Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Assessing the durability of small scale business opportunities is crucial for entrepreneurs and investors seeking sustainable ventures. This research project explores various techniques that can be utilized to evaluate the longevity and resilience of such opportunities. The study delves into both qualitative and quantitative methods, aiming to provide a comprehensive framework for assessing durability. Qualitative techniques include market research, feasibility studies, and SWOT analysis, which offer insights into the external and internal factors impacting the business opportunity. These methods help in understanding the competitive landscape, identifying potential risks, and evaluating the market demand and dynamics. By conducting thorough qualitative assessments, entrepreneurs can make informed decisions regarding the viability of the opportunity in the long run. On the other hand, quantitative techniques such as financial modeling, risk assessment, and scenario analysis provide a more data-driven approach to evaluating durability. Financial modeling allows for the projection of revenue, expenses, and cash flows over time, enabling entrepreneurs to assess the financial sustainability of the business opportunity. Risk assessment helps in identifying and quantifying potential risks that could impact the venture, while scenario analysis allows for the evaluation of different future scenarios and their implications on the business. In addition to qualitative and quantitative techniques, this research project also explores the use of key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and measure the durability of small scale business opportunities over time. By establishing relevant KPIs related to financial performance, market share, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency, entrepreneurs can track the progress of the venture and make timely adjustments to ensure its long-term success. Overall, this research project provides a comprehensive overview of techniques for assessing the durability of small scale business opportunities, highlighting the importance of combining qualitative and quantitative methods for a holistic evaluation. By employing these techniques effectively, entrepreneurs and investors can enhance their decision-making processes, mitigate risks, and increase the chances of creating sustainable and thriving ventures in the small business sector.

Thesis Overview

NTRODUCTION: BACKGROUND OF THE ESSAY
Probably amongst the most crucial decision facing management today are those concerned with capital investment. Typical of these decisions are those related to expansion through adding of new product lines, factory extension for extension in new sales entries. The significance of a decision of this nature is obvious since based on the decision made, the firm will find itself, committed to a pattern of activity and expenditure that will continue for some time into the future due to huge capital outlay involved.

Uncertainty with respect to the future is considered in any investments decision but the further into the future its efforts are projected, the greater the degree of that uncertainty.

Management appraisal involves the generations of investment proposals, the estimate of cash flow for the proposal, the evaluation of cash flow, the selection of project based upon an acceptance criteria and the continuance re-evaluation of investment project after their acceptance (Home et al 1983).

How high a proposal must go before it is finally approve depends upon how large the capital outlay is the greater the capital outlay, the greater the number of evaluations that may be the required. The object of any system of project evaluation is to be able to compare the profitability of a series of funds usage. Each project will require the use of volume of the firms fund for varying periods and will also provide for the returns of those funds together with an element of profit. The appraisal system should be able to take both of these factors and by comparing them, calculate a comparable rate of return.

This will enable investment projects to be measured against two criteria.
1.     To ensure that only those projects that give the highest rate of return are selected.
2.     To ensure that investments are not made in projects that will give a rate of return less than the cost of capital employed in the business.

It is in this regard that this essay seeks to analyze the role of investment appraisal of small business in Nigeria. This essay will also seek to evaluate and carryout an investment appraisal of small business in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE OF THE ESSAY
-       To determine investment appraisal of small business in Nigeria?
-       To determine the nature or outlook of investment appraisal of small business in Nigeria takes in business projects?
-       To determine how investment appraisal of small business in Nigeria is of benefit to both prospective investors and the country in general? Also does in-accurate methods of assessment lead to the selection of projects which yield unduly low returns?

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ESSAY
This essay work will be beneficial to the government because efficiency in small business operation will be achieved with high profit thereby entailing more income available for taxation.

          Small business operation will enjoy the advantages of new accurate determination of the state of affairs of their organizations. The research work will broaden the idea and knowledge of the entire developing countries of the usefulness by examining impartial views about the methods and making generation based upon through view of all relevant issues thereby clearing point of doubts earlier conceived.

Besides, the researcher hopes that the answers obtained will add an insight to the problems of investment appraising of small scale business in the country and will also serve as a good stepping stone for subsequent researchers in this field of study.

SCOPE OF THE ESSAY
The focus of the essay will primarily be on the investment appraisal of small business in Nigeria and also in the course of study. There shall be an appraisal of some sources of investment fund of small business undertakings.

Furthermore, this piece of work will want to bare the methods of investment appraisal and in promoting small-scale enterprises in Nigeria.

LIMITATIONS OF THE ESSAY
The subject of investment appraisal of small business has not yet enjoy tremendous boost in this country. It is on this premises that we lack books for our literature review and what is more, the few ones we got are written by foreign authors whose tax system differs from that of our economy. Also the lack of time is one of the limitation factors.