Entrepreneurial Skills Improvement Needs of SelfEmployed Technical College Automobile Technology Graduates in Delta State

Entrepreneurial Skills Improvement Needs of Self-Employed Technical College Automobile Technology Graduates

Project / Seminar Material
Reference ID: PS-15720-TM

DEDICATION

This research material titled “Entrepreneurial Skills Improvement Needs of Self-Employed Technical College Automobile Technology Graduates” is dedicated to God for his enabling grace, and to all computer enthusiasts who contributed to make life a pleasant experience during my research documentation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I extend my sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to the completion of this project. Special thanks to my Supervisor (Name of your Supervisor), the Head of Department (Name of your HOD), the Lecturers in the department of Automobile Technology Education, Book Authors and Profound Scholars of existing or related project material on “Entrepreneurial Skills Improvement Needs of Self-Employed Technical College Automobile Technology Graduates” for their invaluable guidance, support, and expertise throughout the journey.

I am also grateful to your study area (mention any funding organizations, if applicable) for their financial assistance. This research would not have been possible without the encouragement and assistance of some stakeholders (mention any mentors, teachers, or colleagues). Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the understanding and patience of my family and friends during this endeavor. Your unwavering support has been a constant source of motivation. Thank you all for being part of this meaningful endeavor.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRELIMINARY PAGES

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Background of Study
  • 1.2 Statement of Problems
  • 1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
  • 1.4 Research Questions
  • 1.5 Research Hypothesis
  • 1.6 Significance of Study
  • 1.7 Scope of Study
  • 1.8 Limitations of the Study
  • 1.9 Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

  • 2.1 Introduction
  • 2.2 Conceptual Review
  • 2.3 Theoretical Framework
  • 2.4 Overview of Entrepreneurial Skills
  • 2.5 Challenges Faced by Self-Employed Graduates
  • 2.5 Importance of Entrepreneurial Skills for Self-Employed Graduates
  • 2.6 Empirical Studies on Skills Improvement Needs

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

  • 3.1 Introduction
  • 3.2 Research Design
  • 3.3 Population of Study
  • 3.4 Sampling and Sampling Technique
  • 3.5 Validation of Research Instrument
  • 3.6 Method of Data Collection
  • 3.7 Method of Data Analysis
  • 3.8 Questionnaire Administration
  • 3.9 Ethical Consideration
  • 3.10 Statistical Analysis

CHAPTER FOUR

DATA ANALYSIS, RESULT AND DISCUSSION

  • 4.1 Introduction
  • 4.2 Presentation and Analysis of Data
  • 4.3 Re-statement of Research Questions
  • 4.4 Test of Hypothesis 1
  • 4.5 Test of Hypothesis 2
  • 4.6 Discussion of Findings

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

  • 5.1 Introduction
  • 5.2 Summary of Findings
  • 5.3 Conclusion
  • 5.4 Recommendation

REFERENCES

APPENDIX A - “QUESTIONNAIRE”

Entrepreneurial Skills Improvement Needs of Self-Employed Technical College Automobile Technology Graduates in Delta State

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background of Study

Historically, vocational education in Nigeria primarily emphasized technical proficiency, with less emphasis on entrepreneurial skills (Akinola, 2021). This approach was based on the assumption that technical skills alone would ensure success in self-employment. However, as the business landscape has become more competitive and complex, it has become clear that technical skills must be complemented by entrepreneurial competencies to achieve sustainable business success (Ojo, 2019). In Delta State, the need for comprehensive entrepreneurial training is particularly pressing. Research indicates that many self-employed graduates struggle with business management and strategic planning, leading to high failure rates among small enterprises in the region (Afolabi, 2020). This situation underscores the necessity of identifying and addressing the specific entrepreneurial skills gaps among these graduates to enhance their business success and contribute to local economic development (Smith & Brown, 2022).

Research indicates that while technical skills are essential, entrepreneurial competencies such as business management, financial planning, and marketing are equally important for successful self-employment (Ojo, 2019). Despite their technical training, many graduates struggle with these entrepreneurial aspects, which can impede their business success and sustainability (Afolabi, 2020). This gap in entrepreneurial skills highlights the need for targeted interventions and support systems to enhance their capabilities and ensure that their technical skills translate into viable business opportunities.

Entrepreneurial skills are the competencies required to successfully manage and grow a business, including financial management, marketing, strategic planning, and risk management. Entrepreneurial skills encompass both the theoretical knowledge and practical abilities necessary for effective business operation and development (Hisrich & Peters, 2017). The development of entrepreneurial skills among technical college graduates is crucial for fostering self-employment and enhancing economic growth. In Delta State, Nigeria, where technical education plays a significant role in vocational training, there is a pressing need to assess and address the entrepreneurial skills of self-employed automobile technology graduates. These individuals, having acquired technical expertise in automobile technology, often face challenges in effectively applying their skills in a competitive market (Akinola, 2021).

Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the entrepreneurial skills improvement needs of self-employed technical college automobile technology graduates.

1.2 Statement of Problems

Investigation revealed that despite receiving technical training, many graduates are experiencing difficulties in managing and sustaining their businesses effectively (Akinola, 2021). Additionally, there is a significant disconnect between the skills taught in technical colleges and the practical entrepreneurial knowledge required in the real business world. This misalignment indicates that existing vocational training programs are not fully addressing the needs of self-employed graduates, exacerbating their challenges in business management (Smith & Brown, 2022).

Furthermore, the lack of comprehensive entrepreneurial training is contributing to the high rate of business failures among these graduates (Afolabi, 2020). As the automotive sector becomes increasingly competitive, it is evident that technical skills alone are insufficient for ensuring business success. This gap in entrepreneurial skills is hindering the ability of self-employed graduates to optimize their business operations, compete effectively, and achieve long-term sustainability (Ojo, 2019). Hence, it is against this backdrop that this study aims to examine the entrepreneurial skills improvement needs of self-employed technical college automobile technology graduates.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of the study is to examine the entrepreneurial skills improvement needs of self-employed technical college automobile technology graduates in Delta State. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:

  1. To evaluate the effectiveness of existing technical education programs in equipping graduates with necessary entrepreneurial competencies.
  2. To determine the challenges faced by self-employed graduates in applying their entrepreneurial skills in the automotive industry.
  3. To assess the current level of entrepreneurial skills among self-employed automobile technology graduates in Delta State.
  4. To identify the key entrepreneurial skills that are lacking among these graduates and which impact their business performance.
  5. To propose strategies and interventions for enhancing the entrepreneurial skills of technical college graduates to improve their business success and sustainability.

1.4 Research Questions

The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:

  • What is the current level of entrepreneurial skills among self-employed automobile technology graduates in Delta State?
  • Which specific entrepreneurial skills are most lacking among these graduates and are affecting their business performance?
  • How effective are the existing technical education programs in providing the necessary entrepreneurial competencies for self-employment?
  • What are the main challenges faced by self-employed automobile technology graduates in applying entrepreneurial skills within the automotive industry?
  • What strategies and interventions can be recommended to enhance the entrepreneurial skills of technical college graduates to improve their business success and sustainability?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.

Hypothesis One

  • H0: Self-employed automobile technology graduates do not have a significantly lower level of entrepreneurial skills compared to the skills required for successful business management in the automotive industry
  • H1: Self-employed automobile technology graduates have a significantly lower level of entrepreneurial skills compared to the skills required for successful business management in the automotive industry

Hypothesis Two

  • H0: Targeted interventions and enhanced entrepreneurial training do not significantly improve the business performance and sustainability of self-employed automobile technology graduates in Delta State
  • H1: Targeted interventions and enhanced entrepreneurial training significantly improve the business performance and sustainability of self-employed automobile technology graduates in Delta State

1.6 Significance of Study

The significance of this study for various stakeholders is substantial:

  1. For technical college administrators, the study will provide critical insights into how existing programs can be enhanced to include more comprehensive entrepreneurial training, leading to better-prepared graduates who can succeed in the automotive industry.
  2. For educators, the findings will highlight specific areas where the curriculum can be improved to integrate entrepreneurial skills more effectively, ensuring that students are equipped with both technical and business competencies.
  3. For self-employed automobile technology graduates, the study will identify their key entrepreneurial skill gaps and challenges, offering guidance on how they can enhance their business practices and improve their chances of success and sustainability.
  4. For policymakers and government agencies, the study will offer evidence-based recommendations for developing and implementing supportive policies and programs that address the entrepreneurial needs of technical graduates, fostering economic development and job creation in Delta State.
  5. For industry stakeholders and potential investors, the study will demonstrate the value of investing in entrepreneurial training for technical graduates, showcasing how such investments can lead to a more skilled and capable workforce in the automotive sector.

1.7 Scope of Study

The scope of the research is focused on entrepreneurial skills improvement needs of self-employed technical college automobile technology graduates in Delta State.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The study on the entrepreneurial skills improvement needs of self-employed technical college automobile technology graduates in Delta State faced several limitations.

  1. Delays from respondents further impacted the research timeline, making it challenging to gather timely and complete information from all participants.
  2. Financial constraints also restricted the scope of the study, limiting the resources available for extensive data collection and analysis.
  3. Time constraints were a significant factor, affecting the ability to conduct a more thorough investigation and to address all the research questions in detail.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Entrepreneurial Skills: These are the competencies required to successfully manage and grow a business, including financial management, marketing, strategic planning, and risk management. Entrepreneurial skills encompass both the theoretical knowledge and practical abilities necessary for effective business operation and development (Hisrich & Peters, 2017).

Self-Employed: Refers to individuals who run their own businesses rather than working for an employer. In this context, self-employed automobile technology graduates are those who have established their own businesses in the automotive sector after completing their technical education (Parker, 2018).

Technical College Graduates: These are individuals who have completed vocational training programs at technical colleges, specifically in the field of automobile technology. Such programs are designed to provide specialized technical skills and knowledge relevant to the automotive industry (Eze, 2020).

Automobile Technology: This term refers to the study and application of technical skills related to the maintenance, repair, and improvement of vehicles. It includes understanding automotive systems, diagnosing faults, and performing mechanical and electrical repairs (Smith & Jones, 2021).

Entrepreneurial Skills Improvement Needs: This term denotes the gaps or deficiencies in entrepreneurial competencies that self-employed graduates experience, which hinder their business success. Identifying these needs involves assessing where additional training or support is required to enhance their business capabilities (Akinola, 2021).

…

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature Review

2.1 Introduction

This chapter focuses on the review of related literature. A literature review includes the current knowledge as well as theoretical and methodological contributions to a particular topic. It documents the state of the art with respect to the topic you are writing. It surveys the literature in the topic selected. In this research work the literature review includes the …

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