Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Management

Advisor

Judith Forbes

Abstract

More than 30% of Nigeria’s youth population is unemployed, which has led to a high crime rate. The research management problem was the lack of consensus on the suitability and attainability of selected skill sets, abilities, and support systems required to prepare the youth for self-employment. The purpose of this qualitative classical Delphi study was to develop consensus among experts on the suitability and attainability of selected skill sets, abilities, and support systems required to prepare youth for self-employment. The research question asked what the required skill set, abilities, and support systems were to prepare youth for self-employment. The conceptual framework that guided this study was the entrepreneurial bricolage by Levi-Strauss. This study used a qualitative classical Delphi technique with a panel of 26 experts to achieve an informed consensus related to a problem. The data analysis involved a four-round iteration, which led to a consensus-based list of the top 10 ranked solution themes. The themes included necessary computing skills, self-motivation, peer support, communication skills, networking skills, technical and functional business skills, business management skills, problem-solving skills, initiative-taking, creativity, mentorship, and training to develop the skills. Implementing these 10 strategies identified by the expert panel might have positive social change implications, reducing youth unemployment in Nigeria. Future research should focus on abilities, required behaviors, requisite knowledge, skill set, and the required support system for self-employment of youth.

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