CAUSES OF THE REDUCTION IN THE ENROLMENT OF BUSINESS EDUCATION. A STUDY IN THE CAPE COAST METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT

This study examined the causes of the reduction in the enrolment of business education in Senior High Schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The descriptive survey research design was used in this study. In all, 127 business students from three schools formed the sample size for the study. The instruments used to collect data were questionnaires. The study revealed that parents’ expectations for their wards, their occupation, perceptions about business studies, educational level and income level are factors that influence students’ choice of business studies as a course of study. In addition, it was discovered that students’ perceptions about business as a course of study also influence the choice of business as a course of study. It was revealed that students perceive business studies as a course which is not too boring, it is not meant for mathematically inclined students, relates to daily life activities and is not difficult to pass, and the subject is not reserved only for males. Lastly, it was discovered that career choices factors such as; the

existence of wider choice of attractive careers in the world, poor labour conditions for business studies products, low job availability for business studies products and low earnings for business studies products are factors inhibiting students from pursuing business as a course of study. It is recommended that the various companies or organizations should provide better conditions of service.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

          Page

DECLARATION                                                                   ii

ABSTRACT                                                                              iii 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS                                                                  iv 

DEDICATION                                                                                 v 

LIST OF TABLESix

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION1  

Background to the Study                         1                                                  

Statement of the Problem  3 

Purposes of the Study                    5                                                            

Research Questions                               5                                                     

Significance of the Study                                   6                                        

Delimitation of the Study                                       6                                     

Limitations of the Study                                  7                                          

Organisation of the Study                                       7                  

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATUREREVIEW9

Introduction9

Conceptual Review   9

History of business education  9

Parental factors causing reduction in the enrolment of business 

education  10

Students perceptions about business as factors causing reduction in 

theenrolment of business education 12

Career choice factors causing reduction in the enrolment of business 

education   13               

Empirical Review 15

Parental factors causing reduction in the enrolment of business education15

Students perceptions about business as factors causing reduction in the

enrolment of business education 18

Career choice factors causing reduction in the enrolment of business 

education         20          

Chapter Summary                     23                                                                                             

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODS

Research Design                                25                                                          

Population                                   26                                                                

Sample and Sampling Technique                27                                              

Research Instruments                                     28                                             

Data Collection Procedure                      29                                                    

Data Analysis Procedure                              30                                                                  

CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION  

Introduction                                                             31                                     

Background Data of Respondents                             31                                   

Research Question One33

Research Question Two37

Research Question Three42      

CHAPTER FIVE:   SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS  

Overview of the Study 46

Summary         46                                                                                            

Key Findings         46                                                                                 

Conclusions                       48                                                                          

Recommendations  49                                                                                

Suggestions for Further Research       50                                           

REFERENCES                          51                                                                             

APPENDICES 61

A. Students’ Questionnaire 61                                                         

B. Introductory Letter