ABSTRACT

This project was centered on the Impact of Government Involvement in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises towards the Development of the Economy. The project examiners the importance of government involvement, government policies as it affects business as well as some of the short comings of the government as a facilitator of business. The chapter one of this project was enable to identify the problems and purpose of the study. The second chapter looks at the literature review of the topic with special emphasis on some policy and scheme affecting business activities. The third chapter examiners method of data collection. The sample size consisted of 40 owners and managers of businesses. The population of the study covered some selected companies in Ughelli North L.G.A. of Delta State. The 40 respondents include male and female. The data colleted were presented in tables, percentages and frequency distribution was used to analyses the data collected. The above evident in chapter four. Finally, the chapter five deals with summary of findings, recommendation for further studies and conclusion.

CHAPTER ONE

1.1  INTRODUCTION

The government of any independent country has the constitutional power to formulate policies and make laws for the good of the nation. All over world, various governments have different role they play in business.

Business organizations are affected and influenced by government activities, rules, regulations, laws and specialised agencies. It is a well known fact that no business organisation can survive without interaction with its political and legal environment which often times are within the direct manipulation of the government.

Government policies have become the necessary ingredient that can either encourage or discourage the participation of the private sector in the stimulation of the economy.

In recent years, however, both the federal and state government have introduced various policies and programmes to redress the short comings of Small and Medium Scale Business Enterprises (SMEs).

The way the government formulate its policies is greatly influenced by both political and socio-cultural factors.

According to Riemann (1980:29) a sound government policy performs the following functions.

1. Prevents deviation from planned course of action.
2. Ensures consistency of action
3. promotes intelligent co-operation
4. Fosters an intelligent exercise of initiative

Government policies can be considered favourable or unfavourable to the growth and development of small and medium scale enterprises.

The major role of the government in business is to provide a conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive this would include the provision of facilities and dependable public utilities that would attract investors and encourage the emergence of entrepreneur.

1.2  STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Government is an essential part of the society that affects all aspect of life. The impact of government can not be over emphasized. This research work is to enlighten some of the government policies affecting the growth of a business as it was earlier mentioned. Government policies can either be favourable or unfavourable. This project is to highlighten some of the short comings of government in providing social amenities and a conducive environment for business to thrive.

1.3  PURPOSE OF THE STUDY 

The primary purpose of this study is to point out some of the short comings of government in providing a conducive environment for the development of businesses. It will also highlights the importance of government and how government can improve in their policies/programme affecting business in other to encourage more entrepreneurship involvement in business.

1.4  RESEARCH QUESTION

This particular section is usually a conjectural of questions that will help the researchers to understand the various ways to follow. Some of the questions employed are;

1. Does the government policy affect business activities?
2. Does the government implement their policies effectively?
3. Does the government need to improve on the level of their policies making?
4. Is the government socially responsible to the business organisation?

1.5  SCOPE OF THE STUDY      

This study is delimited in scope to some selected companies in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State where sample information and accurate data were easily available and also for the accessibility of the study.

1.6  SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

It is hoped that the topic “The Impact of Government Involvement in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises” has great significance to the following set of people and economic activities.

1. It will serve as a guide to businessmen and women on how government policies affect business activities.
2. The research work will highlights some of the short comings of government in providing conducive atmosphere for business which will in turn encourage the government in the provision of such atmosphere for the development of small and medium scale enterprises.

1.7  LIMITATION OF THE STUDY 

This research work would not be completed if we fail to mention its limitations.

1. Time constraint was a major problem combining project work with normal school work with the little available time was not easy.
2. Financial constraints in terms of transportation to various companies in Ughelli. And also in the preparation of questionnaires.

Notwithstanding, the above limitation does not invalidate the research work.

1.8  DEFINITION OF TERMS

Policy: Planned or agreed course of action

Impact: The blow of one thing striking another

Organisation: A body of people working together for a purpose.

Programme: A booklet giving details of the items in a scheme.

Major: Greater or great in size (importance)

Deviation: To turn aside from the right, normal or standard course.

Cultural: The way of life of a people.

Consistency: Thickness or firmness, quality of being the same.

Conducive: Helping, favourable.   

Formulate: To set down clearly.