TRACER STUDY OF GRADUATES OF CEMBA, CEMPA AND MSc. INDUSTRIAL MATHEMATICS

Abstract

The Institute of Distance Learning (IDL), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology(KNUST) was established in the year 2005 to deliver programmes of study both on-going and new ones from all colleges of the University in the distance learning mode. The Institute offers opportunities for workers and adults to have tertiary education. Statistical data show that in 2012/13 the Institute run a total of 12 undergraduate and 13 postgraduate programmes with a total student population of 10,450. Among the postgraduate programmes run by IDL are The Commonwealth Executive Master of Business Administration (CEMBA), Commonwealth Executive Master of Public Administration (CEMPA) and MSc. Industrial Mathematics. Even though KNUST-IDL staff have conducted studies on different aspects of distance learning, there has been no assessment of graduate programmes that provide an accurate record of employment and job responsibilities of graduates from the university. Also there is no available information regarding the relationship between graduate programmes of study and students’ current work and related competencies In order to assess the relevance and quality of graduates’ education within their work context and to provide empirical data on employment and work related competencies of graduates and their views on programme curricula, a tracer study was conducted to follow-up on graduates of the CEMBA/PA and MSc. Industrial Mathematics programmes from 2010 to 2012. The views of employers and course facilitators of graduates were also ascertained. The study describes IDL postgraduate learners who were enrolled in the years 2008-2010. The research was led by Dr C.K. Osei and Professor I.K. Dontwi of IDL with support from staff of the Institute. A schedule for the research was planned and data instruments were piloted. The tracer study research took place between November 2013 and March 2014. Administration of the questionnaire was through a combination of face-to-face self-reporting and online. Incentive like KNUST ‘T’-shirt and tie were offered for those who returned completed questionnaires. A total of 450 KNUST-IDL graduates responded to this survey. Fifty employers were interviewed in both public and private sectors and 15 CEMBA/PA and MSc. Industrial Mathematics facilitators from KNUST were interviewed.