CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the study
In recent times, education stakeholders have expressed their
concern over the poor performance of students in business education at
the school certificate examination. Some blamed the school
administrators (principals) and the teachers while some blamed the
students themselves and theparents. Whoever is to be blamed, the fact
remains that, the school and its organizational management has
correlation with the academic performance of the students. Leith (2004).
The school principal who is the manager has a lot of roles to play in
the academic achievement of the students. Ruth et all (1979) Wekessa
(1997) Olagboye (2004) noted that to improve students’ performance,
principals or managers are required first to improve the management of
the schools.
This can be done if the principal set a clear vision for the
schools, exhibit instructional leadership, and also allow for team
spirit in the school. Lack of vision in the management of school often
lead to imbalance in the allocation of and use of resources. This is
why Ayot and Briggs (1992) noted that academic achievement of students
depends on effective leadership. The principal is the chief executive
of the school. He has some administrative tasks to perform such as
supervision of instructional programmes in the school, management of
school personnel, management of school finance, maintenance of student
welfare services and establishment of good community relations. His or
her failure to perform these tasks effectively and efficiently will
affect the tone of the school and achievement of academic
goals.(Nwankwo 1982 and Peretomode 1991). In the discharge of these
tasks, the manager is expected to plan, control, organize, coordinate
and direct human and non-human resources in the organization in order
to achieve the goals of the organization.(Adeleke 2001 and Onifade
2004) Nigeria education system is largely examination oriented. Hence
poor performance of students in examination is always attributed to the
school administration where the principal is at the helm of affairs.
The poor performance of students in business studies had been
largely attributed to poor management of the principals. It appears
that most principals fail to monitor, and disseminate current
information on educational issues and modern teaching techniques to
teachers in the schools. This has been a source of concern to the
government and education stakeholders. Observation shows that most
schools both in rural and urban are not well equipped of learning
materials, enough teachers, computers were not available which could
have prepared the students for electronic examination in future Even in
some urban schools where computers were available the epileptic supply
of electricity has limited their use. A consideration of the above
posed a challenge to the administrative effectiveness of the principal.
The inability of some principals to encourage team spirit, among
teachers, poor human relations with teachers and inconsistent classroom
visitations are all hindrance to effective learning and teaching. A
principal who properly exercises his or her leadership responsibility
will enable his or her school to realize good academic achievement.
This argues the fact that effective management of organization is a
prime contributory factor in achievement (Chitiavi, 2002). Teachers are
not exempted from the controversy on the poor performance of students
in secondary school examinations. The poor attitude of teachers to
teaching and lack of professional development contribute to poor
academic performance of students. A critical look at the students’
academic performances in business studies over the year show that much
work is expected to be performed by principals and teachers in order to
improve the level of academic performance in secondary schools in the
state. It is against this background that this study investigated the
role of principal’s organizational management on academic achievement
of students in secondary schools in Rivers States.
Statement of the general problem
Poor performance of students in business studies has persisted
despite the fact secondary schools are assumed to be having
well-qualified students from primary schools, trained and qualified
principals. The reasons for poor performance cannot be easily discerned
without focused investigation. This implies that much work is being
expected to be performed by teachers and principals in order to improve
the level of students’ academic performance in secondary schools. This
study therefore aimed at focusing on the role of principal who is at
the helm of affairs of the school on academic achievement of the
students in secondary school.
Aims and objectives of the study
The following are the aims and objectives for undertaking this study
- To know if principal management influences students’ performance in business studies in ObioakporLGA
- To know if educational reprocess influences students’ performance in business studies in ObioAkpor LGA
- To recommend ways of ensuring high students’ performance in business studies in ObioAkpor LGA.
Research Questions
The following research questions guided the study.
- What are the principals’ organization skills that influenced academic achievement of the student?
- Which academic activities do the principal need to participate to help improve academic performance of student?
- Does educational reprocess influence students’ performance in Business studies?
Research hypothesis
H0: principal management does not significantly influence students’ academic performance in business studies.
H1:principal management significantly influences students’ academic performance in business studies.
Significance of the study
This study would be useful to secondary school managements in
ensuring improved academic performance across the secondary schools in
the local government. This study would be useful to the state ministry
of education i9n ensuring the admission of quality teachers which
should enhance the academic performance of students in business
studies. This study would be useful to stakeholders in education.
Scope of the study
This study is on principal management and educational reprocess
and students’ performance in business studies in obio/akporlga of
rivers state.
Limitation of the study
Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to
impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant
materials, literature or information and in the process of data
collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
Time constraint- The researcher will
simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This
consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.
Definition of terms
- Business studies: the study of economics and management, especially as an educational topic.
- Reprocess: to treat or prepare (something) by a special method again
- Management: the process of dealing with or controlling things or people.
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