Business Education Skills and Growth of Small Scale Businesses in Akwa Ibom NorthEast Senatorial District, Nigeria

Abstract

This study determined the extent of influence of business education skills on the growth of 
small-scale businesses (SSB) in Akwa Ibom North East.  Two specific objectives, two research 
questions and hypotheses were stated to guide the study. The population of the study consisted 
of 184 registered small scale business operators in Akwa Ibom North East. The sample size 
was 148 small scale business operators in Akwa Ibom North East and accidental sampling was 
applied for the study. The researcher-designed questionnaire titled Business Education Skills 
and Growth of Small-Scale Businesses Questionnaire (BESGSSBQ) was used for data 
collection. Face validation was carried out by three research experts from the university of 
Uyo, Uyo. The trial test method was used to ascertain the reliability of the instrument. 30 copies 
of the questionnaire were administered to the respondents who were part of the study area but 
not part of the sample.  Cronbach Alpha was used to obtain the reliability coefficient value of 
0.87. Regression analysis was used to answer research questions and to test all the null 
hypotheses at .05 level of significance. Findings of the study showed a very low extent but 
significant influence of accounting skills on growth of SSB. However, there was, a very low 
extent but not significant influence of marketing skills on growth of SSB. Based on the findings 
of the study, it was recommended that accounting activities should go beyond book keeping 
skills to financial reports and making predictions that could inform investment decisions and 
company vision. Promotional activities and entrepreneurial marketing strategies should be 
imbibed into the small business management eco-system. This is an innovative marketing style 
that will help small scale businesses.