Project Abstract

Abstract
The effective management of school resources in secondary schools is vital for ensuring the smooth operation and overall success of educational institutions. Principals play a crucial role in this process as they are tasked with overseeing various aspects of resource allocation and utilization. This research project aims to analyze the managerial competencies of principals in secondary schools and how these competencies impact the effective management of school resources. The study will focus on identifying the key competencies that principals need to effectively manage resources in secondary schools. These competencies may include financial management skills, strategic planning abilities, communication skills, and decision-making capabilities. By understanding these competencies, educational stakeholders can better support principals in developing the necessary skills to manage resources efficiently. Furthermore, the research will investigate the current practices and challenges faced by principals in managing school resources. This will involve examining the strategies and techniques employed by principals to allocate resources effectively, as well as the obstacles they encounter in this process. By identifying these challenges, recommendations can be made to help principals overcome barriers to resource management and enhance their competencies in this area. Additionally, the study will explore the impact of principals' managerial competencies on student outcomes and school performance. By analyzing data on student achievement, attendance rates, and other relevant metrics, the research aims to determine the correlation between principals' competencies and the overall success of secondary schools. This analysis can provide valuable insights into the importance of effective resource management for achieving positive educational outcomes. Overall, this research project will contribute to the existing literature on educational leadership and school management by focusing specifically on principals' competencies in managing school resources. By identifying the key skills and knowledge areas that principals need to excel in this aspect of their role, the study aims to provide practical recommendations for improving resource management practices in secondary schools. Ultimately, the findings of this research can help inform policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of school leaders in managing resources and promoting better educational outcomes for students.

Project 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.