Abstract:
This research evaluated University accounting student’s perception of the risk
management and performance of Ghanaian universities and the moderating
role of internal audit practices with the focus on the University of Cape Coast.
The study employed the explanatory research design to achieve the aim and
the objectives of the research objectives. A population of 1200 students was
used from the Department of Accounting where 291 students were chosen as
the sample size of the study. However, out of the 291, 152 students accepted
the invitation to participate in the research. Data were collected with a
questionnaire and processed and analysed using descriptive and inferential
statistics. According to the study findings, the University of Cape Coast
ensures good risk management and internal audit effectiveness. Also, risk
management (reputational and operational risk) showed a positive significant
influence on performance (quality of service) of the university. Likewise, the
moderating factor (internal audit) showed a positive influence on the
performance (quality of service) of the university. The study, therefore,
suggests that Ghanaian public universities should stress the need for risk
management, incorporate them in their strategic plan and make it priority in
their decision-making. This will help them to stay competitive in the African
continent and the world at large. Also, this study will contribute to and help
encourage the practice of sound internal audit to help reduce the risk exposed
to the university and improve their performance at large.
