ANALYSIS OF GROWTH STAGES IN SMALL FIRMS A STUDY OF SELECTED FIRMS IN ENUGU METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT

Analysis of growth stages in small firms, a study of selected firms in Enugu metropolis is a research aimed at critical assessment of the metamorphosis in the growth stages of small firms and the factors incidental to the growth or retardation in the life of the firms in the state.

Considering the critical role small firms play in catalyzing rapid economic development, growth in stages of a firm depicts a favourable business environment where the available resources are efficiently utilized to achieve organisational objectives. But when growth become less dynamic or retards, firms shrink in size thereby showing the pace or prospect of economic growth. The variable responsible for these phenomenon are encapsulated in the chapters as follows: Chapter one introduces the background of the study, statement of the problem, objectives of the study, research questions, research hypothesis, scope of the study, organisation of the study and the profile of selected small firms. Chapter two literatures review. Chapter three dwelt on the research methodology used for analysis of research findings. Chapter four presents the data gathered, analysis and interpretation of the data, while chapter five summarizes research findings, conclusion and recommendations as well as suggested areas for further research study

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title page i
Dedication ii
Acknowledgments iii
Certification iv
Approval page v
Table of contents vi
Abstract ix
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Background of the Study 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem 5
1.3 Objectives of the Study 6
1.4 Research Questions 7
1.5 Research Hypotheses 7
1.6 Scope of the Study 9
1.7 Limitations of the Study 10
1.8 Operational Definition of Key Terms 12
Organisation of the Study 11
Profile of Selected Small Firms 11
References 13
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 14
2.1 The Importance of Entrepreneurship to Economic Development 14
2.2 Stages of Development and their Differing Skills Needs 21
2.3 The Growth Stages of Small Scale Firms in an Economy 24
2.4 Financing the Growth Stages of Small Scale Firms 31
2.5 Managing a Growing Business: The Internal Strategies 36
2.6 Critical Issues in the Management of Growth Stages of Small
Scale Firms 43
2.7 Challenges of Managing the Growth Stages of Small Scale
Firms 51
2.8 Managerial Orientation and Goals 52
2.81. Human Resource Management 53
2.8.2 Managerial Capacity 54
2.8.3 Customer Base 55
2.8.4 Policy Implications and Adoptions 56
2.8.5 ICT and Commerce 58
2.8.6 Policy Consistency 59
2.9 Summary 60
Reference 62
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 65
3.1 Introduction 65
3.2 Research Design 65
3.3 Sources of Data 66
3.4 Method of Data Collection 67
3.5 Population of the Study 68
3.6 Sampling Procedure/sample Size Determination 68
3.7 Questionnaire Design and Administration 70
3.8.1 Techniques(s) from Data Analysis 71
3.8.2 Degree of Freedom 72
3.8.3 Confidence Level/Level of Significance 72
3.8.4 Decision Criterion 73
Reference 74
CHAPTER FOUR
PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA 75
4.1 Introduction 75
4.2 Presentation of Data 75
4.3 Analysis of Data 80
4.4 Interpretation of Data 82
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Introduction 90
5.2 Summary of Findings 90
5.3 Conclusion 91
5.4 Recommendations 92
5.5 Suggested areas for Further Research Study
Research Paper 98
Journals 99
Bibliography 100

THE IMPACT OF GLOBALIZATION ON INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Globalization is one of the major phenomena of our times and its scope is very extensive and versatile affecting factors such as economics, political, cultural, lifestyle and most especially sciences and technological advancements

The process of globalization is said to include the information technology evolution characterized by advancement in electronics, computers and telecommunications made possible by the scientific and technological breakthroughs in miniaturization of integrated circuits, transistors and semi – conductors (Mike 1999:343).

Emerging technologies are playing a vital role in allowing globalization of economic and social activities to thrive. It is correct to say that the era of globalization has brought about the rapid spread and application of computers, the internet, satellite and the mobile phones innovations in the world, particularly in Nigeria where communication has been difficult and communication facilities were inadequate in our major cities, semi-urban and rural areas. Presently, with the introduction of mobile phones, many rural areas now have access to communication facilities and they communicate easily with the rest of the world.

It is important to note that globalization does not eliminate the scope and eliminate the scope and activities or nation or a state, but fundamentally redefines its role and affects its operations. The real issue today is not the debate about whether globalization is real or not, or whether it is desirable or not, but to analyse how the emerging technologies can be better channeled to promote more growth, more trade, greater modernization and better living standards of Nigerians with the aims of helping the country to re-emerge from its present social and economic difficulties. The challenges facing our nation are complex and they required good visioning, sound strategic plans that will correctly identify viable development paths and to resolve to translate such strategic plans into meaningful and fruitful and efficacious action (Abhulimen, 2000).

Globalization and growth of information technology and other emerging technologies do not imply the local production of technology hardware. Many developing countries like India and Malaysia have embraced the emerging technologies, particularly information and communication technology (ICT), and are experiencing unprecedented economic growth as a result of this. Many developing countries however have yet to integrate successfully into global economy.

Some 2 billion people around the world particularly in Sub – Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and the former Soviet Union live in countries that are slow in getting onto the train and are thus being left behind. These countries have been unable to increase their integration into the global economy: their ratio of trade to GDP is either maintaining a flat trend or in some cases actually declining. On average, these economies have contracted; poverty has increased and education levels have arisen less rapidly than in the more globalized countries. (Abhulimen, 2002).

Considering the evolution in information and communication technology (ICT) in Malaysia, India, South Africa and other developing countries with remarkable achievement and comparing their potentials with that of Nigeria, one can say that Nigeria has a better opportunity of evolutionalizing its information and communication technology (ICT) sector than those countries mentioned above. This is obvious, with its teeming population of unemployed graduates, a vibrant labour force, rich crop of high netwoth of individuals imbued with different entrepreneurial spirit, all that is needed is very much available, but the stepping stone of information and communication technology (ICT) evolution is the schools.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Emerging technologies as a result of globalization have effects on economic and social activities of nations, particularly in the area of information and communication technology (ICT). Therefore, the purpose of this research is to find out how some developing countries embraced information and communication technology? Does location of country affect its development in information and communication technology? What are the basic facilities needed to have a viable information and communication technology sector? What are the enabling policies and infrastructures for effective and efficient information and communication technology in Nigeria? These and many other questions are raised from the problem areas that require solutions to enhance the effective assessment of the impact of globalization on information and communication technology in Nigeria. It is hoped that this study will provide the required solutions for effective assessment.

1.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

For every action there are objectives. Therefore, the objective of the study is to examine the effect of globalization on information and communication technology (ICT) in Nigeria. And to assess and help Nigeria to be prepared to reap the ample economic and social benefits offered by the emerging information and communication technology that links the whole world together as a global village.

To achieve these objectives, the following were examined:

1. The awareness of the public on Information and Communication Technology in the country.
2. The availability of the required facilities for the full application of Information and Communication Technology in Nigeria.
3. The availability and adequacy of government of policies and strategies for the effective application and utilization of Information and Communication Technology.
4. The pricing strategies used for the services provided through the Information and Communication Technology in Nigeria.
5. To suggest how to enhance the effective application of the Information & Communication Technology to achieve adequate communication linkages in all aspects of human endeavour towards improving our standard of living in Nigeria.

CHAPTER THREE: BACKGROUND OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER FIVE: DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS & FINDINGS OF THE STUDY