Process Design of Timely Completion of Academic Programs for Business Schools

Research Paper (postgraduate) from the year 2021 in the subject Pedagogy - Adult Education, grade: A, language: English, abstract: 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 aim of the study was to enhance timely graduation of Postgraduate students at the 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. The findings of this study indicated that they were a significant relationship between study delay, GSB factors and Supervision factors, while student factors were not found to have a significant relationship with study delay at GSB. The study concludes that study delay at GSB was caused by GSB factors and Supervision factors. The study recommended that all the key players/ stakeholders involved in Postgraduate study delivery to carry out their duties well and efficiently, in order to enhance timely graduation of postgraduate students at GSB and increase the graduation rate for the school.