THE IMPACT OF GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES IN NIGERIA (A CASE STUDY OF SOME SELECTED COMPANIES IN UGHELLI NORTH L.G.A.)
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.
       LIST OF TABLES
Sex distribution of respondents
Marital status of respondents
Age distribution  of  respondents
Educational background of respondents
Years of experience
Government policies and programmes
Government assistance
Government loan
Government credit policies
Government credit facilities
Improvement in policies
Incensement in assistance
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction    :
Statement of the Problem    :    
Purpose of the Study    :    :    :    :
Research Questions    :    :    :
Scope of the Study    :    :    :    :
Significance of the Study    :    :    :
Limitations of the Study    :    :    
Definitions of Terms    :    :    :    :
CHAPTER TWO - LITERATURE REVIEW
Government and Business    :    :    :
The Government as a Participant in Business    
Government as a Facilitator of Business    :    
Government as a Regulator of Business    :    
Government Incentives and Support Services
to Small  Business Enterprises    :    :    :
Special Government Programmes that Support SMEs    :
2.6.1 Small-Scale Industries Credit Scheme     :
2.6.2 Central Bank, Rural Banking Programme    :    
2.6.3 Industrial Training Fund (ITF)    :    :    
2.6.4 Work For Yourself Programme    :    :    
2.6.5 National Economic Empowerment and
 Development       Strategy    :        
2.6.6 Nigeria Bank for Commerce and Industry     :    :
Reasons Why Government Support Small and
 Medium Scale Enterprises    :    :    
2.8    Government Short Comings and Possible Solution    
CHAPTER THREE – METHODOLOGY
Research Design    :    :    :    :    :
Population of the Study    :    :    :    :
Sample Size and Sampling Techniques:    
Instrument of Data Collection    :    :    :
Validation of the Instrument    :    :    
Administration of the Instrument    :    :    :
Methods of Data Collection    :    :    :    :    
Method of Data Analysis    :    :    :    :
CHAPTER FOUR – DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
Data Presentation and Analysis    :    :    :
Discussion of Findings    :    :    :    :
CHAPTER FIVE – SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary of Findings    :    :    :    :    
Conclusion    :    :    :    :    :    
Recommendations    :    :    :    
Suggestions for Further Studies    :    
Bibliography
Appendixes    
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 organisations 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 Reimann (1980:29) a sound government policy performs the following functions.
Prevents deviation from planned course of action.
Ensures consistency of action
promotes intelligent co-operation
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;
Does the government policy affect business activities?
Does the government implement their policies effectively?
Does the government need to improve on the level of their policies making?
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.
It will serve as a guide to businessmen and women on how government policies affect business activities.
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.
Time constraint was a major problem combining project work with normal school work with the little available time was not easy.
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.        
REFERENCES
Benemone E. Osadi (2007). Small Business Management (Nature, Principles and Application). Printed by Onos Graphic Warri.
Journal of Business & Management Studies, Vol.1 No.1, September, 2006.
Ovbiagele Abraham Otaigbe(2006). Introduction to Business Studies in Nigerian. Central Books Ltd, Agbor.