Automobile Workshop Management Skills Improvement Needs of Auto-Mechanic for Effective Maintenance of Motor Vehicles in Delta State

C. Okeke & Chiemeke Michael Ayaegbunem

Department of Technology and Vocational Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

Abstract

This paper investigated automobile workshop management skills improvement needs of auto-mechanic for effective maintenance of motor vehicles in Delta State. Two research questions guided the study and two null hypotheses were formulated. Descriptive survey research design was used in this study. The study involved 120 mechanics from 28 automotive workshops in six main cities in Delta State, including managers, supervisors, and technicians. A validated structured questionnaire was created, divided into two parts, A and B, with each part consisting of 25 pieces. The questionnaire was divided into A1, B1, and B2 clusters. A 5-point answer scale was used for both categories, and the instrument had a Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.77. Data was analyzed using weighted mean and improvement needed index (INI) for both ‘Needed’ and ‘Performance’ sets. The independent samples t-test was used to test hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The finding revealed that auto mechanics need to enhance their motivational skills in automobile workshop management for effective maintenance. These skills include awarding performance-based bonuses or salary increases, fostering non-judgmental discussions with fellow mechanics, learning from mistakes instead of punishing mistakes, and recognizing unique talents among team members. More so, it was found out that auto mechanics need to enhance four safety precautionary skills for effective vehicle maintenance. Based on the findings, it was recommended amongst others that Government and members of society should equip all the training institutions with modern tools, machines and equipment and qualified personnel for effective teaching and learning.

Keywords

motivational skills; safety precautionary skills; vehicle maintenance; auto-mechanic.

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