An Analysis of Challenges Faced by Part-time Postgraduate Block Release Students at Institutions of Higher Learning

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyse the challenges faced by postgraduate block release students at Chinhoyi University of Technology in Zimbabwe. The challenges were measured against the following indicators (i) nature of challenges faced by part-time postgraduate block release students (ii) factors that influence these challenges and (iii) impact of these challenges on part-time postgraduate block-release students. The research employed a mixed research approach in order to triangulate the results. The study used a case study research design to solicit information. The target population were part-time postgraduate block release students who were currently pursuing the following programmes; Masters in Strategic Management, Masters in Supply and Chain Management, Masters in Applied Entrepreneurship and Post-Graduate Diploma in Higher Education. A sample of 42 part-time block release students and 4 key informants were used to collect data. The sampling techniques employed were convenience and purposive samplings respectively. Findings revealed that part-time postgraduate block release students are facing challenges that include family, work, finance and social. Factors contributing to these challenges were identified as inflexibility of block-release programmes, lack of information, advice and guidance. Because of these challenges, students were failing to submit their assignments in time, having poor quality results and some students dropping out of the programmes. The study recommends the institution to ensure a flexible payment plan to assist students who are failing to manage their finances and school. The university must also introduce flexible programmes like weekend and holiday classes to accommodate students who cannot make it to the block release programmes. The institution must also introduce satellite campuses in bigger towns like Harare, Masvingo, Bulawayo and Mutare to accommodate students who are failing to manage school and family. Finally, the university must ensure postgraduate block-release students are well informed about their programmes in advance before enrolling to avoid inconveniencing them during their studies.