Developing a project management model for a university of technology in South Africa

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.