Performance Metrics and Effectiveness of Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering Laboratories in Technical Universities in Ghana: Implications for Practical Skills and Industry Readiness

Abstract

Agricultural and mechanical engineering education depends on functional laboratories and workshops that enable students to translate theoretical knowledge into practical competencies. This study assessed how selected performance metrics influence laboratory effectiveness and student outcomes in technical universities in Ghana. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed, involving 275 valid student responses from five (5) technical universities in Tamale, Bolgatanga, Wa, Ho and Sunyani. Data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The model examined infrastructure adequacy, safety compliance, competency-based training, industry alignment and operational efficiency as performance metrics; laboratory effectiveness as a mediating construct; and skill acquisition, industry readiness and employability as student outcomes. Operational efficiency was the strongest predictor of laboratory effectiveness (β = 0.599, p < 0.001), followed by safety compliance (β = 0.227, p<0.001). Infrastructure adequacy, competency-based training and industry alignment were not significant predictors. For aggregate student outcomes, infrastructure adequacy (β = 0.162), safety compliance (β = 0.164), industry alignment (β = 0.254) and operational efficiency (β = 0.468) were significant, whereas competency-based training was not. Laboratory effectiveness strongly predicted skill acquisition (β = 0.913), industry readiness (β = 0.912) and employability (β = 0.777), all at p<0.001. Mediation effects were significant for skill acquisition (β = 0.821), industry readiness (β = 0.819) and employability (β = 0.699). The findings indicate that practical training effectiveness depends more on efficient operation, maintenance, safety and industry relevance than resource availability alone. Strengthening these areas can improve engineering graduates’ technical competencies, industry readiness and employability.