AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE CHALLENGES AFFECTING THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF RESEARCH COMPENDIUMS FOR ENHANCING PROJECT WRITING AMONG ACCOUNTING AND BUSINESS EDUCATION STUDENTS IN NIGERIAN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.

Abstract

This study investigates the challenges affecting the development and implementation of research compendiums 
for enhancing project writing among Accounting and Business Education (A&BE) students in Nigerian 
tertiary institutions. Research compendiums serve as vital academic resources that provide organized research 
materials and methodological guidance essential for quality project work. Despite their importance, various 
challenges hinder their effective development and use across Nigerian colleges and universities. Employing a 
descriptive and exploratory research design, the study population comprised 1,800 respondents, comprising of 
1,600 final-year Accounting A&BE students and 200 lecturers from selected Nigerian tertiary institutions. A 
purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 300 respondents (220 students and 80 lecturers). 
Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interviews, with the instrument’s validity confirmed 
through a Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.82. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive 
statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and means. Qualitative data from interviews were analyzed 
thematically to complement and deepen understanding of the quantitative findings. The study identified major 
challenges such as inadequate funding, limited access to digital and library resources, insufficient training 
and motivation among academic staff, and lack of institutional support. Additionally, limited research skills 
and poor utilization of compendiums by students were noted. These challenges collectively impede the quality 
of project writing and negatively impact academic outcomes. The study recommends among others that 
increased investment in research infrastructure, comprehensive training for lecturers, enhanced ICT facilities, 
and integration of research methodology into the curriculum. Addressing these challenges will enable 
Nigerian tertiary institutions to better utilize research compendiums, thereby improving project writing 
standards among A&BE students.