DEPARTMENT OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Feasibility studies play a crucial role in business planning and entrepreneurial success by assessing the viability of business ideas, identifying potential challenges, and optimizing resource allocation. This study examines the impact of feasibility studies on entrepreneurial success in Benin City, with a focus on business startup, cost implications, business environment insights, capital requirements, and challenges hindering entrepreneurs from conducting feasibility studies.The research employs a quantitative approach, utilizing descriptive and inferential statistical techniques to analyze data collected from 120 entrepreneurs in Benin City. hese were collected by the use of well-structured questionnaires which were administered to business owners, managers, and other key stakeholders in selected SMEs. Findings indicate that feasibility studies significantly enhance business success by reducing uncertainties, securing investments, and guiding strategic decision-making. However, the study also reveals that the high cost of conducting feasibility studies poses a major barrier, limiting accessibility for small business owners. Additionally, the research onfirms that feasibility studies provide critical insights into the business environment, including market demand, competition, and risk factors, thereby improving business positioning. The study further establishes a strong relationship between feasibility studies and capital planning, highlighting their role in securing adequate funding and managing financial risks. Lastly, findings suggest that financial constraints and lack of awareness are key challenges preventing entrepreneurs from utilizing feasibility studies effectively. Based on these findings, the study recommends that policymakers and financial institutions implement measures such as subsidized feasibility study programs, financial assistance schemes, and awareness campaigns to promote the doption of feasibility studies among entrepreneurs. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on business feasibility analysis and provides practical insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and business development agencies in Benin City.

This study investigates the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on entrepreneurship education among students of the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. It focuses on how selected AI tools ChatGPT, Grammarly, Quillbot, and Meta AI affect students’ learning experiences, creativity, and innovative capacities within entrepreneurship courses. A cross sectional survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from one hundred (100) undergraduate students in the Department of ntrepreneurship through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including correlation and regression analyses, were employed to test the study’s hypotheses at a 5% level of significance. Findings revealed that AI tools significantly enhance entrepreneurship education by improving students’ understanding of business concepts, fostering innovative thinking, and strengthening communication and writing skills. However, challenges such as poor digital infrastructure, high data costs, limited awareness, and inadequate institutional support were identified as major barriers to effective AI integration. The study concludes that while AI technologies hold transformative potential for entrepreneurship education, their effective utilization requires strategic curriculum integration, digital capacity building, and infrastructural investment. It recommends that universities incorporate AI literacy into entrepreneurship programs, provide training for educators, and create enabling environments for students to explore AI tools responsibly and productively.

This study examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) usage on innovative thinking among university students in Nigeria, with a focus on students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN). Using a cross-sectional research design, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to students selected via simple random sampling. The instrument
captured students’ frequency and purpose of AI use, as well as perceptions of its influence on creative and innovative thinking. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis with SPSS. The findings reveal that AI tools are widely and regularly used by students for academic and creative activities, serving as guides for idea generation, problem
solving, and conceptual clarification. Results further indicate that AI usage has a positive and significant influence on innovative thinking, while also raising concerns about overreliance and ethical considerations. Overall, the study concludes that AI plays a supportive role in enhancing students’ innovative capacities when used responsibly, and it recommends the promotion of balanced AI literacy in higher education to sustain creativity and independent thinking

This study examined the effect of entrepreneurial competencies on the success of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Benin City, Edo State. Entrepreneurial competencies are widely recognised as essential behavioural and skill-based attributes that enable entrepreneurs to effectively identify opportunities, manage resources, and sustain competitive advantage in dynamic business environments. The specific objectives of the study were to: Examine the effect of opportunity recognition on SME success Assess the influence of risk-taking on SME success Evaluate the effect of innovativeness on SME success Investigate the impact of networking on SME success Determine the effect of managerial competence on SME success. A survey research design was adopted, and structured questionnaires were administered to owners and managers of SMEs in Benin City using a purposive sampling technique. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The results revealed that opportunity recognition (B = 0.113, p = 0.048), innovativeness (B = 0.253, p = 0.016), and managerial competence (B = 0.372, p = 0.000) had positive and statistically significant effects on SME success, while risk-taking (B = –0.006, p = 0.939) and networking (B = 0.065, p = 0.301) exhibited positive but statistically insignificant effects. The regression model (R² = 0.642, F = 39.040, p = 0.000) indicated that the independent 13 variables collectively explained about 64.2% of the variance in SME success, suggesting a strong overall model fit. The study concludes that entrepreneurial competencies are critical determinants of SME success in Benin City, particularly opportunity recognition, innovativeness, and managerial competence. It recommends that SME operators enhance their entrepreneurial skills through continuous training and strategic learning to improve adaptability, innovation, and long-term competitiveness within the business environment.

The study evaluated how planning and control affect small business survival in Benin
City, Edo State. 4 research questions and other researchers' material were reviewed. The
researcher created a questionnaire based on the research topic and had it validated by the supervisor. The questionnaire was designed according to the research topics and given to 100 Benin City small-scale business operators. Frequency count and percentage
descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. According to the report, planning and
control are crucial to small business management and sustainability. Thus, planning and
control affect small business management and survival. Poor planning and control
drastically impact small business performance. The success of a corporation depends on
the level of planning and control implemented. Small business financial management is
affected by poor planning and control. Business financial management depends on
whether planning and control are appropriate or inadequate. The government was advised to hold symposia and updated training on effective planning and control to improve Nigerian small business owners' management skills. Business owners should also be schooled in planning and control tactics to compete internationally

This research explores around innovation and creativity which are the essential drivers of economic growth, competitiveness and sustainability in Nigeria. This study highlights the systemic issues such as limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient skilled manpower and poor management practices ,which causes lack of innovation and creativity in smes business in Nigeria.T his research was carried out with the distribution of 100 questionnaires using 5 research questions and 4 objectives. Finding suggestions that will improve innovation and creativity in smes business and how it has affect businesses positively. The research underscores the need to create new ideas, putting the innovative ideas into the market that supports smes business in Nigeria.

Small and medium scale enterprise is meant to stimulate economicgrowth through its contribution to Gross Domestic Product, poverty reduction and employment creation. The study explained the impact of SME's in Nigeria on Gross Domestic Product. Secondary data were obtained from national Bureau of Statistics on Gross Domestic Product, commercial bank loans to SME's and unemployment rate for eight years 2010-2017. These data were analyzed and presented using ordinary least square method. The study revealed that SME's funding has insignificant relationship or marginal impact on Gross Domestic Product and it was recommended that SME's contribution to Gross Domestic Product can be improved by increase in SME's access to finance through removal of encumbrances that impede access, this should be policies directive that expand and encourage SME's development.

This study tries to do research on entrepreneurial marketing and It influence in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Edo State. Over the years, they are a move from traditional marketing to entrepreneurial marketing and social media marketing due to competition of Nigeria business especially SMEs with limited advantage and need to strive in the industry Nigeria. Therefore, the study investigates the influence of entrepreneurial marketing in SMEs development in Edo state. SMEs drive the economy of our locality. The research examines how core entrepreneurial marketing dimensions such customer focus, risk-taking, innovation, and pro-activeness, resource leveraging affect growth, competitiveness, and sustainability of businesses in the region.
Using a descriptive research design, data were collected through a structured questionnaires administered to 105 SME operators across Benin City (Edo state). Findings reveal that most SMEs in Edo State adopt informal and cost-effective marketing strategies due to resource constraints, but those with stronger entrepreneurial marketing practices demonstrate higher customer retention, revenue growth, and adaptability in competitive markets.

This study investigates feasibility study as a tool for entrepreneurial success in nigeria. The specific objectives include investigating ways in which feasibility study impact business operations in Nigeria, to determine expenses associated with conducting
feasibility studies, to illustrate how feasibility study provide insight into business environment, examine how capital requirement of a business relate to finding of a feasibility studies and to determine the challenge that hinder entrepreneurs from utilizing feasibility studies. Four research questions guide this study about feasibility study in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located in Benin City. The sample size comprises 75 respondents, and data were collected through a 75 questionnaire survey of enterprises in Ugbowo, Benin City. The study was analysed using simple percentages, frequency table. This study highlighted the crucial role of entrepreneurship development in job creation in Nigeria. It demonstrated how entrepreneurship initiatives significantly contribute to employment generation, showcasing the positive impact of entrepreneurial activities on the economy. The research identified the challenges entrepreneurs face in securing funding, infrastructure, market access, and regulatory support, and provided insights on how addressing these challenges can further enhance job creation. Additionally, the study underscored the importance of entrepreneurial education programs and mentorship schemes in shaping the entrepreneurial mindset, improving skill sets, and promoting business success among both aspiring and established entrepreneurs in Nigeria

This study assesses the impact of small scale businesses on job creation using Ugbowo area in Benin City, Edo State as a case study. Four research questions were raised to guide the study. The population comprised of 11, 879 registered SMEs, from which a sample of 99 was determined using the Taro Yamme formula. Respondents were selected using the convenient sampling technique. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive (frequency count, simple percentage, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Wilcoxon signed ranked test) and hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The reliability of the instrument was determined using the Cronbach alpha statistics and it yielded a coefficient of 0.85. Results showed that skill development significantly influenced job creation capacity of SMEs (p =.00) and small scale businesses significantly contributed to job creation (p = .02). Challenges faced by SMEs include limited access to skills development and training programs, complex regulatory environment, inadequate infrastructure and access to adequate financing. The study concluded that small-scale businesses significantly contribute to job creation and employment in Benin City, Edo State, however small businesses are faced with challenges in fulfilment of this objective. It recommended that policy-makers should as a matter of necessity address the issue of complex regulatory environment, endevour to prioritize the issue of infrastructural deficits which has plagued the nation for so long, small business owners should avail themselves of opportunities to improve and develop their knowledge and capacity in other to enhance their competitiveness.