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Article
Publication date: 13 March 2017

Leonid Grebennikov and Mahsood Shah

The purpose of this paper is to present approaches effectively used by a large multi-campus Australian university to improve the research student experience as a direct result of…

669

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present approaches effectively used by a large multi-campus Australian university to improve the research student experience as a direct result of their feedback. These approaches include: identifying trends in the research student experience and areas needing improvement through the Research Student Satisfaction Survey conducted by the University in 2009, 2011 and 2013; prioritising and implementing improvement solutions; and monitoring the improvement actions to measure their efficiency based on student feedback, and to identify areas warranting further improvement attention.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative study was undertaken with research students.

Findings

The study outlines the need for universities to have a systematic approach in measuring and enhancing the experience of research students. Systematic approach enables the university to take timely action to enhance student experience.

Research limitations/implications

Undertaking analysis of the survey at faculty or school level. Increased accountability on Associate Deans (Research) to implement improvements at faculty level.

Originality/value

The paper is based on ten years of study in a large multi-campus university.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 31 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 6 July 2012

Leonid Grebennikov and Mahsood Shah

This paper aims to focus on the experience of monitoring of first year student attrition in a large metropolitan multi‐campus university during 2004‐2010. The paper seeks to…

2749

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the experience of monitoring of first year student attrition in a large metropolitan multi‐campus university during 2004‐2010. The paper seeks to discuss the trends in student attrition which have been found and identify key issues which have been and need to be addressed by the university in order to increase retention.

Design/methodology/approach

A specially designed survey was repeated across the years and completed over the period by 2,085 undergraduate students who left the university before the end of their first year of study.

Findings

The most important of issues which need to be addressed by the university are sufficient, correct and clear information provided to prospective students about the course before they enrol and high‐quality course advice about subject choices after enrolment.

Research limitations/implications

Sufficient, correct and clear information provided to prospective students about the course remains an area in need of improvement. Therefore, in marketing the university both locally and internationally, a particular focus needs to be on direct contact by knowledgeable staff with prospective students.

Practical implications

Marketing of courses with support of academic staff, course advisers and program heads should give particular focus to the clear management of student expectations. Targeted marketing at the school/course level is needed in order to ensure clear and specific expectations management. This approach, if adopted, should help reduce attrition among those students for whom “the course wasn't what they expected”.

Social implications

Improving university student retention is one of the high‐priority government targets in developed countries such as Australia, the UK and the USA. At the same time, higher education providers in these countries try to increase the participation of students from traditionally underrepresented groups of population in order to meet the aspirations of governments. The changes in policies and performance‐based funding require universities to align the growth of numbers of students from underrepresented groups with a range of academic and general support services to support student transition, retention and completion. An important aspect for universities is to ensure that low entry standards do not compromise graduate exit standards.

Originality/value

Evaluating attrition trends through systematic feedback from withdrawing students can help universities identify key issues which need to be addressed in order to increase retention. Further, it may help narrow down the list of such issues to one or two most persistent over a number of years. For example, for the university described in this study, the steadiest factor behind student attrition is quantity and quality of information provided to prospective students about the course before they enrol. If this issue is appropriately addressed, and provided all other important attrition factors are closely monitored, the university can significantly increase the likelihood of student retention and success.

Details

Quality Assurance in Education, vol. 20 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4883

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 6 July 2015

Mahsood Shah, Leonid Grebennikov and Chenicheri Sid Nair

The purpose of this paper is to outline four separate studies undertaken in two Australian universities between 2003 and 2012 on employer feedback on the quality of university…

2168

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline four separate studies undertaken in two Australian universities between 2003 and 2012 on employer feedback on the quality of university graduates. Higher education has expanded significantly in the past decade. The expansion has been in student enrolments with a focus on increasing the participation of disadvantaged students; the emergence of new kinds of providers other than universities; new modes of education delivery; and the internationalisation of higher education. The diversity of higher education institutions and quality issues require the assessment of graduate quality based on feedback from employers. The lack of such assessment on graduate quality based on employer voice risks the production of graduates with focus on success (quantity) rather than excellence (quality). It also disconnects the engagement between higher education institutions and employers to assess trends and changes in various industries and professions that require employer input in course development and renewal to meet the changing needs of the industries.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative method using online survey to gather feedback from employers of university graduates was used. The survey tool has been previously used in other studies.

Findings

A decade of study using quantitative and qualitative methods with different employers in two different geographic locations clearly shows that employer views on the quality of university graduates in a range of capabilities have remained consistent. The study also outlines the challenges in gathering feedback from employers and how data are used in curriculum reviews and enhancements.

Research limitations/implications

The study has a number of limitations, including gathering up-to-date employer data, and engagement of employers in the survey.

Practical implications

Practical implications could include the use of survey data in new course developments, review of courses and further enhancement to ensure course relevance.

Originality/value

This is the first longitudinal study undertaken using the same survey instrument in two universities. The study engaged 485 employers.

Details

Quality Assurance in Education, vol. 23 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4883

Keywords

Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 6 July 2012

John Dalrymple

173

Abstract

Details

Quality Assurance in Education, vol. 20 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4883

Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 6 July 2015

John F. Dalrymple

215

Abstract

Details

Quality Assurance in Education, vol. 23 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4883

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