ASSESSMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING CRAFT PRACTICE PRODUCTION UNITS IN TECHNICAL COLLEGES IN THE SOUTH – SOUTH ZONE OF NIGERIA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE
APPROVAL PAGE
CERTIFICATION
DEDICATION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES
ABSTRACT

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Significance of the Study
Research Questions
Hypotheses
Scope of the Study

CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Conceptual Framework
Assessment
Production Unit in the Technical College
Human Resource in Technical Colleges
Workshops facilities in Technical Colleges
Management of mechanical craft practice workshop
Sources of funds for production unit
Skill acquisition through relevant work experience
Theoretical Framework.
Assessment Models
Context, Input, Process and Product (CIPP)
Logic Model
Standard Timing Model
Classroom assessment theory
Formative assessment theory
Critical thinking assessment theory
Knowledge assessment theory
Related Empirical Studies
Summary of Literature Reviewed

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
Design of the Study
Area of the Study
Population for the study
Sample and Sampling Technique
Instrument for Data Collection
Validation of the Instrument
Reliability of the Instrument
Method of Data Collection
Method of Data Analysis

CHAPTER FOUR: PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA
Research Question 1
Research Question 2
Research Question 3
Research Question 4
Research Question 5
Research Question 6
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 3
Summary of the Results
Findings
Discussion

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Re-statement of the Problem
Summary of Procedures Used
Principal Findings
Conclusions
Implications of the Study
Recommendations
Suggestions for Further Research
REFERENCES

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the mechanical Engineering craft practice production units as means of enhancing skill acquisition in Technical Colleges in South-South Zone of Nigeria. To carry out the study six research questions and three null hypotheses were formulated. The design of the study was the descriptive survey. The study was conducted in the six States of South-South, namely, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers. The population for the study was 81 technical staff in the 15 Technical Colleges running production unit. A structured questionnaire containing sections (A-D) with a total of 61 items was used for collection of data. A checklist for availability and adequacy of facilities were developed and used. Also a rating scale on assessment of students’ skills was equally developed. The reliability test of the instrument for section B-D was done using Crombach Alpha statistical tool at 0.05 level of significance. An overall reliability coefficient of 0.86 was obtained. The administration of the instrument was done by the researcher with the help of five research assistants. Mean, Standard deviation and Analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that staff of mechanical engineering craft practice production unit possessed moderate skills; facilities available were fairly adequate; the administration manages the unit by planning, coordinating, directing and supervising the workforce for the attainment of set objectives; sales of finished product, imprest, PTA special development levies were the main sources of fund of the production unit and on quality of students’ products fairly good was the result of the finding. The implication of the study on the state Ministry of Education (MOE), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), College Administrators, Staff and Students as well as curriculum planners were highlighted. The finding of the study will enable the MOE and NBTE to identify the technical skills required and will act as a guide in the recruitment of staff for instruction and management. Some recommendations based on the findings and suggestion for further study were made.

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Every organization is made up of an aggregate of inputs, which are processed to produce output. The quality of input and processes involved accounts for the quality of output. The inputs in a Technical College as one of the educational organizations include teachers, students, finances, facilities and equipment, these are converted through teaching and learning for desirable outputs such as educated school leavers that are better equipped to serve themselves and the society (Gboyega, 2008). Achieving quality and productivity in every organization demands a careful selection of qualitative input factors. One of the most significant input factors in every organization is the personnel. For an organization to meet its set objectives, depends on the quality of its available human resources The human resource component of a managerial outfit is the most critical factor in the realization of the organization’s goals and objectives (Gboyega, 2008). The human resources are the personnel who work in an organization aimed at bringing about the expected results.

Skill acquisition as one of the expected result of an organization is the bedrock of any developing nation particularly now that unemployment is becoming a serious problem facing the nation (Dike, 2009). In technical institutions, the situation is made worst when graduates pass out of school with little or no employable skills. Skill acquisition involves the development of skills gained through practice, training or experience (Gumbari, 2009). The importance of skill acquisition cannot be over emphasized because its roles to national development are multi-dimensional but of particular mention are the following: elimination of hunger and poverty; reduction or elimination of joblessness and reduction of crime through effective engagement of youths (Gumbari, 2009). In Nigeria, skill acquisition is hoped to be achieved through technical education.


Technical education is an aspect of education that leads to acquisition of practical and applied skills as well as basic scientific knowledge (Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004). Technical education is the foundation of nations’ wealth and development. It is a type of education that is meant to produce semi-skilled, skilled and technical manpower necessary to restore, re-vitalize, energize, operate and sustain the national economy and substantially reduce unemployment (Ogundola, Abiodun and Oke, 2010). It is the form of education involving in addition to general education the study of technologies and related sciences and the acquisition of practical skills, attitudes, understanding and knowledge relating to occupations in various sectors of the economic and social life (FRN, 2004). This specialized education is offered in technical institutions, including Technical Colleges, saddled with the responsibility of training low and middle level manpower. Technical Colleges in Nigeria are established to produce craftsmen and master craftsmen (Federal Ministry of Education, 2003). The courses offered1 at the Technical Colleges lead to the award of National Technical Certificate (NTC) and Advanced National Technical Certificate (ANTC). The programmes of Technical Colleges, according to Federal Government of Nigeria (2004) are grouped into related trades. These include, construction trades, computer trades, electrical/electronics trade, textile trades, Business trades, printing trades and mechanical trades.

Mechanical trades is a general name used in describing trades that have direct bearing with metal, welding/forming or servicing/repairs of machines or machine related equipment and appliances. The trades in this group include agricultural implement and equipment, mechanic works, Auto body repair and spray painting, Auto electrical work, auto body mechanic works, Auto mechanic works, Auto building, Auto parts merchandising, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration mechanic works, welding and fabrication engineering craft practice, Foundry craft practice, Instruments mechanic works, Marine engineering craft and Mechanical engineering craft practice.

Mechanical Engineering craft practice is a trade that provides a post primary technical education and practical proficiency in fitting, turning and machining to the level of good craftsman. The subject matter of mechanical engineering craft practice is specifically designed to provide the skills and knowledge to fulfil the needs of the modern industry (WAEC, 2004). The scheme has been devised in two main stages, part I and part II. Provision was also made for supplementary courses of more specialized character for those who may wish to pursue their studies a stage further after obtaining their part II certificate. Throughout the course emphasis is on practical training and theoretical knowledge, with such general studies as are essential for a sound understanding of the craft practice. The mechanical craft practice workshop is made up of hand and machine tools of various types. Due to the low rate of industrialization in Nigeria, the aspiration of mechanical engineering craft practice students in South-South States is very high. They have very high hope of being employed by the industries or advanced in their academic pursuit. For the purpose of enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of Technical College education where craftsmen and master craftsmen are prepared, it is necessary to include training on real jobs within the school setting in production units (NTBE, 2006).

A production unit in the Technical College is an outfit for producing goods or providing services by utilizing all the available resources in the college (NBTE, 2006). Agu (2004) saw production unit as an industry in the Technical College where students produce goods under the watchful eyes of qualified instructors. The purpose of production unit is for production and sale of products for the school and for acquiring technical knowledge, practical skills and attitudes that will enable graduates function appropriately and effectively in a chosen occupation. The objectives for the establishment of production units in Technical Colleges are: for providing opportunities for students to acquire practical skills by working on the job, for passing out students of the units that are due to face real work in their area of discipline outside the school and for making money for the school through the sale of products of the units. Some products of the production unit are nuts and bolts, funnels, spanners, door jam lock, metal ruler and machine spare parts among other engineering components. The unit is also designed to produce simple agricultural and industrial tools and machinery as well as rehabilitation of broken down equipment. These products can be made in the production units by using both hand and machine tools of various sizes and shapes. The National Board for Technical Education in 2006 issued directive in an agreement form on the establishment of production unit to all Technical Colleges accredited by it (see Appendix F page 125 for agreement form). In order to achieve the objectives of providing opportunities to students to acquire practical skills, the quality of training in the workshop of production unit must be sound and well articulated and operated by efficient management.

The need for dynamic management as observed by Osifeso (2011) arises from the necessity of achieving the objective of skill acquisition in Technical Colleges. Management according to Weihrick and Koontz cited in Anaele and Ishaku (2008) is the process of designing and maintaining an environment in which individuals working in group efficiently accomplish, selected aims. Management involves the process of making decisions, planning, organizing, communicating, influencing, coordinating and evaluating of establishment (Osifeso, 2011). 

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Item Type: Ph.D Material  |  Attribute: 119 pages  |  Chapters: 1-5
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