Esuh Ossai-Igwe Lucky

Re-investigating the effect of individual determinant, external factor and firm characteristics on small firm performance during economic downturn

There have been inconsistencies with regard to the different entrepreneurial factors that influenced firm performance, particularly in normal time. However, during economic downturn or turbulence, it is believed and expected that the three major characters (entrepreneur, environment and firm) in the economy that are actively involved in entrepreneurial activities would be badly and negatively affected. Despite this, an empirical study substantiating these arguments seems to be lacking, particularly in the small business and entrepreneurship domain. This therefore suggests that some of the major influential factors of individual determinant, external factor and firm characteristics in entrepreneurial development and small businesses should be re-investigated in line with the current situation in order to see if they remain significant during economic downturn. Based on this, a cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire survey research design, and data were generated from 182 entrepreneurs or owner-managers of small firms in both manufacturing and service industries. The questionnaires were distributed through drop-off and pick procedure of data collection. The findings indicated that the relationship between individual determinants, external factor and firm characteristics, and firm performance remain significant during economic turbulence.

Exploring the ineffectiveness of government policy on entrepreneurship in Nigeria

Entrepreneurship plays a major role in economic development, but some government policies have remained ineffective despite their attempt to encourage entrepreneurship. Calling for a shift in paradigm, this article examines the ineffectiveness of government policy on entrepreneurship with particular reference to Nigeria. It identifies policy implementation as a major causal variable explaining failure.

Empirical evidence on the entrepreneurial mind of the female graduate-to-be in Malaysia

Despite the few researches on entrepreneurial mind of the graduates, the entrepreneurial mind of the female graduate-to-be is yet to be ascertained and therefore remains unexplored. A cross-sectional study of quantitative questionnaire survey approach was conducted. A convenience sampling technique was used to draw 200 Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and Bachelor of entrepreneurship students who are in their final semesters Universiti Utara Malaysia. A questionnaire data was generated from 154 female graduates to be through self-administered procedure at UUM. SmartPLS analysis technique was used to analyse the data generated. Overall, the result indicates that attitude, entrepreneurial skill, culture and knowledge are significantly related to entrepreneurial mind of the female graduates to-be. Based on the findings obtained, the study concludes that attitude, entrepreneurial skill, knowledge and culture are very crucial in determining the entrepreneurial mind of the female graduate to-be. The implications, limitations and suggestions for future studies are discussed.

Employee's job security during economic downturn

This concept paper proposes a conceptual model of employee’s job security during economic downturn. Due to the turbulent global economy, natural resources are under strain, austerity cuts are threatening public sector jobs. Organisations are laying off their workforce in order to cope with the economic conditions. The future has become more unpredictable and uncertain about the workers keeping their jobs. The fear of losing their jobs in the midst of uncertainty becomes a great concern that needs an urgent attention. The question remains, should the organisations lay off their workforces? Or should the employees continue to holding on to their jobs in the midst of this economic turbulence? Based on this, the paper examined theoretical issue relating to employees job security in relation to economic downturn. It presents a conceptual model to examine employees’ job security during economic downturns, and further argued on the possibilities of employees holding on to their jobs during economic turbulence.