A study of the organizational complexity of the offering of basics mathematics at a Namibian tertiary institution

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT : The main purpose and aim of the study was to assess the main determinants of performance in theteaching of Basic Mathematics at a Namibian tertiary institution from the positivist theoreticalstandpoint. The study sought to gauge the impact of organizational processes on organizationalperformance in the teaching of Basic Mathematics at the University of Namibia; to determine thelink between lecturers' skills development and organizational performance in the teaching of BasicMathematics at the University of Namibia; to assess the impact of organizational resources onorganizational performance in the teaching of Basic Mathematics at the University of Namibia;and determine how the organizational processes and performance in the teaching of BasicMathematics at the University of Namibia be improved. The researcher observed the rights,freedoms and liberties of the participants.The study used a mixed research design through the use of closed and open ended questions. Self– administered structured questionnaires were administered personally to 55 randomly andpurposively selected lectures for Basic Mathematics at a tertiary institution in Namibia. AStatistical Package for the Social Science analysis plan package SPSS Version 25 was used toanalyze the data. The data analyzed was Ordinal because of the Linkert scale. Linkert scale wasused because it measures the respondent's attitudes. Data was described through the use ofdescriptive statistics. Chi-square test was used to compare the dependence or relationship betweenvariables. The validity was measured through triangulations and the reliability of the scale wasmeasured using Cronbach's alpha value.The study revealed that organizational processes and organizational resources are the maindomains which seem to be contributing to the foregoing poor performances being experienced atthe University of Namibia. It also unveiled that organizational commitment, skills developmentand organizational performance are sufficient at the University of Namibia and are not the onesthat can be blamed for the poor performance being experienced in the mathematics department atthe University of Namibia. Therefore, the study recommends that the Mathematics department atthe University of Namibia should work with the Ministry of Basic Education, Arts and Culture toensure a continuous flow of concepts from primary and secondary education to tertiary level. TheUniversity should invest more money in Mathematics department to have all the resources required. More recruitment is needed in the Mathematics department. More staff (lecturer) trainingis needed for performance enhancement. The Ministry of Basic Education, Arts and Culture shouldreview the high school mathematics curriculum to close the gap between high school and tertiarycurriculum.The study recommended that there is need to constantly pilot new ideas to improve our educationalprocesses. In addition, the study recommended that lecturers need adequate exposurecontemporary maths teaching methods. There is need for the lecturers to undergo careerdevelopment within the Mathematics Department at the University of Namibia.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University