CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Education, especially in the fields of Science and Technical education, plays a crucial role in producing scientists, technologists, technicians, craftsmen, and skilled artisans. These individuals are essential for driving the nation's economy and achieving scientific and technological advancements. The acquisition of appropriate skills in science and technology is vital to meet the evolving needs of the modern workplace and the growing non-formal sector. Adequate education and training systems that respond to these demands can contribute to overcoming unemployment and the marginalization of a significant portion of the population.
Among the key players in advancing Nigeria's scientific and technological goals are science teachers, including Business Studies teachers. These educators are expected to deliver effective teaching to students to fulfill desired objectives. Business Studies is recognized as a critical subject in the technological development of any nation, serving as a prerequisite for many arts-oriented courses in tertiary institutions. Effective teaching of Business Studies is crucial for achieving the goals set within the Nigerian education system.
Business Studies teaching should be result-oriented and student-centered, requiring willingness from students and favorability from teachers. Enthusiasm for business, the ability to inspire students, creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective time management are essential for success as a Business Studies teacher. Students, naturally curious, need to actively engage in the learning process, constructing their own awareness and meaning in subjects like Business Studies.
Despite the importance of Business Studies in the educational system and efforts to enhance performance, students' achievements in Business Studies and sciences, in general, remain low. Various reasons, such as inadequate laboratories, teachers' attitudes, examination malpractice, time constraints for practical activities, syllabus non-coverage, large class sizes, lack of professionalism, and environmental factors, contribute to this challenge.
1.2 Statement of Problems
In recent years, there has been a concerning trend of low performance among Business Studies teachers in secondary schools, with factors such as inadequate facilities contributing to this issue. The lack of necessary teaching facilities poses a significant challenge to both teachers and students, hindering effective teaching and learning. The deteriorating performance of teachers in rural areas, and the overall challenges faced by both public and private schools, especially in terms of school ownership, co-educational policies, and facility availability, are areas of concern.
The study aims to investigate how environmental factors, including school ownership, single-sex or co-educational policies, school location, and the availability of facilities, influence the performance of Business Studies teachers in Akwa Ibom State. Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving the overall quality of education and achieving better outcomes in Business Studies teaching.
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1.3 Objectives of the Study
Specific objectives of the study are:
- To identify and examine the environmental factors that have the most significant impact on the job performance of business studies teachers.
- To assess the relative importance of these environmental factors in predicting job performance.
- To develop recommendations for policymakers and school leaders on how to create more supportive and effective learning environments for business studies teachers.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- What environmental factors have the most significant impact on the job performance of business studies teachers?
- How do these environmental factors compare in terms of their relative importance in predicting job performance?
- What recommendations can be made to policymakers and school leaders on how to create more supportive and effective learning environments for business studies teachers?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
- Ho: There is no statistical significant relationship between classroom management and business studies students’ academic prformance.
- Hi: There is a statistical significant relationship between classroom management and business studies students’ academic performance.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the education sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organisations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to sampled to business studies students of the University of Uyo. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Environment: The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. In the context of the study, it may include the physical, social, and organizational aspects of the workplace.
Environmental Factors: Elements in the surroundings or working conditions that can influence or affect the performance, well-being, or behavior of individuals.
Job Performance: The effectiveness and efficiency with which an employee carries out their assigned tasks and responsibilities within a given job or role.
Business Studies Teacher: An educator specializing in teaching business-related subjects, providing instruction on topics such as commerce, accounting, economics, and entrepreneurship.
Secondary Schools: Educational institutions that provide education to students in the age group typically known as secondary or high school, covering grades beyond primary education.
Impact: The effect or influence that environmental factors have on the performance, effectiveness, and efficiency of business studies teachers in carrying out their job responsibilities.
