Factors for Completion or Non-Completion of Studies. Postgraduate Study about the University of Zambia (UNZA)

Master's Thesis , 2021 , 122 Pages , Grade: A

Sociology - Work, Education, Organisation

The aim of the study was to enhance timely graduation of Postgraduate students at the Graduate School of Business. Based on the widespread perceptions that most Postgraduate (masters) students at the Graduate of Business (GSB) at the University of Zambia (UNZA) spend unusually long durations to complete their studies. The researcher decided to investigate these phenomena to identify factors responsible for extended completion or non-completion of Postgraduate students at Graduate School of Business. The study employed a mixed method study design because of its efficacy in rendering research findings credible and reliable. Data was obtained from Postgraduate students and Supervisors at the GSB. Structured survey questionnaires were administered to One hundred seventy-six (176) students, and semi-unstructured personal interviews were conducted with supervisors at GSB. Quantitative data was analysed using Social Package and Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 and qualitative data was analysed using semantical content analysis.

Table of Contents

• CHAPTER ONE
  • INTRODUCTION
  • 1.1 Background to the Study
  • 1.2 Statement of the Problem
  • 1.3 Aim of the study
  • 1.4 Objectives of the Study
  • 1.5 Research Questions
  • 1.6 Scope of the Study
  • 1.7 Organization of the study
• CHAPTER TWO
  • LITERATURE REVIEW
  • 2.1 Introduction
  • 2.2 The Concept of Academic continuity and Disruptions of Academic Calendars
  • 2.3 Factors Influencing the Disruption of Academic Calendars
  • 2.4 Factors contributing to delay in student Graduation (Throughput factors)
  • 2.4.1 Introduction
  • 2.4.2 Student factors
  • 2.4.3 Institutional Factors
  • 2.4.4 Supervision factors

Objectives and Key Themes

This dissertation investigates the factors contributing to the prolonged completion times of postgraduate studies at the Graduate School of Business (GSB) at the University of Zambia (UNZA). The study aims to identify the root causes of study delays and propose solutions to enhance the timely graduation of postgraduate students at the GSB.

• Factors influencing academic calendars and their disruptions
• Analysis of student, institutional, and supervision factors contributing to graduation delays
• Exploring the relationship between these factors and study delay
• Developing recommendations for improving postgraduate study delivery to enhance timely graduation
• Addressing the challenge of prolonged completion times and promoting student success in the GSB environment

Chapter Summaries

Chapter One introduces the study's context, outlining the problem of prolonged postgraduate completion times at the GSB. The chapter presents the study's aim, objectives, research questions, scope, and organization.

Chapter Two delves into the literature review. It explores the concept of academic continuity, factors disrupting academic calendars, and various student, institutional, and supervision factors contributing to graduation delays. This chapter provides a theoretical framework for understanding the study's focus.

Keywords

The main keywords and focus topics of this dissertation revolve around the concept of study delay, its contributing factors, and strategies for promoting timely student graduation. These include student factors, institutional factors, supervision factors, and the role of the Graduate School of Business (GSB) in ensuring efficient postgraduate study delivery.

• College: University of Zambia
• Grade: A
• Author: Boniface Banda (Author)
• Publication Year: 2021
• Pages: 122
• Catalog Number: V1254755
• ISBN (PDF): 9783346858559
• ISBN (Book): 9783346858566
• Language: English
• Tags: factors, completion, non-completion, studies, postgraduate, study, university, zambia, unza