Entrepreneurial capital and perceived performance of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) In Kano State, Nigeria
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Date
2018-10
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Kampala International University
Abstract
Many SMEs are winding up, only few SMEs owners have been able to sustain wealth past one generation, many of the ventures have failed rather than change ownership. Most SMEs die in their infancy with very few like 5% survive and grow to maturity. The main objective of this research study was to examine the relationship between entrepreneurial capital and the perceived performance of SMEs in Kano State, Nigeria. This Dissertation specifically investigated the relationships between entrepreneurial education; entrepreneurial business skills; entrepreneurial risk taking and entrepreneurial personal networks of owners, managers and staff of SMEs in Kano state, Nigeria. The present study employed a cross sectional research and descriptive research design in which data was collected with mixed strategies qualitative and quantitative approaches. The sample size of 396 were selected from a target population of 25,848 owners, managers and other staff using Sloven’s formula. Results using Pearson linear regression analysis did not support three null hypotheses that there were no significant relationship between entrepreneurial capital variables (entrepreneurial education; entrepreneurial business skills and entrepreneurial personal networks) and the perceived performance of SMEs. Specifically, there were positive and strong relationship between the three independent variables and SMEs perceived performance. Entrepreneurial education (t – statistic = 4.605) was significant at P< 0.001; entrepreneurial business skills (t – statistics = 13.596) was significant at P< 0.001 and entrepreneurial personal networks (t - statistic = 6.082) was significant at P< 0.001. Entrepreneurial risk taking exerted insignificance relationship on SMEs perceived performance with t – statistic = 1.853 at sig 0.065. Findings from interview analysis on all the constructs confirmed and cross-validated the study variables. In conclusion the present study has added value to the growing body of knowledge in the field of entrepreneurial development activities. The study recommends that entrepreneurial capital variables should be encouraged (by inspiring deserved workers to attend workshops, conferences and leadership training for owners and managers; ensuring that operators participate vigorously in networking such as participation in leadership of their local chamber of commerce; local lead exchange group to share their product/services; sharing e-newsletters to their existing customers /getting contacts from customers, staff and friends); enriched by acquiring more refresher courses related to the necessary skills in order to update the operators’ abilities to be more current and maintained by ensuring that sure trainings are done frequently in order to continue to influence their performance so as to remain in business as the findings showed positive relationships. Theoretically, the study provided implication by giving additional empirical evidence on the domain of human capital and resource based review theories instead of focusing on other existing theories that explain the precursors of SMEs perceived performance. In practice, the study serves as reference to anyone who is interested in establishing his personal business which provide insight into these entrepreneurial capital variables, and also for any organization that is interested in achieving profitability or continue sustaining effective and profitable business venture.
Description
A thesis presented to the College of Economics and Management in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Business Management (Entrepreneurship Management Option) of
Kampala International University, Uganda
Keywords
Nigeria, Kano State, Entrepreneurship, Small and Medium Enterprises, Business, Performance