A training impact evaluation of the higher education programmes: a case study of the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to assess the training impact that the higher education programme at the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute (EATI) has made towards the employment of the 2009 to 2013 graduates. An important objective of this study was also to ascertain whether there was any difference in the employment of Previously Disadvantaged Individuals (PDIs) and non-PDIs. The main question was therefore whether the knowledge and skills development of the graduates has added value to their lives regarding employment within the agricultural sector.The study furthermore aimed at evaluating the quality of the Higher Education programmes of the EATI, by evaluating the perceptions of graduates and the management team of the EATI. Subsequently, a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) tool was proposed to monitor the outcomes in future and assist with future impact evaluations at the EATI. The output, which is currently the preferred method of reporting, does not indicate the difference that the interventions may make to beneficiaries' lives and therefore the need for the evaluation tool.A triangulation approach was utilised to gain insight into the status of graduate employment as well as the Quality Assurance (QA) and M&E systems employed at the EATI. The reason for this approach was to add substance to the future outcome evaluations and possibly assist with governance at the EATI. With a low graduate response to the study, the mixed-method approach was deemed appropriate for this study.A number of findings were incorporated into recommendations, with the most important finding being that responding graduates are generally employed in the agricultural sector, but have a concern regarding promotion and career advancement.With the findings obtained, the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) was proposed as an M&E tool and the recommendations were made according to the findings and subsequently incorporated into the structure of the proposed BSC.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University