M. Tech. / The aim of this study was two-fold: firstly, to investigate the general perceptions of practising graduates with regards to the strengths and weaknesses of the construction of the M.Tech:Hom Degree in facilitating the attainment of the exit level outcomes currently associated with the programme offered at the University of Johannesburg. Secondly, a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) was conducted to identify training needs for Continued Professional Development (CPD). This is done so as to ascertain whether or not the programme is meeting the needs of the profession and whether the institution is achieving the stated purpose of the programme. The sample group consisted of graduates from the last ten years and who have been in practice. Participants therefore included those from novice practitioners, intermediate practitioners and experienced practitioners. Participants were interviewed either telephonically or in person using a structured interview. The Strength and Weakness Questionnaire (Appendix D) was formulated from exit level outcomes as clearly stated in the SAQA registration document (Appendix F). These were open-ended, free-response questions where participants were offered the opportunity to give their opinion in regard to which skills they considered important (as practitioners) in attaining each Exit Level Outcome (ELO) and to identify strengths and weaknesses in the education that they received with regard to achieving the ELO. The Training Needs Analysis Questionnaire (Appendix E) was presented in the form of a list of possible training topics that the practitioner may be interested in attending. The results of the study clearly illustrate the perceptions of graduates of the current M.Tech:Hom programme with regard to skills that they feel are required to attain the published exit level outcomes of the programme. From the analysis of the results of the Strengths and Weaknesses questionnaire as well as the TNA it can be concluded that the M.Tech:Hom programme is comprised of courses which are required to fulfil the stated ELO’s. This does not rule out further development of the ELO’s to meet the requirements of a changing education and professional environment.The Training Needs Analysis further identified training modules applicable to the defined categories of “Refresher Training Module”, “Comprehensive Training Module” and “Full Training Module” which may assist in the development of Continuing Professional Development programmes and curriculum changes. In addition, the number and type of these courses appear to indicate a considerable need for the establishment of a Continuing Professional Development programme.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uj/uj:6719 |
| Date | 31 March 2010 |
| Creators | Rostovsky, Jonathan David |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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