Entrepreneurial skills required of vocational and technical education graduates for small scale enterprise operation in an economy under recession

Author(s)

Sunny Nwakanma^1*, Anigbogu Veronica Uchechukwu², Chiemeke Michael Ayaegbunem³; ¹Department of Technical Education, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rivers State, ²Department of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos State, ³Department of Technology and Vocational Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the entrepreneurial skills required of Vocational and Technical Education graduates for small scale enterprise operation in Rivers State. Three research questions guided the study and one null hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance. A descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The population consisted of 760 small scale entrepreneurs in Rivers State and a sample size of 228 entrepreneurs was selected through the proportionate random sampling technique. A 27-item structured questionnaire titled Entrepreneurial Skills and Small-Scale Enterprises Operation Questionnaire (ESSSEOQ) was used for the Study. The instrument was validated by three experts. Cronbach’s alpha method was used to establish the reliability of the instrument in a pilot test, which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.78 which indicates that the instrument was reliable for the study. Data related to the research questions were analyzed using mean and standard deviation while ANOVA statistic was used to test the null hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance Findings from the study revealed that VTE graduates in Rivers State require managerial, marketing and cost control skills for the successful operation of small-scale enterprises to a high extent. The findings also revealed that there is no significant difference in the mean responses of respondents on the managerial skills required by VTE graduates for small-scale enterprise operation in Rivers State on the basis of years of experience. The study concluded that entrepreneurial skills are more importantly required for the successful operation of small-scale enterprises by both practicing and potential entrepreneurs in view of the current economic recession in the country. The study recommended that government through curriculum planners and developers should review the curriculum of VTE in institutions to include relevant entrepreneurial skills to be learned by the students. The study also recommended that the government and administrators of VTE programmes should partner with small-scale entrepreneurs to organize training programmes that will help equip VTE graduates with the requisite entrepreneurial skills. This can be done through the organization of conferences, seminars, and workshops.

Keywords

entrepreneurship skills; vocational and technical education; small scale enterprises; economic recession

Cite this paper

Nwakanma, S., Uchechukwu, V. A., Ayaegbunem, C. M. (2021), Entrepreneurial skill required of vocational and technical education graduates for small scale enterprise operation in an economy under recession, IRESPUB Journal of Education & Literature. Volume 1, Issue 1, Sep-Oct 2021, Page 1-8

References

[1] Ademiluyi, F. L. (2007). Business competencies needed for effective entrepreneurship as perceived by Fresh graduates. Business education journal 6 (9) 18-28.

[2] Akinola, D. (2001). Small firms are the backbone of the Nigerian economy. Retrieved from http://www.africaeconomicanalysis.org

[3] Binuomote, M. O. & Okoli. B. E. (2015). Business education students’ perception of the skill needs for successful entrepreneurship in Nigeria. International Journal of Education, Learning and Development, 3(7), 27-34.

[4] Darjur, C. I. K., Barkle, S. K., & Tuanyil, R. (2015). An examination of entrepreneurial skills requires for managing and operating small scale businesses as perceived by small scale business operators in Nigeria. Book of Proceedings – Academic Conference of Cambridge Publications and Research International on Sub-Sahara African Transformation Assessment, 5(3), 202-218. Held on 26th November, 2015- NASU, 1000 Capacity Auditorium Keffi, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

[5] Ekpenyoung, L. E. (2011): Foundations of technical and vocational education: Evolution and practice for Nigerian students in TVE and adult education, policy makers and practioners (3rd ed.). Benin City: Ambik Press.

[6] Erhurun, H.E.O. (207). Skills acquisition. A tall for youth empowerment for economic growth and development. Journal of Business and Management Studies 1 (2), 116-125.

[7] Esuh, O. L. (2012). Is small and medium enterprise (SME) an entrepreneur? International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Science, 2 (1), 123 – 35.

[8] Ezeani, N. S. (2014). The teacher and skills acquisition at business education: From the perspective of accounting skills. Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review, 2(4), 1-12.

[9] Ezeh, P. C. (2011). Critical entrepreneurial skills required by graduate secretaries of polytechnics. Business Education Journal, 8(1), 141-154.

[10] Federal Republic of Nigeria (2004). National policy on education Abuja: Federal Ministry of Education.

[11] International Labor Organization (ILO, 2008). Gender and employment. Retrieved fromhttp://www.ilo.org

[12] Nwanewezi, M. C. (2010). Problems in business education research in ICT era as perceived by business educators. Business Education Journal, 7(2), 46-54.

[13] Oba, A. (2012). Sustainable entrepreneurship development and the problem of business ethical practices in Nigeria. International Journal of Business and Social Science, 6(1), 1-5.

[14] Olusanya, S. S., Awotungase., V. J., & Ohadebere, B. N. (2012). Small and medium scale enterprises as a survival strategy for employment generation in Nigeria. Journal of Sustainable Development, 4(1), 70-83. Retrieved from www.ccsenet.org/jsd

[15] Onyebu, C. M. (2014). The role of entrepreneurial skills in academic performance: a case study of selected universities in Abia state, Nigeria. Review of Public Administration and Management, 4(8), 17-26. Retrieved from www.arabianjbmr.com/RPAM_index.php

[16] Osotimehin, K. & Olajide, O. (2012). An evaluation of the challenges and prospects of micro and small-scale enterprises development in Nigeria. American International Journal of Contemporary Research, 2(4), 23-37.

[17] Osuala, E. C. (2009). Business and computer education. Enugu: Cheston Agency Ltd.

[18] Payton, S. (2012). Small business entrepreneur start-up: Which do you identify with? Retrieved fromhttp://smallbiztrends.com/2011/03/small-business-entrepreneur-startup.html

[19] Sandra, A. (2014). Developing small and medium scale enterprises in Vietnam, 13. Nomura Research Institute.