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Iddrisu2014.Pdf This thesis has been submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for a postgraduate degree (e.g. PhD, MPhil, DClinPsychol) at the University of Edinburgh. Please note the following terms and conditions of use: • This work is protected by copyright and other intellectual property rights, which are retained by the thesis author, unless otherwise stated. • A copy can be downloaded for personal non-commercial research or study, without prior permission or charge. • This thesis cannot be reproduced or quoted extensively from without first obtaining permission in writing from the author. • The content must not be changed in any way or sold commercially in any format or medium without the formal permission of the author. • When referring to this work, full bibliographic details including the author, title, awarding institution and date of the thesis must be given. The Contribution of Ghana’s Development of Polytechnics to National Prosperity and Challenges to their Sustainability - Focusing on Staff Turnover PhD UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH SULEMANA IDDRISU 2013 Abstract This study examined the importance of polytechnics in Ghana’s development; its management and constraints-especially faculty turnover and how it impacts on sustainable polytechnic education. The sample comprised a total of 65 respondents drawn from six stakeholder groups: former polytechnic rectors, current polytechnic administrators’ current faculty; former polytechnic faculty, students, government officials as well as retired government officials. The study adopted a qualitative method to elicit data. However, the main study was preceded by a pilot study focusing on faculty turnover. Questionnaire informed by instruments used in earlier studies by Klass (2007) and Samuel (2008) were adapted and modified to suit the pilot study. An electronic questionnaire comprising 41 questions with a four (4) point scale (agree, uncertain, disagree and strongly disagree) on turnover and its consequences was hosted at Survey Monkey web site for administration by current polytechnic faculty. The link was emailed to 14 randomly selected current faculty members of seven polytechnics for administration and submission. These provided lead-in themes for the main qualitative study. Data for the main study was collected via interviews involving all six groups. Results indicate that polytechnics are important and contribute significantly to the sustenance of Ghana’s economy. Study further proved that polytechnics were mired in a number of constraints including turnover. The second portion examined the constraints of polytechnics with a focus on faculty turnover, causes and consequences on polytechnic sustenance vis-a-vis Ghana’s economy. This was supported by a semi structured interview schedules generated from the pilot study and administered on six case groups. The results showed a high rate of faculty turnover in polytechnics. Further, findings showed that turnover is caused by multiple factors (individual, institutional and environmental factors) which in turn interact with each other to influence turnover. Also, turnover was found to have impacted negatively on polytechnics, their clientele (students) and the national economy of Ghana. Findings of this study have a number of implications for policy especially higher education policy (polytechnics) management and education as well as some suggested strategies to help incentivize the academic staff and smoothen the management of the polytechnics. i Dedication This work is dedicated to the ever loving memory of my father-the late Iddrisu Sa’kab -Naa whose wisdom and vision found me in the four walls of the classroom but did not live long enough to see his vision blossom into fruits; and also to my lovely mother-Hajia Mariama Alidu; who long ago did not only drill into me the glory and power of learning but worked tirelessly to sustain me in school. Quote People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can’t find them, they make them. George Bernard Shaw ii DECLARATION In accordance with the Research Degree Regulation of the University of Edinburgh, I certify that this thesis is an independent and original piece of research work undertaken by me. I further declare that this thesis has not been presented in any form for any degree or professional qualification in another educational institution. Signed………………………………………………………………………………… Dated………………………………………………………………………………… iii Acknowledgement This thesis was accomplished through the effort of many individuals and personalities. It is my singular and pleasant duty to register my gratitude to the many individuals whose support culminated in the crafting of this thesis. First and foremost, I am most grateful to the Almighty Allah- most Beneficent, the Most Merciful for His Guidance and protection. For this feat could not have been achieved without Allah’s Bounties of Mercies and Guidance. Secondly, I would like to register my heartfelt gratitude to my supervisors - Dr. Tony Kinder and Professor Stephen Osborne for their guidance, support, encouragement and understanding. Your comments, insights and wise counsel have culminated into this. I am particularly grateful to Dr. Tony Kinder for your helpful advice, critique and suggestions. You have always been there for me throughout this solitary journey and I am ever grateful for the mentoring you instilled in me. Your supervision has really enriched me with the rubrics of research and supervision. I would like to thank my family - Nana, my better half and children - Hibatu, Mariam and Sugri whose tender lives suffered some interruption during my stay abroad. Many thanks for your towering support, prayers and sacrifice. May the Almighty Allah grant us the benefit of this effort. My deepest appreciation also goes to my brothers and sisters in Ghana for their moral support and prayers. I am particularly grateful to Honourable Haruna Iddrisu for your assistance and support. I could not have achieved this height without your encouragement, support and prayers. To my brothers, sisters and friends, your prayers have reassured me that I am not alone in the struggle. Many thanks to the study participants for your time and inputs at such short notice, when there were equally more pressing issues demanding attention. Your time, insights, thoughts and experiences shared with me have been wonderful. This piece could not have come about without your inputs. I would like to thank the Government of Ghana and Tamale Polytechnic for granting me the opportunity to undertake this study. Finally, I wish to register my heartfelt gratitude to all persons who helped in diverse ways in getting this dream realised. Space would not allow for the listing of all but I would like to thank the following personalities for their support: Mr Razak and family; Alhaji Moore; Dr. Omaima and Dr. Shariq, Kamal and Ibrahim for your support whilst I was pursuing my graduate study at Edinburgh; your companionship and support has been wonderful. You did not only make my stay in Edinburgh (UK) memorable but joyful. My debt to you all is clearly huge. I hope I can reciprocate this gesture of kindness and support to others who may require it. iv Table of Contents Chapter One: Introduction ...............................................................................................1 1.0 Motivation for the Study .............................................................................................3 1.1 Problem Statement .......................................................................................................4 1.2 Education and Economic Development .....................................................................7 1.2.1 Pyramid of the Educational Sector and its Contributions to Economic Development .......................................................................................................................8 1.2.2 Higher Education in Perspective .............................................................................9 1.2.3 Importance of HE to National Development ........................................................10 1.2.4 Importance of HE to Ghana’s Economy .............................................................122 1.3 Conceptual Framework ...........................................................................................123 1.4 Research Questions ..................................................................................................134 1.5 Aims and Objectives ................................................................................................144 1.5.1 Objectives of the Study ...........................................................................................14 1.6 Significance of the Study .........................................................................................145 1.7 Justification of the Study .........................................................................................166 1.8 Importance of the Study ..........................................................................................177 1.9 Gaps in Literature ....................................................................................................188 1.10 Research Methodology ..........................................................................................199 1.11 Overview of the Thesis.............................................................................................20
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