Abstract :

The study employed the survey research design for the collection of data from administrators of selected TVET colleges located in the administrative area of Yaounde 3, Centre Region of Cameroon.  The study involved the collection of data concerning the management problems or challenges confronting administrators of TVET colleges and the strategies that could be used in resolving them. The population consisted of all the administrators who have responsibility for the success of the school programmes – this included the principals, vice-principals, chiefs of work, and head of departments. No sampling was taken as the entire population was used since it was not large. A five-point Likert scale structured questionnaire developed by the researcher was used for data collection. The instrument was administered personally by hand.  Twenty-five (25) questionnaires were distributed and 20 were correctly completed and returned, representing a return rate of 80 %.  The data was analysed using the median as the measure of central tendency, and the Inter-Quartile Range as the measure of spread. The mean was thought to be unsuitable for this analysis since a composite score for a group of items on the questionnaire was not what was computed; and because Likert-type scales largely generate ordinal data. The findings have revealed a range of problems TVET administrators face in the course of managing their programmes, and the strategies that could be used in resolving them. Three of the problems, amongst others, include: 1) programmes run below acceptable limits because of insufficient funds; 2) absence of training materials in most programmes for students’ use; and 3) most machines are obsolete and out of use. Apart from identifying some of the management problems that TVET administrators encounter, some of the strategies that could be employed in resolving the problems were equally suggested. It was concluded that the manner in which the problems associated with the management of physical facilities, equipment and supplies; as well as of school finance and business management of TVET programmes are resolved could impinge on the success of the colleges.

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Keywords :

Administrators, facilities and equipment, Management Challenges/problems, TVET colleges; school finance and business management, TVET; Technical and Vocational Education and Training

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