To read this content please select one of the options below:

The Igbo Traditional Business School (I-TBS): A SWOT Review Synthesis

Indigenous African Enterprise

ISBN: 978-1-83909-034-9, eISBN: 978-1-83909-033-2

Publication date: 14 December 2020

Abstract

Over the years, there have been calls for the integration of the Igbo Traditional Business School (I-TBS) into the contemporary entrepreneurship space, especially in Africa, to scale up entrepreneurial activities. The I-TBS model has demonstrated prominence in influencing entrepreneurial culture, skills transfer, start-up support mechanisms, enterprise success and sustainability; however, its reliability and replicability are often questioned. Among a myriad of issues, lack of comprehensive documentation that isolates the merits as well as demerits, is a concern. An understanding of I-TBS’ validity, reliability, replicability and compatibility are others. As a result, it has been difficult to accord the model the needed recognition. This desktop review chapter, is an effort to contribute to the improvement of the model, synthesise its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats with specific reference to the Igba-Boi entrepreneurship scheme. The Atlas-ti v8 software was used in the synthesis. Based on the review, attributes such as togetherness and solidarity in business, free transfer of skills, upholding entrepreneurial culture which are passed from generation to generation and building family/social ties were key strengths of the model. The weaknesses come in the form of lack of regulations to monitor irregularities, inappropriate contractual method and the abuse of mentees. Openings for interested individual to access training, assurance for start-up capital and partnership/collaboration options were key opportunities. False accusations of mentees, breaching settlement agreement, unfair dismissal of mentee, and lack of solid ground for justice, are the major threats. It is expected that these findings will form the basis for further research and policy actions to improve the model.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements

This study is an aspect of a PhD research initiative of the author. My appreciation goes to Dr Beata M. Kilonzo and Dr Jethro Zuwarimwe for supervising the research. Thanks to the University of Venda RPC and NRF for supporting the research.

Citation

Iwara, I.O. (2020), "The Igbo Traditional Business School (I-TBS): A SWOT Review Synthesis", Adeola, O. (Ed.) Indigenous African Enterprise (Advanced Series in Management, Vol. 26), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 39-55. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1877-636120200000026004

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021 Emerald Publishing Limited