Evaluation of the BSc Nursing Science Programme: Employer’s Perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18034/mjmbr.v3i1.404Keywords:
Distance education, programme evaluation, practicum, standards of competencesAbstract
In the educational system, programme evaluation is an important component for quality assurance. Evaluation in open and distance learning is undertaken to guide decision-makers, programme leaders and programme coordinators, with an overall aim of improving processes and service delivery in order to achieve stakeholder satisfaction.
A cross-sectional survey was conducted to evaluate the BSc Nursing Science Programme from the employer’s perspective. Purpose of the study was to gain some insight into performance of the Zimbabwe Open University BSc graduates as they operated in the various fields of health care. A purposive sample of 48 respondents was drawn from a population of all employers in health institutions in the ten regions of Zimbabwe, who occupied senior positions in their institutions. Questionnaires were distributed to stakeholders who had interacted with ZOU graduates and the BSc. Nursing Science learning materials. Comparisons were made on the graduates’ performance before, during training and after graduating. Data were analysed using SPSS and results presented in cross tabulations and bar graphs.
Demographic data of respondents is presented in Section ‘A’. General performance and performance levels in the various areas of care are summarized in Section ‘B’. Information on the quality of modules is presented in Section ‘C’ of the results. More females participated in the research. Seventy five percent worked in government institutions. Major highligts of the findings indicated that ZOU graduates performed favourably compared to their counter-parts who trained at conventional institutions. However, some gaps in terms of the need to strengthen hands on experience were highlighted.
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