ABSTRACT

Prior to the advent of internet, business organizations operating in Nigeria spend exorbitantly to source for and move desired raw materials from their points of location to the manufacturing points. Based on the above, the study was developed to ascertain the impact of internet system in the development of transport network of manufacturing sector in Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design, hence questionnaires were drafted and distributed to relevant officials of the selected manufacturing and transportation firms as well as internet service providers. Data generated were analyzed using Pearson Product moment correlation and Spearman’s Rank correlation co-efficient. The result of the empirical work showed that the use of internet services by business organizations in the development and management of corporate transportation programme has significant effect on the reduction of the cost of transportation. It was also observed that the use of internet as e-communication contributes significantly to the effective management of logistics operations of firms. Modern communication of e-base activities aid organization access to raw materials for just in time delivery. The e-communication based on internet system ensures effectiveness in material handling strategies of firms as cost of holding stock is reduced. Thus, the study recommended that the use of e-communication an aspect of internet services in the development and management of corporate transportation by manufacturing firms should be encouraged since it has significant effect on the reduction of the cost of transportation. Firms operating in Nigeria should intensify the use of internet the management of logistic operations. Business organizations should increase the use of internet in assessing needs and wants of the target market, and in advertising their numerous products and services. Management of manufacturing and transportation firms in Nigeria should increase knowledge and exposure of its employees to the use of internet as well as modern e-communication devices since the adoption or the application of e-communication based on internet system ensures effectiveness in material handling strategies of firms. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title - - - - - - - - - - - i

Declaration - - - - - - - - - - ii

Certification - - - - - - - - - - iii

Dedication - - - - - - - - - - iv

Acknowledgements - - - - - - - - v

Table of content - - - - - - - - - vi

List of tables - - - - - - - - - viii

Abstract - - - - - - - - - - - ix

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION - - - - - - - 1

1.1 Background to the Study - - - - - - - 1

1.2 Statement of the Problem - - - - - - 3

1.3 Objectives of the Study - - - - - - - 5

1.4 Research Questions - - - - - - - 5

1.5 Research Hypotheses - - - - - - - 6

1.6 Significance of the study - - - - - - - 7

1.7 Scope of the Study  - - - - - - 8

1.8 Limitations to the Study - - - - - - - 8

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE - - - 9

2.1 Conceptual Framework - - - - - - 9

2.1.1 Definition of internet - - - - - - 9

2.1.2 Relevance of Internet in Modern Marketing - - - 10 

2.1.3 The role of the Internet in the Manufacturing Sector - 11

2.1.4 Advantages of the internet in a competitive business Nigeria business environment

2.1.5 The relevance of internet in marketing activities ofBusiness Organizations

2.1.6 Overview of Internet marketing - - - 15

2.1.7 Benefits of internet marketing - - - - 16

2.1.7.1 Convenience - - - - 16

2.1.7.2 Easy accessibility or reach - - - 16 

2.1.7.3 Cost effective  - - - - 17

2.1.7.4 Personalization of services delivery - - - - 17

2.1.7.5 Enhance customers relationships - - - - 18

2.1.8 Challenges of internet marketing by business organizations  - 18

in Nigeria

2.1.8.1 Converting leads to sales - - - - 19

2.1.8.2 Managing an online market system - - - - 19

2.1.8.3 Prioritizing time, energy and money for best results - 20

2.1.8.4 Creating content - - - - - - 20

2.1.8.5 Technical and Design skills - - - - 20

2.1.8.6 Difficulties in accessing websites - - - 21

2.1.9 Nigeria Transportation System - - - 21

2.1.10 Role of internet in development of transport system - 22

2.1.10.1 Reduction in the transportation cost - - - 23

2.1.10.2 Effectiveness of the material handling strategy - - 23

2.1.10.3 Ensures easy access to raw materials - - - 24

2.1.10.4 Ensures just-in-time delivery of essential raw material - 24

2.2 Theoretical Framework  - - - 25

2.2.1 Theory of transport modernization - - - 25 

2.2.2 Network Economic Model - - - 27

2.2.3 Network Externalities Theory - - - 27

2.3 Review of Empirical works    - - - - 28

2.4 Summary of Literature - - - - 30

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY - - - - 31

3.1 Research Design - - - - 31

3.2 Area of the Study - - - - - 31

3.3 Population of the Study - - - - - 32

3.4 Determination of Sample Size - - - - - 32

3.5 Method of Data Collection - - - - 32

3.6 Instrument for Data Collection - - - - 33

3.7 Method of Data Analysis - - - - 33

3.7.1 Model Specification - - - - - 34

3.8 Validity of Instrument - - - - - 34

3.9 Reliability of Instrument - - - - - 34

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS - - - 35

4.1 Findings and Discussions  - - - 47

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS - 49

5.1 Summary of research findings - - - 49

5.2 Conclusion - - - - - - - 50

5.3 Recommendations - - -- - - - - 51

5.4 Suggestions for further study - - - - - - 52

REFERENCES

APPENDIX I

QUESTIONNAIRE