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Developing a project management model for a university of technology in South Africa
Author(s)
Madadasana, Thandiswa Nomazima
Date Issued
2022
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
Project Management is a discipline which has gained recognition in many organisations
across many industries. While project management has found relevance in many industries,
this research has identified a lack of application of project management processes in
administrative activities in universities in South Africa. An empirical study was carried out at
a university of technology where staff members in the registry department, which handles
student life cycle activities, were used as subjects. Both quantitative and qualitative data
were collected through the use of online questionnaires and semi-structured interview
questions. All 38 employees that make up the registry department were included in the
study. Statistical tables were used to present the quantitative data, and thematic analysis
was employed to analyse qualitative data. Findings showed that there were many errors in
processing applications, registration, assessments and handling graduations. Employees
enter the applications phase without any briefing on how to handle applications or what to
expect in the process. For registration, some employees do not know which courses and
programmes have online registration services and which ones require manual registration.
A lack of structured, coordinated communication channels between the registry staff and
academic departments during assessments was cited as the main challenge leading to
common errors like incorrect information on question papers and answer sheets and late
submissions of examination papers. Errors at graduation could be as severe as awarding a
qualification to those that would not have passed the programme. The study has developed
a projectisation named the Registry projectisation model. This is a solution that this study
recommends to solving the many challenges faced in processing activities of the student life
cycle in the university’s Registry unit.
across many industries. While project management has found relevance in many industries,
this research has identified a lack of application of project management processes in
administrative activities in universities in South Africa. An empirical study was carried out at
a university of technology where staff members in the registry department, which handles
student life cycle activities, were used as subjects. Both quantitative and qualitative data
were collected through the use of online questionnaires and semi-structured interview
questions. All 38 employees that make up the registry department were included in the
study. Statistical tables were used to present the quantitative data, and thematic analysis
was employed to analyse qualitative data. Findings showed that there were many errors in
processing applications, registration, assessments and handling graduations. Employees
enter the applications phase without any briefing on how to handle applications or what to
expect in the process. For registration, some employees do not know which courses and
programmes have online registration services and which ones require manual registration.
A lack of structured, coordinated communication channels between the registry staff and
academic departments during assessments was cited as the main challenge leading to
common errors like incorrect information on question papers and answer sheets and late
submissions of examination papers. Errors at graduation could be as severe as awarding a
qualification to those that would not have passed the programme. The study has developed
a projectisation named the Registry projectisation model. This is a solution that this study
recommends to solving the many challenges faced in processing activities of the student life
cycle in the university’s Registry unit.
Additional information
Thesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2022
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