CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The first POS systems originated in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with Gene Mosher’s ViewTouch touch-screen gui and Martin Goodwin and Bob Henry’s first Windows-based POS system (IT Retail).Today’s POS systems empower merchants to choose between conventional counter-top systems and interactive configurations, in which they control all aspects of their POS operations through an online portal. They can also use a smart-phone link to access their POS systems when on the move.In a grocery store, a point of sale (POS) is a device that allows you to sell actual products. The checkout, order processing, and bill payment all take place at the POS in a supermarket.The overall hardware and software device used for billing in a POS Store is known as a POS System. It typically consists of the following hardware units for showing the order number, product weight, and other details, as well as other hardware units for scanning product bar-codes, a receipt printer, and a cash register.Card readers have now been an essential feature of today’s POS systems.

All is now in the “internet.” This also prompted retailers to improve their point-of-sale systems. Due to too many shoppers reaching for their phones to pay for products and use retail membership discounts and coupons, it’s no longer enough for POS programs to merely encourage cash, credit, debit, or gift card transactions any more.Today’s POS applications are supposed to do far more than just process transactions. This is why businesses like Clover created highly effective and technically advanced point-of-sale systems capable of monitoring employee behaviour and inventory, distributing invoices, supplying real-time reports, running even when the internet is down, providing retailers with easy-to-use applications. that make running an organization easier.

1. 1. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

There seems to be agreement on the definitions and use of the term “unemployment” Unemployment, according to Udu and Agu (2005), is “a state in which people who are competent and willing to work are unable to find appropriate paying work.” unemployment may also happen when individuals take positions that are incompatible with or inferior to their education credentials or fields of expertise. For instance, a first or second degree holder that enrol as a recruit into any of the armed forces of paramilitary or a degree holder working as a clerk in an office is greatly underutilized and as such could be termed as unemployed even when such person is on a job.The consequences of Nigeria’s high unemployment rate cannot be overstated. Though there is no accurate estimate of the unemployment rate, the reality of its magnitude is undeniable out of place.It was found out that corruption, lack of good governance, insufficient infrastructural services, lack of human capital growth, ineffective educational system, neglect of agriculture, the impact of globalisation process, among other factors were responsible for the high rate of unemployment in Nigeria.In Nigeria, running a POS company is a legal way to earn money. It’s more lucrative in areas where there are no deposits and ATMs aren’t enough to meet the community’s financial needs. It’s also known as agent banking, because it’s an expansion to financial institutions’ facilities that allows for quick service provision to a wide variety of clients.Funds transfer and withdrawal, airtime sales, bill payments for GOTV, DSTV, Startimes, PHCN, and other utility bills are all services offered by POS (Point of Sale) businesses. It is found in a variety of locations where products and services are sold or made, such as department stores, malls, gas stations, hospitals, and restaurants. By facilitating financial transfers in a variety of locations, this POS business has reduced unemployment and given individuals and business owners additional means of income.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

1. To assess the impact of POS business on unemployment.
2.  To know if POS is being used by small business in Nigeria
3. To learn if POS business decreased unemployment in Nigeria.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

I. Does POS business affect employment in Nigeria?

II. Do small businesses in Nigeria use POS ?

III. Have POS business decreased unemployment?

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of this research work is to prove beneficial for other academics, intellectuals, and students that might want to organize similar research.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This research work concentrate on the role of POS business on unemployment in Nigeria, The study was carried out in Lokoja, Kogi state.

1.7 LIMITATION OF STUDY

The researcher experienced major challenges when conducting the study including lack of material and time limitations.

1.8 DEFINATION OT TERMS

POS: A point-of-sale terminal (POS)is a piece of hardware that allows you to accept credit cards at a shopping store. The hardware includes software that reads magnetic strips from credit and debit cards.

UNEMPLOYMENT: Unemployment refers to people who are employable and actively looking for work but are unable to find one. Many in the workforce that are employed but are not in the right position are included in this category.

BUSINESS: A business is characterized as an association or enterprising individual engaged in economic, manufacturing, or technical activities. Businesses may be for-profit corporations or non-profit organisations that work to further a charitable project or a social cause.