ENTREPRENEURSHIP AS A TOOL FOR SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYMENT
ABSTRACT
This research work was carried out to show the importance of Entrepreneurship as a tool for sustainable job creation, a key factor needed to grow every country’s economy especially in sub-Saharan Africa or third world countries. This study analyses entrepreneurship and how it has grown over the years in Nigeria. It also helps to examine factors that can affect entrepreneurship in a country. One hundred and seven (107) questionnaires were administered to gather responses to be analyzed, which is used in testing the hypotheses utilized. With almost a 100 percent response rate, simple percentage method was used for the analysis, chi-square statistical tool was employed to test the hypothesis. Both personal and
environmental factors were seen to be important to enhance the entrepreneurial activities in an economy. The study revealed some key issues. The major findings of this research were that; the availability of this factors mention previously; which are personal factors (such as leadership style, educational qualification, self-efficacy, technical factors) and environmental factors such as (legal structure, stable economic growth, technology, political stability) will promote entrepreneurship, and help eradicate poverty as well as unemployment. The realization of entrepreneurship as a tool for sustainable job creation is the prime responsibility of both the government and individual (entrepreneur). It is of utmost importance that the government provides a conducive environment, and that individuals
(entrepreneurs) are prepared to face any hurdle to in order to succeed.
TABLE OF CONTENT
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.0 Background of Study
1.1 Statement of the Problem
1.2 Purpose of Study
1.3 Relevant Research Questions
1.4 Significance of Study
1.5 Research Hypothesis
1.6 Scope of Study
1.7 Limitation of Study
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Theoretical Framework
2.2 The Concept of Entrepreneurship
2.3 Entrepreneurship in Nigeria
2.3.1 Types of entrepreneur
2.4 Empirical framework
2.4.1 Leverage technology as an enabler
2.4.2 Driving force for Entrepreneurship
2.5 Conceptual framework
2.6 The role of entrepreneurship in national development
2.6.1 The conclusion at a glance: committee on sustainable enterprise, international
Labors Congress 2007.
2.6.1.1 Conditions for a conducive environment for sustainable enterprises
2.6.1.2 Role of government in the promotion of sustainable enterprise
2.6.1.3 Enterprise-level principles of sustainable enterprise
2.6.1.4 Role of the social partners in the promotion of sustainable enterprises
2.6.2 Government’s past entrepreneurial and SMEs support initiative
2.7 Constraints to entrepreneurship in Nigeria
2.8 Conclusion
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research design
3.2 Population and sample size
3.3 Sampling techniques
3.4 Research instrument
3.5 Sources of data
3.6 Questionnaire design
3.7 Validity and reliability of the research instrument
3.8 Procedure for processing and analyzing data
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
4.1 Data Presentation and analysis
4.2 Administration and research question
4.3 Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents
4.4 Test of hypothesis
4.5 Discussion of Findings
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Synopsis
5.3 Summary of findings
5.4 Conclusion
5.5 Recommendations
Bibliography
Appendix
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.0 BACKGROUND OF STUDY
Entrepreneurship has never been more important than it is today in this time of financial crisis. At the same time,
society faces massive global challenges that extend well beyond the economy. Innovation and entreneurship provide
a way forward for solving the global challenges of the 21st century, building sustainable development, creating jobs,
generating renewed economic growth and advancing human welfare. When we speak about entrepreneurship, we
are defining it in the broadcast terms and in all forms – entrepreneurial people in large companies, in the public
sector, in academia and, of course, those who launch and grow new companies. Now more than ever, we need
innovation, new solutions, creative approaches and new ways of operating. We are in uncharted territory and need
people in all sectors and at all ages who can “think out of the box” to identify and pursue opportunities in new and
paradigm changing ways.
Entrepreneurship can be a societal change agent, a great enabler in all sectors. Not everyone needs to become an
entrepreneur to benefit from entrepreneurship but all members of society need to be more entrepreneurial. The
public sector, private sector, academia and non-profit sectors all have roles to play in facilitating the development of
effective ecosystems that encourage and support the creation of innovative new ventures. We need to create the
types of environments that are conducive to encouraging entrepreneurial ways of thinking and behaving.
Much has been written about the impact of entrepreneurship on economic growth. If we are to attain the Millennium
Development Goals of reducing poverty, we must develop human capital in all countries and societies, in remote
regions as well as major cities, and world. While the contexts around the world vary dramatically, entrepreneurship, in
its various forms, can equip people to proactively pursue those opportunities available to them based on their local
environments and cultures. We have seen a number of “waves” in entrepreneurship education, starting a century
ago, developing in phases and now expanding exponentially. By making entrepreneurship education available to
young people and adults alike, we are preparing the next wave of entrepreneurs to enable them to lead and shape
our institutions, businesses and local communities and create an enabling environment for sustainable employment.
Entrepreneurship is a sure way to bringing fulfillment to the aspiration of an individual, and a major weapon to curbing
unemployment, poverty and underdevelopment problems in any country. Consequently, its importance to the
economic well-being of an individual and family cannot be over-emphasized. Entrepreneurship is first and foremost a
mindset of human beings, focused towards the generation or profitable ideas. Entrepreneurs are visionary, goal driven, innovative individuals or teams that are oriented to developing a new business and making it a profitable one
(Hisrich and Lagan-fox, 2005). Nigerian economy is an emerging one that is characterized by a large influx of
entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises. The emergence of this category of people makes it somewhat important and necessary for researchers to understand and mange them effectively
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AS A TOOL FOR SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYMENT