Online registration challenges faced by students at a selected university in the Western Cape

Abstract

The aim of the research was to investigate the challenges students face during e-registration (online registration) and to explore the system interaction and interface of the e-registration system. Students at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology face numerous challenges when registering online. Challenges such as network congestion, long queues, inaccessibility and computer literacy were among those investigated. It was discovered that some students prefer registering at campuses and not from their places of comfort. Some students cannot log into the e-registration system, hence they go to campus to register, while others do not know how to use the e-registration system as it is not user-friendly and accessible to everyone. A mixed method was employed in this research. Qualitative and quantitative data were integrated to gain clear insight into the research topic under investigation. A survey questionnaire administered to students formed the quantitative component and interviews conducted with faculty administrators and information technology support staff formed the qualitative component. Qualitative data were gathered on the feelings, behaviour and experiences of individuals. Questionnaires, interviews and observations were used to gain perceptions and in-depth understanding of the research subject. An interpretative paradigm was adopted in qualitative methodology while quantitative methodology gathered statistical data from students. A Likert-type scale was used for quantitative data collected to determine the frequency of the variables. Thirty-five students, six faculty administrators and four information technology support staff made up the participants for this study. Technical challenges embedded in the e-registration system were identified. The recommendations of the study will assist the Cape Peninsula University of Technology to overcome on-line registration challenges faced by its students and bring this institution to parity with the latest technology, improved service efficiency and competency.