ACCOUNTING PROBLEMS IN THE SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZE INDUSTRIES (A CASE STUDY OF MR. BIGG’S & UNCLE JOE’S BREAD INDUSTRIES)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

A basic reality of modern economic life is the inter dependence of the business. No modern business is an outlay in itself. There is no doubt whatsoever that the small scale and medium companies constitute the real fabric of a nation’s economy. And to say that the present and future economic advancement of this our great country Nigeria lies in the dynamism and growth of small-to-medium scale enterprises (SME) is not an overstatement.

This opinion was upheld during the economic conference in Lagos in 1989 at the instance of three bodies namely – the Nigerian institute of social and economic research (NISER). The National Association of small-scale industries (NASSI) and the Friedrich Albert foundation. In other words, SMEs constitute a vital engine to economic growth and development.

However, the environment in which this sector operates in Nigeria is both challenging and rewarding. It is challenging because it is fraught with the changers of risks arising from having, in the first place to invest money in a business and the problems of managing it in the country’s recessed economy.

Moreover, there is the challenge of government regulatory activities which may effect the performance of SMEs adversely.

Nevertheless, there is smiling countenance of success, should the SMEs be given dynamic leadership and properly managed in the present economically recessive climate in the country, and with the aid of the various packages of incentives given by governments (Federal, State and Local) to this group of business.

Past records of different countries that are regarded to be developed revealed that industrial revolution had been the main cause for their economic survival. The financial capacity the said developed countries has, come mainly from the acquisition industrial and technological power. Small and medium scale industries undisputedly constitute the bed-rock for any meaningful industrial development and for the acquisition of this trial and technological power.

In recent years, development economists and policy makers have become increasingly troubled by two problem found commonly in less developed and develop countries. There are slow growth in industrial development and lag in rural development, it is often suggested that small-scale and medium scale enterprises (SME) would help promote rural development as well as general urban employment. It is however remarkable to note that inspite of this high hope, little success has been achieved in Nigeria. The Indian, Japanese, South, Korean, Brazil and the Mexican Nations present veritable examples, where marginal successes in socio-economic development have been achieved utilizing small scale industrial activities. Not must can be said about the Nigeria economy and small scale industrial activities.

In Nigeria, the focus on the development of small scale industrial sub-sector dates back to the second National Development Plan (1970-1975) during which the small scale industries (SSI’s) credit scheme was initiated. This was a result of the recognition of government support for the sector in terms of funding. This credit scheme was initiated in the then 12 states of the federation with initial input from the federal ministry of industry matched with a grant from the state government in their annual budgetary provisions.

Without exception all big industrial organizations be the multinational or indigenous started in a small way. In Enugu State, small and medium scale business set-ups abound, but most of them are buying and selling products, considering the economic situation in Nigeria, the owners of business in the state, presently need to make a change other than buying and selling.

The economy of Nigeria in the past decades has undergone various states from oil boom era of 70’s to the wasteful spending time of the early 80’s and the present economic downturn resulting from the constriction in the nation’s foreign exchange earnings due to the oil glut which resulted to the introduction of Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP).

There is no doubt that the survival of entrepreneur in the present Nigerian economy depend solely on his initiative drive including quick adaptation to the environment. The question of age of buy, buy, buy, sell, sell, sell is now a thing of history in this country (Nigeria). Therefore, a sole proprietor must appreciate this fact and advance to study the economy and develop interest in any manufacturing or agricultural sector no matter how small or medium for the present and future survival of Nigeria.

However, Nigerians have generally been noticed for a high rate of business tendencies exiting among them. An average Nigerian chooses to be self employed that is to say-would prefer establishing a business of his own than being and employee. This statement is evidenced by having the biggest market in West African sub-region located at Onitsha Anambra State, Nigeria. Not withstanding the geometrical expansion of small and medium scale enterprises in the country, available records showed a drastic business failure. This  problem of business failure is a global experience. Other prominent factors attributable to the high rate of business failures as it affect SMEs is in proper and insufficient record keeping as upheld by series of research findings in Enugu State, nearly every small and medium scale businesses never dreamt of keeping or maintaining requisite documents. On establishment of SMEs, there is early boom because of owners initial enthusiasm and after shot period there will be a lay and subsequent wind-up. On the adverse, any survived SMES may not yield a fruitful result for easy comparison with the bigger ones. In developed countries where small and medium scale enterprises maintain accurate record management there is speedily growth of businesses within a minimal shape of time.

In order to sustain the growth and survival of the small scale industrial deemed it necessary to establish institutions that would provide the back-up extension services, hence the establishment of industrial development centres (IDCS). They were established to give direct grass-root support services including counseling on project identification and selection machinery, souring, conducting market studies and preparation of feasibility studies.

Again the central role which government ascribed to small industrial activities in its strategy for economic restructuring and growth informed its decision to utilize United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) technical assistance to supplement key component of the programme during 4th century programme 1992-1996. UNDP support was targeted at the five component areas considered essential for an enterprise to perform effectively. It assisted in improving the regulatory framework for policy, planning and institutional development to ensure that the new private sector led growth strategy with the active participation of small scale/industrialists is properly articulated and implemented.

Nevertheless, various schemes and policies have been established by government and financial institutions as an aid to SMEs.

In 1985, the Nigeria stock exchange recognized the complementary role of small scale business though the establishment of second –tier market where this category of business could obtain loans up to N5 million for expansion, modernization and development of projects. The world bank gives some support by way of grants to the federal government for the development and rehabilitation of SMEs. In February 1990, the European Investment Bank and the Nigeria Government reached and advance stage towards, the leasing of N445m to finance medium and small scale business in Nigeria.

In 1990, the credit policy guidelines of the CBN directed Commercial Bank and Merchant Bank to increase their total credit outstanding to small scale enterprises from 16% to 20% others are the Nigeria industrial development bank, Nigeria Association for small scale industries the Nigeria Bank for commerce and industry, the African Development Bank, National Directorate of Employment and National Economic Reconstruction fund, all these influence the status of SMEs in the country.

Records are required in a business for the following reasons.They serves as evidence of policies and activities of the business.

They show dearly the decisions reached by the management, actions carried out in the course of business and the result of these actions. These policies can be tendered as exhibit(s) during court process as a legal backings and to the regulatory authorities such as Tax Board Inland Revenue to show that regulations are strictly adhered to on the part of the entrepreneurs, these records help them in the assessment of stewardship and control practiced by heir managers in the management of the property under their care.

Secondary, it provides information useful for daily management of the affairs of the business in general. Their contribution towards the day-to-day management of the organization leads to quick settlement of cost management.

Even today, the economics policy blue print (EPB)released by the present administration to guide economic re-invention and engineering for the of 1999-2003 apportions high priority to small and medium scale enterprise and the informal sector as key instruments for achieving the targeted goals enumerated in the policy. There is little doubt that it has been fully realized and acknowledged that an energized and fully functional SMEs sub-sector has the potential of transforming the industrial base of the country as well as the propellant for the much needed economics rejuvenation.

Hence this project titled “Accounting problems of small and medium enterprises in Enugu State. A case study of uncle Joe’s Bakery and Mr. Bigg’s is to demonstrate the importance of financial record keeping and good management of SMEs to ensure that every bit of Naira and kobo of the industry is used judiciously so that the aim and objectives of the business is achieved (i.e. maximizing profits and minimizing loss).

1.2       STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

It is now a common knowledge that the Nigerian economy. Presently and in the past years experienced drastic failure or set back as regards small and medium scale enterprises. There is no authentic or systematic information concerning the organization where as the business owners or managers could embark on meaningful/decisions. On this, regards opinions or decisions could not be taken based on the present facts and figures on the business financial stand. This position could result to non growth of business and fall in the capital structure of the organization

This problem and others not mentioned here confronting the small and medium scale enterprises has attracted numerous sympathy. It is also on record that the number of survivors from this problem seen not to have gloomy days a head. Very many people have apportioned the blame on improper or insufficient accounting record keeping or maintenance in conjution with managerial  problems. The aforementioned facts are not the only known factors which may hinder the progress of any business. Accounting to management other variables include finance, state of economy, effective communication between managers and other employees experience and devotion to duty and of course, satisfactory accounting system.

For the purposes of this study, it is assumed that all the variables above listed exist in consonance with business. 

1.3       OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The study oblige that we search deeply into accounting record keeping system of small and medium scale enterprises (SME’s) in Enugu State Mr. Bigg’s and Uncle Joe’s Bakery, to find out the method of keeping records problems associated in doing so, and whether the system is enough for the business. Furthermore, the study will determine the study will determine the scope of which poor management has brought a set back to the progress and expansion of the organization. The study will also emphasize reason why SMEs should keep sufficient records and want to be involved greatly in the country’s industrial change. The study also will intend to marshal out a simple but effective system of accounting for both small and medium scale industries. Based on the result gotten from the study appropriate recommendations will be made regarding proper books of accounts necessary to be kept by SMEs for the purpose of profit maximization, management adequacy including high growth.

1.4   RESEARCH    HYPOTHESIS

Ho1. Failure of small and medium scale industries is not due to improper and inadequate accounting kept by the business.

Ha1. Failure of small and medium scale industries is due to improper and inadequate accounting kept by the business.

H02: Lack of managerial planning, forecasting and control does not contribute immensely to SMEs failure or downfall.

Ha2: Lack of managerial planning, forecasting and control contributes immensely to SMEs failure or downfall.

1.5       SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study would benefit both businessmen and farmer because it will enable them to know the possible causes of poor industrial development and reasons for infact mortality of small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

This study will further did aid business owners and managers of SMEs by way of training their mind on the importance of benefit of keeping good accounting records.

People who intends to invest their wealth in small scale or medium scale business should know the likelihood of harm that will befall them for not keeping a proper and sufficient books and therefore should on their utmost interest guard against them.

However, students of business studies in addition would find this study very helpful as it attempts to cover all aspects of business set-up.

Finally, it is considered that this study would be of importance to the planning authorities as it will avail them all the relevant information required in the formation of economic policies.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study covers accounting problems in the small and medium size industries. The study will therefore be carried out in Mr. Bigg’s & Uncle Joe’s Bread Industries, Enugu State.

1.7  DEFINITION OF TERMS

The following terms has been used in the study accounting: Accounting may be defined as a process by which data relating to the economic activities of an organization are recorded, measured and communicated to interest parties for analysis and interpretation.

From the definition are discovered that accounting is made up of three major branches financial accounting. Cost accounting and management accounting.

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING: This can said to be the process of classifying and recording the actual transactions of an entity in monetary terms in accordance with established concept, principles, accounting standard and legal requirements and represent as accurate a view as possible of the effect transactions over the period and at the year end.

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING: Accounting to size (1976) writing on. An insight into management. Accounting; defined management accounting as the application of accounting knowledge to the purpose of producing and interpreting accounting and statistical information to assist management in its function of promoting maximum efficiency, formulating and guaranteeing future plans and subsequent measurement of their execution. It is therefore concerned with the internal management and operation of an entity.

COST ACCOUNTING: This is said to be that part of management accounting which establishment budgets and standard costs and actual cost of operation, process department or product and the analysis of variances, profitability or social use of funds”.

COST: Nweze (2000) writing on “Quantitative approach to management accounting” defined cost as a measurement in monetary terms of the amount of resources useful for some purposes”.

There has been no consensus among researcher nor practitioners n what constitutes a small scale and medium efforts in this aspect have not been able to come with an acceptable definition of what constitutes a small and medium scale enterprise. Some researchers refer SME’s as one with low employees, rather low scales volume, small capital. The owner is usually involved in the management as well as the operations of the business and may not have much training or expedience in accounting procedures, taxation, finance, business management, and business systems procedures and practices.

In Nigeria, the official definition of SMEs is somewhat flexible and broad. The Nigerian Bank for Commer and Industry (NBCI) defines small scale business enterprise as firms or companies with assets (including working capital but excluding land) not exceeding N750,000 and paid employment up to 50 person. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in its monetary policy circular No. 2 (1980) defined small scale business as an enterprise whose annual turnover ranges between, N25,000. The federal ministry of industries defined small scale  business for the   third National Development plan period (1975 – 1980) as a business with capita investment of N150,000 in plant and machinery with no lower limit and with not than 50 paid employees.

The National Directorate of employment (NDE) defined small scale business to accommodate project with capital investment as low as N5000 and employing as few as three persons.

The structural adjustment programme (SAP) has readjusted the maximum capital investment level of small scale business from N150,000 to N500,000. This definition or the maximum level of capital investment acts as the guiding principles to lenders entrepreneurs and government in the classification of business into large medium or small scale enterprise.

For the purpose of this study, small and medium scale enterprises refers to a business that is financed controlled and managed by its owners in a personal capacity void of family management’s structure or encumbrance.

The National Economic Reconstruction Fund (NERFUND) defined small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs  with a criterion that projects to be financed by the firm should have a total fixed assets cost (excluding land) of not more that N10 million.

According to section 357 sub section 1 of the companies and Allied Matters Decree (1991) (CAND) a company qualifies as a small company in a year if for that year the following conditions are satisfied.

-   It is a private company having a share capital.

-  The amount of its turn over for that year is not more than N2m or such amount as may be fixed commissions.

- None of its members is a member of government corporation or agency or its nominee and

-   The directors between, the hold not less than 51% of its equity share capital