Business managers in Nigeria lack understanding of the business development process needed for successful growth in quarry in Akamkpa, Nigeria.
Requirements for the Degree of
Prescott Valley, Arizona
Introduction
A quarry is like an open pit mine from where minerals are extracted that are mostly used in the construction of buildings and civil engineering works. Quarrying is a part of mining but is slightly different as it has a close connection with the society because different builder of a region requires material that is extracted in order to complete their work. There are not many restrictions for quarrying as it is open for all the contractors. Due to this reason all the managers and developers at different levels need to interact with mines. The exploration of resources from a quarry is affected because of the human interaction and commercialization of the resources of mines. The mines in some regions are not properly managed because they are under the control of a system with disorganized management practices (McAllister, Walton, Coggan, & Wetherelt, 2013). The involvement of human in quarrying is not prohibited as everybody is allowed by the state to use the minerals for their work but such involvement has caused a lot of issues. The issues can lead to an early resource depletion which will result in a bigger problem for the regions, states, and the world as well. The businesses are mostly focused on earning high profits for themselves and the processes used by the business managers in quarrying are the main reason that the quarrying in given regions can be in trouble in the near future. The business managers must have a proper understanding of this work and must also be aware of this work process. By attaining proper knowledge about quarrying and its management will lead to efficient use of resources (Grosman & Goren-Inbar, 2016). It is noted that the A quarry in Akamkpa, Nigeria is one those quarries that are affected because of lack of understanding of the business development processes.
The Akamkpa Quarry in the Cross River State of Nigeria has a large quantity stones and different kinds of granite. The extraction from this quarry is utilized in the construction work in the region of southern Nigeria. There is a substantial investment made by the international engineering companies in this mine as there are thousands of contractors that rely on the products that are extracted from this site. There are several stakeholders that are linked with the Akamkpa Quarry as it is a sub-section of a mining industry. The business managers highly influence the quarry of Akamkpa for all the practical purposes. From the case of Akamkpa, it is noted that the inefficient use of management practices have led to the ineffective allocation of the resources .
As the business managers that are associated with the Akamkpa Quarry have disorganized and badly oriented work and management practices, therefore, the quarry is functioning under its actual capacity. Inefficient operations at the quarry are observed because of poor management . The inefficient operating activities cause a loss of millions of dollars to the project sponsors every year to maintain the supply chain and sourcing system to create a proper link between the between the products of the quarry and the consumers who utilize them . The lack of centralized sourcing system in the quarry is caused because of the lack of understanding of the business managers that utilizes the products of Akamkpa Quarry for their building materials.
Statement of the Problem
Akamkpa Quarry is one of the largest quarries that provides an opportunity to thousands of contractors to extract material from the site and uses it for the construction of their buildings. The project sponsors assign the duties to the business managers who are responsible for extracting the mineral from the ground so that they can be used for the construction of the buildings. Human interaction and other commercialization processes have resulted in a negative impact on exploration processes to extract resources from a quarry. Akamkpa Quarry is facing a lot of managerial issues that have lead to poor management of the quarry. It is noted that the business managers that are performing their activities at the site and unable to draft properly a management plan that can help them to utilize the resources to the fullest. The methods used by the managers are ineffective that is the main reason that Akamkpa Quarry is functioning below the capacity. The main issues that result in inefficient utilization of resources from this quarry are management practices and supply chain management. The management practices used by the business managers are poor and disorganized which leads to the wastage of resources. It also requires additional cost for the sponsor to make the extracted product available for use in the market. It is noted that the practices of the business managers are not only causing harm to the natural resources but are also influencing the sponsors to spend additional money to complete the project. If the manager adopts better policies and practices, then there is a possibility that the resources will be utilized to the fullest and the sponsors of the project will incur less cost.
Purpose of the study
The purpose of this qualitative assessment or study is to evaluate a solution that helps to improve the outcomes for the stakeholders of Akamkpa Quarry, Nigeria. The study primarily focuses on establishing a pathway for improvements in the management practices useful for business managers who use the Quarry. The researcher will apply the principle concepts of Administrative management theory for effective allocation and utilization of management resources to justify the trace of areas that require progressive developments in case of Akamkpa Quarry. The researcher ensures that the qualitative study provides a critique to the appropriate variables that relate to management practices, supply chain management, and other performance indicators.
Research Questions
What is the impact of lack of understanding business development processes in Akamkpa Quarry, Nigeria?
What steps should be taken to improve the business development processes in Akamkpa Quarry, Nigeria?
Hypothesis
H0: There is no significant relationship between management practices and growth of Akamkpa Quarry, Nigeria.
H1: There is a significant relationship between management practices and growth of Akamkpa Quarry, Nigeria.
H0: There is no significant relationship between supply chain management policies and growth of Akamkpa Quarry, Nigeria.
H1: There is a significant relationship between supply chain management policies and growth of Akamkpa Quarry, Nigeria.
Definition of Key Terms
Management: Management refers to the procedures utilized to deal with or control people and things. In the current scenario, management is understood my dealing with the issues related to Akamkpa Quarry.
Supply Chain: Supply chain refers to a complex and dynamic network of supply and demand. It involves people, organizations, activities, resources, and information relating to moving a product from a supplier to the customers.
Brief Review of Literature
Management issues in Quarrying and Mining
Management practices and their drawbacks in relation to mining and quarrying industry are discussed throughout the world. People want to analyze the failures of management to reach to best practices that allow businesses to take advantages of the industry. Grosman & Goren-Inbar (2016) conducts a survey on a quarry situated in Modiin. The researcher examines the damage marks and other issues relating to bedrocks and surfaces. The researchers want to examine the conditions of the surface and activities involved in quarrying. The researcher presents that lack of proper management practices and policies are the major cause of the issues (Grosman & Goren-Inbar, 2016). On the other hand, there are research papers that explain the efforts of different organizations to safeguard employees and other workers from different health-related issues. Trudel, Nadeau, Zaras, & Deschamps (2015) counter the findings of Grosman & Goren-Inbar (2016) and state that efforts are made by organizations and management to save lives of human beings during the processes of quarrying. Multinational and small scale business units are operating with experienced and professional management teams that ensure the safety of workers and to deal with any unusual circumstances. The use of efficient workers helps the organizations to complete the quarrying and mining processes in the best possible ways (Trudel, Nadeau, Zaras, & Deschamps, 2015).
The environmental impact of quarrying and mining processes is also largely debated, and researchers like Vintróa, Sanmiquelb, & Freijo (2014) elaborates the use of efficient workforce and discusses that high tech machinery or equipment are utilized for quarrying purposes. The researchers explain that use of high-tech machinery allows businesses to safeguard the environment. The researchers suggest that businesses must ensure that high-level protection measures must also be developed and designed to focus on saving lives of individuals during the processes of mining and quarrying (Vintróa, Sanmiquelb, & Freijo, 2014). Researchers also focus on identifying the main reasons for inefficiency and provide suggestions to organizations operating in quarrying and mining industry. McAllister, G., & Wetherelt (2013) conduct a study for Penlee Quarry and identify that remains and inefficiencies cannot be ignored to assure that destruction does not take place in future. The researcher specifically targets the management teams and managers to take responsibility for activities involved in quarrying and mining and to ensure that the activities are carried out in the best possible and suitable manner (McAllister, G., & Wetherelt, 2013).
Summary
The chapter includes the findings extracted from different studies that discuss the management issues in quarrying and mining industry. Some terminologies are also discussed in the paper that helps in better understanding the chapter. The studies used in this chapter explains the adverse impact on the quarrying because of a lack understanding of the business development process needed for successful growth. It also discusses the wastage of resources during quarrying because of such practices.
Research Method
For the current study, qualitative research approach will be used. A good research involves utilization of best methods and approaches to evaluate the variables in the qualitative tradition to conduct a study. In order to carry out the qualitative research approach, the researcher will conduct interviews related to the strategies and procedures that are currently used at Akamkpa Quarry. The interview will be conducted by the strategic manager, executor, and government officials at Akamkpa Quarry. The reason to interview the managers is that it leads to determine the causes of inefficient management of the resources. The study is conducted in an operationalized manner that helps in effectively identifying different types of variables in the study.
Measurement
The data is collected in two stages that are a diagnostic stage and analytical stage. For the diagnostic stage, the data is collected from different classes of stakeholders that are directly affected by the operations of Akamkpa Quarry. It involves construction companies, community leaders, a transporter of products from the Quarry, and workers on the Quarry. The data is collected through various surveys, questionnaires, and interviews. After collecting the data critical evaluation of diagnostic reports will help in finding possible solutions. Further, the possible solution to the current problem and training of managers is evaluated. The statistical tools of regression and correlation are applied to the data collected from both the stages. The graphical representation of the data determines the important trends and issues at Akamkpa Quarry.
Summary
The chapter explains that a qualitative research approach is applied for the study. The data is gathered from a different stakeholder in two phases. The first phase is an analytical stage and the second stage is a diagnostic stage. The statistical tools of regression and correlation are applied to determine the results of the study. The main trends of the study are determined with the help of graphical representation.
References
Ahmad, A. (2014). A study of Miners Demographics and Health Status in Jodhpur District of Rajasthan India. International Journal of Development Studies and Research , 3 (1), 113-121.
Biwas, W. K. (2014). Carbon footprint and embodied energy assessment of a civil works program in a residential estate of Western Australia. The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment , 19 (4), 732-744.
Grosman, L., & Goren-Inbar, N. (2016). Landscape Alteration by Pre-Pottery Neolithic Communities in the Southern Levant – The Kaizer Hilltop Quarry, Israel. PLoS ONE , 11 (3), 231-265.
McAllister, R., Walton, G., Coggan, J., & Wetherelt, A. (2013). A legacy slope failure in Penlee Quarry - a warning to others. Journal of Geoscience in South-West England , 13, 183-190.
Trudel, B., Nadeau, S., Zaras, K., & Deschamps, I. (2015). Managing equipment innovations in mining: A review. Occupational Ergonomics and Safety , 51 (4), 731-746.
Ukpata, J. O., Ephraim, M. E., & Akeke, G. A. (2012). Compressive Strength of Concrete Using Lateritc Sand and Quarry Dust as Fine Aggregate. ARPN Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences , 7 (1), 81-93.
Vintróa, C., Sanmiquelb, L., & Freijo, M. (2014). Environmental sustainability in the mining sector: evidence from Catalan companies. Journal of Cleaner Production , 84 (1), 155–163.
Appendix A: Annotated bibliography
Ahmad, A. (2014). A study of Miners Demographics and Health Status in Jodhpur District of Rajasthan India. International Journal of Development Studies and Research , 3 (1), 113-121.
The study is carried out to evaluate the socio-economic and health condition of the miners In the study the researcher has discussed the occupation and its hazards. The increase in growth of infrastructure is observed which leads to increase in demand of metal and minerals The increase in the demand has increased the importance of mining. Therefore, more and more people are hired to work in the mining industry. To reach the conclusion of the study 34 miners from sandstone mines were selected. Out of the 34 respondents 30 were males and four were females. On evaluating the health conditions of the participants it was observed that more than half were addicted to substance abuse 21 workers were physically fit to work while 13 were not able to work as miners. It was reported that 20 miners had died of TB or Silicosis in their family Six participants were suffering from Silicosis and fifteen from TB 30 of the miners were also suffering from musculoskeletal disorders. It is found that from the research that most of the participants were suffering from more than one disease and had a serious medical condition. From the observations, it is reported that sandstone mining can lead to TB and Silicosis. These diseases are caused by lack of precautionary measures and negligence.
Biwas, W. K. (2014). Carbon footprint and embodied energy assessment of a civil works program in a residential estate of Western Australia. The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment , 19 (4), 732-744.
The article discuses some important points that covers the use of GHG emissions during mining that can be used for different purposes. The streamlined lifecycle is used to determine the carbon footprint and embodied energy related to the 100 meter of road base. The reason for mentioning this important fact in the study is to provide information that everything is useful in this world that can be used for different purposes. However, the re-use of embodied materials may result in the negative outcomes for the people living in that region In fact they should not dispose of the material that can be recycled into different form of energy and use for different purposes The replacement can be done to make the quarrying activity more feasible and helpful for others. The study is relevant to the mining companies who can gain advantage of this technological solution and obtain potential benefits from it.
Grosman, L., & Goren-Inbar, N. (2016). Landscape Alteration by Pre-Pottery Neolithic Communities in the Southern Levant – The Kaizer Hilltop Quarry, Israel. PLoS ONE , 11 (3), 231-265.
The study provides the evidence from the Kaizer Hill in Modiin that explains the after effects of the quarrying. The survey was conducted to determine the damage markings on the bedrocks after quarry. The issue was highlighted in the context of human impacts on the rock surfaces. An alteration was needed to cover the damage as it is the responsibility of the concerned authorities and mining companies to dismantle the effects of quarrying after completing the work. The community itself took steps by analyzing and assessing the damages and their density. However, there is no evidence of the fact that these damages can harm the life of people or there is a need to further research on that. The survey proved to be effective in pointing out the marks on hilltops and slopes that may result in the negative consequences for others that may come there in future for the similar or different purpose.
McAllister, R., Walton, G., Coggan, J., & Wetherelt, A. (2013). A legacy slope failure in Penlee Quarry - a warning to others. Journal of Geoscience in South-West England , 13, 183-190.
The study represents the condition of large size Penlee Quarry located in West Cornwall. It is an example provided by the researcher to highlight some important drawbacks of the quarries that create difficulties for future quarries. The quarry of Penlee was a big producer of aggregate but the preparatory and maintenance works was not done properly. The article set an example of a 90-meter high slope that has little benching and is instable for the further mining or quarrying. The instability was the major issue that has damage rocks and the collapse have indicated the requirement of new replacement slope. It is the big issue that should be investigated by other researchers to overcome the critical situation that may arise in future. The damage slope and unfavorable conditions draw attention of ineffective benching and excessive heights that are found in previous quarries that should be properly maintained by the authorities
Ukpata, J. O., Ephraim, M. E., & Akeke, G. A. (2012). Compressive Strength of Concrete Using Lateritc Sand and Quarry Dust as Fine Aggregate. ARPN Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences , 7 (1), 81-93.
The researcher in this study focuses on finding the structural characteristic and right mixing combination of quarry dust and lateritic sand. The reason to find a perfect combination is to ensure that it can replace river sand fine. In order to complete the study easily, variation in the quantity of laterite was made which ranged from 0 to 100 whereas the quarry sand was similar to 25 at all the intervals Different ratios were tried which resulted in different outcomes. The most prominent and strong mixture was a result of 1 1 2. It is concluded that concrete was more reliable and suitable for structural buildings and related structures It is highly recommended that the quantity of laterite did not exceed 50
Vintróa, C., Sanmiquelb, L., & Freijo, M. (2014). Environmental sustainability in the mining sector: evidence from Catalan companies. Journal of Cleaner Production , 84 (1), 155–163.
