CAUSES OF THE REDUCTION IN THE ENROLLMENT OF BUSINESS EDUCATION

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; theexistence 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.