Original Research

A critical assessment of the perceptions of graduates regarding their generic skills level: an exploratory study

Elroy Eugene Smith, Janine Krüger
South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | Vol 11, No 2 | a304 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajems.v11i2.304 | © 2011 Elroy Eugene Smith, Janine Krüger | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 27 September 2011 | Published: 28 September 2011

About the author(s)

Elroy Eugene Smith, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa
Janine Krüger, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

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Abstract

This article outlines the perceptions of potential Business Management graduates regarding their generic skills level.  To achieve the aim of this article, a literature study and empirical research were undertaken.  A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 205 potential Business Management graduates at a tertiary institution. To investigate the relationship between the independent and dependent variables, thirteen null-hypotheses were tested.  The results revealed some significant relationships between these variables.  Seven predetermined generic skills factors, namely basic, communication, management, environmental awareness, intellectual, self and career management as well as interpersonal skills, were identified and empirically tested in this article.  Skills development should take place within an overall framework providing for the coordination and progression of skills development from first to final year of study.  Future curricula development should specifically focus on developing those skills lacking most by potential graduates as identified in this article.

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