BOOK REVIEW:
TITLE: ENTREPRENEURSHIP FOR SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS
An Ordinary Level Text Book
Author: OLADUN MICHAEL MAKEYOH PhD
The author started from the very beginning by breaking down the terms, giving definitions of every reference made to the words in order to welcome the first time reader and to gradually launch the students and or the readers into depth of the subject matter of entrepreneurship.
The fact that this is the real time for the introduction of the book of this nature that will provide the needed knowledge and encouragement to the learner and the instructor cannot be underestimated.
The book is arranged in chapters and it contains six chapters which followed in chronological order to gradually take the reader through the contents and never to leave the reader the same again.
Chapter one offers various definitions from proven authors and other experts on the subject of entrepreneurship from which author quoted extensively.
The subject was not treated in isolation but connected economic development which is one of the benefits identified by the various experts oas one of the major benefits of entrepreneurship in any society and or community.
He went on to identify 13 solid qualities and entrepreneur must possess to make a success of any venture.
These include:
Creativity
Commitment and Determination to purpose
Desire for Responsibility
Self-Confidence
Honesty
Integrity
High Level of Energy
Motivation
Flexibility- readiness to adapt to change
Interesting People
Opportunity Driven
Tolerance for Risk
Readiness for Uncertainties and Ambiguity
Orientation to the future
Willingness to learn from failure i.e. Never to be discouraged
The author also listed and explained what the functions of Entrepreneurs should be after which he explained further the things expected of the person aspiring to become one.
One thing about this textbook which makes it different from any other is the practical orientation given to each of the chapters. The book contains six chapters on theory and six sections on the practical orientation which offers the needed approach to accomplish a task as an entrepreneur.
The author also provided a project for each of the chapters immediately after the practical workbook sections to enable the learner put to work what has been learnt in order to boost the understanding of the details offered in each chapter of the book
The depth of the explanations and teachings given on each subject and the language which was devoid of idle vocabulary add more to the strength of the quality and the benefits available in the textbook for the learners.
The book presentation deserves commendations though there are still rooms for improvements particularly in the subsequent editions and printing of the text book.
The cover design is quite fascinating and more importantly the title of the book, which makes more inviting for any engaging mind on the subject of entrepreneurship these days.
The 158 pages were well laid out to make for an easy reading for the learners and even the instructors as the case may be.
Each of the chapters also has enough graphic illustration of what was being communicated to the learners and to a large extent, this is bound to engage the attention span of most students in the senior secondary school who are indeed, the immediate focus of the textbook.
More, however, has to be done in this regard given the attention span of most learners at the level of senior secondary schools particularly in our learning environment. The practical workbook sections are commendable going by the quality of information provided but this should have been complemented by local contents in the graphical presentations to drive home the points effectively.
The projects given at the end of each workbook section are a good example of the local contents to enhance the understanding and practical approach of the learners.
Meanwhile, in this digital age generation, the author needs to consider introducing coloured graphical illustrations and particularly relating with popular brands with successful entrepreneurs who have practically lived the reality of the teachings as contained in the textbook, in order to drive home, the point and thereby eliminating ambiguities.
All the graphics for illustrations in the book came out black and white. Even the photo of the author as it appeared in his profile could have been better presented in colours, just as many illustrations in the textbook.
