European Journal of Management and Marketing Studies
ISSN: 2501 - 9988
ISSN-L: 2501 - 9988
Available on-line at: http://www.oapub.org/soc
10.5281/zenodo.159795
Volume 1│Issue 2│2016
ASSESSMENT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS NEEDED FOR
SELF-EMPLOYMENT BY BUSINESS EDUCATION GRADUATES IN
DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
Eze, T. I.1i, Ezenwafor, J. I.2, Igberaharha, C. O.3
1,2
Department of Vocational Education,
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
Department of Technical and Business Education,
Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
3
Abstract:
This study on assessment of entrepreneurial skills needed for self-employment by
business education graduates in Delta State was necessitated by need to equip business
education graduates with skills for entrepreneurship. Three research questions guided
the study and three null hypotheses were tested. Descriptive survey research design
was adopted. The entire population of 377 was studied without sampling as the size
was manageable. A 5-point rating scale questionnaire containing 30 items in three
clusters which was validated by experts with grand reliability coefficient of 80 was used
for data collection. Mean and standard deviation were used to analyse data to answer
the research questions and determine the homogeneity or otherwise of the respondents
views while the z-test was used to test the null hypotheses a. 0.05 level of significance.
Findings indicate that business education graduates in Delta State highly need
accounting and office technology and management skills but moderately need
marketing skills for self-employment. Also gender did not significantly affect the
respondents mean ratings on the extent business education graduates need accounting
and office technology and management skills for self-employment but did on the extent
they need marketing skills. Based on the findings, it was concluded that business
education graduates in Delta State need entrepreneurial skills such as accounting, office
technology and management, and marketing skills for self-employment. It was
recommended among others that business educators should use innovative
Copyright © The Author(s). All Rights Reserved
Published by Open Access Publishing Group ©2015.
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Eze, T. I., Ezenwafor, J. I. and Igberaharha, C. O. –
ASSESSMENT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS NEEDED FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT BY BUSINESS EDUCATION
GRADUATES IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
instructional strategies to adequately equip their students with skills for entrepreneurial
success.
Keywords: entrepreneurial skills, self-employment, business education graduates,
employability
Introduction
The concept of employability has in recent times remained the focus of government,
employers, job seekers and educators. Brown and Hesketh (2004) explained that
employability is the relative chances of getting and maintaining different kinds of
employment. For individuals, employability depends on the Knowledge, Skills and
Abilities (KSA) they possess, the way they present those assets to employers and the
context (e.g. personal circumstances and labour market environment) within which
they seek employment. A major concern of graduates is what constitutes employability
skills.
According to Kazilan, Hamzah and Bakar (2009), employability skills which are
synonymous with entrepreneurial skills refer to a group of important skills instilled in
each individual to become a productive workforce. According to Hillage and Pollard as
cited in Imeokparia and Ediagbonya (2012), employability refers to a person’s capability
for gaining and maintaining employment. Employability skills or entrepreneurial skills
are the skills needed by an individual to function effectively and efficiently in the world
of work either as an employee or an employer of labour. Specifically, entrepreneurial
skills are very important for success in self-employment.
Presently, skills possessed by graduates seem to be different from what they
need to function effectively in employment. This is why the Secretary Commission on
Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS, 1991 2001), developed ways of assisting
educational institutions and schools to produce younger generations who will be
willing to work and outlined both fundamental skills and workplace competencies to
include basic thinking, personal qualities, resources, interpersonal information, and
systems technology skills.
A detailed study carried out by United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (2012) using data from the Indonesian Ministry of
Manpower and Transmigration showed that from 2007-2009 the number of people
seeking jobs exceeded the number of job vacancies for higher education institution
graduates with a high percentage of graduates looking for jobs (e.g., 26.7 percent in
2009). Malaysia also faced high graduate unemployment rates. A survey conducted by
the Malaysian government in 2008 reported that graduates of technical studies and ICT
European Journal of Management and Marketing Studies - Volume 1 │ Issue 2 │ 2016
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Eze, T. I., Ezenwafor, J. I. and Igberaharha, C. O. –
ASSESSMENT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS NEEDED FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT BY BUSINESS EDUCATION
GRADUATES IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
were more likely to be employed with 39.3 percent being unemployed at the time of the
survey.
Nigeria and Delta State are not left out of the problem of graduate
unemployment. This is because skills possessed by graduates seem to be different from
what they need for employment. Nwokocha (2004) noted that the aim/goal of business
education is the production of manpower that possesses the requisite knowledge, skill
and attitude for harnessing other resources and bringing them together into a
cooperative relationship to yield goods and services demanded by the society for the
satisfaction of their wants and needs. Thus, business education graduates should
acquire the skills needed to integrate management, marketing, accounting, finance and
education concepts to function in employment as business teachers, office workers or
entrepreneurs. It is with this background that it is imperative to conduct this study to
determine the extent to which entrepreneurial skills are needed for self-employment by
business education graduates in Delta State.
Statement of the Problem
In recent times, there have been unprecedented outcry and complaints from
organizations as to the suitability of graduates in job placement. Imeokpana and
Ediagbonya, (2012) quoted the Executive Secretary of the National Universities
Commission as stating that the quality and focus of the training offered by universities
are not in tune with the needs of the society and has led to high graduates
unemployment in Nigeria as the skills they possess are not directly relevant to the
needs of the labour market, hence rendering them unemployable. The authors further
affirmed that Industrial Training Fund (ITF) was established in 1971 to bridge the gap
between theory and practice in educational institutions. But a wide gap still exists
escalating the level of unemployment. Hence, the Nigerian government made
entrepreneurship studies a compulsory course in all higher institutions to equip
graduates with entrepreneurship skills.
Okereke and Okoroafor (2011) asserted that entrepreneurial skills have been
acknowledged as potent and viable tools for self-empowerment, job creation and
economic survival. Business education as a discipline is designed to turn out
knowledgeable and skilful graduates who will succeed in teaching, office work or
entrepreneurship. It is therefore, surprising and at the same time disappointing that
many of them are circulating curriculum vitae in search of scanty employment
opportunities because they appear not to adequately possess entrepreneurial skills for
self-employment. This makes it imperative to assess the extent the entrepreneurial skills
are needed for self-employment by business education graduates in Delta State.
European Journal of Management and Marketing Studies - Volume 1 │ Issue 2 │ 2016
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Eze, T. I., Ezenwafor, J. I. and Igberaharha, C. O. –
ASSESSMENT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS NEEDED FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT BY BUSINESS EDUCATION
GRADUATES IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of the study was to assess the extent entrepreneurial skills are needed for
self-employment by business education graduates in Delta State. Specifically, the study
proceeded to determine the extent:
1. Accounting skills are needed for self-employment by business education
graduates in Delta State.
2. Office technology management skills are needed for self-employment by
business education graduates in Delta State.
3. Marketing skills are needed for self-employment by business education
graduates in Delta State.
Research Questions
The following research questions guided the study:
1. To what extent are accounting skills needed for self-employment by business education
graduates in Delta State?
2. To what extent are office technology and management skills needed for self-employment
by business education graduates in Delta State?
3. To what extent are marketing skills needed for self-employment by business education
graduates in Delta State?
Hypotheses
The following null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance:
1. There is no significant difference in the mean ratings of male and female
respondents on the extent accounting skills are needed for self-employment by
business education graduates in Delta State
2. There is no significant difference in the mean ratings of male and female
respondents on the extent office technology and management skills are needed
for self-employment by business education graduates in Delta State
3. There is no significant difference in the mean ratings of male and female
respondents on the extent marketing skills are needed for self-employment by
business education graduates in Delta State
Literature Review
Literatures for this study were reviewed under:
European Journal of Management and Marketing Studies - Volume 1 │ Issue 2 │ 2016
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Eze, T. I., Ezenwafor, J. I. and Igberaharha, C. O. –
ASSESSMENT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS NEEDED FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT BY BUSINESS EDUCATION
GRADUATES IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
Accounting skills and entrepreneurship
Accounting is an area of study that equips recipients with knowledge, skills and
attitude necessary for efficient financial calculation required for occupational
competence, and economic activities of an organization. The activities are measured,
recorded and communicated to interested parties for analysis and interpretation. These
activities are very important for the survival of any organization. Ahukannah, Ndinechi
and Arukwe (1989) and Umunnah (1992) opined that the roles of accounting in the
operation of a business enterprise include recording financial data, analyzing financial
data, preparing accounting statements and communicating financial information to
employers.
Accounting skills are the totality of skills ranging from record keeping; financial
management and reporting skills that are expected to promote effective financial
management of any business enterprise. Consequently, Carland and Carland (2009) and
Akande (2011) affirmed that financial management contributes to business
development. Attention directing skills enable the owner! manager to make vital
decision on production and pricing issues while reporting skills describe the method
and technique by which business information are reported to the stakeholder.
Entrepreneurs are expected to possess accounting skills for their business growth and
development.
Oladejo (2008) saw accounting as basically an information system that provides
economic information to decision makers. It is a financial information system that
provides the guide and direction for business growth and development. Accounting
transcends record making machinery to taking vital economic and investment decisions
for owners and stakeholders (Frankwood, 2007).
Office Technology and Management Skills and Entrepreneurship
Currently discussions at business conferences and periodicals centre on what is
happening in offices and organizations. This is as a result of various complexities in the
office system. As a result of the constant changes in technological trends and economic
flux, organizations under-go dramatic changes. Technical advances, new business
procedures, international movements and automation - all seem to pose great
challenges to the office secretary of today. The rapid scientific climate and technological
changes in the office appear to be uncomfortable for the secretary who can just type and
write shorthand.
Secretarial functions play vital and pivotal roles in the day-to-day management
of an organization, hence, Okoye (1999) opined that the role of the secretary has been
affected with the invasion of sophistication and technological dynamism in office
activities as secretaries now work on computer terminals that are connected to
European Journal of Management and Marketing Studies - Volume 1 │ Issue 2 │ 2016
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Eze, T. I., Ezenwafor, J. I. and Igberaharha, C. O. –
ASSESSMENT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS NEEDED FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT BY BUSINESS EDUCATION
GRADUATES IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
networks like the internet. Consequently, the fear of office automation replacing the
secretary is seemingly more real than imagined.
Secretarial education in Nigerian Institutions was recently changed to office
technology and management. Okpan (2006) and Okoro and Amagoh (2008) identified
several office technology and management skills such as, ability to understand the
different filling systems, ability to manage information effectively, ability to follow
trend in information technology, ability to produce mailable letters, ability to effectively
manipulate hardware components of the computer and use various applications among
others. As office technology and management options in business education
programme and the skills are very important for organizational success, it behoves,
business education graduates to acquire them for success in self-employment.
Marketing Skills and Entrepreneurship
Marketing should cut across all frontiers if effective survival is to take place in the
economy. Zimmerer, Scarborough and Wilson (2009) defined marketing, as the process
of creating and delivering desired goods and services to customers. The secret to
successful marketing is to understand what your target customers need, demand, and
want before your competitors can offer them the products and services that will satisfy
those needs, demands, and wants, and to provide customers services, convenience, and
value so that they will keep coming back.
Unfortunately, there appears to be a sizeable gap between sound marketing
principles and actual marketing practices among small businesses. In a business, the
marketing function cuts across the entire company, affecting every aspect of its
operation from finance and production to hiring and purchasing as well as the
company’s ultimate success. As competition for customers become more intense,
business owners must understand the importance of developing creative marketing
strategies. Their success and survival depend on it. An effective marketing campaign
does not require an entrepreneur to spend large amount of money, but it does demand
creativity, ingenuity, and an understanding of customers buying habits. Okpan (2006)
identified marketing skills such as ability to capture and retain customers, ability to
promote and sell the organizational product, ability to analyse demand and supply
situations and ability to acquire effective sales habits among others.
Method
This study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population was 377
business education graduates of the five tertiary institutions in Delta state offering
business education programme. The population was located through the Alumni
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Eze, T. I., Ezenwafor, J. I. and Igberaharha, C. O. –
ASSESSMENT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS NEEDED FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT BY BUSINESS EDUCATION
GRADUATES IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
Association located at the institutions. The entire population was studied without
sampling because the size was manageable. A 30-item structured questionnaire titled
Entrepreneurial Skills for Business Education Graduates Questionnaire (ESBEGQ) was
used for the study. It was developed by the researchers from the literature reviewed.
The instrument had three clusters according to the research questions and five response
options of Very High Extent (VHE), Higher Extent (FIE), Moderate Extent (ME), Low
Extent (LE), and Very Low Extent (VLE). It was validated by five experts (three in
business education and two in measurement and evaluation). To establish the reliability
of the instrument, it was administered on 30 business education graduates from the
University of Benin in Edo State. A grand coefficient of .80 was obtained using
Cronbach Alpha (α) reliability for internal consistency of the instrument with the aid of
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Data collected from the study were
analyzed with the arithmetic mean and standard deviation to answer the research
questions and determine the homogeneity or otherwise of the respondent’s opinion
while z-test inferential statistics was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of
significance.
Results
Research Question One: To what extent are accounting skills needed for selfemployment by business education graduates in Delta State?
Table 1: Respondents Mean ratings and Standard Deviation on the Extent Business Education
Graduates in Delta State need Accounting Skills for Self-employment
S/N
1.
Item
Ability to interpret financial statement
X̅
3.27
SD
1.42
2.
Knowledge of accounts as a skill for economic survival
3.46
1.25
3.
Preparing bank reconciliation statements
3.38
1.26
4.
3.87
0.97
5.
Preparing daily cash reports as an accounting skill for economic
survival
Ability to understand payroll and various deductions
3.35
1.31
6.
Calculating depreciation as an accounting skill for economic survival
3.32
1.34
7.
Acknowledging of factors involved in decision to grant loan by
financial houses
Ability to avoid unplanned expenditures
Ability to solve difficult and complex accounting and related
financial problems
3.49
1.21
3.95
3.31
0.96
1.36
8.
9.
European Journal of Management and Marketing Studies - Volume 1 │ Issue 2 │ 2016
Decision
Moderate
Extent
Moderate
Extent
Moderate
Extent
High Extent
Moderate
Extent
Moderate
Extent
Moderate
Extent
High Extent
Moderate
Extent
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Eze, T. I., Ezenwafor, J. I. and Igberaharha, C. O. –
ASSESSMENT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS NEEDED FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT BY BUSINESS EDUCATION
GRADUATES IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
10.
Ability to find sources of capital to start business and the recording
of business transactions
Cluster Mean
N=341
3.89
1.02
High Extent
3.53
1.21
High Extent
The data in Table 1 reveal that three out of the ten accounting skills listed had mean
score ranging from 3.87 to 3.95. This means that business education graduates in Delta
State need them at a high extent. The rest had mean ratings from 3.27-3.49 showing that
they are needed at a moderate extent. However the cluster mean of 353 shows that
business education graduates in Delta State need accounting skills to a high extent for
self-employment. The standard deviations for most of the items are within the same
range showing that respondents are not wide apart in their opinions.
Research Question Two
To what extent are office technology and management skills needed for selfemployment by business education graduates in Delta State?
Table 2: Respondents Mean ratings and Standard Deviation on the Extent Business Education
Graduates in Delta State need Office Technology and Management for Self-employment
S/N
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Item
Ability to understand the organizations method and procedures
of filling as an office technology management skill
Ability to manage information effectively
Competencies to follow trend in information technology
X̅
3.25
SD
1.36
3.87
4.65
1.03
0.48
Ability to write mailable letters
Microsoft office proficiency for reduction unemployment
Ability to work without supervision for effective job performance
Competencies in communication skills for economic survival
Processing information accurately on the job as an
office technology management skill for economic
survival
Ability to use and manipulate the computer system in resolving
societal problems
Operating business machines in meeting societal needs
Cluster Mean
3.68
3 78
3.52
3.68
3.51
1.23
1.10
1.18
1.09
1.30
4.65
0.48
3.56
3.82
1.20
1.05
Decision
Moderate
Extent
High Extent
Very High
Extent
High Extent
High Extent
High Extent
High Extent
High Extent
Very High
Extent
High Extent
High Extent
N=341
The data in Table 2 reveal that item eleven had mean score of 3.25. This means that
business education graduates in Delta State need it at a moderate extent. Items thirteen
and, nineteen had mean scores of 4.65 each. This means that business education
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Eze, T. I., Ezenwafor, J. I. and Igberaharha, C. O. –
ASSESSMENT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS NEEDED FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT BY BUSINESS EDUCATION
GRADUATES IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
graduates in Delta State need these items to a very high extent. The rest had mean
ratings from 3.5 1-3.87 showing that they are needed at a high extent. More so, the
cluster mean of 3.82 shows that business education graduates in Delta State need office
technology and management skills to a high extent for self-employment. The standard
deviations for most of the items are within the same range showing that respondents
are not wide apart in their opinions.
Research Question Three
To what extent are marketing skills needed for self-employment by business education
graduates in Delta State?
Table 3: Respondents Mean ratings and Standard Deviation on the Extent Business Education
Graduates in Delta State need Marketing Skills for Self-employment
S/N
21.
X̅
3.72
SD
1.06
Decision
High Extent
22.
23.
Item
Ability to capture and retain the attention of customers as a marketing
skill for economic survival
Ability to promote and sell the organizational product
Skills to analyse demand and supply situations
3.57
3.24
1.21
1.38
24.
Ability to acquire effective distributive skills
3.33
1.35
25.
Skills in discovering and identifying wants and needs of a client as a
marketing skill for reduction in unemployment
Ability to deliver and distribute the products and services of an
organization
Ability for new product launches, start-ups, and sales turnarounds as
a marketing skill for economic survival
Promotion as a marketing skill for economic survival
Selling skills for increased sales of organizational products as a
marketing skill for better standard of living
Skills in print advertising of programs as a marketing skill for
economic survival
Cluster Mean
3.57
1.21
High Extent
Moderate
Extent
Moderate
Extent
High Extent
3.72
1.06
High Extent
2.99
1.51
3.57
3.24
1.21
1.36
3.11
1.45
3.41
1.28
Moderate
Extent
High Extent
Moderate
Extent
Moderate
Extent
Moderate
Extent
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
N=341
The data in Table 3 reveal that five out of the ten marketing skills listed had mean score
ranging from 2.99 to 3.33. This means that business education graduates in Delta State
need these items to a moderate extent. The rest had mean ratings from 3.57-3.72
showing that they are needed a high extent. However, the cluster mean of 3.41 shows
that business education graduates in Delta State need marketing skills to a moderate
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Eze, T. I., Ezenwafor, J. I. and Igberaharha, C. O. –
ASSESSMENT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS NEEDED FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT BY BUSINESS EDUCATION
GRADUATES IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
extent for self- employment. The standard deviations for most of the items are within
the same range showing that respondents are not wide apart in their opinions.
Hypotheses Testing
Hol: There is no significant difference in the mean ratings of male and female
respondents on the extent accounting skills are needed for self-employment by business
education graduates in Delta State
Table 4: Two-tailed Z-test Result of The Mean Responses of Male and Female Respondents on
the Accounting Skills that are needed for Self-employment by Business Education Graduates
Category
Male
Female
N
X̅
Std
Df
Level of sig.
z-cal
z-crit
Decision
143
198
3.53
3.61
1.23
1.17
339
0.05
1.09
<1.96
NS
The data in Table 4 show that at 0.05 level of significance and degree of freedom of 339
that all the items tested are not significant. The calculated z-value is 0.16 which is less
than the critical z-value of 1.96. This means that there is no significant difference in the
mean ratings of male and female respondents on the extent accounting skills are needed
for self-employment by business education graduates in Delta State. Therefore, the null
hypothesis was upheld.
Ho2: There is no significant difference in the mean ratings of male and female
respondents on the extent office technology and management skills are needed for selfemployment by business education graduates in Delta State
Table 5: Two-tailed Z-test Result of The Mean Responses of Male and Female Respondents on
the Office Technology and Management Skills that are needed for Self-employment by Business
Education Graduates
Category
Male
Female
N
X̅
Std
Df
Level of sig.
z-cal
z-crit
Decision
143
198
3.87
3.61
1.23
1.17
339
0.05
1.09
<1.96
NS
The data in Table 5 show that at 0.05 level of significance and degree of freedom of 339
that all the items tested are not significant. The calculated z-value is 1.09 which is less
than the critical z-value of 1.96. This means that there is no significant difference in the
mean ratings of male and female respondents on the extent office technology and
management skills are needed for self-employment by business education graduates in
Delta State. Therefore, the null hypothesis was upheld.
European Journal of Management and Marketing Studies - Volume 1 │ Issue 2 │ 2016
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Eze, T. I., Ezenwafor, J. I. and Igberaharha, C. O. –
ASSESSMENT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS NEEDED FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT BY BUSINESS EDUCATION
GRADUATES IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
Ho3: There is no significant difference in the mean ratings of male and female
respondents on the extent marketing skills are needed for self-employment by business
education graduates in Delta State
Table 6: Two-tailed z-test Result of The Mean Responses of Male and Female Respondents on
the Marketing Skills that are needed for Self-employment by Business Education Graduates
Category
Male
Female
N
X̅
Std
Df
Level of sig.
z-cal
z-crit
Decision
143
198
3.80
3.12
1.27
1.11
339
0.05
5.07
<1.96
S
The data in Table 5 show that at 0.05 level of significance and degree of freedom of 339
that all the items tested are significant. The calculated z-value is 5.07 which is greater
than the critical z-value of 1.96. This means that there is a significant difference in the
mean ratings of male and female respondents on the extent marketing skills are needed
for self-employment by business education graduates in Delta State. Therefore, the null
hypothesis was not upheld.
Discussion
Accounting Skills Needed by Business Education Graduates
The findings of the study revealed that accounting skills are needed to a high extent by
business education graduates in Delta State for self-employment. This finding confirms
the views of Akpotowoh and Amahi (2006) and Salome (2012) that accounting and
financial skills are very vital for entrepreneurial success. Also, the fact that there was no
significant difference in the mean ratings of male and female respondent.-s means that
they consider accounting skills as highly needed by entrepreneurs irrespective of
gender. This means that gender has significant effect on the respondent’s views and
could be due to the fact that males are more outgoing and enjoy moving around freely
than females.
Office Technology Management Skills Needed by Business Education Graduates
The study found out that business education graduates in Delta State need office
technology and management skills to a high extent for self-employment. This findings
agrees with the views of Okpan (2006) and Okoro and Amagoh (2008) who affirmed
that office technology and management skills as very important for organizational
performance and success. In addition, there was no significant difference in the mean
ratings of male and female respondents on the extent office technology and
management skills are needed for self-employment by business education graduates in
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Eze, T. I., Ezenwafor, J. I. and Igberaharha, C. O. –
ASSESSMENT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS NEEDED FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT BY BUSINESS EDUCATION
GRADUATES IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
Delta State. This means that male and female entrepreneurs alike highly need office
technology and management skills for success.
Marketing Skills Needed by Business Education Graduates
Findings of the study relative to marketing skills show that they are needed to a
moderate extent by business education graduates in Delta State for self-employment.
This findings corroborated the reports of Zimmerer, Scarborough &Wilson (2009) and
Business Marketing institute (2013) that only basic marketing skills are needed for
success by owner/manager or entrepreneur. The respondents differed significantly in
their mean ratings on the extent marketing skills are needed by business education
students in Delta State for self- employment.
Conclusion
Based on the findings of the study, the researchers concluded that entrepreneurial skills
needed by business education graduates in Delta State for self-employment include
accounting skills, office technology and management skills, and marketing skills.
Recommendations
In line with the findings of the study and conclusion drawn, the following
recommendations were made:
1. Business educators should be more creative and innovative in their instruction to
their students with relevant entrepreneurial skills to help them succeed in selfemployment.
2. Business education curriculum designers should include more courses on
entrepreneurship training and development to give the graduate proper
grounding on skills that will enhance their entrepreneurial success.
3. Government and other stakeholders in tertiary institutions should endeavour to
provide adequate facilities and laboratories to facilitate the practical
entrepreneurial activities for business education students to motivate them to go
into entrepreneurial ventures on graduation.
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GRADUATES IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
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