Relationships between Utilization of Selected Resources and Academic Performance in Engineering Courses in Technical and Vocational Institutions in Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

Abstract The high failure rate in engineering within technical and vocational institutions constitutes a critical challenge threatening educational and economic goals. This study aimed to analyze the relationships between the utilization of selected resources and academic performance in engineering courses in technical and vocational institutions in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study's objectives were to analyze the relationships between the utilization of human resources, information Communication Technology (ICT) resources, material resources, time resources, and academic performance in engineering courses in Technical and Vocational institutions in Nakuru County, Kenya. Resource Dependency Theory and Equity Theory guided the study. The study used a descriptive survey design utilizing closed-ended questionnaires and interview schedules. The sample size consisted of 331 students,11 technicians, and 22 administrators (11 Heads of Departments, 7 Deputy Principals, and 4 Principals). Administrators were interviewed and the study findings were used to facilitate triangulations. A proportionate sampling technique was used to obtain the sample size of the students per institution. Participants were selected through simple random sampling. A pilot study was conducted within the scope of the study, and 10% of the sample took part in it. The reliability of the instruments was assessed by a test-retest technique, yielding a correlation coefficient of 0.7402. Qualitative data was analyzed using NVIVO and were presented in verbatim and percentages. Quantitative data was encoded and analyzed with SPSS version 29. Descriptive and inferential data were presented in tables. The hypotheses were tested and it was established that there wasa positive and statistically significant relationship between utilization of human resources and academic performance in engineering ; that there was a positive and statistically significant relationship between utilization of ICT and academic performance in engineering ; that there was a positive and statistically significant relationship between utilization of material resources and academic performance in engineering and that there was a positive and statistically significant relationship between utilization of time resources and academic performance in engineering . It was concluded that human and material resources have a greater significant effect on academic performance than ICT and time resources. The study, therefore, recommended that school administrators find ways toproperlyutilize human, ICT, material, and time resources in the learning institutions. The government should also allocate specific funding to support the procurement and maintenance of these resources in the technical and vocational institutions in Nakuru County, Kenya.