Impact of administrators’ work and the physical plant on learning: perspectives of lecturers and students in the university of cape coast

Abstract

The university administrator plays a critical role in the delivery of quality education in every nation. Their role complements that of the faculty within the university set up to bring about desired results in the educational system. In their line of duty, they interact with lecturers and students alike. Without doubt, the physical environment which comprises the school plant such as lecture theatres, libraries, computer centres, among others may either enhance or distract the learning process. The purpose of this descriptive survey was therefore to examine and ascertain the effect the physical plant and the role of the university administrator on students’ learning from the viewpoint of lecturers and students. The study drew on the Strategic Asset Management theory (SAMT) and others to adduce its arguments to interrogate the issues. The outcome showed inter alia, that lecturers and students perceived lecture theatres as the most important component of the physical plant that affects students’ learning. Also, lecturers and students viewed the administrators’ surveillance roles in maintaining the physical plant in the university as having direct influence on students’ learning. Eventually, the study showed no significant variation between the views of the lecturers and students on the effect of the physical plant on learning. In view of these finding, novel recommendations were made to university management boards, directorate of physical and estate development and administrators to put in place efficient and effective mechanisms to safeguard and harness the efficient use of the stock of physical plant that universities are endowed with to enhance students’ learning.