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 TABLES ix
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1
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: LITERATUREREVIEW 9
Introduction 9
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 education 15
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 One 33
Research Question Two 37
Research Question Three 42
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