Development Studies, Challenges and Education

There has perhaps never been a less propitious moment to present an introductory but comprehensive book on development studies, education and challenges than the present time. The world is awash with financial crises, conflict based socio economic cum political upheavals, poverty driven suffering and abject social inequalities. Increasingly, education is experiencing the intrusion of socio economic market philosophy. Hence, education is obliged to forge closer links with industry, commerce, and the world of work. So it is imperative that a student of social science acquire a working knowledge of the socio economic frameworks from which social, economic and educational challenges emerge. The book is written from a firm conviction that economics and the world of business are of immense value to improving the lives of individuals, groups and nations. Towards these ends, the book provides a general background to the elements, theories and characteristics of socio economic growth and development. By surveying the social structures, their formations, their principal activities and problems, the book gives the student, and reader, a broad spectrum of the nature of the development world and the role of education in socio economic growth. Further, the concern of the book is with attempting to answer the fundamental questions of what, why, who and how of socio economic growth, development and education. It is full of penetrating analyses of development issues at local, regional and international levels. It is intended to be compulsory reading for students of socio economics, business management, entrepreneurship, development and education. Above all, it should be an essential tool, and constant companion, for those interested in investment issues and strategies. Armed with the knowledge, and skills, inherent in this book, the sky is the limit for those intending to get immersed in the field of socio economic growth and development. It acts as a spring board for budding entrepreneurs. I have endeavoured to work on a natural free flow, and continuity in the development of topics. Included in the book are relevant topics on figures and statistics in socio economic growth, development and education. There is a relevant section on information, technology and communication as they relate to development studies. All these are relevant and topical to the student, and reader. Included at the end is a comprehensive, instructing and elaborate glossary of terms used, and implied, in the book. The glossary, in itself, is intended to act as a quick reference teaching and learning unit. The whole idea is to give a firm, substantive base for the student, and reader, as well as a balanced, integrated picture of development studies, socio economics, entrepreneurship and education. Last but very important is the need to acknowledge the help, sources and encouragement from many people. No book is written in isolation, so I have benefited from contact, comments and discussions with a number of our students, colleagues and successful development practitioners. The temptation here would be to mention them by name, but the list would fill another volume. It suffices to say that I owe them my greatest debt. Nevertheless, at the end of the day, I bear the burden of any shortcomings, errors and omissions that remain.