of examinations have applied downward communication pattern. Badau (2018) pointed out that university leaders, from central office administrators to building-level administrators, communicate downward to members of academic and non-academic staff through speeches, messages in University bulletins, University board policy manuals, and school procedure handbooks.  They added that the types of messages transmitted through downward pattern of communication are job instructions, job rationales and practices information, feedback and indoctrination. Some of the information communicated downward could be discussed and disseminated among staff of the same level through horizontal communication pattern.

            Horizontal communication pattern is the style of exchanging information among members of staff across the same level or rank in an organization. Joda (2022) noted that horizontal communication is the transmission of information between people, divisions, departments or units within the same level of organizational hierarchy. Horizontal communication pattern helps to improve coordination between departments in the university. Badau (2018) noted that information disseminated through horizontal communication pattern is basically for coordination to tie together activities within or across departments on a single school campus or within divisions in a school-wide organisational system. Horizontal communication pattern takes place, when there is exchange of information among Heads of Departments, Divisional Heads and Unit Heads among others. Hee, Qin, Kowang, Husin and Ping (2019) asserted that horizontal communication pattern is useful in coordinating the activities of different departments in an organization. They added that it contributes in developing stronger relationship among staff in both similar department and different departments in an organization. The flow of information in universities could be enhanced by the leadership style of administrators. 

            Leadership styles are strategies adopted by administrators to influence and control the efforts of staff towards attainment of set goals and objectives. Leadership styles are series of approaches adopted by management towards ensuring members of staff diligently execute their duties. Dzakpasu, Amankwah, Konin and Amanfo (2022) defined leadership styles as the patterns of the manager’s interaction or behaviour in guiding, structuring and facilitating activitiesand relationships in a school. Leadership styles are the behavioural patterns of operating the activities of an organization and influencing the efforts of members of staff to attain common goals. Narad, Kaitano and Lakhanpal (2020) definedleadership styles as the behavioural patterns that a leader adopt to influence and motivate the attitude of the followers to accomplish given objectives.  Leadership styles are the peculiar ways of influencing the conduct of staff in the workplace. Operationally, leadership styles are the ways and approaches in which administrators provides direction, control and influence the activities of staff toward realising predetermined objectives. The leadership styles could inspire, demoralize or encourage the contribution of subordinates towards the attainment of set goals. Several scholars have outlined leadership styles as follows: democratic, autocratic and laissez-faires (Jideofor, 2022; Mohammad, Alam, Amin and Alam, 2019). This study focused on three leadership styles namely democratic, autocratic and laissez-faires because they influence the behaviour of staff in an organization. 

            The democratic leadership style is an approach of leading by participation and collaboration of subordinates. The university administrators who apply democratic leadership style seek the opinions of the subordinates before taking decisions on the affairs of the institutions. Achimugu and Obaka (2020) posited that the suggestions, recommendations, opinions and views of the subordinates who are affected by decisions are actively sought by administrators who apply democratic leadership style. They further asserted that democratic leaders encourage staff and students to participate actively, thereby making them feel engaged and motivated to attain predetermined goals and objectives of the institution. The democratic style of leadership encourages use of initiatives and promotes creativity as the inputs of lecturers are highly valued. Okoroma and Agbo (2022) posited that democratic leadership style encourages trust, promotes team work and cooperation among employees. They added that this leadership style makes workers to be motivated to do more as they are usually part of the entire process of reaching decision. The administrators who adopt democratic leadership style tend to treat members of staff with kindness, respect and fairness.  The administrators who use threats to get things done have applied autocratic leadership style,

            Autocratic leadership style is characterised by the use punishment, threat, rules and regulations to guide the conduct of staff in an organization. Ziduli, Molepo, Buka and Jadezweni (2018) pointed out that autocratic leaders do not consult members of the organization in the decision-making process; they set all policies, predetermine the methods of work, determine the duties of followers, specify technical and performance evaluation standards. Autocratic administrators dictate all activities and work procedures in an organization.  Jideofor (2022) asserted that autocratic leadership style is a self-centred leadership approach in which the superiors provide clear expectations of what needs to be done, when it should be done and how it should be done. Administrators who adopt autocratic style of leadership issue orders and give directives that must be obeyed by subordinates without any question. Achimugu and Obaka (2020) averred that autocratic style of leadership often engenders anger, frustration, despair, and in extreme cases withdrawal from school activities. Under autocratic style of leadership, there is limited freedom because of the domineering control by the administrators. Autocratic leadership style of administrators is likely to shape organizational climate of the university.

            Organizational climate is the perception of the staff about the norms, practices and expectations in the work environment. Ezinine and Ughamadu (2021) defined organizational climate as the behavioural pattern, structure, norms, values, and traditions of a college that distinguish it from other organizations. Organizational climate is the shared beliefs and values that guide the work behaviour of staff of an establishment.  According to Bello and Oredein (2022), organizational climate is the norms, goals, values, interpersonal relationships, teaching, learning, management practices and structure of a workplace. Organizational climate is a set of characteristics, feelings and work norms which is created from the way an organization deals with its members. Operationally, organizational climate is core sets of norms, shared values and perceptions that influence the thoughts and actions of staff in the workplace. 

            The rapid demand for university education without corresponding leadership styles and communication patterns to build a favourable organizational climate creates the problem of institutional effectiveness in Nigeria. Some university administrators tend to disengage members of staff from making suggestions regarding tasks to be done for attainment of set organizational goals. This is buttressed by the observation of Ndukwe, Ukeje and Onele (2016) which indicated that some university administrators apply undemocratic leadership style by not only denying members of staff the opportunity to participate in decision/policy making but force them to complete tasks against their wish. They added that this has created organization climate of disloyalty and distrust which tend to leads to formation of coalitions and cliques among staff in public universities in South East, Nigeria. Some administrators tend to be too harsh to staff and also demonstrate strictness by insisting on total compliance to lay down rules and procedures in public universities in South East, Nigeria. 

            There tends to be gap in the flow of information from the top-down and the bottom-up as it appears that communication from bottom-up is considered relevant only when problematic situation arises in public universities in South East, Nigeria. Badau (2018) observed that some administrators fail to respond when staff members bring up information or problems in Nigeria Universities. The author further noted that failure of university administrators to respond to request of members of staff will ultimately result in communication gaps. The communication gaps tends to make subordinates feel under-valued and left out in the affairs of universities which breed gossips, rumours and distrust that create unhealthy organizational climate. Nebo, Nwankwo and Okonkwo (2015) noted that the constant delay in accessing information by staff of universities in South East, Nigeria seems to create unfavourable organizational climate. This background prompted the investigation into communication patterns and leadership styles of administrators as correlates of organizational climate in South East, Universities, Nigeria.

Statement of the Problem

            The hostile, unsupportive and unhealthy atmosphere of some public universities in South East is probably due to untimely dissemination of information, closed-minded leadership behaviours of the university administrators and their leadership styles of ignoring of staff’s suggestions on crucial matters which breed misunderstanding and confrontation. Inputs of some lecturers that tend to be sought during decision-making process appear to be hardly taken into considerations before deciding on university affairs in South East, Nigeria. Communication channels put by in place by some administrators tend to distract, interrupt and impede the flow of information from bottom-up in public universities in South East, Nigeria. Some administrators seem to be bossy, harsh and rely on the use threats to get work done by subordinates. 

            The hostile nature of some universities atmosphere in South East, Nigeria may be connected to communication gaps and rigid leadership behaviour of university administrators. The communication gaps could be associated with rumours and confusion in universities in South East, Nigeria. Some lecturers who are not well communicated about their roles by administrators are more likely to misunderstand their job requirements and expectations which undermine the success of the universities. The negative reactions of lecturers to the breakdown in communication in some universities in South East have somehow been reflecting in their absenteeism, low team spirit, grudges and poor interpersonal relationship with administrators. This prompted this study to investigate communication patterns and leadership styles of administrators as correlates of organizational climate in south-east universities. 

Purpose of the Study 

            The study determined the communication patterns and leadership styles of administrators as correlates of organizational climate in South East, Universities, Nigeria. Specifically, it determined 

1. Downward communication pattern of administrators as correlates of organizational climate in South East, Universities.
2. Horizontal communication pattern of administrators as correlates of organizational climate in South East, Universities.
3. Democratic leadership style of administrators as correlates of organizational climate in South East, Universities.
4. Autocratic leadership style of administrators as correlates of organizational climate in South East, universities.
5. Communication patterns and leadership styles of administrators as correlates of organizational climate in South East, Universities, Nigeria

Research Questions 

            The following research questions guided the study:

1. What is the relationship between downward communication pattern of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities? 
2. What is the relationship between horizontal communication pattern of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities? 
3. What is the relationship between democratic leadership style of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities? 
4. What is the relationship between autocratic leadership style of administrators as correlates of organizational climate in South East, universities? 
5. What is the relationship between communication patterns, leadership styles of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities, Nigeria

Hypotheses  

            The following null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance: 

1. There is no significant relationship between downward communication pattern of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities. 
2. There is no significant relationship between horizontal communication pattern of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities. 
3. There is no significant relationship between democratic leadership style of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities. 
4. There is no significant relationship between autocratic leadership style of administrators as correlates of organizational climate in South East, universities. 
5. There is no significant relationship between communication patterns, leadership styles of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities, Nigeria.

Methods

            Correlation research design was adopted for this study. According to Nworgu (2015), this type of study seeks to establish what relationship exists between two or more variables. This design is appropriate since the study sought to collect data from respondents in order to investigate communication patterns and leadership styles of administrators as correlates of organizational climate in South East, Universities, Nigeria. The study was conducted in South East, Nigeria which is bounded in the east by Benue and Cross River States, in the west by Delta State, in the North by Kogi State and in the South by Akwa Ibom and Rivers States. South East Nigeria has five states namely; Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States. 

            The population of the study comprised 749 administrators in public universities in South East, Nigeria. The sample for the study comprised 300 administrators drawn using proportionate stratified sampling technique. The sample size was 40% of the population of the study. 

            Three sets of instruments titled Communication Patterns Questionnaire (CPQ), Leadership Styles Questionnaire (LSQ) and Organizational Climate Scale (QCS) were used to collect data.  The first instrument titled CPQ was developed by the researcher from literature review and consultation of experts in the field of education. The instrument which measured communication patterns contains 14 items spread two clusters (1-2). Cluster 1 contained 7 items on downward communication pattern and Cluster 2 contained 7 items on horizontal communication pattern. The second instrument titled LSQ was developed by the researcher from literature review and consultation of experts in the field of education. The instrument which measured leadership styles contained 19 items spread three clusters (I-II). Cluster I contained 10 items on democratic leadership style and Cluster II contained 9 items on autocratic leadership style. The third instrument titled OCS was adopted from Pena-Suarez, Muniz, Campillo-Alvarez, Fonseca-Pedrero and Garcia-Cueto (2013). The instrument contained 25 items which measured organizational culture. The items of the three sets of instruments are placed on a 4-point rating of Strongly Agree (SA), Agree (A), Disagree (D) and Strongly Disagree (SD) weighted 4, 3, 2 and 1 respectively. 

            The instruments were subjected to face validation by three experts, two in the Department of Educational Management and Policy, and one in Measurement and Evaluation in the Department of Educational Foundations, all in the Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The researcher presented the title, purpose of the study, research questions and hypotheses with a copy of the questionnaires to the three experts and requested them to examine and scrutinize the items in terms of relevance, suitability, clarity of instruction and content coverage. The experts suggested among others that leading statements should be provided in all clusters and some items should be restructured. Their suggestions were used to produce the final version of the instrument. The reliability of the instruments were ascertained through Cronbach alpha. The internal consistency coefficient values of 0.81 and 0.79 were obtained for Cluster 1 and 2 of CPQ with overall reliability coefficient value of 0.80. On the other hand, the internal consistency coefficient values of 0.84 and 0.80 were obtained for Cluster I and II of LSQ with overall reliability coefficient value of 0.82, while the coefficient obtained for OCS was 0.82. 

            The researcher with the help of four research assistants who are lecturers in public universities in South East administered copies of the questionnaires to the respondents through a direct approach. A total of 300 copies of the questionnaires were distributed and 291 were properly filled and successfully retrieved indicating 97% return rate. The copies of the questionnaires distributed, duly filled and successfully retrieved were used for data analysis. Data collected were analyzed using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient to answer the research questions 1-6, t-test of correlation to test the hypotheses 1-8 and multiple regression to answer research question 9 and test hypothesis 9. For decision on the research questions, the coefficient r and the size of the relationship was interpreted using the correlation coefficient by Alsagr (2021), as follows

Coefficient                              Relationship

.00- .19                                    Weak correlation 

.20- .39                                    Fair correlation 

.40- .69                                    Moderate correlation 

.70- .89                                    Strong correlation 

.90- .1.00                                 Very strong correlation  

            In taking decisions on the null hypotheses, if p-value is equal to or less (≤) than significant value of .05, the null hypothesis was rejected, but if p-value is greater than (>), the significant value of .05 the null hypotheses was accepted.

Results

Research Question 1: What is the relationship between downward communication pattern of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities? 

Variables	N		Downward Communication Pattern	Organizational Climate	Remarks
Downward Communication Pattern	291		1.00	.759	Strong Positive Relationship
Organizational Climate	291		.759	1.00

Table 1: Pearson (r) on Relationship Downward Communication Pattern of Administrators and Organizational Climate 

            Result in Table 1 revealed that Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) of .759 was obtained. This showed that there is strong positive relationship between downward communication pattern of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities. This indicated that an improvement in downward communication pattern of administrators will contribute to positive organizational climate. 

Research Question 2: What is the relationship between horizontal communication pattern of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities? 

Variables	N		Horizontal Communication Pattern	Organizational Climate	Remarks
Horizontal Communication Pattern	291		1.00	.715	Strong Positive Relationship
Organizational Climate	291		.715	1.00

Table 2: Pearson (r) on Relationship Horizontal Communication Pattern of Administrators and Organizational Climate 

            Table 2 indicated that a Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) of .715 was obtained. This showed that there is strong positive relationship between horizontal communication pattern of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities. This indicated that increase in horizontal communication pattern of administrators will lead to better organizational climate. 

Research Question 3: What is the relationship between democratic leadership style of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities? 

Variables	N		Democratic Leadership Style	Organizational Climate	Remarks
Democratic Leadership Style	291		1.00	.818	Strong Positive Relationship
Organizational Climate	291		.818	1.00

Table 3: Pearson (r) on Relationship Democratic Leadership Style of Administrators and Organizational Climate 

            As shown in Table 3, Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) of .818 was obtained. This showed that there is strong positive relationship between democratic leadership style of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities. This indicated that improvement on the democratic leadership style of administrators will contribute to better organizational climate. 

Research Question 4: What is the relationship between autocratic leadership style of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities? 

Variables	N		Autocratic Leadership Style	Organizational Climate	Remarks
Autocratic Leadership Style	291		1.00	.309	Fair Positive Relationship
Organizational Climate	291		.309	1.00

Table 4: Pearson (r) on Relationship Autocratic Leadership Style of Administrators and Organizational Climate 

            Table 4 indicated that a Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) of .309 was obtained. This showed that there is fair positive relationship between autocratic leadership style of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities. This indicated that autocratic leadership style of administrators will contribute to fair organizational climate. 

Research Question 5: What is the relationship between communication patterns, leadership styles of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities, Nigeria?

Model	R		R Square	Adjusted R Square	Std. Error of the Estimate	Remarks
1	.876		.767	.762	.283658	Strong

Table 5: The Summary of Multiple Regression Analysis on Communication Patterns and Leadership Styles of Administrators as Correlates of Organizational Culture

Table 5 showed that correlation coefficient of simple regression analysis is .876 with a coefficient of determination of .767. This shows that 76.7% variation in organizational Climate can be attributed to communication patterns, leadership styles of administrators. The regression Coefficient r of .876 indicated that there is strong positive relationship between communication patterns, leadership styles of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities, Nigeria. 

Hypothesis One: There is no significant relationship between downward communication pattern of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities. 

Table 6: The Summary of t-test of Correlation on the Significant Relationship between Downward Communication Pattern of Administrators and Organizational Climate

Variables	N	Downward Communication Pattern	Organizational Climate	P-Value	∞	Remark
Downward Communication Pattern	291	1	.759
				.000	.05	Rejected
Organizational Climate	291	.759	1

Table 6 revealed that the p-value of .000 is less than .05. Therefore, since the p-value is less than the stipulated .05 level of significance, the null hypothesis was rejected. Therefore, there is significant relationship between downward communication pattern of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities. 

Hypothesis Two: There is no significant relationship between horizontal communication pattern of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities. 

Table 7: The Summary of t-test of Correlation on the Significant Relationship between Horizontal Communication Pattern of Administrators and Organizational Climate

Variables	N	Horizontal Communication Pattern	Organizational Climate	P-Value	∞	Remark
Horizontal Communication Pattern	291	1	.715
				.000	.05	Rejected
Organizational Climate	291	.715	1

The result presented in Table 7 revealed that the p-value of .000 is less than .05. Therefore, since the p-value is less than the stipulated .05 level of significance, the null hypothesis was rejected. Therefore, there is significant relationship between horizontal communication pattern of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities. 

Hypothesis Three: There is no significant relationship between democratic leadership style of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities. 

Table 8: The Summary of t-test of Correlation on the Significant Relationship between Democratic Leadership Style of Administrators and Organizational Climate

Variables	N	Democratic Leadership Pattern	Organizational Climate	P-Value	∞	Remark
Democratic Leadership Style	291	1	.818
				.000	.05	Rejected
Organizational Climate	291	.818	1

The result presented in Table 8 revealed that the p-value of .000 is less than .05. Therefore, since the p-value is less than the stipulated .05 level of significance, the null hypothesis was rejected. Therefore, there is significant relationship between democratic leadership style of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities. 

Hypothesis Four: There is no significant relationship between autocratic leadership style of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities. 

Table 9: The Summary of t-test of Correlation on the Significant Relationship between Autocratic Leadership Style of Administrators and Organizational Climate

Variables	N	Autocratic Leadership Pattern	Organizational Climate	P-Value	∞	Remark
Autocratic Leadership Style	291	1	.309
				.000	.05	Rejected
Organizational Climate	291	.309	1

Table 9 showed that the p-value of .000 is less than .05. Therefore, since the p-value is less than the stipulated .05 level of significance, the null hypothesis was rejected. Therefore, there is significant relationship between autocratic leadership style of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities. 

Hypothesis Five: There is no significant relationship between communication patterns, leadership styles of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities, Nigeria.

Table 10: The Summary of Multiple Regression Analysis on Communication Patterns and Leadership Styles of Administrators as Correlates of Organizational Climate 

Predictor	R		R2	F	P-value	Remark
Communication Patterns and Leadership Styles	.876		.767	158.856	.000	*S
*Significant

            As shown in Table 10, the multiple regression coefficient (R) is .876 while the R² is .767 showing that communication patterns and leadership styles of administrators make 76.7% contribution to the variance organizational climate. The F (1/291) =158.556 and the p-value of .000 is less than .05. Therefore, since the p-value is less than the stipulated .05 level of significance, the null hypothesis was rejected. Therefore, there is significant relationship between communication patterns, leadership styles of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities, Nigeria.

Discussion 

            The result of the study indicated that there is strong positive relationship between downward communication pattern of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities. This is in conformity with the finding of Thet and Htarr (2020) which indicated that there was positively strong relationship between principals’ downward communication pattern and school climate. The agreement in findings could be associated with the fact that the two studies were conducted in educational institutions where administrators give instructions and provide directions using downward communication pattern. This is in disagreement with the finding of This contradicted the finding of Sapian, Abdullah, Ghani, Abdullah and Omar (2019) which indicated that there was moderate relationship between principals’ downward communication pattern and school climate. The difference in geographical locations where there are different policies guiding downward communication pattern. This finding is explained by the fact that downward communication pattern is a means of providing instructions and disseminating information on policies, rules and work procedures enable subordinate become aware of their job roles and expected behaviour contribute to strong organizational climate. Downward communication pattern is strongly correlated with organizational climate due to the fact that it helps to keep members of staff up-dated and well-informed of tasks to be done and how to execute the tasks. The university administrators through downward communication pattern delegate duties and instill a sense of responsibilities to subordinates which contribute ton strong organizational climate.

            Further result indicated that there is significant relationship between downward communication pattern of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities. This is in line with the finding of Thet and Htarr (2020) which revealed that there was significant relationship between principals’ downward communication pattern and school climate. The university administrators give order and directives to the subordinates through downward communication pattern to ensure uniformity and compliance to standard mode of operations which explain the significant relationship with organizational climate. The mission and values of universities shared with members of staff through downward communication pattern enable them understand the expected attitude towards achieving the values which thereby create favourable organizational climate. 

            It was revealed that indicated that there is strong positive relationship between horizontal communication pattern of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities. This is in agreement with the finding of Lannes (2021) which showed a strong positive correlation between organizational horizontal communication and organizational climate. Horizontal communication pattern which ensures unity of purpose among departments or teams at the same level in universities could explain the strong relationship with organizational culture. Members of staff with the same job title could work together to achieve interdependent goals through horizontal communication pattern. Some departments who are dependent on one another for vital information in executing tasks could create strong organizational climate through horizontal communication pattern. The opportunity in which horizontal communication pattern provides for staff at the same level to communicate directly without going through the university administrators could account for the strong relationship with organizational climate. 

            Further finding showed that there is significant relationship between horizontal communication pattern of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities. This affirmed the finding of Sidiropoulou (2021) which showed a significant correlation between organizational horizontal communication and organizational climate. Horizontal communication pattern which facilitates information sharing and task coordination between departments or units could account for the significant relationship with organizational climate. 

            The finding of the study indicated that there is strong positive relationship between democratic leadership style of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities. This supported the finding of Zamin and Hussin (2021) which showed there was a strong positive relationship between democratic leadership style and work climate. This is also in line with the finding of Barnova, Trelova, Krasna, Benova, Hasajova and Gabrhelova (2022) which indicated democratic leadership style has strong correlation with school climate. The agreement in the findings of the studies could be connected to the fact that the two studies were conducted in educational institutions. This finding is probably due to the fact that democratic leadership style which empowers subordinates to participate in decision-making process could make them feel valued and thereby create strong and healthy organizational climate. Open discussion and sharing of new idea encouraged by administrators who apply democratic leadership style lead to feeling of trust, loyalty and team cohesion could be connected with the strong relationship with organizational climate. Members of staff feel more involved, committed and inspired to take action that foster healthy organizational climate through their inputs and ideas solicited by democratic administrators. 

            Further result showed that there is significant relationship between democratic leadership style of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities. This is in consonance with the finding of Barnova, Trelova, Krasna, Benova, Hasajova and Gabrhelova (2022) which showed democratic leadership style has significant correlation with school climate. University administrators who apply democratic style inspire trust and respect among subordinates which could account for the significant relationship with organizational climate. University administrators who apply democratic leadership style delegate responsibilities, foster participatory management and team work which help to build strong organizational climate. 

            The result of the study indicated that there is fair positive relationship between autocratic leadership style of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities. This agreed with the finding of Zamin and Hussin (2021) which revealed that there was a fair positive and significant relationship between autocratic leadership style and work culture. This disagreed with the finding of Philip, Ibrahim and Yussof (2020) which revealed that there exist weak relationship between autocratic leadership style and organizational climate. The difference in geographical location could explain the disagreement in findings. The autocratic administrators who deprive subordinates the opportunities to make inputs and provide feedback on the affairs of university lead to feeling of mistrust and this breeds misunderstanding which could explain the fair relationship with organizational climate. The absolute control over subordinates by administrators who apply autocratic leadership impair creative ideas and inputs that tend to lead to physical confrontation which could contribute to the fair relationship with organizational climate. Autocratic administrators fail to value the suggestions of subordinates decrease their morale and create unfair organizational climate. 

            Further finding showed that there is significant relationship between autocratic leadership style of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities. This refuted the finding of Philip, Ibrahim and Yussof (2020) which showed that there was no significant relationship between autocratic leadership style and organizational climate. This disagreed with the finding of Ngoma, Sakakombe and Kabeta (2019) which indicated that the relationship between autocratic leadership style and school climate was not statistically significant. This disagreement could be attributed to the fact that the studies were conducted in different levels of education where the school administrators have different qualifications and experience that guide their use of autocratic leadership style to shape the school climate.  

            It was showed that there is strong positive relationship between communication patterns, leadership styles of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities, Nigeria. This supported the finding of Witarini and Sriathi (2020) which showed that there is joint strong relationship between leadership styles, effective communication and organizational climate. This finding is explained by the fact that communication patterns and leadership styles of administrators determine the social norms, values and expected behaviour that forms the organizational climate of universities. The interaction of administrators with subordinates, decision-making process as well as work procedures which are instrumental in creating strong organizational climate is determined by the communication patterns and leadership styles in universities. 

            Further result showed that there is significant relationship between communication patterns, leadership styles of administrators and organizational climate in South East, Universities, Nigeria. This agreed with the finding of Witarini and Sriathi (2020) which showed that there is significant relationship between leadership styles, effective communication and organizational climate. This finding is explained by the fact that the flow of information determined by communication patterns of administrators as well as their leadership styles which influence the work behaviour of staff could significantly create the organizational climate of universities. 

Conclusion

            Based on the findings, it was concluded that the communication patterns and leadership styles of administrators have positive and significant relationship with organizational climate in South East, Universities. Communication patterns and leadership styles of administrators help to convey information about core values, mission and expected behaviour that create organizational culture of universities. It is the patterns of communication and styles of leadership that could inspire open discussion, good interpersonal relationship, teamwork and honest feedback that strongly shape the organizational culture of universities.

Recommendations 

            Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were made: 

1. University management should formulate programme and modalities that encourage downward communication pattern by creating innovative channels for timely dissemination of information to members of staff and students for healthy organizational climate.
2. University council should create flowchart that provide details of communication between departments or units with regard to frequency and mode of communication which will foster horizontal communication pattern and strongly improve organizational climate. 
3. University administrators should practice democratic leadership style by encouraging open communication and friendly environment that embolden subordinates to express how they think and feel things could be done to strongly create healthy organizational climate. 
4. University administrators should modify their autocratic leadership style by considering the inputs of subordinates in operation of daily affairs to create positive organizational climate. 
5. University management should organize training programmes in forms of annually or quarterly conferences, seminars, short-courses and workshops to enable administrators acquire skills and knowledge of applying communication patterns and leadership styles to create positive organizational climate. 

References 

Achimugu, L. & Obaka, H.P. (2020). Influence of principals’ leadership styles on senior secondary school students’ achievement in Chemistry. Science Education International,       30(2), 92-96.

Akarika, D.C., Umoren, P.E. & Okon, E.U. (2021). Organisational communication climate and    employee’s job performance in Cross River University of Technology, Nigeria.    International Journal of Social Sciences and Management Review, 4(6), 44-57.

Akpakwu, O.S. & Okwo, F.A. (2014). Politics and the appointment of Council members, Vice     Chancellors and other Principal Officers in Federal and State Universities in the North   Central States of Nigeria. Journal of Education and Practices, 5(23), 12-20. 

Alsagr, A. M. (2021). Remarks on the use of Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation in assessing   relationships in ophthalmic data. African Vision and Eye Health, 80(1), 1-10. 

Asuquo, M.E. & Ekpoh, U.I. (2020). Leadership and institutional effectiveness of Federal            Universities in South-South, Nigeria. African Journal of Educational Foundations, 2(1),    1-12.

Badau, K.M. (2018). Administration of universities and channels of communication in Nigeria.    Arts and Humanities Open Access Journal, 2(5), 300-306.

Barnova, S., Trelova, S., Krasna, S., Benova, E., Hasajova, L. & Gabrhelova, G. (2022).   Leadership styles, organizational climate and school climate openness from the      perspective of Slovak Vocational school teachers. Societies, 12(6), 192-107.

Bello, E.O. & Oredein, A.O. (2022). School climate, principals’ managerial styles and      organizational commitment among junior secondary school teachers in Oyo State, Nigeria. International Journal of Research-Granthaalayah, 10(7), 51-69. 

Dzakpasu, R.K., Amankwah,F., Konin, D. & Amanfo, B.A. (2022). Leadership styles of head      teachers’ and job satisfaction perceived by Ghanaian public basic school teachers.          African Journal of Educational Management Teaching and Entrepreneurship Studies,      3(1), 10-21. 

Ezinine, R.U. & Ughamadu, U. (2021). Organizational climate as a predictor of lecturers’ job      performance in colleges of education in south East States, Nigeria. Journal of      Educational Research and Development, 4(1), 10-16. 

Federal Republic of Nigeria (2013). National policy on education (6^th Ed.). Lagos: NERDC         Press. 

Fiel-Miranda, J.L. and Miranda, A.T. (2019). Level of effectiveness of the organizational communication patterns of Lyceum De Cebu, Philippines: Bases for enhancement.          Journal of Organizational Culture, Communications and Conflicts, 23(1), 1-26. 

Hee, O.C., Qin, D.A.H., Kowang, T.O., Husin, M.M. and Ping, L.L. (2019). Exploring the           impact of communication on employee performance. International Journal of Recent           Technology and Engineering, 8(3), 654-658.

Jideofor, E.N. (2022). Influence of principals’ leadership styles on teachers’ job satisfaction in     secondary schools in Nnewi Education Zone of Anambra State. Journal of Educational         Research and Development, 5(1), 257-266. 

Joda, M. (2022). Impact of communication patterns on the effective management of          organizations (A study of Ministry of Health, Maiduguri, Borno State). International    Journal of Public Policy and Administrative Studies, 11(5), 1-18.

Lannes, H. (2021). Organizational communication patterns, organizational climate and     organizational effectiveness.Under graduate Journal of Psychology, 31(1), 32-39.

Mohammad, T.I.Y., Alam, J., Amin, M.R. & Alam, J. (2019). The impact of autocratic,    democratic and lasissez-faire leadership styles on the success of the organization: A study on the different popular restaurants of Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Canadian Journal of     Business and Information Studies, 1(6), 28-38. 

Narad, A., Kaitano, N.H.D. & Lakhanpal, S. (2020). Leadership styles and organizational            climate as predictors of teacher effectiveness in secondary schools. European Journal of       Molecular & Clinical Medicine, 7(7), 3446- 3456.

Ndukwe, C., Ukeje, I.O. & Onele, J.C. (2016). Leadership styles and the politics of institutional   management of state-owned universities in Nigeria: Empirical evidence from EBSU,      South-Eastern Geo-Political Zone, Nigeria. Global Journal of Politics and Law Research,            4(5), 97-110. 

Nebo, C.S., Nwankwo, P.N. & Okonkwo, R.I. (2015). The role of ffective communication on      organizational performance: A study of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Review of           Public Administration and Management, 4(8), 131-148. 

Ngoma, C., Sakakombe, L. & Kabeta, R. (2019). Headteachers’ leadership styles and school        climate: Perspectives of head teachers and teachers. International Journal of Science and          Research, 9(9), 1241-1246. 

Nworgu, B.G. (2015). Education research: Basic issues and methodology (3^rd ed.). Enugu:          University Trust Publishers.        

Ogunola, A.A. & Akporaro, A.C. (2015). The relationship between organizational            communication patterns and job performance of employees of selected Nigerian Brewing       Industries. Information and Knowledge Management, 5(2), 85-91. 

Okoroma, N.S. & Agbo, L.O.  (2022). Influence of principals’ leadership styles  on job    performance of teachers in public senior secondary schools in Etche and Obio/Akpor       Local Government Areas of Rivers State. International Journal of Social Science and       Management Studies, 1(3), 1-13.

Philip, E., Ibrahim, D. & Yussof, K.Y.S. (2020). Leadership style and organizational climate at a             selected government agency in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Journal of Borneo Social   Transformation Studies, 6(1), 43-57.

Sapian, N.R.B., Abdullah, R.B.B., Ghani, M.F.B., Abdullah, Z. & Omar, I.M.B. (2019). The        relationship between principals’ communication patterns and school climate. Advances in       Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, 4(1), 197-205. 

Sidiropoulou, M. (2021). Principals’ communication patterns and school climate. International    Journal of Current Research, 13(7), 18161-18164.

Thet, N.O. & Htarr, H.W. (2020). Relationship between principals’ communication patterns         and school climate.Journal of Education and Human Resources, 1(1), 1-11

Tofi, S.T., Agada, E.O. & Okafor, C.J. (2020). Utilization of digital reference resources and         services by postgraduate students in University Libraries in Benue State, Nigeria.      International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 4(6), 72-84. 

Uwandu, L.I., Udo-Anyanwu, A.J. & Okorie, O.N. (2022). Participative management and            effective communication as predictors of job performance of library staff in Federal          Universities in South East Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria. Library Philosophy and Practice, 6(7), 1-20. 

Weldeghebriel, Z.F., Mberia, H.K. & Ndavula, J. (2019) Influence of communication patterns on            employee performance in selected large manufacturing businesses in Eritrea. The       International Journal of Humanities & Social Studies, 7(5), 24-31.

Zamin, S.A. & Hussin, F. (2021). Heads of departments leadership styles, work climate and         organizational commitment enhance the job performance of University Lecturers.            Journal of Contemporary Issues in Business and Government, 27(2), 1851- 1858.

Ziduli, M., Molepo, M., Buka, A.M. & Jadezweni, M.M. (2018). Leadership styles of secondary school principals: South African Cases. International Journal Educational Science,   22(1), 1-10.