GRADUATE EXPECTATIONS AND EXPERIENCES AS OUTCOMES OF A JOINT- DELIVERY BUSINESS DEGREE PATHWAY SIEC Krakow Conference 2015 Peter Richardson

Introduction Location and demographics Background/ history Delivery model Research aims Methodology Findings/ results More questions

Tauranga population

Tauranga ethnicity

Tauranga population Resident population March 2013 Above average European and Maori ethnic groups (84%/17% compared with 74%/15% national) Above average 65 years+ (19% compared to 14% national)

Education Background University business degrees not available Secondary school graduates leaving the city Two institutions agree on a delivery model

Delivery model Business degrees are jointly-delivered by a Polytechnic and University. Business diploma students receive guaranteed credit transfer to degrees. Partnership delivery in place for 10 years.

Study Pathways 2 years NZ Diploma in Business BOPP 2 Years Bachelor of Management Studies UOW 1 Year Bachelor of Tourism UOW 1 Year Bachelor of Business Analysis - Financial UOW

Who are the students? 2014 Full-time equivalent students 355 (EFTS) 68.4% under 25 years of age NZ European 70% Maori/Pasifika 24% International 3% Other 3% Female 64%

Research Aims Student perceptions of the pathway diploma/degree program. Identify demographic groups. Graduate outcomes.

Methodology survey of NZ Diploma graduates A series of questions about their Diploma and Degree experiences. IBM SPSS Statistics was used as an analysis tool including cross tabs and key word identification.

Survey 349 graduates surveyed FrequencyPercent NZ European Maori NZ Resident (English not first language) 65.8 International Student 11.0 Other 76.7 Total female 33 male 60% under the age of 30 after graduation. 104 responses.

Findings Degree pathway Graduate Employment Expectations and perceptions

Degree pathway 70% of diploma graduates continued with degree studies. 76% of NZ European graduates later enrolled in a business degree compared to 38% of Maori. For pathway students 20% of Maori completed a degree compared to 66% of NZ European.

Employment 89% of NZ European graduates employed 46% of Maori. Study skills utilised in your current employment? Female graduates (83%) male (58%).

Expectations then perceptions 97% agreed diploma studies assisted the transition to the University. Graduates under 30 years of age rated the foundation studies higher. 62.5% of degree graduates were employed in a role related to their qualification. overall rating 84%.

Conclusions Teamwork, reporting, communication, presentations and research. NZ European outcomes more positive than Maori. Overall pathway programme rating 84%.

More questions Why are low numbers of Maori students continuing with degree studies after the diploma? Why are less Maori students compared to other ethnic groups not gaining employment after graduating? Why are less male graduates obtaining employment in the field of their qualification major?

Change and challenges NZ Education qualifications review Institutional merger

Any questions?