A RESEARCH PROPOSAL A Research Proposal Presented to the Institute of Postgraduate Studies, University Of Malay in partial fulfillment for the

Requirements for Admission into the Master Of Philosophy (M. Phil) Degree. By AMFOH FRANK KWEKU

A. FIELD OF RESEARCH: Education

B. TOPIC OF RESEARCH: Factors that militate against effective teaching and learning of Business Management in Senior Secondary Schools: A Case study of some selected senior secondary schools in the Sekondi Takoradi Municipality of Ghana, West Africa.

C. BACKGROUND / BRIEF LITERATURE REVIEW:

The initial attempt at providing formal education in Ghana, the then Gold Coast, was at the Elmina Castle. The initiative came in 1929 when King John III of Portugal instructed the Governor at the Elmina Castle to teach the African Children how to read and write. The Subjects taught were reading, writing, arithmetic and scriptures. Primarily, these schools were set up to provide personnel that would cater for commercial interest of the trading nations in West Africa of

which Ghana was a vivid example. It is therefore, a doubtless fact to say that Business Management is one of the oldest subjects as far as formal education is concerned. This is because the main occupation of the European merchants who came to the Gold Coast was to buy and sell and for every business to be successful there is the need for effective management. In the modern world, business is the main means of managing resources to satisfy human needs and wants.

The health of an economy and the standard of living of its people depend on efficient and purposeful management of resources which make possible the production of goods and services. Ghana as a developing country has experienced a severe economic fluctuation mainly due to mismanagement of resources. The introduction of modern management principles to the youth would help popularize a business culture that promotes economic development. Mindful of the fact that the economic development of a nation depends on the effective management of resources and entrepreneurial skill development. This underscores the rationale behind the launching of the present educational reforms in 1987 by the Provisional National Defense Council. (PNDC) Government under Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings. This culminated in the introductory Course in Business Management in the Senior Secondary School Curriculum. The importance of Business Education in the economic development of the country cannot be under estimated. The reason being that Business Education trains manpower for the tertiary sector which renders indispensable services to the community and the nation as a whole. The introduction to Business Management Course is intended to address pertinent issues such as: a. The need for entrepreneurial skill development, b. Managerial incompetence and lack of modern management culture, c. Poor concept of time and time management in everyday life and business,
d. Conflict between Natural practices in modern Business Principles,

e. Low productivity in industry, commerce and public services, f. Need for social responsibility on the part of business and, g. Poor human relations in Business.

Chapter two of the research would take a look at the review of related literature on the topic. A host of authors and researchers on the discipline have come out with countless problems as far as the teaching and learning of business management is concerned. This chapter would focus on the theories and findings of numerous writers and researchers in the field of business management and their suggestions. Effort would also be made to delve into the definition of teaching and learning of business management, history of business education in the country, problems encountered in the teaching and learning of business management among others.

D. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study is to examine the factors that militate against effective teaching and learning of business management in senior secondary schools in some selected senior secondary schools in the Sekondi-Takoradi Municipality of Ghana in West Africa and to come out with suggestions that will help to ameliorate the situation.

It is also meant to alert teachers on the right methodology to adopt in imparting the knowledge to students. It also aims at stimulating students interest in business management as a career possibility so that they put in maximum effort in the learning of the subject.

The study is also designed to inculcate in students the business-like attitudes, work habits and appreciation of efficiency in the use of resources. It is also meant to highlight through recommendations a way which can lead students, teachers, curriculum planners, examiners and administrators towards the teaching and planning of business management. The study is also intended to find answers to a number of research questions. In a nutshell, the findings of the study will give an insight into the teaching on business management in secondary schools. It will equip them with better business acumen. Moreover, due to financial constraints, those who are not able to further their education to the higher level can utilize the basic business skills to establish small -scale business. The outcome will help in diverse ways including teaching of the subject and planning of the curriculum. It will also be of immense help to the community and the nation as a whole.

E. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY:

Chapter three (3) of the research would describe the type of study and design used to gather information. In this regard, sample survey, interviews, questionnaires, evaluation, and analysis and among others would be employed in this study. That is, it will consider the population of the study from which the sample size was taken, sampling techniques used, methods used in data collection, research instruments and their administration, limitations etc.

F. WORK SCHEDULE: To the best of my knowledge, I am of strong conviction that this study will not go beyond a period of four (4) months. All other things being equal.

G. EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR THE RESEARCH: For now, I dont have much to say here but I will try as much as possible to explicitly state all the equipment that will facilitate the efficient, effective and successful undertaking of this research.

H. DETAILS OF THE ESTIMATED COST: Among other things, nothing can be successfully implemented or carried out in todays world without money. However, I believe the little money I will need for the success of this research will not be beyond my financial capacity.

I.

BRIEF BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Abdullah B.M (1986)

Statement of the State of the Education System, Accra.

Acland, R. (1996)

we teach the wrong. London. Golland Ltd.

Bull et al (1999)

Classroom Management: Principles & Practice.

Cole, G.A. (1996)

Management Theory and Practice. Ashford Colour Press, Gasport G.B. 5th ed.

Derville, L. (1990)

the use of Psychology in teaching. Longman Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

Donnelly et al (1987)

Fundamentals of Management, Homewood Illinois 60430. 6th ed.

Durklin, D. (1970)

Teaching them to read. Allynn & Bacon Inc. University of Illinois, Boston.

Farrad, J.S (1994)

Principles & Practice of Education. Hong Kong: Shiek Wan Tong Printing Press Ltd.

Fayol. H. (1916)

Industrial & General Administration. J.A Coubrough Trans. ( General International Management Institute, 1930).

Gilbreth, M.L (1914)

the Psychology of Management. New York. Sturgis & Walton.

Tamakloe et al (1996)

Principles and Methods of Teaching. Accra, Black Musk.