GPH-International Journal of Business Management

Shopee Usage and Local Business Performance in Palompon, Leyte: Evidence for a Digital Integration and Resilience Framework

Charmee P. Samson — 2026-02-22

The rise of e-commerce platforms has transformed consumer purchasing behavior, raising questions about the impact on local businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This study examined the effect of customers’ usage of Shopee on the performance of local businesses in Palompon, Leyte, and proposed a framework to support digital integration and resilience. Employing a quantitative descriptive-correlational design, data were collected from 50 Shopee users and 50 local business owners using structured questionnaires. Shopee usage was measured across purchasing patterns, price sensitivity, convenience, trust, and satisfaction, while business performance was assessed through annual income and daily customer counts. Descriptive statistics and Spearman rank-order correlation were utilized to analyze the data. Findings revealed that customers’ usage of Shopee was very high, with convenience and price sensitivity as the strongest drivers. The annual income and daily customers of local businesses showed mixed effects, with some enterprises maintaining or increasing performance, while others experienced declines. Correlation analysis indicated a significant negative relationship between Shopee usage and business performance, suggesting that increased online shopping may reduce physical store revenue and customer traffic. The study underscores the need for MSMEs to adopt digital strategies, integrate online and offline operations, and enhance competitive positioning to sustain business performance. Based on these findings, a Digital Integration and Resilience Framework was proposed to guide local enterprises in navigating the digital economy, promoting technological adoption, hybrid business models, and long-term sustainability.

SUCCESSION PLANNING AND PERFORMANCE OF PRIVATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

AONDOKIGHIR, Terzungwe — 2026-02-27

This study examined the effect of succession planning on the performance of privately owned enterprises in Benue State, focusing on leadership development, talent retention, and knowledge transfer. Anchored on Human Capital Theory and the Resource-Based Theory, the study adopted a survey research design using structured questionnaires to collect data from a population of 170 employees, with the sample size determined using the Taro Yamane formula and selected through simple random sampling. Data were analyzed using multiple regression with SPSS v23. The findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between leadership development, talent retention, knowledge transfer, and organizational performance. The study concludes that effective succession planning enhances the performance of privately owned enterprises in Benue State and recommends sustained investment in leadership development, comprehensive talent retention strategies, and institutionalized mentorship and training programs to support effective knowledge transfer.

PERSISTENT IMPOSITION OF WAR RISK PREMIUMS ON NIGERIAN-BOUND CARGO: CAUSES, IMPLICATIONS, AND WAY FORWARD FOR MARITIME TRADE STABILITY

ZORASI, VICTOR BARINAADAA — 2026-03-11

The study examined why War Risk Insurance (WRI) remains imposed on Nigeria-bound vessels despite clear improvements at sea, and what that persistence means for prices, ports, investment and the Blue Economy. Motivated by the paradox that piracy and kidnappings fell sharply yet premiums stayed high, the paper set out to explain the causes and propose remedies. Using institutional theory as the guiding framework and a qualitative-analytical method that draws on secondary data from NIMASA, NPA, NBS, CBN, IMB, Lloyd’s and UNCTAD, the study found that WRI functions less as a response to current sea risk and more as an outcome of entrenched institutional perceptions and market inertia. Empirically, roughly $1.5 billion has been paid in recent years in WRI-related charges, these levies have contributed to rising landed costs and food price pressures, and they have hollowed out port competitiveness, driven cargo diversion and estimated revenue losses near ₦130 billion annually, and deterred FDI in ports, oil and gas, and fisheries. The study concluded that Nigeria’s maritime sector remains constrained by outdated high-risk classifications that inflate costs, discourage investment, and weaken port competitiveness. As part of the way forward, the study recommended coordinated institutional, security, financial, and diplomatic reforms to restore investor confidence, achieve risk reclassification, and unlock the full potential of the Blue Economy.