Quality in Management Education Programme: The Perceptions of Lecturers and Students

Abstract

Criticisms have been raised against the quality in Management Education Programme (MEP) for failing to produce competent graduates for the job market. This study examined the perceptions of lecturers and students on quality in the MEP in a HE. The study was rooted within TQM theory, Expectation-Confirmation Theory (ECT) and CIPP Model of programme evaluation. The study employed sequential explanatory mixed methods design within the pragmatism research philosophy. The population was Mangement lecturers and final year students in UCC. Census method was used to include 43 lecturers and 529 students and interviews were conducted among eight (8) lecturers and twelve (12) students. The data were collected using QUAMEP-Q and Follow-up Interview Guide (FIG) and processed via SPSS version 25.0, AMOS version 21.0 and PROCESS Macro version 3.3. Thematic analysis was employed for qualitative data. It was discovered that the lecturers and students perceived a moderate level of quality in the programme in terms of quality: learning environment (QLE), services (QS), teaching (QT), student engagement (QSE) and student competences acquisistion (SCA). They were, also, moderately satisfied (SAT) with the programme. These were as a result of large class size, low quality and inadequate facilities, learning resources, support systems, health and accommodations services, unfavourable learning environment, high workload and lack of practical delivery of lessons. Further, the study established that QLE and QS significantly influence QT. There was significant conditional direct and indirect influence of QLE on QSE as moderated by QT and QS. Also, SCA and SAT with the programme were significantly conditionally predicted by QLE, QS, QT and QSE. The age of students significantly influence their perceptions toward quality drivers in the programme. The study recommended that the Management of the University should continue to provide and strengthen quality culture by fostering continuous improvement in QLE, QS, QT QSE, SCA, and SAT with the programme. They should make every effort for the provision of quality instructional resources, learning climate and infrastructure facilities to help reduce the large class size. The lecturers should continue to highly engaged the students and not relent in equipping the students with the 21st century employability skills.