THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PUBLIC RELATIONS PRACTICE IN THE OIL SECTOR

1.3      OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The objective of the study are as follows:
a.     To ascertain the extent of African petroleum’s public messages accessibility to their public.
b.     To know whether the right public relations media were often used.
c.     To determine whether AP’s public relations practice influence the opinion of their publics in favour of African petroleum.
d.     To ascertain whether African petroleum’s public relations department is rated high in terms of its efficiency.
e.     To find out if the publics of AP plc consider their public relations practices as adequate.  
1.4   FORMULATION OF HYPOTHESIS
H01:    The degree of African petroleum’s public relations messages accessibility to her public is unsatisfactory.
H02:    The right public relations media were not often used.
H03:    The public relation practice of African petroleum does not influence the opinion of their public in favour of African petroleum.
H04:   The public relations department of AP is not rated high in terms of its efficiency.
H05:   The public considers African petroleum’s public relations practice as adequate.  
1.5     SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The scope of study is focused on public relations practices in African Petroleum Plc. and their internal and external publics in Port Harcourt metropolis were studies as for the topics covered, all the items as contained in the objectives of the study and hypothesis were treated. The view of the office holders and opinion leaders were bought since they constitute decision makers.  
1.6   SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY        
Coming to the diversification and expansion of its activities, the current crisis and the ever-increasing competition among oil marketing companies. African petroleum plc are concerned with generating marketing information which all will help them to achieve a favourable market share and maintain its profit marketing ability if really wants to remain in business. The researcher may after some recommendation that will help to ensure an adequate and effective use of public relations as a tool for business promotions. Moreover, this work will also serve as a working tool for Chief Executives and managers in the oil marketing sectors; this piece of work will actually form a basis for further development and as well contribute to the existing knowledge in the area of oil marketing.  
1.7   DEFINITION OF TERMS
PUBLIC RELATIONS:  Public relations is the art and service of achieving harmony with the environment through mutual understanding based on truth, knowledgeable and full information. (Sam Black 1990) in (Ajala 200/p.3)  
COMMUNICATION:  This means the process through which needs, emotions, desires, ideas, sentiments and goals are expressed among human beings using codes, symbols and languages understand by the parties involved in the process.  
COMPANY:  This can be defined as a business or an organization created to pursue profit by providing goods and services.
DIVERSIFICATION: This is the financial strategy of holding different investment to reduce the risk of financial loss.