Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The effective management of school resources is crucial for the overall success of secondary schools. Principals play a significant role in ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently to support teaching and learning activities. This research project aims to analyze the managerial competencies of principals in secondary schools and their impact on the effective management of school resources. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather data from a sample of secondary school principals. The quantitative survey will focus on assessing principals' perceived competencies in areas such as financial management, human resource management, facilities management, and technology integration. The qualitative interviews will provide in-depth insights into how principals approach resource management challenges in their schools. The findings of this research will contribute to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of principals' managerial competencies in the context of school resource management. By identifying the strengths and weaknesses of principals in key competency areas, this study aims to offer practical recommendations for improving the effectiveness of resource management in secondary schools. Ultimately, the results of this study are expected to have implications for policy and practice in educational leadership. By enhancing principals' competencies in resource management, schools can optimize the use of resources to improve student outcomes and create a conducive learning environment. This research project seeks to bridge the gap between theory and practice by offering evidence-based insights that can inform professional development programs for school leaders. In conclusion, this research project on the analysis of principals' managerial competencies for effective management of school resources in secondary schools is timely and relevant. By examining the role of principals in resource management and exploring ways to enhance their competencies, this study aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts to improve the quality of education in secondary schools. The findings of this research have the potential to inform policy decisions and shape professional development initiatives for school leaders, ultimately benefiting students, teachers, and the broader school community.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

This study analyses principals’ managerial competencies for effective management of school resources in secondary schools in Anambra State. The study was conducted in Anambra State. The study population comprised 257 principals in public secondary schools in the State. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. A 24 items researcher developed instrument titled “Principals’ Managerial Competencies for Effective Management of School Resources Questionnaire (PMCEMSRQ)” was used for data collection. The Cronbach alpha was used to determine the reliability of the instrument which yielded a high reliability coefficient of 0.85. The study found out that secondary school principals’ in Anambra State do not have managerial competencies in procurement of physical and instructional materials, provision of e-library facilities and equipping classrooms and offices with needed furniture for effective material resource management. The study also found out that school principals’ have managerial competencies in prioritizing financial allocation according to school needs, keeping accurate financial information of the school, ensuring accountability in all school expenditures, carrying out periodic auditing of school budgets and adopting cost-saving strategies for effective financial resource management among others. The study recommended that School principals’ should strive to acquire managerial competencies in involving teachers’ in decision making, organizing seminars and workshops for professional advancement of teachers, providing incentives’ for students’ for effective human resource management in schools, procurement of physical and instructional materials, provision of e-library facilities and equipping classrooms and offices with needed furniture and other school materials for effective material resource.