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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do postgraduate students at UNZA take so long to graduate?
The study identifies several factors contributing to delays, categorized into student-related factors (e.g., personal commitments), institutional factors (e.g., administrative processes), and supervision factors (e.g., availability and feedback from supervisors).
What was the methodology used in this study?
The researcher used a mixed-method design, combining quantitative data from 176 structured questionnaires administered to students with qualitative data from semi-unstructured interviews with supervisors at the Graduate School of Business (GSB).
How do institutional factors affect study completion at GSB?
Institutional factors include disruptions to the academic calendar and administrative bottlenecks within the university that can slow down the progress of masters students regardless of their personal effort.
What role does supervision play in graduation delays?
Supervision is a critical "throughput factor." Delays can occur if there is a lack of regular communication, slow feedback on thesis drafts, or a mismatch between student needs and supervisor availability.
What is the aim of this research?
The primary aim is to identify the root causes of prolonged completion times and provide recommendations to enhance timely graduation for postgraduate students at the University of Zambia's Graduate School of Business.
What are "throughput factors" in higher education?
Throughput factors are the specific elements within the educational process that determine how quickly and successfully a student moves from enrollment to graduation. This study focuses on identifying where these factors are failing at UNZA.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Boniface Banda (Autor:in), 2021, Factors for Completion or Non-Completion of Studies. Postgraduate Study about the University of Zambia (UNZA), München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1254755
