Background of the Study
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are critical drivers of economic growth, employment, and innovation globally. However, SMEs often face challenges such as limited resources, inefficient processes, and restricted market access, which impede growth. Data analytics, the process of examining datasets to draw conclusions about the information they contain, has proven to be a transformative tool for overcoming these challenges and enhancing business growth.
In Katsina State, where SMEs form a significant part of the economic landscape, the adoption of data analytics is gaining attention as a means to improve decision-making, optimize operations, and uncover market opportunities. Studies such as those by Yusuf et al. (2023) and Abubakar (2024) highlight the potential of data analytics in driving growth, but adoption remains low due to barriers like cost, lack of expertise, and resistance to change. This study investigates how the adoption of data analytics influences business growth among SMEs in Katsina State.
Statement of the Problem
SMEs in Katsina State often struggle with challenges like poor resource utilization, inadequate market insights, and suboptimal decision-making, which hinder growth. While data analytics presents a viable solution, many SMEs have yet to embrace it fully due to financial and technical constraints.
Research by Ibrahim and Adeyemi (2024) indicates that businesses that adopt data analytics experience enhanced growth metrics, including increased revenue and market share. However, there is limited empirical evidence on how this applies to SMEs in Katsina State. This study aims to address this gap by examining the impact of data analytics adoption on business growth in this context.
Objectives of the Study
To evaluate the impact of data analytics adoption on business growth among SMEs in Katsina State.
To identify the challenges faced by SMEs in adopting data analytics.
To propose strategies for promoting the adoption of data analytics among SMEs.
Research Questions
How does data analytics adoption affect business growth among SMEs in Katsina State?
What challenges hinder SMEs in Katsina State from adopting data analytics?
What strategies can enhance the adoption of data analytics among SMEs?
Research Hypotheses
Data analytics adoption does not significantly impact business growth among SMEs in Katsina State.
Challenges significantly hinder the adoption of data analytics by SMEs in Katsina State.
Proposed strategies do not significantly enhance the adoption of data analytics among SMEs.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focuses on SMEs in Katsina State, examining the relationship between data analytics adoption and business growth. Limitations include variations in the levels of analytics adoption and challenges in accessing proprietary business data.
Definitions of Terms
Data Analytics: The systematic computational analysis of data to uncover patterns and insights.
Business Growth: The process of improving an enterprise’s success through increased revenue, market share, and profitability.
SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises): Businesses with a limited scale in terms of employees, revenue, or capital base.