ABSTRACT
A research was set out to
evaluate strategic approach as a management tool for the small and medium
enterprises with a view to help them achieve a more predictable and stable
growth, over the long term. Emphasis had been directed on the threat aspects, which
most Small-scale Business enterprises had taken for granted. SMEs are also
urged to take a hard look at some of the strategic tools: Finance, production,
marketing and personnel which had not gained much popularity or acceptance.
Empirical evidence in the forms
of survey research was adopted. In getting first hand information, samples of
50 respondents were drawn from a questionnaire consisting of twenty-two
questions which were randomly selected, printed and administered to the entire
employee as focus point. This however forms the main data collection instrument
employed in the study. Data were sourced from different books on management by
notable authors, theories relevant to the study were carefully examined, and
views of different authors/ professionals were considered to reconcile the
documentary research, in arriving at the final conclusions. Care was also taken
to maintain objectivity, which could be easily affected with the Research's
problems on the field. The conclusion is that strategic management is largely
relevant to Small-scale Business enterprises. And so long as due attention is
paid to threats and crisis handling, the vulnerability of Small-scale Business
enterprises should be reduced. That leaves only the last problem to deal with -
time constraint among Small-scale Business enterprises which is said to be
limiting their application of strategic management. To partly solve the
problem, the training and re-training of personnel, along some priority and
relevance guidelines, suiting to the operating reality of the Small-scale
Business enterprises must be taking into cognizance. However, considering the
universal laws of cause and effect, Small-scale Business enterprises must
recognize the inevitability to apply as many techniques as possible, in order
to get the maximum results. To use time and workload as a convenient excuse can
often be a good justification for not strategizing; overcoming the temptation
to do so leads to a more rewarding and satisfying venture for the
entrepreneurs. The choice is up to each SME.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
1.1 Historical Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of Problem
1.3 Objectives of Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Hypothesis
1.6 Research Methodology
1.7 Significance of the Study
1.8 Scope and Limitation of the Study
1.9 Definition of Terms
References
CHAPTER TWO
Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
2.1 The Concept of Strategy
2.2 Strategies in Functional Areas
2.2.0 Finance Strategies
2.2.1 Production Strategies
2.2.2 Marketing Strategies
2.2.3 Personnel Strategies
2.3 Strategic Management An-Overview
2.4 Small and Medium Enterprise and Overview
2.5 Role of Small Scale Business Enterprise in
Nigerian Economy
2.6
Characteristic of Small Scale Business
Enterprises
in Nigeria
2.7 Challenges of the Small Scale Business
Enterprises
References
CHAPTER THREE
Research
Methodology
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Area of Study
3.3 Population of the Study
3.4 Determination of Sample Size
3.5 Instrument of Data Collection
3.6 Validity of Research Instrument
3.7 Reliability of Research Instrument
3.8 Method of Data Analysis
CHAPTER FOUR
Presentation
and Data Analysis
4.1 Data Presentation
4.2 Analysis and Discussion
4.2 Hypothesis Presentation
CHAPTER FIVE
Summary
of Findings, Conclusion and Recommendation
5.1 Summary of Findings
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendations
Bibliography
Appendix