The Correlation between Continuous Professional Development and Career Prospects of Technical University Lecturers in Ghana

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to find the prospects continuous professional development offer to lecturers at technical universities in Ghana. The researcher used two technical universities for the research. The study was qualitative in nature with a sample size of four-eight, comprising of six deans of faculty, six heads of department and thirty-six lecturers. Two interview schedules were used to collect the data. One of the schedules was used to collect data from the deans and the heads of department and the other was used to interview the lecturers. Some of the findings included that CPD helps lecturers at technical universities in Ghana to improve their teaching, research and managerial skills and competencies. CPD helps lecturers to conduct research and do publications which enhances their chances for promotion. The study also revealed that lecturers who embark on CPD face financial challenges. That aside, they also face sociological and psychological challenges. Sociologically, those who leave for further studies may not be able to make time for the family members and social events and can mar their social ties. When such people become isolated due to inability to socialise, or ignored by friends and colleges it can bring about psychological problems. It is recommended that lecturers should collaborate with other colleagues for research activities and publications. Moreover, all lecturers should budget every each to at least to attend one conference or workshop a year. Keywords: Coaching, Competencies, Prospects, Profession, Promotion.