SURVIVAL STRATEGY AND THE PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN POST CORONA-VIRUS PANDEMIC ERA IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLITAN COUNCIL OF BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Corona-virus also known as COVID-19 pandemic have caused a lot of restriction and have continue to affect the global economy which Nigeria is not an exception. Consequently, it has made so many businesses to under-perform and now struggle for survival. The purpose this study was to examine the survival strategies of small and medium enterprises(SMEs) in the post COVID-19 pandemic era. The study adopted survey research design. A total of 1125 SMEs operators made up of the study, and a sample size of 315 was arrived at through purposive sampling method. Data was generated through structured questionnaire administered to the respondents. Questionnaires were successfully retrieved and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study revealed that entrepreneurial learning and innovativeness were positively and significantly related to performance of SMEs whereas work design and external support were positive and not significantly related to performance of SMEs. It was therefore recommended that SMEs that are desirous of surviving in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era should be highly innovative. They should also embrace the use of modern technology through entrepreneurial learning to improve on their businesses. Government should pay adequate attention to the provision of necessary infrastructure that will encourage and enhance direct foreign investment.