PROJECT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES FOR SUSTAINABLE JOB CREATION IN WOOD-BASED MICRO AND SMALL-SCALE ENTERPRISES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the project and resource management competencies required for sustainable job creation in wood-based Micro and Small-Scale Enterprises (MSEs) in Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey research design was employed to collect data from a representative sample of 229 respondents comprising woodwork lecturers, teachers, and enterprise owners across the North-West geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire structured on a five-point rating scale, with 13 items focused on project management competencies and 14 items on resource management competencies. The instrument's validity was confirmed by experts in Technology and Vocational Education, while reliability tests conducted in Bauchi State yielded Cronbach's Alpha coefficients of 0.821 and 0.832, indicating high internal consistency. Data analysis involved the use of Mean statistics to answer the research questions and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to test the null hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that essential project management competence skills for sustainable job creation include resource planning and utilization, personnel engagement, integration of process and technology, adherence to standards, and the application of relevant knowledge, skills, and foresight in project execution. Similarly, critical resource management competencies identified include effective scheduling and supply of materials, proper inventory control, strategic workforce deployment, planning for skill development, fostering interpersonal relationships, and aligning resource functions with enterprise growth objectives. The results also showed no significant difference in the mean responses of lecturers, teachers, and entrepreneurs regarding the required project and resource management competence skills. Based on these findings, the study recommended that technical and vocational training institutions collaborate with relevant government agencies to develop practical training programs that equip MSE operators with the competencies necessary for effective project and resource management. Strengthening these competencies is essential for improving enterprise sustainability, enhancing productivity, and creating sustainable job opportunities within Nigeria's wood-based MSE sector.