CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Business education is currently making waves in the
Nigerian education system most especially in the secondary and tertiary
institution. This is because business education is recognized by the state and
federal government in all levels of education in Nigeria (National Policy on
Education, 2004). Business education takes its bearing right from the outside
world to the classroom, starting with the idea of apprentice seeking to learn a
skill from his/her master; this was what the early stage business education was
known for. The story is now different as business education skills are now
available in books with tutors passing the ideas to students; thus, bringing
business education to the formal setting (Popham, 1975).
For business education to strive it must be such
that theory is matched with practical.
Just like other professional courses like medicine,
engineering, etc. business education gained popularity as a professional course
during the post World War II, as there was a boost in trade and investment
during this period (Geiger, 2004). Through this, business education became a
great contributor to the wealth of the country, even as it aid to promote human
resources in the country. Business education includes business administration,
book keeping, business teaching, marketing, etc; with the sole aim of making
entrepreneurs, managers and employees who know the rudiments of maintaining
good internal and external relationship in a working environment (Erickson,
2002). This is what is required in the market as individuals are much
interested in those who have the skills to meet their demands, not just any
kind of skills but professional skills.
Business education has grown pass the classroom work
to what is required in the outside work with some professional skills like
expertise gotten through training and self concept (Arthur, 1995; Freidson,
1985, 1994; Haywood-Farmer & Stuart, 1990).
There is a wake-up call to resuscitate business
education in Nigeria by making it professional, as this will help revive the
economy; though as it stands, business education is not treated as a
professional course like medicine, engineering and the likes. That is why this
study is meant to examine the impediments and solutions to the professionalism
of business education.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Business education in Nigeria most times is usually
relegated to the background because some people feel there is no point going to
school to study it. Some have the notion that it is a waste of time and money
to study business education and so they look down on the discipline being
referred to as a professional course.
In addition, Nigerians have this notion of some
popular courses being referred to as professional courses and so they
discourage their wards from studying business education. Similarly, white
collar job syndrome is another problem, as Nigerian youths are not ready to do
strenuous jobs; they rather want the kind of job where they wear suits to the
office.
Conclusively, some people have the wrong notion
about professionalism in business education and this has slowed the pace of its
professionalism success in the society.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The major objective of this study is to examine
professionalism in business education: impediments and solutions.
Other specific objectives include:
a) To determine the relationship between
professionalism in business education and resuscitating the economy.
b) To determine possible ways the tertiary
institutions can make business education strive as a professional course.
c) To examine if professionalism in business
education can prepare graduates for the labour market.
d) To examine if professionalism in business
education can reduce unemployment in Nigeria.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The following research questions are generated to
guide this study:
a) Is there a relationship between
professionalism in business education and resuscitating the economy?
b) What are the possible ways the tertiary
institutions can make business education strive as a professional course?
c) How can professionalism in business education
prepare graduates for the labour market?
d) Can professionalism in business education
reduce unemployment in Nigeria?
1.5 RESEARCH OF HYPOTHESIS
H0: There is no relationship between
professionalism in business education and resuscitating the economy.
H1: There is a relationship between
professionalism in business education and resuscitating the economy.
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study is meant to inform and educate the
general public, school administrators and the government on the importance of
professionalism in business education.
It is meant to encourage the administrators of
secondary and tertiary institutions to do the needful in making business
education a professional course.
Also, the government has a part to play in ensuring
that professionalism in business education is upheld.
This study will be of immense benefit to other
researchers who intend to know more on this topic and can also be used by
non-researchers to build more on their work. This study contributes to knowledge
and could serve as a guide for other work or study.
1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY/LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
This study is restricted to professionalism in
business education: impediments and solutions.
Limitations of study
1. 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).
2. 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.
1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS
PROFESSIONAL: Is someone who does a job that
requires special training, education, or skill.
PROFESSIONALISM: Is the skill, good judgment, and
polite behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job
well.
BUSINESS EDUCATION: Involves teaching students the
fundamentals, theories, and processes of business. Education in this field occurs
at several levels, including secondary education and higher education or
university education. Approximately 38% of students enroll in one or more
business courses during their high school tenure.
IMPEDIMENT: This is a hindrance or obstruction in
doing something.
SOLUTION: Is a means of solving a problem or dealing
with a difficult situation.
References
Federal Government of Nigeria (2004) National Policy
on Education 2004. Abuja: FME.
Popham, E.L.,Schrag, A.F.,and Blocklvs(1971). A
Teaching Learning System for Business Education. NewYork: Megraus.
Geiger (2004). Research & relevant knowledge:
American research universities since World War II: Transaction Publishers.
Erickson, L.W. (2002). The Role of Business
Education at Various Education levels. NBTE Review and Research Reports in
Business Education.
Arthur. (1995). Measurement of the professional
self-concept of nurses: developing a measurement instrument. Nurse Education
Today, 15(5), 328-335.
Freidson. (1985). Professionalism: The Third Logic
(Cambridge: Polity). Friedman, LM.
Haywood-Farmer, & Stuart. (1990). An instrument
to measure the degree of professionalism in a professional service. The Service
Industries Journal, 10(2), 336-347.